Lions, leopards and hippos – oh my! On safari in Zambia, discover a wilderness of plains and rivers called home by some of the most impressive wildlife in the world. From zebra to warthog and the countless number of bird species in the sky and along the river banks, your daily wildlife-viewing by foot, 4×4 open land cruiser, boat and canoe gives you rare access to this untamed part of the world. Experience the unparalleled excitement of tracking leopard and lion on foot in South Luangwa National Park and discover the wealth of wildlife that inhabit the banks and islands of the Lower Zambezi National Park. At night, return to the safari chic comfort of your beautiful lodges where you can view elephant and antelope drinking from the river.
Degree of Difficulty –
Get set for your adventure as you board your overnight flight arriving Johannesburg the next day where you’re escorted to your exquisite hotel, conveniently located close to the airport in a complex of restaurants, shops, and beautiful gardens. D’OREALE GRANDE HOTEL.
Meals Aloft
Fly to Lusaka, Zambia, then fly by light aircraft to the unspoiled beauty of Mfuwe at South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s prime wildlife sanctuaries. This is the landscape one thinks of when Africa comes to mind, with herds of antelope sheltering under thorn trees or
roaming the plains, predators skulking in the shadows and primordial drama in every vale. The park has over 60 mammal species, including 14 different antelope species, one of the densest populations of leopard in Southern Africa and huge prides of lions. The Valley is home to 400 of Zambia’s 732 bird species, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species. Thorneycroft giraffe, endemic to this park, buffalo, antelope, crocodile and elephant are never in short supply. The park is famous for walking safaris, and on foot, your professional guide can show you not only the big animals, but also the little things such as dung beetles, chameleons, animal spoor, and so much more, all with their own story to tell. Your historic game lodge is set in amongst lush primeval forest and was once the personal retreat of Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda. The hilltop location affords superlative wildlife viewing opportunities from the comfort of the verandahs and magnificent views all the way down to the river. Maintaining its original colonial style with a majestic arched entrance, huge colonial-style lounge and grand dining room, all ten elegant suites are decorated in the same understated elegance as years gone by. With large French windows and private terraces overlooking the valley, you can do your own game viewing from the comfort of your Victorian suite. Because of the location of your lodge, you have the privilege of being able to also go on night game drives in search of leopard, hyena and bush baby. SANCTUARY CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE.
roaming the plains, predators skulking in the shadows and primordial drama in every vale. The park has over 60 mammal species, including 14 different antelope species, one of the densest populations of leopard in Southern Africa and huge prides of lions. The Valley is home to 400 of Zambia’s 732 bird species, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species. Thorneycroft giraffe, endemic to this park, buffalo, antelope, crocodile and elephant are never in short supply. The park is famous for walking safaris, and on foot, your professional guide can show you not only the big animals, but also the little things such as dung beetles, chameleons, animal spoor, and so much more, all with their own story to tell. Your historic game lodge is set in amongst lush primeval forest and was once the personal retreat of Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda. The hilltop location affords superlative wildlife viewing opportunities from the comfort of the verandahs and magnificent views all the way down to the river. Maintaining its original colonial style with a majestic arched entrance, huge colonial-style lounge and grand dining room, all ten elegant suites are decorated in the same understated elegance as years gone by. With large French windows and private terraces overlooking the valley, you can do your own game viewing from the comfort of your Victorian suite. Because of the location of your lodge, you have the privilege of being able to also go on night game drives in search of leopard, hyena and bush baby. SANCTUARY CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE.
(B,L,D Daily)
Wing your way by light aircraft to the Lower Zambezi Valley. Lying between the rolling hills of the hazy escarpment and the Zambezi River, it is sprinkled with reed islands, the home and feeding ground for many animals. These waters are a focal point for elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, wild dog, various antelope species, baboon and vervet monkey, and an estimated 400 bird species. Experience exciting wildlife viewing in open 4×4 vehicles, boats or canoes accompanied by expert guides. Fish the Zambezi for tigerfish and bream. Feel the earth beneath your feet on walking safaris with expert rangers who ensure your safety, but also your enjoyment of the bush. Cultural community visits can also be arranged. Your intimate familyowned tented camp is in the Chiawa concession and is nestled along the riverbank beneath a canopy of winterthorn trees at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers, bordering the Lower Zambezi National Park. Elephants wonder through the camp and the views from one of the nine classic thatched tents, or two private tented suites, is breathtaking. All communal areas are shaded under canvas and open-sided, letting the breeze in, but also nature through at its leisure. A seating area with plush cushions, spacious dining area, an open-sandy campfire next to the river, and a swimming pool round out the facilities in this marvelous camp, offering you the ultimate relaxation and activities to ensure a most amazing experience in the African bush. CHONGWE RIVER CAMP.
(B,L,D Daily)
Fly back to Lusaka and connect with your flight to Johannesburg and home, having just experienced the majesty of nature.
(B)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: 18 travelers. Chongwe only has 9 tents and Kafunta 8 chalets and 2 luxury suites.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- All flights within Zambia between parks.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- All meals while on safari. Other meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- All wildlife viewing by 4×4 open vehicles, driven by professional rangers, by foot, boat or canoe.
- Specialist guide with a minimum of 10 travelers.
- Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and during meals.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance
Zambia is best visited during the winter months (our summer months) as the rest of the time they experience rain and parts of the country are completely flooded and not easily accessible. Ideal time to visit is between May and November. It is quite hot in October and November and cool during June to September. At Victoria Falls, the water levels are high January-July on the Zambian side and diminish after that. For best viewing of the Falls, we recommend that travelers staying on the Zambian side should visit the Zimbabwe side between August and the end of the year – this tour can very easily be arranged at an additional cost. months to visit Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls has a hot climate and is best viewed from the Zimbabwe side yearround.
