Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia is named after the Zambezi river. Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is a growing city with 1.5 million inhabitants. Although English is the official language, the Zambian people are mostly Bantu tribal groups who practice synthesized traditional and Christian beliefs, making them at once warm and welcoming hosts. Unlike most African nations, more than 40 percent of Zambia’s population lives in urban areas, which is mostly due to the copper mining industry.


Zambia’s outstanding natural attractions and friendly people make it a tranquil and beautiful destination to see the "real" Africa as it boasts many uninhabited, unexplored areas. Most of the country is a high plateau with a temperate climate where two of Africa’s greatest rivers begin: the Congo and the mighty Zambezi.


There are over 19 national parks in Zambia, but many are remote and difficult to visit. However, our extensive, intimate knowledge of the Parks allows us to organize  private group visits that will enable you to enjoy the spoils privately, a luxury that’s mostly unavailable in most popular Parks in Africa. Safaris and game viewing in Zambia are unique because the emphasis is not on visiting many parks, but rather on experiencing life in the bush through walking safaris and night game drives in relatively unexplored game reserves.

Because of long distances between parks  and generally poor roads, an extensive safari requires linking the various camps and lodges with charter or scheduled air taxi flights.

VICTORIA FALLS & LIVINGSTONE
One of the World’s greatest natural wonders, Victoria Falls is nature’s most spectacular curtain and Zambia’s best known and alluring attraction, which it shares with Zimbabwe. Described as  "the smoke that thunders" by Zambians, the falls are magical and magnificent as the waters of the Zambezi pour into the huge chasm below. Clouds of vapor against the backdrop of hues of blue and green can be seen for miles around.

A number of luxury camps and Sun International Hotels have developed along the river in recent years. Like on the Zimbabwe side a number of activities can keep one quite busy for several days. The Zimbabwe side of the falls can be visited by obtaining a day visa and walking across the rail bridge.


SOUTH LUANGWA
South Luangwa National Park is a vast sanctuary around the Luangwa River. Savanna, wetland and forest vegetation lines the banks of the Luangwa River as it snakes its way to the majestic Zambezi River. Renowned for it’s concentrated and diverse wildlife population, an excursion in this park provides you with an opportunity to see herbivorous animas including Thornicroft’s Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Antelope, Waterbuck, Kudu, Impala, Puku, and Oribi. Lured by the easy prey, Lions protecting their kill and elusive and nocturnal Leopards roam freely. South Luangwa is also populated by warthogs, hyenas, baboon, and wild dogs. Graceful, gregarious birdlife including Crested Cranes, Saddle Bill Stork, Egrets, Vultures and Wood Ibis make for an inimitable bird watching experience. Walking safaris and night game drives in remain unparalleled in their potential to afford you excellent encounters with the pulse of the Park.


NORTH LUANGWA
North Luangwa National Park is a largely unexplored, undeveloped area found in the upper Luangwa River valley. It lies between the Muchinga Escarpment on the West and the river on the East. The Park has been made famous by the Owens' book, Eye of the Elephant, a page turner!


KAFUE
Kafue National Park is one of the largest in Africa, covering 22,500 sq. km. Dotted by varied vegetation, the southern area of the Park consists of double canopy forest, while the North contains marshes and the vast Busanga Plain. This variety attracts a lot of game, as well as over 600 different birds, including the magnificent Fish Eagle. The red Lechwe, unique to Zambia, is considered Kafue’s pride. Once nearly exterminated by poaching, the small Antelope are now found mostly on the Busanga Plains. Wilderness Safaris has taken a strong position with several excellent quality new camps in Kafue and Busanga Plains in 2006 so this will become a premier destination in Zambia over the years.


LOWER ZAMBEZI
The Lower Zambezi National Park is located along the Zambezi river across from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools Park. Adrenaline filled canoe safaris on this part of the Zambezi are as spectacular as they are dangerous, as the river is fraught with dangerous hippos and crocodiles. Game viewing in the background of rushing water, breathtaking vegetation and wild game is exceptional.

SHIWA NG'ANDU - Lake of the Royal Crocodile
Deep in the remote heart of northern Zambian lies Shiwa Ng’andu,  a majestic home built in the wilderness by  a remarkable man over 80 years ago. Several years ago, this remarkable house and estate of Sir Stewart Gore-Browne and his wife Lorna, and later their eldest daughter and family, was on the brink on collapse.

In November of 1999, Charles Harvey, the eldest grandson of Sir Stewart, and his wife Jo and children Tom and Emma, bought the house and estate from other family members and its revival and future now rests in their hands. This site will serve as a base for many, many people over the world, who wish to visit Shiwa, learn some of its history , browse its archives and witness the restoration of this wonderful “ corner of the world above all other “ that smiled upon Gore-Browne as it now smiles on his descendants

Visiting Shiwa: Shiwa House is open to both day visitors and resident house guests. At present the house can accommodate 4 -5 couples with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are simple with original hardwood furnishings and paintings.

Shiwa lies just north of Mpika on the west side of North Luangwa National Park. It’s easiest reached by charter flight when visiting Luangwa area. A wonderful book about it called Africa House by Christina Lamb is available at Amazon.


LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK
Lechwe Plains’ location midway between Livingstone and Lusaka was an state with 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, 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.

The close-up experience of living in the same environment as the wildlife offers a new perspective to the visitor. Peace and beauty together with ever-changing waterscapes will offer opportunities for special interest groups and individual visitors alike. Guests will have the undivided attention of the hosts and staff, including a competent ornithologist and guide.

BANGWEULU SWAMP Game Management Area
The remarkably remote Bangweulu Lake and its surrounding swamps are a watery paradise of unique vegetation, wildlife and birdlife. The great explorer Dr. Livingstone died here in 1873. The swamps and reed islands are perhaps best known as the home of the rare Shoebill Stork. The abundant waterbird population includes Spur Winged Goose, Sacred and Glossy Ibis, Black Crowned Night Heron, bee-eaters, fly-catchers and the Saddle-billed Stork. The elegant and elusive Black Lechwe antelope dotting the wetlands add to the wild game in the plains.


YOUR CUSTOM TOUR
Next Adventure will put together an unforgettable safari experience for you. With us, you will revel in Africa’s scenic splendor as we will work in concert to ensure that you enjoy Africa’s game while wining and dining in luxurious lodges. Our intimate knowledge of Zambia is unrivalled as Richard McGowan visited most of Zambia’s wildlife areas as an environmental consultant while living in Africa and Kili McGowan is especially qualified to provide useful information on the sights and sounds of Zambia.