Hayley Idensohn a Harare-based travel planner who runs Travel Portfolio specialising in Meetings and Incentive (MICE) itineraries, taylor-made local and regional travel and specialist birding tours, went on holiday to Lake Kariba with her extended family in July 2019. She reports:-
"A fraction of our very large family, including an American contingent, visited Spurwing Island recently and as always, it didn't disappoint.
We had a fabulous trip! Spurwing is the ideal location for a family outing like this, with a large age-span from 12 to 79 years old!
It all started with a chartered flight into Lake Kariba's Fothergill airstrip from Victoria Falls. The children thought they would be on a commercial aircraft landing in Kariba – at a proper airport – and had no idea they were on a small plane landing on a bush airstrip!
Tarryn, from Spurwing's management met them and took them on a mini game drive back to camp – encountering large herds of buffalo, elephant and more en route, along the shorelines of the lake, which are extensive at the moment due to low water levels.
A hippo had been killed by a pride of 11 lion two days before, but there was very little left to show of the kill, after the hyaenas and vultures had visited.
The meals and hospitality were excellent – and Tarryn and her team really went the extra mile when they took us to a stunning beach right near the entrance to the nearby Sanyati Gorge. We had a barbeque lunch there, combined with fishing in the gorge. It was a lovely day out for the whole family!
And little Lily Hulett can vouch for the fact that the fishing wasn’t all bad either, given that it's winter and the water temperatures are low!
Her efforts provided bream snacks for all the residents back at the lodge!
In addition to fishing and gameviewing with the family on the lake, Spurwing has some exciting things on the go – especially for kids during the school holidays.
The lodge has a swimming pool located close to the main dining/bar areas where children can play and swim safely with parents keeping a close eye on them.
Children of all ages can catching tiddlers to their hearts' content in a safe environment in Spurwing's special "kids fishing pool" built in the garden behind the chalets.
They can also take part in a fun "Bush Survival" course and enjoy eco-walks in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
The friendly staff and management at Spurwing are always on hand and the service is top quality.
I've always known this place is good for family holidays.... but, having tested it with a dozen of my own extended family... I cannot recommend it more highly!"