To the safari purist, Zambia is the genuine article. Bucking the mass tourism trend, it offers up relatively crowd-free national parks, small and under-stated safari camps and a big focus on walking safaris. Refreshingly under-used, it is considered by many as the safari connoisseurs choice.
The four main attractions to Zambia are the parks of the legendary South Luangwa, the lesser known and more remote North Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi National Park and of course, the Victoria Falls. All of them bringing varying elements to your safari which either compliment each other, or can be used as one off safari experiences.
With Zambia being the original birth place of the walking safaris dating back to the 1960’s, it still continues to be one of the main draw cards in the Luangwa Parks. The Lower Zambezi National Park bordering the Zambezi river, also blends in more water based activities such as boating and canoe safaris as well as some of the best tiger fishing. All in all, combined together this allows for an itinerary that is as varied as it is exciting.
Favouring rustic luxury over bush glamour, Zambia’s charm comes in the simple, yet high quality bush camps. Often with only 4 rooms, either tented or made from thatch and reed materials, they are strung out in remote settings offering a very intimate experience. For the active person looking for a sense of adventure, Zambia excels in walking mobile safaris, where you stay in walk-in luxury tents, moving every day or so.
The upper Zambezi, upstream from Victoria Falls, provides a restful start or finish to your itinerary, with some beautiful accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi, and of course taking in the mother of all waterfalls.
Time difference: + 2 hrs GMT
Visa: British and North American passport holders will require a visa to enter. This can easily be purchased on arrival or prior to departure from your nearest embassy.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific shots are required to enter. If combining with South Africa, then you will need to take your Yellow Fever certificate. We do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language: Numerous, but English is widely spoken everywhere.
How to get around: Due to the remoteness of many of the areas, most travellers fly in scheduled planes or light small aircrafts. We do not recommend self driving.
How to get there: You will most likely fly into Johannesburg (one of Africa’s major hubs) and then onto Lusaka or Livingstone, Zambia. There are regular direct international flights to South Africa from London Heathrow and some of the major US hubs, such as Atlanta and New York. Alternatively, some international airlines fly into Lusaka.
Who does it suit? Zambia suits adventurous types and those looking for a more authentic safari experience. It is ideal for honeymooners, older families, couples.
Botswana can be a year round destination and has its advantages/disadvantages depending on how you look at it. The best months for safari are generally between April – October, when it is cooler and less chance of rain. The wildlife viewing gets increasingly better the later you go, as the bush continues to dry up forcing much of the game around the water sources. But be warned, October can be very hot. The months from November – March can be hot and steamy, broken up with occasional heavy afternoon thunderstorm. The bush is very lush and green, excellent for birders and lots of animals dropping their young. It is often a more affordable time of year to visit.
The central Kalahari area is at its best from February – May.
Botswana is a great destination on its own. Alternatively, if you want to extend your safari experience, then it combines well with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – particularly for those that would like to incorporate the Victoria Falls. In addition, there are now direct flights from Botswana to Cape Town. For those looking to add some R&R at the end, then it combines well with Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar and Lake Malawi with flights going via Johannesburg.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
