Still considered by most to be wild Africa, land–locked Zambia truly offers alluring national parks with few visitors. Walking safaris were pioneered in Luangwa and remain one of the best ways to explore the parks and experience a completely different style of safari. Distances between parks are huge and roads aren’t always in great nick so be prepared for a bumpy ride if you’re travelling overland or alternatively, if your budget allows for it, consider flying between destinations.
This safari brings you to the beautiful north western part of Zambia. This remote area is completely unexplored and offers some of the best hyena sightings in the whole of Africa. If you choose to extend your safari you will explore Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve.
This scheduled safari takes you from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe through natural wonders, incredible national parks and some of the best game viewing that Africa offers, along with lakes, beaches and exciting excursions. Starting in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, you cross into Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and concludes in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi.
The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and amongst some of finest wildlife regions in Africa. Walking in the veldt gives you a totally different experience, the safari heads to the north of the park where you will walk for five days covering approximately 10km a day, following the Mupamadzi River through woodland and plains and enjoy superb sightings.
Join an adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life with a walking safari in South Luangwa – let this award–winning safari and their amazing guides show you natures hidden secrets.
Set on the opposite side of the Zambezi River to Victoria Falls Town is Livingstone, and Zambia’s claim to the mighty Victoria Falls. One of the greatest waterfalls in the world and certainly one of the biggest with up to 550 million litres of water cascading into a chasm below during high water, it is a sight and sound to behold. The towering spray rises above the falls and can be seen from a considerable distance. The town itself is 10km from the falls, but transportation is good (plenty of hotels offer transfer services), and many lodges/hotels run along the river affording river experiences. It is often a personal choice between which destination rules for viewing the falls, you’ll certainly get a close–up experience from Zambia, though from Zimbabwe you can experience viewing them face on. Of course, its easy enough to cross the border to experience “the other side”. There is a wide range of accommodation in/around Livingstone and activities are the same as those in Zimbabwe – from adrenaline fuelled bungee jumping and white–water rafting, to scenic flights, safari drives into Mosi–un–Tunya National Park, river cruises and more… Essentially, Victoria Falls, whichever side you opt to stay, is a must–see destination as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.
Both North and South Luangwa form part of the continual rift valley with same geology, landscapes and vegetation. The sweeping valley is naturally protected by escarpments, with woodland from acacia, tall mahogany to beautiful ebony trees, surrounding the wildlife–rich savannah and river areas. Considered one of the best parks in Africa, you’ll find prolific herds of elephant, buffalo, puku and impala, along with other antelope. Watch out for unusual species such as Thornicroft giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra. Birdlife such as carmine bee–eaters flock to South Luangwa for summer months and year–round bird–watching is rewarding. Many camps offer fantastic walking safaris and is regarded as an integral part of exploring the park and experiencing nature close up.
North Luangwa
The “North” offers walking safaris and considered more of a wilderness area though wildlife is plentiful – lions and buffalo abound.
South Luangwa
The more popular of the 2 parks, the south offers a wider variety of lodges – from more affordable options to luxury lodges and mobile camps. Day and night–time game drives through varied habitat and walking safaris are offered.
At just under the size of Wales, at around 5.5m hectares, this is Zambia’s largest national park and Zambia’s oldest protected area. The park is mainly accessible during dry season only and offers superb game viewing from both vehicle and on foot. The vast floodplain of Busanga is one of the highlights with grasslands, papyrus swamps, miombo woodland, hippo pools all amongst the plains themselves. Concentrated species of game abound include predators such as lion, cheetah, wild dog along with buffalo, puku, wildebeest and lechwe. The more unusual species found include roan, oribi, sitatunga and Lichenstein’s hartebeest. For the birders look out for the elegant grey crowned crane, Ross’s turaco, locust finch and Fulleborn’s longclaw.
The valley itself, located in south–west corner of Zambia, is a huge rift in the earth’s crust and where the mighty Zambezi River flows. In Zimbabwe, the national park is Mana Pools, whereas just to the north in Zambia, lies Lower Zambezi National Park. A highlight during the dry season has to be the huge congregations of game close to the river. Old bull elephants, wander around, even herds visit camps at the end of dry season drinking from nearby pools (or the occasional swimming pool!) Large prides of lion can be found under the shade of tall leadwoods or ebony trees, or wandering the rich grasslands, wild dogs, hyena and leopards are the other main predators and amongst those are species of game including bushbuck, impala, kudu, grysbok, zebra and plentiful buffalo. For bird enthusiasts over 380 species have been recorded.
