Zambia
Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day Safari
2024:
$18,798 Go On Your Own
2 person minimum, "Group Rates" not available in 2024
Requires domestic flights ~$2,696/person
Prices based on an exchange rate as of Dec 2023, subject to change without notice. Please see terms and conditions.
*Option to upgrade in Kafue from Busanga (Midgrade) to Shumba (Upscale) for an additional $600/person
A Little More Info
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.
SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.
New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.
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Singles: Find a Share
Zambia
Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day Safari
Destinations
- Lusaka
- Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park
- Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa
- Mana Pools National Park
Highlights
- Master Guides - We've brought together extraordinary guides who have made an art out of tracking.
- Un-habituated Wildlife - Game in remote areas is less used to human presence so you see true "wild" behavior.
- Avoid the Crowds - Nsefu Sector has only 2 lodges, Busanga Plains 2 lodges, compared to Mfuwe with 25+ lodges.
- Jeep, Walking & Canoe Safaris - for the broadest diversity of game and a more intimate safari experience.
- No Jeep Competition - You won't be part of 5-30 jeeps chasing a lion, as is now common in much of Africa.
- World-Class Safari Lodges and Mobile Bushcamps
- Includes All Meals
Itinerary at a Glance
- DAY 1 Lusaka
- DAY 2-4 Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park
- DAY 5 Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa
- DAY 6-7 Nsefu Walking Safaris
- DAY 8-9 Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa
- DAY 10 Mana Pools National Park
- DAY 11-13 Canoe Safari with Master Guide
- DAY 14 Mana Pools National Park
- DAY 15 Lusaka / USA
Fully Customizable
Choose the length and price that's right for you, or take the full 18-day "Ultimate" safari!
Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day Safari
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 Lusaka
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the overnight. Radisson Blu or similar.
DAYS 2-4 Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park
More than twice the size of South Luangwa, Kafue is Zambia's "hidden" park: under-visited and remote. Kafue offers the classic African vision of vast plains and wetlands which compliment South Luangwa's woodlands and rivers. The Busanga Plains provide fantastic concentrations of over 150 mammals, including puku, lechwe, buffalo, and wildebeest, as well as rare animals not easily viewed in many places in southern Africa such as roan, oribi and Lichtenstein's hartebeest. This wealth of game is also a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, side-striped jackal, and prides of lion often up to 20 strong. A special attraction: Kafue is one of the best places in Zambia to see cheetah.
Shumba (luxury) & Busanga (mid-range) Bush Camps are ideally situated a few miles from each other in the center of the epic Busanga Plains, with sweeping views of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains. The camps are perfectly situated for some of the best lion viewing in Africa. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris are peppered with breaks for tea and sundowners for the dramatic sunsets. Optional hot-air balloon rides offer a breathtaking perspective of the plains.
DAY 5 Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa
South Luangwa is Zambia's premier park and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. Home to a truly impressive number of animals, the woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo, and over 450 species of birds. It is the only place in Africa you can see the endemic Thornicoft giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest. The abundance of leopards in Luangwa is famous and it is usual for us to see several, a special thrill when walking. But it is the great abundance of game that impresses people the most.
The remote Nsefu sector has only 2 lodges (compared to 25+ lodges in Mfuwe sector), which is why game is so prolific and not used to human presence. On a typical stay you're likely to have lions and leopards right around the camps!
Start your safari with an afternoon game drive continuing into the evening hours, followed by dinner outdoors at our lodge on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River overlooking hippo pods and elephants. Prepare for your walking safari with a Master Naturalist Guide. Overnight at Nsefu Camp.
DAYS 6-7 Walking Safaris - South Luangwa
Without a doubt, this experience is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Imagine seeing leopards, elephants, hippos, cape buffalo, giraffes, and more while walking! South Luangwa is known as the home of the walking safari. Walking through big game country with our elite Master Naturalists is a truly exciting - and more intimate - way to experience Africa. As a participant rather than just a tourist, you'll learn to interpret subtle signs and tracks and to identify new scents, listen for alarm cries that reveal the whereabouts of predators, and discover the wonder of life in the bush. An armed scout will accompany your guide for the utmost safety.
