Zambia is home to some of Africa’s most unspoilt wildernesses. Many of the more remote areas can only be reached by air, yet manage to complement a matchless wildlife experience with superlative luxury. This tour takes in the most inaccessible and beautiful locations of this Southern African gem.
Safari only operates from May to October
Bordered by 8 countries, Zambia lies at the heart of Southern Africa, yet remains surprisingly undeveloped and wild at heart, and is home to some of the region’s most unspoilt wildlife areas. Less known, but equally impressive, are Zambia’s waterways, with rivers like the Zambezi, the Kafue and the Luangwa providing the lifeblood to reserves that hold large concentrations and a rich diversity of wildlife.
This safari focuses on the most remote wildlife areas of Zambia. It starts off in the wet, fertile high-altitude plains of the Kafue, with its stunning predator populations. The Kafue is a gigantic reserve of open plains, Miombo and Mponane woodlands and Teak forests, a riverine wonderland that turns into a primeval swamp in the rainy season.
The second stop on the safari takes you right across the country to the meandering Luangwa River and the beautiful park that surrounds it, for some of the best game viewing on the continent. The immense Luangwa River, with its impressive oxbow lagoons, is one of the last remaining unspoilt water systems left on the continent, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
The safari concludes with a few days exploring the thundering magnificence of the Victoria Falls.
The Kafue is situated in the central part of western Zambia. It covers over 22 400km2, making it the second largest game reserve in Africa. The Kafue boasts 58 different species of mammal, and is home to more species of ungulate than any park south of the Congo Basin. The list includes rare and elusive antelope such as the blue and yellow-backed duiker, sitatunga, lechwe, roan, sable and hartebeest. This reserve is not a place to zoom about ticking off the Big 5, but a place in which to enjoy the sheer diversity found in very few other places on earth. The reserve is bisected from north to south by the river that gives the park its name. Miombo woodland dominates most of the reserve, with seasonally flooded plains or ‘Dambos’ interspersed throughout the region. Belts of spectacular teak forests and Mopane woodland occur in the central and southern sections of the reserve, while in the open grasslands, hundred-year-old termite mounds dot the landscape.
South Luangwa National Park is widely considered to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The immense Luangwa River, with its impressive oxbow lagoons, is the lifeblood of the South Luangwa National Park. It is one of the last remaining unspoilt water systems left on the continent, and the concentration of game along its length is one of the most intense in Africa. Founded in 1938, South Luangwa is the southernmost reserve out of the three national parks along the length of the Luangwa River, and is by far the most well known. Access to the reserve is very convenient by air, but there are no roads crossing the valley due to its size and rough terrain. This limited access has contributed greatly to the conservation of the area.
Approaching the Victoria Falls by aeroplane is awe-inspiring. If you press your face against the window like an impatient child, you will catch a glimpse of the Zambezi River from above, twinkling silver and blue, calm and deliberate as it drifts towards the inexorable precipice. And then all hell breaks loose. You will feel the Victoria Falls before you see them. It’s like pressing your chest against a bass speaker: the thundering of 500 000 cubic metres of water per minute reverberates though you as it plummets 108 metres into the mists beneath. Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, but it is the world's largest sheet of falling water. It is roughly twice the height of North America's iconic Niagara Falls and is rivalled only by Argentina and Brazil's Iguazu Falls. Apart from its natural splendour, Victoria Falls offers activities that range from the sedate (sunset cruises, steam train excursions, walks through the rain forest or canoeing above the Falls) to the extreme (bungee jumping and white water rafting below the Falls). Flights over the Falls by helicopter or microlight are mandatory.
A true original in the heart of the Busanga Plains, Busanga Bush Camp is a remote, intimate safari camp with four well-appointed tents, set well apart on a wetland island, and shaded by wild fig trees and date palms. Each stylish and airy Meru-style tented chalet is appointed with two large queen-sized beds, wraparound windows, an en-suite bathroom that is open to the skies, and a shaded private wooden veranda.
