Zambia is almost half the size of Europe and is an ideal country to start your African experience.

This vast country has 19 national parks, 6 major lakes, more than 20 different tribal groups, rich animal life and was the home of game walking as an incomparable method of enjoying Africa’s flora and fauna. Zambia shares the incredible Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe and the numerous adrenalin activities of the Zambezi River can be enjoyed from both countries.

The country has vast wetland areas feeding a countless number of rivers, tributaries of some of the biggest rivers in Africa. Zambia is the new up and coming destination in Africa with some excellent hotels, lodges and bush camps offering world class facilities in what is referred to as – The Real Africa!

Why visit Zambia?

• The Victoria Falls
• White water rafting on the Grade 5 Zambezi River
• The South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox-bow lagoons (danbo’s) is one of the most spectacular in Africa
• Kafue National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa
• Zambia has vast wetlands, rivers, swamps and lakes
• Bird watchers paradise, Lochinvar National Park has over 400 known species of birds. The rare shoebill stork and the Taita Falcon may be seen in other parts of Zambia
• Over one million fruit bats roost in the swamp forests of the Kasanka National Park
• The highest uninterrupted waterfall in Africa – The Kalombo Falls (221m)
• There are 28 different cultural ceremonies each year including the 300 year old Ku’omboka ceremony
• Historically interesting sites including David Livingstone’s memorial
• Shiwa Ng’andu – made famous by the book – The Africa House. Well worth a visit

Fact File

Zambia has the most central location in southern/central Africa and it shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania. Most of the country falls into a plateau region, which has a pleasant climate. The Zambezi and the Luangwa valleys have a hotter and more humid climate and the extreme north has a tropical climate as one reaches the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The town of Livingstone is the base for visiting the Victoria Falls. Words cannot describe the enormity and the power of the Falls. Photographs do not do this spectacle justice.

Livingstone has many activities to suit all tastes – from walking around the Livingstone Museum to the cultural experience of Chief Mukuni’s Village, to the adrenalin activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and a host of other activities, including helicopter flights, elephant back riding, sipping cocktails at sunset on a magnificent boat, quad biking or fishing - something for everyone.

The Lower Zambezi National Park is downstream from Lake Kariba and is Zambia’s newest National Park.

It is an untouched haven for game and fishing with the majestic Zambezi escarpment as a backdrop to a river that is alive with fish, hippo and crocodiles. Canoeing from your camp is an awesome way to explore the river and view game in their natural environment.

The Luangwa Valley extends the length of eastern Zambia and the South and North Luangwa National Parks encompass an abundance and diversity of undisturbed wilderness and wildlife. To be one of the privileged few to experience the South Luangwa National Park

should be regarded as an honour to be able to witness the daily drama that unfolds before your eyes in this Eden of Africa.

Currency / Credit Cards

The Zambian currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZK), which is made up of 100 Ngwee. Owing to inflation, prices only reflect Kwacha and the Ngwee is seldom used. With the exception of city hotels, most of the properties in outer lying areas within Zambia will not accept Credit Cards. There may be a surcharge applied by the few properties that do accept Credit Card payments in remote areas.

Climate

Zambia has three distinct seasons, December to April – warm and wet; May to August – cool and dry; September to November – hot and dry.

Passport / Visas

All visitors must have Passports (valid for a minimum of 6 months). Some nationals require visas to enter Zambia which can be obtained from your nearest Zambian High Commission or at most land borders and airports into Zambia. Visa formalities are subject to change without notice. It is therefore recommended that you pre-arrange your visa prior to your departure from your home country. In some instances, a visa waiver may be obtained by the property where you are spending your first night in Zambia, however, you may still be required to pay for a visa on arrival.

Getting There

International flights serve Lusaka and Livingstone. Internal charter flights transport guests domestically. Although the road system has improved greatly in recent years, the large distances involved result in most visitors flying.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover
In respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses

Departure Tax

International Departure Tax is USD25 per person payable in US Dollars cash. Most airlines have started including this tax on the ticket when the ticket is purchased - please check this with the airline. Domestic Departure Tax of USD8 per person payable in US Dollars cash is also payable on domestic flights.