Days are spent walking with our Master Naturalist Guide in the game rich Nsefu sector. Each morning our guide will suggest a different area to explore based on the movement of wildlife overnight and the activity level you desire. We typically walk from camp to camp. During your morning walk the mobile camp will be moved and lunch will be waiting on arrival, or you may picnic en-route. In some cases jeeps may be used to bring us to an area to walk. Overnight at Luangwa Bushcamp.
DAYS 8-9 Tena Tena Camp, Nesfu Sector, South Luangwa Nat'l Park
It's easy to see why The London Times raves; "Tena Tena is altogether beyond superlatives and must be one of the best safari camps in the whole of Africa." Return from your walking safari and explore the remote Nsefu sector by jeep and foot. Option to visit a Kwaza village to meet local people and enjoy an authentic cultural experience. Overnight at Tena Tena Camp.
DAY 10 Mana Pools National Park - Ruckomechi Lodge
Idyllically located in an exclusive concession within Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi overlooks spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the imposing Great African Rift Valley. An intoxicating blend of wildlife and bird species abound. The dry season sees large herds of elephant and buffalo together with hippo, waterbuck, kudu, nyala, and eland all seeking to quench their thirst along the banks of this mighty river. Predators follow with lions frequenting the floodplains and adjacent woodland, while leopard stalk the thickets and cheetah and endangered wild dog are also often seen.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy afternoon and evening jeep safaris as well as your lodge's extensive amenities, including a beautiful outdoor "bath-with-a-view", an infinity pool, a spectacular stargazing deck overlooking the Zambezi river, and an acacia tree grove in the middle of camp visited nearly daily by wild elephants. Overnight at Ruckomechi Camp.
DAYS 11-13 Canoe Safari - Mana Pools
Canoeing the Zambezi river at Mana Pools is simply one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth. Perfect for adventurous travelers, canoeing allows guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos, elephants and other game on the way! Daily walking safaris take advantage of a Mana Pools legendary abundance of game, who come to the 4 pools in a stunning array, allowing for exciting interaction. Each night on the river is spent "camping" in a deluxe full-service mobile lodge erected and dismantled by support vehicles and staff who meet you at a different location on the banks of the Zambezi River, ultimately finishing 40 miles downstream with many adventures to recall. Encounters with animals and birds, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. Exclusive experience: Maximum group size of 6, maximum of 2 people per canoe, option to share a canoe with a guide for less adventurous travelers. Each campsite within the Mana Pools National Park is reserved for the exclusive use of our guests and while on the river or on foot on its banks we enjoy the wild expanse mostly to ourselves.
After a morning safari at Ruckomechi, we'll return to the lodge for lunch, meet your guide and go through a thorough safety briefing. This afternoon you'll start paddling downstream in sturdy Canadian canoes to our mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance; the first afternoon of paddling covers about 6.5 miles. This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available and gives you a chance to familiarize yourselves with the canoes and the various paddle strokes required.
Canoeists are awakened before dawn with tea/coffee and biscuits and we try to get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquility is amazing. After paddling leisurely for a few hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. Nick will choose a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements, and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around midday. Lunch is carried in the canoes and is usually consists of a salad and cold meats.
We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on arriving at the next camp at dusk. The camp, and all the luggage, will have been moved by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 12-16 miles and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movements.
DAY 14 Mana Pools National Park - Ruckomechi Lodge
After breakfast on the river we'll safari by land back to Ruckomechi Lodge, where you'll enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the camp's amenities. Each luxury tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts an outdoor 'bath-with-a- view' in a secluded, scenic spot. A central dining, bar, library, and main area completes the camp offerings. There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn sundowner and star gazing deck. You'll have a chance to enjoy afternoon game drives, night drives or catch-and-release fishing.
DAY 15 Lusaka / USA
Return to Lusaka and transfer for your return flight.
Zambia Lodging
Our Ultimate Wildlife itinerary specializes in small mid and high end safari lodges and luxury mobile camps, many of which have been featured in top travel magazines. Great care has gone into our selection of lodging partners, with particular emphasis on lodges that offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These breathtaking lodges offer all the comforts of home, including hot & cold water, flush toilets, tastefully decorated beds and delicious meals, sometimes extravagant, always healthy, and catering to special dietary needs.