Lying in the extreme north of Kafue National Park, the Busanga Plains are expansive seasonal floodplains that extend all the way to the horizon, covering an area of approximately 750km² of pristine wilderness. Lion are a major feature in the area, and kudu, zebra, buffalo, elephant, hippo and defassa waterbuck are often seen. Cheetah and wild dog can also be seen, while the resident herd of roan antelope is a special treat. Other great sightings include leopard, serval, porcupine, water mongoose, pangolin, caracal and side-striped jackal. As the grassy plains dry out at the end of summer, the camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, oribi, buffalo and herds of wildebeest.
Kafue National Park is a fabulous giant of a reserve, and vast areas of the pristine and varied bushveld remain almost completely unexplored due to its immense size. The Kafue River, which bisects the park, is the only purely Zambian river, starting and ending within the borders of the country, and is the largest tributary of the Zambezi. The seasonal floodplains or ‘Dambos’ of the Kafue hold water until well after the rains, and become a frenzy of activity in the dry months. The large Busanga plains in the northwest of the reserve is the most productive game viewing area, and is also an important breeding ground for the endangered wattled crane. The Busanga lion prides are notorious, and they treat countless guests to fantastic sightings as they stalk through the long grass, hunting the herds of red lechwe, roan and buffalo. These herds are massive, and cover the landscape as far as the eye can see. The reserve is also renowned for some of the best leopard viewing in Africa. However, it is the cheetah population that sets Kafue apart from most of its counterparts. Cheetah only occur in the western parts of Zambia, and are absent from both Luangwa and The Zambezi Valley. Wild dog, Africa’s second most endangered predator behind the Ethiopian wolf, also occur here in good numbers on both sides of the river, and the reserve is heavily involved in research and conservation programs of both cheetah and wild dog.
Overlooking the Luangwa River, deep within the richest game-viewing area of the South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo’s 6 riverbank chalets lie in a grove of ebony trees and are placed discreetly apart, designed with the sole purpose of transporting you safely into the world of the Luangwa without a single distraction. Kaingo Camp is open from the end of May until the end of October.
From each thatched chalet, large fly-wired windows provide stunning views of the river, and a tree-shaded outdoor bathtub offers views of a pod of hippos. A special feature is the private deck built out over the river, perfect for viewing game coming down to drink, basking hippos, aquatic birds, crocodiles, and daily elephant crossings.
South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons is the best-preserved major river system in Africa, and is the lifeblood of this 9 050km2 park, making the concentration of game among the most intense in Africa.
The vast volume of species, including Crawshay’s zebra, the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, attracts many predators, and ten different leopards have been identified around the camp. As unpredictable as leopards can be, an incredible 95% of guests get to see these stunning cats. There are two very strong lion prides in the area, named the Mwamba Pride and the Hollywood pride; the latter being so named due to the vast amount of time documentary filmmakers have spent following them. The river has an extraordinarily high number of Nile crocodile and the forests here are magical.
The natural plant life in South Luangwa National Park is pristine, and it is easy to lose yourself in this world of huge tamarind and ebony forests. The park spans two different woodland eco-regions, and with large patches of floodplain grassland, the reserve is able to support a very wide variety of animals, including the near endemic Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, puku and Thornicraft’s giraffe. Out of the 732 bird species in Zambia, South Luangwa is home to over 400. Imagine flocks of dozens of crowned cranes gliding gracefully over open waters, as hundreds of hippo belligerently snort their displeasure at having to share their stretch of river with elephants, lions, leopards, and indeed any other visitor! South Luangwa holds the reputation of being one of the best locations for walking safaris. It is even possible to arrange a multi-day walking trip, where you stay overnight in luxury tented camps. Experiencing the bush on foot is a unique way of reconnecting with nature. South Luangwa is also one of the few places in the region that offers night safaris. Night time in the African bushveld is an entirely different kettle of fish. The predators are bolder – it is their time now – melting along game paths and roads, marking territory or searching for prey, while a whole new secret world of shy nocturnal creatures like bush babies, porcupines or genets begins to stir after their daytime slumber.
Toka Leya Camp is situated in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, 12 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. It is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of Livingstone town, yet still enjoy the wide variety of activities it has to offer.
Toka Leya camp has 12 spacious, air-conditioned safari-style tents, including three family tents. Each tent has a private deck that overlooks the Zambezi River, and is an ideal place from which to observe the hippos, crocodiles, elephant and other animals that grace the riverbank. The tents are connected to the camp’s main areas by a series of raised wooden walkways. The generous relaxation areas are shaded by a huge leafy sausage tree, and are complemented by an infinity pool.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a relatively small reserve, with two main sections – the forest and cliff tops that surround the falls, and the wildlife park, which affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the way.
The Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls pulse with an annual flood cycle of high and low water. Summer rains in the upper reaches of its catchment area, in Angola and Zambia, flood the river, causing significant rises in its levels. At high water, the spray plume can rise up to 500 metres and is visible from over 20km away. During the dry winter months, before the regional rains return in November, the river recedes to a ribbon of water, and the Falls runs dry for much of its length. It is during the dry season that the sheer magnitude of the Falls can be truly appreciated. Clear of the shroud of spray, one can marvel at the solid rock walls of the gorge, worn smooth by the abrasive power of the water. However, the best time to view the Falls is probably between May and August, when the river is running at mid volume. Apart from being the biggest waterfall in the world by volume, what makes Victoria Falls special is that nature has provided man with a front row seat, as it were, from which to view the whole 1.7km width of the Falls. Except at the point where the river exits through the narrow channel into the whirlpool known as the Boiling Pot, it is possible to walk the whole length of the Falls through the Rain Forest and gaze at every part of this awe-inspiring spectacle.
Zimbabwe has the greater frontage of the Falls, and the deepest channels run along that side. This means that the Zimbabwean side of the Falls will still be running when the Zambian side has long dried up.
The Zambian side, on the other hand, is more intimate, and offers the chance of a swim literally on the lip of the Falls. Whichever side you stay on, take a day pass through to the other side so that you can experience the Falls from both perspectives.
This safari commences and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
Safari only operates from May to October
Bordered by 8 countries, Zambia lies at the heart of Southern Africa, yet remains surprisingly undeveloped and wild at heart, and is home to some of the region’s most unspoilt wildlife areas. Less known, but equally impressive, are Zambia’s waterways, with rivers like the Zambezi, the Kafue and the Luangwa providing the lifeblood to reserves that hold large concentrations and a rich diversity of wildlife.
This safari focuses on the most remote wildlife areas of Zambia. It starts off in the wet, fertile high-altitude plains of the Kafue, with its stunning predator populations. The Kafue is gigantic reserve of open plains, Miombo and Mponane woodlands and Teak forests, a riverine wonderland that turns into a primeval swamp in the rainy season.
The second stop on the safari takes you right across the country to the meandering Luangwa River and the beautiful park that surrounds it, for some of the best game viewing on the continent. The immense Luangwa River, with its impressive oxbow lagoons, is one of the last remaining unspoilt water systems left on the continent. and is widely considered to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
The safari concludes with a few days exploring the thundering magnificence of the Victoria Falls.
The Kafue is situated in the central part of western Zambia. It covers over 22 400km2, making it the second largest game reserve in Africa. The Kafue boasts 58 different species of mammal, and is home to more species of ungulate than any park south of the Congo Basin. The list includes rare and elusive antelope such as the blue and yellow-backed duiker, sitatunga, lechwe, roan, sable and hartebeest. This reserve is not a place to zoom about ticking off the Big 5, but a place in which to enjoy the sheer diversity found in very few other places on earth. The reserve is bisected from north to south by the river that gives the park its name. Miombo woodland dominates most of the reserve, with seasonally flooded plains or ‘Dambos’ interspersed throughout the region. Belts of spectacular teak forests and Mopane woodland occur in the central and southern sections of the reserve, while in the open grasslands, hundred-year-old termite mounds dot the landscape.
South Luangwa National Park is widely considered to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The immense Luangwa River, with its impressive oxbow lagoons, is the lifeblood of the South Luangwa National Park. It is one of the last remaining unspoilt water systems left on the continent, and the concentration of game along its length is one of the most intense in Africa. Founded in 1938, South Luangwa is the southernmost reserve out of the three national parks along the length of the Luangwa River, and is by far the most well known. Access to the reserve is very convenient by air, but there are no roads crossing the valley due to its size and rough terrain. This limited access has contributed greatly to the conservation of the area.
