Zambia: The Web of Life, Luxury Style

Zambia, at 290,000sq miles, is bigger than France, but has a population of only 9.5 million people. With 19 parks and 34 adjoining game management areas, Zambia has allotted 32% of its area to wildlife. Of course this is only sustainable if tourism can generate the revenue needed, particularly as Zambia has suffered considerably with the collapse in the price of its main export – copper. In the meanwhile, Zambia is the undiscovered wildlife jewel of Africa, as it has few tourists. The main park areas are South Luangwa, the truly remote North Luangwa of David and Delia Owens fame, Kafue and Lower Zambezi, not to forget its share of the unforgettable Victoria Falls.

Flying between the areas is a must as distances are huge, which does make Zambia expensive. There are quite a few excellent small camps, which feature superb wildlife walks, game driving and night drives. among them are the highly personalized Tafika, Kapane and Tena Tena in South Luangwa, and Sausage Tree camp in Lower Zambezi. In my opinion the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, which has the lip of the Falls, is the most dramatic, and the nearby camps of Tongabezi, River Club and Sindabezi offer superb facilities. Livingstone Island, where the famous explorer first camped right on the edge of the Falls is a must for a visit. Today one can swim in the Devils Bowl, right on the lip of the Falls for a real adrenalin adventure! Combine this with a bungee jump from the bridge and the worlds best white water rafting, and your adventure will be complete. The mighty Zambezi river flows along the Southern edge of the country marking its border with Zimbabwe, and wildlife crosses the river freely, even if we cannot!

The Tiger fishing in the river is legendary, but mind your fingers!

The best time to visit Zambia is from June until October, although there are wonderful experiences to be had there during the less fashionable wet months of March, April and May.

Highlights:

Luangwa House: This amazing 4 bedroomed house was built by two legends of the Zambian safari business. to be their dream home, and one can rent it today to be your home in the bush, complete with water hole and pool, and wonderful nearby game drives.

zambia_001 The Tree Room at Tongabezi Lodge: This superb 16 bed camp built along the banks of the mighty Zambezi, features large permanent tents and a number of theme rooms such as this Tree room, Bird House and Honeymoon suite, all built into the rock. From here, both river trips and game drives offer excellent wildlife viewing.
zambia_002 Common Waterbuck on the Luangwa River: Action shots always make the most interesting memories . This magnificent male is from the only species that does not play host to the tickbird, and as a result carries a lot of parasites. Their coats are covered with a Lanolin type grease,which gives off a somewhat rank odour. This is the only species of waterbuck that occurs in Southern Africa, and is identified by the white “loo seat” on its rump!

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Sausage Tree Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River: Zambia features a lot of small comfortable camps from where one enjoys game walks and night drives in these remote areas, not to mention game drives by boat, canoeing and tiger fishing!

zambia_004 Elephants on the camp verandah: These mighty Pachyderms are very intelligent and know just where they are safe – thus many camps end up with their camp elephant! At night you may well awake to see them delicately stepping over the guy ropes of your tent!