LUSAKA
Radisson Blu
The Radisson Blu Hotel is an upmarket accommodation 5 kilometers from the city center of Lusaka and 7.5 kilometers from the Airport. The ideal starting and/or finishing point for our Zambian adventures, guests enjoy free high-speed wireless Internet access, a lovely outdoor pool and a spa.
Don't miss the hotel's Chuma Grill Restaurant & Bar, which hosts a complimentary Super Breakfast Buffet and serves African fusion and international dishes. For a midday snack or cocktail while you lounge by the outdoor swimming pool, order something from the Pool Bar.
BUSANGA PLAINS
Shumba Camp (Luxury Option)
Shumba Camp is located in the center of the Busanga Plains, home to hundreds of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and the diminutive oribi. Lichtenstein's hartebeest, herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo all move onto the Plains as the dry season progresses. This wealth of game is a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion.
The camp is comprised of six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with spectacular views of the surrounding plains. The rooms are large, en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers. The dining and bar area is elevated so as to take in this vista and each morning's sunrise; dinner takes place either here or in the cosy boma where guests can also enjoy elements of local Zambian culture. Many meals are prepared and cooked on the fire in front of the guests enhancing the safari experience. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the "guided" experience - being led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Guests have the option of game drives in and around the Plains and night drives provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area.
Busanga Bush Camp (Mid-Level Option)
Busanga Bush Camp lies in the heart of the Busanga Plains, a vast mosaic of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains that extends to the horizon. The camp, hidden in a well vegetated tree-island of sycamore fig trees, can accommodate eight guests in four well-appointed tents. The lounge and bar area is under canvas with an uninterrupted view out over the plains; breakfast is often served here to take in the view of herds of lechwe and puku feeding. A little further back is the dining area, shaded by the canopy of a majestic tree from which an unusual lantern chandelier hangs, romantically lighting up dinner; most meals are served in the open air.
Thanks to the rising mist off the floodplains as they dry up in winter, guests can experience incredible sunrises and sunsets, with the sun a spectacular pink color, while the floodplains and dambos teem with wildlife and birds; the Plains provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Tena Tena Camp
Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. On a double tiered river bank each room enjoys its own private view onto a long stretch of the Luangwa River.
Nsefu Camp
Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross lies the historic camp Nsefu. Nsefu is one steeped in history and was built in 1951 and barring some upgrades the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. The Nsefu sector was first pronounced a game reserve in 1966 some five years before the South Luangwa was even declared and has always been recognized as an outstanding game-viewing area. Robin Pope Safaris took over Nsefu in 1998, spent a year upgrading it and opened it the following July. The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa.
Luangwa Bush Camping
What is "bush camping"? Walking with the best of guides, dipping deeper into the bush from the fixed camps by camping out for a couple of nights, dinner and stories around the fire, simple but delicious food! When staying at Tena Tena and Nsefu you can walk between the two for two or three days, camping on the way. This is simple camping but with that extra touch of comfort. There are stand up tents, mattresses on the ground, sheets and blankets, wash basin, shared 60L bucket shower, bush loo, full bar and food service, fully serviced camp (except laundry). The walking is in one of the most lagoon rich areas of the Luangwa and hence the game is superb.
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Ruckomechi Camp
On the middle reaches of the Zambezi River, a hundred kilometers below Lake Kariba is the Mana Pools National Park situated in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. Ruckomechi Camp lies on the banks of the Zambezi, shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees and with a superb view of the mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley across the river in Zambia.
Ruckomechi Camp accommodates guests in ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon suite, all of which overlook the Zambezi River. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts a favorite amongst guests: its outdoor 'bath-with-a-view' in a secluded, scenic spot. The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face the escarpment and are connected to the rest of the camp by low-level walkways that minimize our environmental impact. There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star gazing deck.
Following on from our Zambian camps, Ruckomechi Camp has aimed to be as environmentally friendly as possible - hot water and lighting for each unit is provided by solar power. The camp vegetation is dominated by broad canopied albida trees, much loved by elephants for their rich nutritious pods; these animals often join visitors in camp for a light meal!