Health

Please note that there are malaria areas in Zambia. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take anti malaria prophylaxis to avoid this. Speak to a physician before you leave home to ensure you are on an anti malarial course of tablets if you are visiting these areas.
Inoculations: If entering from an area that is infected with yellow fever, you must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter into Zambia.
Heat and Sun: Heat stroke, sunburn and dehydration are serious problems for travellers to Africa. It is advisable to increase your water and salt intake during the summer periods when travelling. Loose-fitting clothing will also help to keep cool.
Drinking Water: It is advisable to drink bottled water when outside of main towns.

What to Pack

Cotton clothing for game areas should be neutral or earthy colours, sensible walking shoes and a jumper or jacket for early morning or late evening game drives. Rain coats/umbrellas are advised for visitors in the rainy season. It is recommended that you bring camera film and a good supply of spare batteries, as these may not be available in the more remote areas. Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses and a high SP factor sun block lotion.

Where to stay

We have featured an assortment of the finest properties in Zambia, although there are a number of very good properties available which we would be delighted to discuss with you when we are arranging your itinerary.

Islands of Siankaba – Livingstone

On two of the most beguiling of all Africa’s river islands, Siankaba evokes images of style and elegance. Subtle architecture blends with stately indigenous forest – refined and gracious in an unobtrusive and truly African way.

Escape to this little paradise so secluded, so private, and so ultimately tranquil. The informal friendliness and highly personalised service lend the place a relaxed atmosphere that makes guests feel instantly at home. The dining room, lounge, bar and swimming pool are located on the larger island while guests’ chalets are situated on the smaller island overlooking the river.

The two islands are linked by a suspension bridge. An overhead walkway in the tree canopy, leading to the luxurious chalets, ensures that guests do not actually walk on the smaller island’s surface in order to protect the fragile riverine environment.

The River Club - Livingstone

The River Club is set among lush riverine vegetation. The luxury camp has a distinct Edwardian flavour, with 10 luxury chalets overlooking the river. Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom. The main house includes a dining room, lounge and an interesting library, while the swimming pool has a magnificent view over the river. The River Club operates on an all inclusive policy which covers all meals, drinks, park

fees, game drives, birding, guided walks, boating, fishing, visits to the Falls, sundowner cruises and village visits. Additional activities that can be arranged at an additional cost include white water rafting, bungee jumping abseiling, and Microlight and helicopter flights over the Falls.

Tongabezi - Livingstone

Tongabezi Lodge, the first river lodge on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, was established in 1990. It is privately owned and run, with the emphasis on exclusivity and romance, enhanced by the warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia. Days at Tongabezi have no set pattern and can be spent exactly as you wish. Choose simply to relax at the lodge or make the most of the wealth of activities, both inclusive and exclusive, that will keep you busy for several days. Each house and cottage have sweeping views of the Zambezi River, and has its own valet who will be with you throughout your stay to ensure that you make the most of all comforts provided.

Royal Livingstone Hotel - Livingstone

The Royal Livingstone is a serene and gracious refuge from the heat of the African sun.

The 173 luxurious rooms with their comfortable furnishings are tastefully decorated in the soft earth tones of the bushveld, with spreading views of the river and the Acacia forest. Guests may pass lazy days on the magnificent sun deck overlooking the Zambezi as it flows relentlessly to the Falls, and enjoy the fine dining in the restaurant, or on the long veranda overlooking the gardens.

In the warm smile of your personal butler, or in the simple luxury of a cane chair, you will find an Africa that has all but vanished.

Lunga River Lodge and Busanga Bush Camp - Kafue National Park

Lunga River Lodge is located on the North Kafue National Park boundary on the west bank of the Lunga River. Busanga Bush Camp is located in the northwestern sector of the Kafue National Park on the Busanga flood plain. The Kafue, Africa’s largest National Park protects a variety of habitats through which flow a series of unique rivers. In the Northwest, the Lufupa River floods in summer, creating a large flood plain delta system, which is home to thousands of water birds.

This dries to a small stream in winter, attracting a biomass of antelope and

plains game, with the pursuant predators, particularly lion and cheetah. In the North-East, the Kafue and Lunga rivers are wide, slow flowing, clear rivers bordered by narrow bands of riverine forest. Together with the vast Miombo woodland and open grassland ‘dambos’ this habitat is the ideal home for antelope and bird species not seen in other parks.

The Kafue is a park that is truly remote and unexplored yet offers excellent viewing of a wide variety of mammal and bird species.

