Custom Safaris - Zambia

Zambia is a destination Next Adventure knows and appreciatates for its special attractions. It's advisable to concentrate your safari in the the country's major parks staying in luxury lodges or remote bush camps or in combination depending on your preferences. It's easy to combine a visit to Zambia with Victoria Falls from the town of Livingstone. Please see our recommendations below or we can tailor a safari to suit your specific interests.

18 DAY CUSTOM DELUXE ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE WILDLIFE SAFARI (By Next Adventure)
Harare, Victoria Falls, Kafue & Busanga Plains, Luangwa Valley & Mana Pools

A comprehensive luxury safari combining the best of remote and intimate lodges and camps. A comprehensive visit to Kafue & Busanga Plains, Luangwa Valley in Zambia, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools and Harare in Zimbabwe. The first and last night are with Elizabeth Nugent at her guesthouse in Harare which includes airport transfers, accommodations and meals and customized art and cultural tours. In Victoria Falls accommodations are at the VF Hotel and include a cultural dance, sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River and a helicopter ''flight of the angels" over the falls. Charter flights link all the camps.In Kafue stay at Kafue Tented Camp. In Luangwa enjoy charming and remote Kaingo Camp. The Mana Pools Tented Camp in Mana Pools National Park rounds out the safari with 1/2 day canoe trips, walking safaris and open land rovers for game viewing. Expert professional guides lead all segments of the wildlife activities. The safari operates from June through October.

ITINERARY: Day 1 Arrive Harare Day 2-3 Victoria Falls Hotel Days 4-8 Kafue & Busanga Plains Days 9-12 South Luangwa Days 13-16 Mana Pools Day 17 Harare Day 18 Leave Harare. Note: The trip includes charters flights Livingstone to Kafue, Kafue to Mfuwe via Lusaka, Mfuwe to Kariba, Kariba to Mana Pools and Mana Pools to Harare.

COST: About $7,850 PP for two persons, $7450 PP for four, $7250 PP for six. Does not include international airfare. Cost includes all accommodations and meals (except in VF), airport and road transfers, charter flights, professional guides, all wildlife activities, park fees, laundry, drinks and taxes.

SOUTH LUANGWA VALLEY - GENERAL

This is the premier park of Zambia. Access is normally from Lusaka although charter flights may be arranged direct from Harare or Kariba to Mfuwe, the nearest airport to the park. Several lodges are located just inside the park, like Kapani and the luxurious Mfuwe Lodge. Other camps like Kaingo, Tafika and Robin Pope Safari's Nsefu and TenaTena are located in more remote areas. Some of the camps have small satellite 'bush camps' which cater to day walks. Consider four days a minimum stay in the area. The season is from late May until late October although the main camp area, with its better roads, may be visited all year.

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS
The Photographic and Walking Safari Specialists in South Luangwa, Zambia.

Robin Pope Camps - Nkwali, Tena Tena and Nsefu Camps
They have three small and intimate safari camps - Nkwali, Tena Tena and Nsefu. They are comfortable, natural and understated and are all different. Exceptional and friendly service has become the hallmark of Robin Pope operations. Robin Pope Safaris offer four scheduled walking safaris. They are small groups {6 – 10} and usually sold out 6 months to a year in advance. See below.

Robin Pope North Luangwa Walking Trails
This ten day safari starts at Nkwali Camp for three nights. Guests will then transfer to Tena Tena for three nights, and the safari will end with four nights at Kutandala. The transfer to Kutandala Camp in the North Luangwa is by light airplane. The park is very remote and wild - a place for real bush lovers to visit. Made of reed, grass and poles, and taking only six guests, the camp is intimate and natural. As well as the walking safaris there is the chance for an all day drive to the confluence of Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers. Excursions can also be made to the Chipopoma Falls where there are clear water pools for a dip. Limited to 6 guests. Operates from June - October. Includes walking and drives at Nkwali, Kutandala and Nsefu/Tena Tena. These safaris run on set dates (10 nights) 

