best of zambia

Itinerary

Day 1 – Livingstone: On arrival in Livingstone, you will be transferred to Thorntree River Lodge. The lodge is set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls. This will be your base to explore the famous falls and perhaps some of the adrenaline activities on offer such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and micro lighting – available for an extra charge. Dinner and overnight at Thorntree River Lodge.

Thorntree River Lodge boasts 12 twin rooms with 2 sets of family units. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool. The main lodge consists of a lounge with an open dining area. A gym and spa overlook the mighty Zambezi River, and there is a small library with WIFI for guests’ convenience. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a sunken boma area and an infinity pool. Wooden decking floats on the edge of the river, and moves with the water level to create the illusion of sailing a boat, and help to achieve a seamless feel between river and land.

Day 2 – Victoria Falls: Spend your day exploring Victoria Falls. Enjoy the activities your lodging offers. Other activities (at an additional cost) in the area include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, micro-lighting, canoeing, jet boating and white water rafting.

Days 3, 4, &  5 – Lower Zambezi National Park: Today, fly to Lower Zambezi National Park. The game-viewing in the Lower Zambezi is surpassed only by the beauty of the views. With the steep escarpment behind you and the Zambezi in front, few fail to be moved by this park. Activities are varied and with three days here one should try to experience as much as possible. Morning and afternoon drives or walks are always offered but it is essential to spend at least some of your time on the water itself. Sunset boat rides are an option, and for the more adventurous, a paddle in canoes along one of the many channels frequented by hippo, elephant and buck. You can also try your hand at fishing for tiger fish and other species. Meals and overnights at Sausage Tree Camp.

Sausage Tree Camp is set in a stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park’s best game viewing area. With a maximum of 18 guests accommodated in 7 luxury suites consist of lounge and dining areas, large deck and private plunge pool. The family tent is made up of 2 ensuite bedrooms joined together by an open plan dining and lounge area with its own private plunge pool. The recently rebuilt dining, lounge and bar areas connect to a large lap pool which is idyllically situated overlooking the mighty Zambezi River.

Days 6 & 7 – South Luangwa National Park: Today, fly to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park. This park is known for its elephants and is perhaps the best park in Africa to observe leopards in their natural environment. After brunch you will take an afternoon game drive, followed by another full day of game drives. Meals and overnights Kapani Lodge.

Kapani Lodge is a comfortable lodge situated on the banks of one of the Luangwa River’s many ox-bow lagoons. There are eight brick and thatch standard rooms which are designed for the warmer weather with high ceilings, overhead fans and large gauzed windows. Each standard suite has an ensuite bathroom with shower and a lounge area with bar fridge and individual room safes.

Days 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 – Walking Safari: Enjoy a five-day walking safari, walking from camp to camp. This is no nature trail; this is the real thing, you are tracking big game through the Africa bush, on foot! Your first camp is Luwi Camp, next to a permanent lagoon that is home to many hippos and crocs. Camp 2 is Nsolo Camp which is further down the Luwi River. Camp 3 is Kakuli Camp where the Luwi River meets the main Luangwa River. Most of the game viewing is still on foot, although there are more roads in this area so it is possible to use vehicles. With a dense population of leopards, night drive safaris can also be rewarding.

Luwi Camp, nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, is close to a permanent hippo and croc-filled lagoon. It is situated deep in the heart of the National Park, on the dynamic seasonal Luwi River after which it is named. The area is extremely remote with no other camps or people for many miles around. The rooms, which are built each season using natural materials, blend into the bush and are simple yet extremely comfortable with ensuite bathrooms and “all day” hot showers.

Nsolo is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. Accommodation in this “bush luxury” safari camp consists of four spacious chalets each on raised wooden decks with grass-and-reed walls and large, open-air ensuite bathrooms. Each chalet runs on solar power and is set under the shade of evergreen trees with private verandas overlooking the surrounding bush and waterholes in the Luwi River.

Kakuli means old buffalo bull – it was the nickname affectionately given to Norman Carr by the local people of the Valley. This beautiful camp has four traditional walk-in safari tents each with en-suite bathrooms made with natural materials. The bar and dining chitenje (lounge) are constructed of reed and thatch forming the center point of camp. The entire camp is on an elevated stretch of riverbank overlooking a wide grazing lawn, which follows the Luangwa River until it meets the confluence of the Luwi River.

Day 13 – Depart: Today, fly to Lusaka for your onward flight.

Photo Credit: Norman Carr

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