Zambia

GETTING THERE

• Flight Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa to Kenneth Kaunda, International Airport, Lusaka (subject to change)
• Flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone (Victoria Falls, Zambia)
• Flights from Livingstone to Lusaka
• Scenic 70-80 minute from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport, South Luangwe.  Once landed, at Mfuwe, your chosen lodge will pick you up and transfer you by road. All onward connections to the National Park are facilitated by Proflight Zambia (subject to change)
• Scenic 45-60 minute scenic flight from Lusaka to Lower Zambezi
• Private charter / Self-drive

(All Airline carriers, air flights & routings are subject to change).

OVERVIEW

Three diverse ecosystems offer rich and distinctive wildlife experiences. South Luangwa with it’s rich diversity of wildlife is the home of the walking safaris, one of the finest ways to experience the wonders of the reserve. The Luangwa River and lagoons attract a huge concentration of game. The Kafue National Park is fed by three rivers and attracts a wealth of predators, plains game and large concentration of water birds. Game drives or horseback safaris are enjoyed on it’s open floodplains. The Lower Zambezi National Park is a vast pristine wilderness, a canoe safari is the ideal way to get really close to the wildlife along the Zambezi channels. Marvel at the sight of large herds of elephant drinking at the river’s edge, get your heart racing as you glide past crocodiles and hippos. Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, is an all year round destination, with plenty of adventure activities on offer.

South Luangwa 
This remote wildlife destination is largely unexplored, making for an adventurous wildlife experience. It’s a safari purist’s heaven, reminiscent of a bygone era.  It may be wild, but it does not skimp on creature comforts such as luxurious accommodation along the banks of the river, comfortable game vehicle, delicious cuisine and experienced guides; many of whom grew up in the area and “know the territory”.  Wildlife abounds in South Luangwa, the lakes and rivers attract large herds of elephant and buffalo; lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra and plains game are common. Hippo and crocodile flourish in the abundant waters. The Luangwa is often referred to as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and for good reason.

The first walking safaris were pioneered in South Luangwa, today one can still experience the adrenalin rush of walking through wild game country never knowing when one might stumble upon a lion, elephant or whatever is around, it is indeed a thrilling experience!  Seasoned safari goers often participate in overnight walking safaris in remote tented camps with comfortable amenities and delicious food, experiencing the “close up and personal” encounter with nature.

Kafue National Park
The Kafue is one of the largest National Parks in Africa, a remote, wild reserve accessed by daily charter. Fed by three rivers, it attracts huge numbers of water birds, 490 bird species have been recorded in the park making it a birder’s paradise.  The grassy seasonal floodplains are the grazing grounds for large numbers of red lechwe and puku antelope as well as herds of buffalo and wildebeest, the wealth of plains game attract predators including wild dog, cheetah and lion prides. The floods of Busanga Plains usually subside from June to end of October, revealing miles of open grassland, endless horizons and drawing an abundance of wildlife, one of the best places in the world for wildlife diversity.  

Most of the luxury tented camps overlook the scenic Busanga Plains in the north-east of the reserve  Activities in the park include game drives, guided walking safaris and night drives. Motor boat safaris and canoe trips to see hippos and crocodiles in Kafue’s rivers can be arranged.

Lower Zambezi National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park lies opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools forming an enormous wildlife sanctuary, offering a wonderful safari experience; day and night game drives, guided nature walks, river cruises, canoeing and tiger fishing.

The attraction of this park is its pristine wilderness state, the 120kms of  river frontage and channels allows for excellent game viewing. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen at the river’s edge; hippo and crocodile are in abundance. The inland grasslands afford good hunting for lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena, birdlife is prolific

Accommodation is in small lodges, tented camps along the water’s edge with stunning views over the river and the rich wildlife within. Many camps close from early November until April due to the rains

Best time to visit the parks is the dry season May to October. Most camps are closed November to April because of the rains, however some are open all year round especially in Mfuwe section of South Luangwa where there are all weather roads.  Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, is an all year round destination with the highest water levels on the Zambezi River and the falls usually between April and August.  The water levels start drying up from September onwards, less water and spray. Best to visit the Zimbabwean side of the Falls in the dry season as the water is generally a little higher (all subject to climate change).