Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana are unique in their style — open vehicles, night drives, walking safaris and personalized cam
Zambia lies in the tropical belt of Southern and Central Africa. It is famous for its safari concept, unique in that you are not confined to a closed vehicle. Game viewing is on foot or in an open vehicle accompanied by a game expert and an armed game ranger (rarely needed, but a necessary precaution). You will learn to track animals by their spoor, distinguish between a kudu and a puku, and to capture it all on film! You are in what several experts have called one of the finest game reserves in the world!
VALLEY OF THE ELEPHANTS (6 days)
DAY 1 A short flight from Lusaka takes you to Mfuwe airstrip in the Lunge Valley — and suddenly you know you are in the real Africa.
You are now in one of the finest game reserves in the world. The drive to your permanent camp will give you a taste of the incredible diversity and abundance of the wildlife available. Here among the countless species of animals, the ‘Big 5’ make their home. The grass is yellow (except after the long rains), coarse, cropped short by the constant grazing of buffalo. The trees are shorn of their bark and stunted by the pressures of browsing elephants — they are everywhere; it is impossible not to see them. The air is alive with bird cries, a bird-watchers dream!
DAY 2-5 A pre-sunrise cup of coffee (or tea) and then board open vehicles for a game-viewing drive. Your well-informed guide will provide you contact with the abundant game.
This is home to concentration of elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo and many varieties of antelope, including the Greater Kudu. The Luangwa Valley is the preserve of the Thornicroft giraffe. Lion are common and frequently seen.
Return to camp for breakfast and rest.
After lunch and tea, another drive through the woodlands and savannah of Luangwa. You may stop for a Sundowner to watch the sunset or enjoy a night drive.
In the evening you can sit around the campfires and discuss the wildlife of the Valley with local experts.
WALKING SAFARI
One unique experience available is a walking safari in the game reserve. This is where you venture into the bush with your safari leader and armed guard to explore the Valley on foot. This can be done during one of your game viewing activities in camp OR you will stay overnight in one or more of the bush camps. You will truly enjoy the experience of this exciting form of game viewing.
HERE ARE SOME COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: HOW FAR DO YOU WALK IN A DAY? The trail leader suits the distance to his walkers and their needs. Usually the group sets out at dawn and walk for 2.5 hours before having a break for tea, followed by a further 1.5 hours back to camp. This would be approximately 6 miles. In the afternoon a further 4 miles. Walks are not forced marches! If you prefer to stay in camp, this is quite acceptable
Q: DO YOU SLEEP ON THE GROUND? NO. There are thatched huts in each camp, with steel beds, mattresses, linen and mosquito nets. Lighting is by parafin lamps.
Q: SO, WE CARRY OUR LUGGAGE OURSELVES? NO. Your heavy luggage is taken to your camp in advance by vehicle or porter.
Q: WILL I GET BETTER PICTURES THAN FROM A VEHICLE? NO. On foot you will have to stalk animals to get close. You can get much closer in a vehicle. However, some shots you get on walks could never be obtained from a vehicle.
Q: AREN’T WALKING SAFARIS DANGEROUS? Of course there is some element of danger; this is what makes them special. Walks have been done for more than 40 years and your guides are good at avoiding dangerous situations.
Q: WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT? Twelve years of age.
Q: WHAT SHOULD ONE WEAR? Footwear should be light and comfortable, with good grip soles. Running shoes are ideal. Clothing should be neutral, never white, black or blue; cotton s good. In the early mornings and evenings a jacket, trousers to protect legs and ankles from insects, and a hat are advisable.
Q: CAN WE INFLUENCE THE NATURE OF OUR WALK? Certainly. Your Trail Leader will design the walk around your interests. If you want o spend more time sitting and watching, and that is the consensus of the group, that is the way it will be. Walks are flexible
ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE and BOTSWANA
These countries are in the southern hemisphere and therefore have reversed seasons. Travel is most comfortable during the months of March to September, with dry, sunny days in the 60s and 70s, and crisp mornings and evenings. The temperatures get much hotter in October and November. Walking safaris in Zambia usually start around June
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana are unique in their style — open vehicles, night drives, walking safaris and personalized camps.
