VISIT ZAMBIA

If you love ‘roughing it’ a little bit then Zambia offers very exciting safaris. At least one-third of this landlocked country is protected by conservation regulations so you can see wildlife in riverine forests, wetlands and savannahs. It gets a high rainfall with plenty of rivers and waterfalls, the most famous being the Zambezi River that flows to create the Victoria Falls. Although not as ‘developed’ as South Africa in terms of general infrastructure, there is plenty of wildlife and one of highest numbers of bird species anywhere in the world if you are a birder.

We generally fly into the capital, Lusaka, which has modern skyscrapers and a vibrant, young population who add a great energy to the city. There are contemporary hotels and options for dining out should we have to spend the night. Then it is off to some of the major national parks by light aircraft for, although this is a small country, distances by road are vast. Once at our lodge, expect down-to-earth cuisine and wine, wonderful hospitality and plentiful animals. Zambia is a great choice if you want to get off the beaten track! It is one the few places where many lodges and camps still close for the summer rainy season between about November and March so our safaris will generally occur over the cooler dry season between about July and October.

ZAMBIA SAFARIS

In addition to my main safari itinerary, here are some other options:

Lower Zambezi – Kafue – Victoria Falls

Duration: 12 Days

A trip for more experienced safari goers to see three of Zambia’s best areas.

Day 1 – 3: After flying into Lusaka (likely from South Africa), we will board a light aircraft for our flight to the Royal or Jeki airstrips in Lower Zambezi National Park. Our days will be filled with game drives, canoeing, boating and relaxing alongside the river.

Day 4: Because of air connections, we will fly back to Lusaka on a short hop and then spend the night in the city. Lusaka is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa – the contrast with the unspoilt nature of the national park is very interesting.

Day 5 – 8: After a night in Lusaka, we fly to Kafue, the oldest and biggest national park in Zambia. It has only a handful of camps and lodges. Here our guide will help us find everything from cheetahs to leopards as well as more unusual antelope like lechwe and sitatunga.

Day 9 – 11: A short flight touches us in Livingstone, a small historic town named after Dr David Livingstone, reportedly the first white person to see the Victoria Falls. It is our base for visiting this amazing waterfall. You can opt into activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool, bungee jumping or whitewater rafting depending on your budget and how brave you are feeling!

Day 12: From Livingstone we pack our bags after a great time in Zambia in preparation for our flight back to South Africa and then onto Canada.

LOWER ZAMBEZI + SOUTH LUANGWA

Duration: 11 Days

Two of the best-known national parks with plenty of time on safari in the bush.

Day 1- 3: Once again we fly into Lusaka (likely from South Africa) and head straight out to Lower Zambezi National Park by fixed-wing aircraft. This allows us to appreciate how the city quickly falls away to dense, pristine bush as the Zambezi River comes into view.

Day 4 – 6: Today we stay in the park but drive to another lodge or camp to experience a different area and possibly a little bit more luxury. We continue to explore by game-drive vehicle, boat and canoe.

Day 7 – 10: Our safari fun continues with a flight up to Mfuwe outside South Luangwa National Park and then a game drive to our lodge. South Luangwa is the home of ‘walking safaris’ but while we won’t spend days out on foot, we may be able to take a short, guided nature walk or two during our time here.

Day 11: Bidding farewell to Mfuwe we fly back to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. Depending on our schedule, we may spend the night in this vibrant city or head on out for our homeward flight.

SOUTH LUANGWA + NORTH LUANGWA

Duration: 10 Days

A very unusual trip strictly for experienced campers and hikers!

Day 1 – 2: As usual, we depart from Lusaka for our fixed-wing flight to Mfuwe outside South Luangwa National Park. We settle in and enjoy game drives and sundowners in our comfortable lodge.

Day 3 – 4: Today is exciting as we get our hiking boots, long trousers and gaiters for a walking safari. We set off early in the morning while it is still cool, rest over the midday heat and may do another walk in the late afternoon, all following the guide and ranger as we may encounter large game on foot. Our camp is rustic and basic but comfortable with a proper bed!

Day 5 – 6: We keep walking, this time to another camp in a different area. Trekking or hiking allows us to see smaller creatures we may miss on a vehicle – while also giving us the chance of seeing all sorts of plains game on foot. It is a thrilling experience!

Day 7 – 9: Another unusual adventure today as we take a ferry across the Luangwa river to reach the airstrip for our flight to North Luangwa. North Luangwa is remoter and ‘wilder’ than the South and one of the few places in Zambia where you might spot rhinos.

Day 10: After an exciting time on a walking safari and in one of the country’s most remote national parks, it is time to head home via Mfuwe and Lusaka, retracing our steps. This trip is best for experienced safari goers who enjoy a more rustic experience.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

SOUTH LUANGWA

South Luangwa is one of the most popular national parks named after the Luangwa River. It’s also known as ‘the valley of the leopard’ because of the high concentration of leopards here – nearly the same as South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park! It is also home to rare endemic species like the Luangwa giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest.

LOWER ZAMBEZI

Named after yet another famous river – the Zambezi – Lower Zambezi National Park is a great place for first-time visitors. While the Luangwa River is too unpredictable for water activities, the Zambezi is perfect for kayaking, boating and even enjoying lunch on a sandbank. This is an elephant haven with plenty seen along the river and its channels.

KAFUE

This is one of Zambia’s biggest national parks and it’s not uncommon to stay in two different lodges so you can cover different areas. The Busanga Plains to the north are a hotspot for big prides of lion – they are best once the rainy season is over, from about July onwards.

VICTORIA FALLS

No trip to Zambia is complete without time at the Victoria Falls! Zambia shares the waterfall as a border with Zimbabwe and if we are on the Zambian side, we will cross the bridge to get to the Zimbabwean side the best views. There are plenty of beautiful lodges on the river, some of the more exclusive ones even on private islands. The Victoria Falls are easy to ‘add on’ and there is also budget-friendly accommodation in the nearby small town of Livingstone.