The Bushcamp Company – South Luangwa

The Bushcamp Company operates 4 different bushcamps in the southern area of

Chamilandu Bush Camp

the South Luangwa National Park. Kuyenda is a traditional Zambian bushcamp, Chamilandu is a small upmarket raised camp that has been recently renovated, Chendeni is a luxurious tented camp and Bilimungwe is an upmarket trails camp. African walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley and are offered by The Bushcamp Company from June to November.

The walking opportunities are fantastic with all camps in the south of the park within walking distance of each other. Stay in 4 different types of bushcamp whilst experiencing the thrill of the traditional walking safari. All camps are ideal for small groups seeking a heightened personalised wilderness experience, fantastic hospitality and greater opportunities to explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary on foot.

Robin Pope Safaris – South Luangwa

Robin Pope Safaris is known throughout the world for running safaris that have remained true to the original style – safaris with heart and simplicity. They comprise of three small intimate safari camps – Nkwali, Tena Tena and Nsefu – all on the banks of the Luangwa River and with wide sweeping views. The camps are comfortable, natural and understated, and all very different in style. Each camp is located next to a water hold that attracts game throughout the day. The legendary Robin Pope Walking Safari is an adventure into the remote area north of the park. Four or five day safari explores diverse habitats; hills, woodland and vast grass plains as well as the river. Their fully staffed mobile camp has everything that you need.

Tena Tena

Tena Tena is in the South Luangwa National Park and is positioned on the broad, meandering Luangwa River forming endless oxbows. The five tents are situated in a copse of shady mahogany trees. Each tent has an open-air bathroom and private verandah overlooking a waterhole. Activities include daily walks, morning and night drives including picnics in the bush.

Combining this property with it’s sister camps allows a safari covering all the ecosystems of the Luangwa.

Kaingo Camp - South Luangwa

Accommodation consists of four twin bedded chalets and one honeymoon suite with outside bath. All chalets have en-suite facilities and are silently lit by solar power.

The brick and thatch chalets are set directly apart, each with a view of the Luangwa River. There is a large centrally located open-sided sitting room with dining area and a lead wood bar. A wooden deck is also built out over the river for relaxing and game viewing. Activities include morning game drives or walking safaris. Drives give unparalleled close-up encounters with Luangwa’s big game and introduce the beauty of the river and lagoon systems.

Walking safaris, conducted by fully qualified guide and armed scout, explore the majestic ebony forests, the open plains and the meandering river. Additional trips to two hides for close-up viewing of hippos elephants and other game which are drawn to the river to drink.

Chichele Presidential Lodge - South Luangwa

Chichele Presidential Lodge is built on a hilltop overlooking the South Luangwa River. A gentleman’s lodge where the elegance of the Victorian era still lingers in the cool deep verandas, the stylish dining room, the reading rooms and the sumptuous bedrooms. The polished gun cabinets are from a by gone era and the great white hunters have long gone, but a vast wildlife refuge remains.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with shower and bath, air conditioning, hair dryers, mosquito nets, mini bars and private verandas. This lodge is closed for refurbishment and will re-open in 2008

Kapani Lodge (Norman Carr Safaris) – South Luangwa

Kapani Safari Lodge has a solid quality feel, as though it has been there forever. The rooms are brick built with thatched roofs, heavy wooden furniture and cool tiles on the floor.

They are spacious and each includes a separate sitting area overlooking the

lagoon with its own small drinks fridge in each room. These are among the most spacious and comfortable in the Luangwa Valley’s camps. Kapani is noted for having several excellent long serving Zambian Guides from the local community. All rooms have overhead fans. There is a small gift shop and a secluded swimming pool at the far end of the camp. It acts as a base camp for 3 bushcamps, namely, Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli and Muchenja, all owned and operated by Norman Carr Safaris.

Tafika Camp - South Luangwa

Tafika Camp in the South Luangwa National Park is nestled in the shade of giant leadwood trees, on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Ten guests are accommodated in five spacious chalets, constructed with local materials each with two double beds, en-suite facilities. This bush camp is situated just outside the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park, and is renowned for excellent game viewing. Activities include game drives and walking safaris, led by this Camp’s excellent and reputable guides.

There is microlighting as an innovative way to view game in this spectacular area. There are 2 smaller 6 bedded walking camps, Chikoko and Crocodile which offer a unique way to enjoy this pristine area, on foot - no roads.