Approaching the Victoria Falls by aeroplane is awe-inspiring. If you press your face against the window like an impatient child, you will catch a glimpse of the Zambezi River from above, twinkling silver and blue, calm and deliberate as it drifts towards the inexorable precipice. And then all hell breaks loose. You will feel the Victoria Falls before you see them. It’s like pressing your chest against a bass speaker: the thundering of 500 000 cubic metres of water per minute reverberates though you as it plummets 108 metres into the mists beneath. Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, but it is the world's largest sheet of falling water. It is roughly twice the height of North America's iconic Niagara Falls and is rivalled only by Argentina and Brazil's Iguazu Falls. Apart from its natural splendour, Victoria Falls offers activities that range from the sedate (sunset cruises, steam train excursions, walks through the rain forest or canoeing above the Falls) to the extreme (bungee jumping and white water rafting below the Falls). Flights over the Falls by helicopter or microlight are mandatory.
Set in an area of pristine wilderness, Kaingu Safari Lodge uses natural materials to blend in as unobtrusively as possible with the surroundings.
Built on raised private wooden decks overlooking the Kafue River, each of the thatched, tented chalets has its own private balcony, and features polished wooden flooring and an additional open air shower or stone-laid bath. The Finfoot family house has two en-suite bedrooms and an outside shower, with a central living area opening onto a private deck overlooking the river. Kaingu Bush Camp is more rustic and has three spacious Bedouin style tents, each with an attached roofed sitting area and an adjoining open-air bathroom. Finally, for the more adventurous, a night out under the stars can be arranged. Escorts on night watch and a safety fire are provided! Children are particularly welcome at Kaingu Safari Lodge.
Situated in the Namwala Game Management Area, Kaingu is located just opposite the Kafue National Park on a spectacular and remote stretch of the Kafue River, with its myriad of channels, rocky rapids, small islands, sandbanks and large granite boulders. The Kafue is one of Africa’s true wilderness areas. Covering 22 440km², the Park’s unmatched variety of species and the fact that that you can enjoy the wildlife almost on your own, makes this a special experience. Pods of hippos, crocodiles and elephant are encountered on river trips, and there is a wide variety of birdlife and antelope in the area, with leopard and elephant frequently passing through the camp.
Nestled amongst the bushes on the banks of the Kafue River, Mawimbi Bush Camp’s 3 luxury canvas tents offer ever-changing river views in a truly untamed wilderness.
Three large canvas tents located on the riverbank ensure ultimate exclusivity. Decorated in subtle African themes, and tastefully furnished with all basic necessities, each has its own en-suite outdoor bathroom with a hand washbasin and bucket shower. A covered entrance veranda overlooks the river for perfect game viewing and relaxing. Families (up to 2 extra children) can be accommodated in one tent upon request.
Activities focus on canoeing trips led by Bernard Calonne, professional canoe guide and co-founder of Mawimbi. Rewarding twice-daily game walks take place in the Park, and excellent birding and fishing is on offer. The Camp is open from April to the start of the rainy season in mid-November. Mawimbi can arrange vehicle based game viewing trips, but this is not their speciality. The best way to incorporate that would be to combine a stay a Mawimbi with a few nights at Kaingu, which is a gentle 5-hour paddle downstream from Mawimbi. (Or you can transfer by vehicle if you prefer).
Kafue National Park is a fabulous giant of a reserve, and vast areas of the pristine and varied bushveld remain almost completely unexplored due to its immense size. The Kafue River, which bisects the park, is the only purely Zambian river, starting and ending within the borders of the country, and is the largest tributary of the Zambezi. The seasonal floodplains or ‘Dambos’ of the Kafue hold water until well after the rains, and become a frenzy of activity in the dry months. The large Busanga plains in the northwest of the reserve is the most productive game viewing area, and is also an important breeding ground for the endangered wattled crane. The Busanga lion prides are notorious, and they treat countless guests to fantastic sightings as they stalk through the long grass, hunting the herds of red lechwe, roan and buffalo. These herds are massive, and cover the landscape as far as the eye can see. The reserve is also renowned for some of the best leopard viewing in Africa. However, it is the cheetah population that sets Kafue apart from most of its counterparts. Cheetah only occur in the western parts of Zambia, and are absent from both Luangwa and The Zambezi Valley. Wild dog, Africa’s second most endangered predator behind the Ethiopian wolf, also occur here in good numbers on both sides of the river, and the reserve is heavily involved in research and conservation programs of both cheetah and wild dog.