Robin Pope Nsefu Walking Trails
This week long safari starts at Nkwali Camp for two nights. The transfer to the start of the 3 day walk goes through the salt pan area of Nsefu Sector. The walking safari area is one of the best riverine areas in the Luangwa. The river is rapidly changing course here and the resulting channels and lagoons host spectacular game. The 2 camps are comfortable and rustic. The grass huts have ensuite bathrooms and flush loos. Luggage is portered between the camps. The safari ends with 2 nights at Nsefu Camp where there is an option of drives or walks. Limited to six guests. Operates from June - October. Includes 3 day walking safari and drives at Nkwali and Nsefu.

Robin Pope Walking Mobile Safaris
The Walking Mobile Safaris have come to be known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. After 2 or 3 nights at Nkwali, the party drives up to the remote north of the park. For 5 days the safari follows the Mupamadzi River, covering approximately 10km a day. This clear river is a major tributary of the Luangwa. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The fully serviced mobile camp is extremely comfortable and well-equipped with walk-in tents and full bedding. The shower is under a tree and the loo is a long drop with a wooden throne. Meals of a high standard are served under the open sky. A final few nights at Tena Tena complete the safari. Limited to 6 guests. Operates from mid June - September.

STAR OF AFRICA CAMPS
Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Kafue & Busanga Plains, Lechwe
Sussi & Chuma - Zambia Side Victoria Falls {Star of Africa}

Sussi & Chuma, named after David Livingstone’s faithful friends, consists of an exclusive, up market lodge which takes full advantage of its enchanting river-bank setting. Guest accommodation consists of 10 luxury tree-houses, built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees lining the bank. Each unit has a private view of the Zambezi from its own deck among the branches. The main lodge building features a spectacular raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, swimming pool and lawns sweeping down to the water’s edge.
Resident wildlife, such as hippopotamus and elephant, is likely to wander through the Lodge grounds at any time, since in the National Park they have priority. A wide choice of activities adds to the attractions of this elegant, secluded retreat.

Chichele in South Luangwa National Park {Star of Africa}
The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the central river. Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Chichele occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park. Since the original structures, built circa 1960, became very dilapidated, Star of Africa has undertaken a complete transformation of the building to create a spectacular new 'turn of the century' safari lodge, designed to complement its natural surroundings. In order to exploit the wonderful floodplain vistas offered by the site, 10 elegant Victorian style lodges are built along the edge of the hillside, each giving guests a private panoramic view. Quality furnishings and discreet service provide the necessary level of comfort expected by the up market visitor. 

Lechwe Plains Tented Camp {Star of Africa}
The Lochinvar Estate has a genuine history as an “Out of Africa” colonial cattle ranch and farm. Bequeathed to the nation in 1904, the old colonial farmhouse still stands, under a preservation order. But Lochinvar’s huge swath of unique wetland and floodplain savanna was returned to its wild state. Today it is a World Heritage Wetland Site. Situated on the Kafue River floodplain mid way between Livingstone and Lusaka, the Park is now the last stronghold of the Kafue Lechwe, an aquatic antelope of extraordinary grace. The exotic and beautiful Lechwe Plains Tented Camp is an African fantasy under canvas. The tented lodge, built onto teak decking, shelters under a mature grove of acacia trees on the edge of the wide Chunga Lagoon. Just six double units cater for a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, making this a tranquil hideaway far from the main safari circuits.

Kulefu Tented Camp - Lower Zambezi {Star of Africa}
Enjoy the beautiful riverbank setting at Kulefu - ‘the faraway place’, which offers excellent game opportunities, as the wildlife is concentrated in the land corridor between the steep escarpment and the river. The Lower Zambezi National Park was for many years a forgotten wilderness, lying along the northern banks of the Zambezi River opposite Mana Pools National Park. Open from 1 May to 31 December. Deep in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park, there is a secluded, intimate safari camp settled comfortably in the deep shade of tall riverine trees. Profoundly peaceful, eco-friendly and well-appointed, the camp overlooks one of the permanent channels of the legendary Zambezi River.

