13 days / 12 nights Zambezi Valley and Beyond
HIGHLIGHTS:
Livingstone, Sunset cruise on Zambezi River, Game drive & guided walk in Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi Valley, Lake Kariba houseboat cruise, Hwange National Park, Visit to an African homestead, Victoria Falls.
DAY 1: LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA
On arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Referred to as the tourist heart of Zambia, Livingstone offers an appealing combination of colonial character, African charm and incredible scenery. We will stay at the Victoria Falls Waterfront which boasts magnificent views over the Zambezi River. Meet your guide and the rest of the group at the lodge, before embarking on a cruise up the river to enjoy sundowners and the magnificent sunset in the late afternoon. Upon our return to the lodge a pre-departure meeting will be held.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Waterfront or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
DAY 2: LIVINGSTONE TO KAFUE NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
This morning we head off to the Kafue National Park, which is not only the oldest and largest national park in Zambia but also one of the largest parks in the whole of Africa. It remains largely unexplored and therefore offers authentic game viewing possibilities.
Due to its size as well as a variety of habitat types it offers a great diversity of mammals and bird species. Our accommodation is located on the shores of Lake Itezhi Tezhi, offering you a truly unique African wildlife experience.
Accommodation: Musungwa Safari Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, & bar) [BLD]
DAY 3 & 4: KAFUE NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
Today we continue our journey and travel to the northern region of the Kafue National Park where we will spend the next two nights. On the morning of day 7 we embark on a guided game walk in the Kafue National Park where you will have the opportunity to spot lions,
leopards, antelopes, zebras and other game by foot. After this incredible wildlife experience we have lunch at the lodge and head off to a natural sand bottomed hot spring for a relaxing and rejuvenating dip in the pool, game driving in the national park en-route.
Accommodation: Hippo Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar & swimming pool) [BLD][BLD]
DAY 5: KAFUE NATIONAL PARK TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
On this day we drive east to Lusaka, Zambia’s busy capital and largest city with around 3 million inhabitants. Our camp is located on the outskirts of the city and is secluded from the hustle and bustle and instead offers you the possibility to take a short walk on the property or relax at the swimming pool.
Accommodation: Pioneer Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar & swimming pool) [BLD]
DAY 6 & 7: LUSAKA TO LOWER ZAMBEZI VALLEY, ZAMBIA
This morning we drive towards the Lower Zambezi region where we will stay for the following two nights. Our lodge offers breath-taking views over the Zambezi River and is located within the Chiawa Game Management area which is well-known for its elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalos, crocodiles and zebras. The next day will be a long day spent on a full day game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park experiencing the sights and sounds of this magnificent location.
Accommodation: Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, gym & swimming pool) [BLD][BLD]
DAY 8 & 9: LALE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
Our journey today brings us to Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and a place of outstanding beauty. At over 220 km long and 30 km at its widest point it is no wonder it is referred to as an inland sea! After an early morning departure and border crossing, we head to Kariba harbour to embark on a relaxing two-night cruise aboard a luxury houseboat. Firstly we cruise to the far end of the lake’s eastern basin near to the Matusadona National Park where we moor on one of the islands or the shoreline for an afternoon of wildlife activities and sundowners from the tender boats. In the evening we commence with a dinner cruise through the night to the Sengwe River Basin. The next morning and afternoon, we explore the beautiful and remote Sengwe River system with its great birding in search of wildlife. Our day ends with sundowners and a barbecue on the beach under the starry African sky.
Accommodation: Umbozha Houseboats or similar (cabins with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, bar and swimming pool).[BLD][BLD]
DAY 10 & 11: LAKE KARIBA TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE
After cruising from Sengwe to Mlibizi, we disembark from the houseboat and make our way to Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra as well as a very large concentration of giraffe. Many
predators and endangered species are also found here including a large and varied birdlife. We spend two nights at our lodge in a private concession, enjoying a view over an ever abundant waterhole. Upon arrival we have the opportunity to visit an African homestead to catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle. The next day is spent exploring Hwange National Park on a full day game drive in search of the Big 5.
Accommodation: Sable Sands or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area).[BLD][BLD]
DAY 12: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Before continuing our journey, we visit the Painted Dogs Conservation Centre to learn about the efforts made to protect the endangered African Wild Dog. We leave the beauty of the Hwange National Park behind us and drive to Victoria Falls. In the afternoon we embark on a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known locally as the “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or to partake in optional activities.
Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Lodge BB or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area) [B]
DAY 13: END OF TOUR
Our safari ends after breakfast and you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures. [B]
GROUP SIZE: 4-12 clients.
ACCOMMODATION: We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools, restaurants and/or bar areas.
FOOD & DRINKS: Where included, most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments. Lunch packs are provided for driving days and excursions. Alternatively, the guide will prepare lunch en-route. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
VEHICLES: Fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system and air-conditioning. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles.
STAFF: Guide