Mwaleshi Camp - North Luangwa National Park

Mwaleshi Camp, situated in the North Luangwa National Park, blends into a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River, a clear perennial tributary of the Luangwa River.

The remoteness of the North Park, an area legendary for its large population of lion, huge herds of buffalo and endemic Cookson’s Wildebeest, is enhanced by the lack of roads. This camp has four double chalets, made of reed, and is suited to those who are looking for the ultimate in remote bush experience. Game viewing is on foot, led by Dorian Tilbury.

It is important to note that there are no roads in this area. Birding is outstanding, as are the excellent options available in this seldom seen park, such as the waterfall in the Western Escarpment.

Shiwa Ng’andu - Northern Zambia

Built in 1920. Shiwa Ng’andu is the most extraordinary house in Africa, part English stately home, and part Tuscan Villa.

It has 42 rooms, and accompanying chapel, dairy, clinics, school and a clock tower, as well as original Spode porcelain, silver, antique furniture, books and oil paintings. The rich history of the house is all encompassing, from the inscriptions above the doors and fire places, to the many portraits, old photographs and letters in the archive. Shiwa House has been immortalised in the book ’The Africa House’.

Guests can explore the 22,000-acre estate, which is both a working farm, and a game ranch. Optional excursions are fishing, birding, or a visit to the Kapishya Hot Springs.

Chiawa Camp – Lower Zambezi

Chiawa Camp is family owned and run. No safari in Zambia is complete without a stay at Chiawa Camp, the ultimate safari experience. An exquisite location under a shady grove of mahogany trees, in the heart of big game country, enjoys expansive views of the mighty Zambezi River. Chiawa Camp consists of 8 spacious, well-ventilated safari tents, each set on its own elevated wooden platform under shade with a panoramic view of the Zambezi. The secure tents are insect-proof, have twin or double beds, solar lighting, fans, and en-suite flushing loos with hot & cold showers.

The charming, thatched lounge/bar area, with upstairs lounge/observation deck, and dining room with al fresco veranda, overlook the river and the game that regularly drinks there. The fireplace is host to tales and cocktails by starlight, while friendly hosts and hostesses oversee your comfort and special requirements.

Activities include game drives, bush walks, canoeing, river safaris, and fishing.

Sausage Tree Camp – Lower Zambezi

Sausage Tree Camp, located in the Lower Zambezi National Park, allows guests to experience one of the few true wilderness areas in Africa. It is situated on the northern bank of the Zambezi River overlooking scenic channels on the Zambezi River. Nestled amongst mature sausage, mahogany and winter thorn trees, this camp sleeps twelve guests in six Bedouin-style tents.

Each has a magnificent view, an en-suite bathroom with open air shower and comfortable beds with down duvets.

An open-air dining room and bar, library tent and riverside viewing deck complete the camp. Activities are personalised, with guests allocated their own professional guide during their visit. Enjoy morning, evening and night game drives, walking safaris, scenic boat trips, relaxed canoeing, bird watching and tiger fishing.

Mwambashi River Lodge – Lower Zambezi

Mwambashi River Lodge is situated on the north bank of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park. 16 guests are accommodated in en-suite tents

on raised wooden platforms, each with its own private balcony, offering superb views of the river. In the centre of the camp is a large thatched structure comprising an open air dining area, a comfortable lounge with a comprehensive reference library and a raised wooden deck overlooking the river. Activities include game drives, walking, fishing on speedboats or on a pontoon boat.

Kasaka River Lodge - Lower Zambezi

Kasaka River Lodge opened in 2003 and is designed to the highest international standards of comfort, in a manner that keep the environmental impact as close to zero as possible. It is located opposite Mana Pools in the Lower Zambezi.

Kasaka River Lodge is situated in a natural bush environment each with chalet secluded amongst the native flora. The gardens around the Lodge are a colourful blend of indigenous plants with paths weaving from the chalets to the pool, restaurant and bar areas. The river extends the length of the property and affords breathtaking views.

Close sightings of buffalo, elephant and hippo from the decks are frequent events and bird life is abundant around the lodge. The chalets are luxury tented and tastefully decorated with an authentic African flavour. Each has an elegantly furnished en-suite bathroom. Activities include game drives, walks, painting, canoeing, Tiger fishing and sundowners on the Zambezi River.