Migration Air {Linking Star of Africa’s Lodges and Camps}
Based at Livingstone International Airport, Migration Air’s highly qualified and thoroughly experienced bush pilots will fly you safely and comfortably from one wilderness area to the next, ensuring that you enjoy your safari to the maximum. Star of Africa’s Lodges and camps each have a well-maintained grass airstrip, and visitors are transported from the aircraft to the lodge in a 4x4 safari vehicle. Migration Air provides the ideal means of getting around Africa’s vast spaces.

NORTH LUANGWA VALLEY - MWALESHI CAMP

This very remote park was made famous by Owen's 'Eye of the Elephant'. Access is by charter flights into Waka Waka airstrip or by landrover from South Luangwa. Remote Africa Safaris run 4 - 5 day trips into the area from Tafika Camp in South Luangwa. Mwaleshi Camp is their very comfortable camp located in the park. The season is June through October. Plan on a minimum of seven days to visit both parks.

KAFUE & BUSANGA PLAINS – LUNGA & BUSANGA BUSH CAMP

The north part of Kafue National Park is the most interesting for its remoteness and wildlife. Five days are required to visit the area and include Busanga Plains. Regular charter flights, from Livingstone or Lusaka, service the charming and comfortable Lunga River Lodge, on the north edge of the park. Busanga Bush Camp is about 4 hours away by land rover with game viewing all the way. The Busanga Bush Camp is rustic, remote and accommodates only 8 guests in thatched huts with camp showers and bush toilets. The bush camp is near a vast marshy plain, teeming with 20 antelope species including Lechwe and Puku in great number. Several resident lion prides are usually near the camp and on occasion wild dog and cheetah may be spotted. Usually the first and last nights are spent at the Lunga River Lodge. There's good birdlife along the river and elephant frequent the area. The season is limited to June through October.

LIVINGSTONE AREA OF VICTORIA FALLS

River Club and Sussi & Chuma luxury lodges are on the Zambia side about 20 minutes upriver from Victoria Falls. And opened in 2000 is Sun International's deluxe hotel near the falls. Transfers are arranged from Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side or Livingstone Airports. Game drives, canoeing; short walks and visits to the Livingstone museum and an authentic village are all part of the daily routine from these lodges. 

LOWER ZAMBEZI

There are several fine lodges on the Zambia side of the river below the confluence of the Kafue and Zambezi Rivers.  Access is from Kariba, Lusaka or Livingstone. Several lodges have daily charter flights between Livingstone and camps on the lower Zambezi. Kyala Lodge has daily transfers from Kariba for those in Zimbabwe. Kulefu Tented Camp is in the Star of Africa portfolio.

These are first class lodges with ensuite facilities. Activities include game viewing by walking, vehicles, boat and canoeing. Night game drives are also included. Rates are all inclusive of accommodations, meals, and wildlife activities with professional guides, park fees, taxes, drinks and laundry. Extended overnight canoe trips between May and November are best accessed from the Zimbabwe side. For description of 3 to 10 day canoe safaris on the Lower Zambezi, see the Zimbabwe section.

FOUR BUSHCAMPS IN THE LUANGWA VALLEY
www.bushcampcompany.com

The Bushcamp Company operates 4 different bush camps in the southern area of the South Luangwa National Park.   One the bush camps, Kuyenda is a traditional Zambian bush camp, Chamilandu is a small up market raised camp that has been recently renovated, Chendeni is a luxurious tented camp and Bilimungwe is an up market trails camp. African walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley and are offered by The Bushcamp Company from June to November. Highly recommended by Allen Bechky.

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 bush camp 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. A program just using all or some of the bush camps could be done in a program of 4 to 12 days.

Scheduled Safaris - Zambia