Mchenja is situated on the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers in Africa, and seeing it for the first time will take your breath away. Resting in the shade of an ebony forest, from where the camp gets its name, it is a perfect balance between subtle luxury and natural beauty. The central lounge area is built around one of the old fallen ebony trees, and provides ample space for relaxation, including a plunge pool. Each of its 5 octagonal tents has an en-suite open-air bathroom, and commands expansive views of the river and surrounding bush. Private dinners can be organised if you are looking for something romantic, and dozing in the shade of the ebony forest with a good book and a cool glass of wine acts like a salve for your soul.
The Luangwa River is one of the last remaining unspoilt water systems left on the continent, and the concentration of game along its length is one of the most intense in Africa. South Luangwa has a reputation for great walking safaris, and Mchenja lives up to this reputation. Aside from morning and evening game drives, guests can head out on foot to experience the reserve from a different angle, and perhaps encounter some of Africa’s bigger animals on foot – an experience that will stay with you forever.
The natural plant life in South Luangwa National Park is pristine, and it is easy to lose yourself in this world of huge tamarind and ebony forests. The park spans two different woodland eco-regions, and with large patches of floodplain grassland, the reserve is able to support a very wide variety of animals, including the near endemic Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, puku and Thornicraft’s giraffe. Out of the 732 bird species in Zambia, South Luangwa is home to over 400. Imagine flocks of dozens of crowned cranes gliding gracefully over open waters, as hundreds of hippo belligerently snort their displeasure at having to share their stretch of river with elephants, lions, leopards, and indeed any other visitor! South Luangwa holds the reputation of being one of the best locations for walking safaris. It is even possible to arrange a multi-day walking trip, where you stay overnight in luxury tented camps. Experiencing the bush on foot is a unique way of reconnecting with nature. South Luangwa is also one of the few places in the region that offers night safaris. Night time in the African bushveld is an entirely different kettle of fish. The predators are bolder – it is their time now – melting along game paths and roads, marking territory or searching for prey, while a whole new secret world of shy nocturnal creatures like bush babies, porcupines or genets begins to stir after their daytime slumber.
Toka Leya Camp is situated in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, 12 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. It is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of Livingstone town, yet still enjoy the wide variety of activities it has to offer.
Toka Leya camp has 12 spacious, air-conditioned safari-style tents, including three family tents. Each tent has a private deck that overlooks the Zambezi River, and is an ideal place from which to observe the hippos, crocodiles, elephant and other animals that grace the riverbank. The tents are connected to the camp’s main areas by a series of raised wooden walkways. The generous relaxation areas are shaded by a huge leafy sausage tree, and are complemented by an infinity pool.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a relatively small reserve, with two main sections – the forest and cliff tops that surround the falls, and the wildlife park, which affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the way.
The Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls pulse with an annual flood cycle of high and low water. Summer rains in the upper reaches of its catchment area, in Angola and Zambia, flood the river, causing significant rises in its levels. At high water, the spray plume can rise up to 500 metres and is visible from over 20km away. During the dry winter months, before the regional rains return in November, the river recedes to a ribbon of water, and the Falls runs dry for much of its length. It is during the dry season that the sheer magnitude of the Falls can be truly appreciated. Clear of the shroud of spray, one can marvel at the solid rock walls of the gorge, worn smooth by the abrasive power of the water. However, the best time to view the Falls is probably between May and August, when the river is running at mid volume. Apart from being the biggest waterfall in the world by volume, what makes Victoria Falls special is that nature has provided man with a front row seat, as it were, from which to view the whole 1.7km width of the Falls. Except at the point where the river exits through the narrow channel into the whirlpool known as the Boiling Pot, it is possible to walk the whole length of the Falls through the Rain Forest and gaze at every part of this awe-inspiring spectacle.
Zimbabwe has the greater frontage of the Falls, and the deepest channels run along that side. This means that the Zimbabwean side of the Falls will still be running when the Zambian side has long dried up.
The Zambian side, on the other hand, is more intimate, and offers the chance of a swim literally on the lip of the Falls. Whichever side you stay on, take a day pass through to the other side so that you can experience the Falls from both perspectives.
This safari commences and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
Take advantage of the lower South African exchange rate and get a luxury trip at an amazing price:
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