Mana Pools Mobile Camp
Each night on the river is spent "camping" in a deluxe full-service mobile lodge erected and dismantled by support vehicles and staff who meet you at a different location on the banks of the Zambezi River. Each campsite within the Mana Pools National Park is reserved for the exclusive use of our guests and while on the river or on foot on its banks we enjoy the wild expanse mostly to ourselves.
Zambia Activities
At a Glance
We know you've chosen to travel with us for our wildlife emphasis, so we've included a wide variety of adventure activities designed to educate, inspire, and bring out the wonder in you. All of our activities are flexibly designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests, while exposing you to a variety of unique eco-systems in order to see the most amount of wildlife. And did we mention fun? Safari activities in 3 distinct regions of Zambia expose you to more natural wonder, more ecosystems - and more wildlife - than any other conventional tour.
- Jeep Safaris
- Walking Safaris
- Canoe Safaris
Other Activities
Jeep Safaris
Our jeep safaris ARE different!
We've made special arrangements to assure the best possible game-viewing experience:
No more than 2 travelers per row in jeeps - so everyone gets an unobstructed view. Jeeps are open, not vans. In most sectors you won't experience any jeep competition at all. This has a huge impact on your experience; areas like Nsefu and Busanga Plains have only 1-2 lodges, whereas the more well-traveled Mfwue sector has over 25 lodges, so it's common to see 5+ jeeps chasing a lion in Mfwue (although that's still better than 20+ jeeps in most parts of Africa.) The minimal human presence in the remote Nsefu and Busanga Plains sectors means that game is much less adapted to human presence - and that means you see more exciting, authentic and "wild" animal behavior. We've chosen areas with multiple routes and a variety of eco-systems, so you get to see more volume and diversity of animals. Hot water bottles in the pre-dawn hours to keep you warm (seasonal). Least night restrictions, so longer night drives are possible - the best time for predators!
Walking Safaris
South Luangwa is known as the home of the walking safari. Walking through big game country with our elite Master Naturalists is a truly exciting - and more intimate - way to experience Africa. As a participant rather than just a tourist, you'll learn to interpret subtle signs and tracks and to identify new scents, listen for alarm cries that reveal the whereabouts of predators, and discover the wonder of life in the bush. While animals are more wary of humans on foot than in vehicles, an armed scout will compliment our guide for the utmost safety. We typically walk from camp to camp, set up in advance each day by a network of support vehicles and staff, which allows us to tailor the level of activity to the skill levels of the group. You will determine how far you'd like to walk. The walking is always flat, since there are no hills, and easy since we don't have to cover any specific amount of miles, and the pace is usually very relaxed. We may also drive to an area where game has moved during the night and then walk from there.
Canoe Safaris
Canoeing the Zambezi river at Mana Pools is simply one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth. Perfect for adventurous travelers, canoeing allows you the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos, elephants and other game on the way! Daily walking safaris take advantage of a Mana Pools legendary abundance of game, who come to the 4 pools in a stunning array, allowing for exciting interaction. Each night on the river is spent "camping" in a deluxe full-service mobile lodge erected and dismantled by support vehicles and staff who meet you at a different location on the banks of the Zambezi River, ultimately finishing 40 miles downstream with many adventures to recall. Encounters with animals and birds, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring.
Exclusive Canoeing Experience: Maximum group size of 6, maximum of 2 people per canoe, option to share a canoe with a guide for less adventurous travelers. Each campsite within the Mana Pools National Park is reserved for the exclusive use of our guests and while on the river or on foot on its banks we enjoy the wild expanse mostly to ourselves.
Zambia Wildlife
Prolific Sightings
Wild Planet's wildlife safaris are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Our "Ultimate Wildlife" eco-adventures are specially designed for maximum wildlife viewing. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours.
Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you are likely to see is below
Large Mammals: African Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Southern Giraffe, Plains (Burchell's) Zebra, Roan, Sable, Bushbuck, Common Duiker, Impala, Puku, Greater Kudu, Common Waterbuck
Small Mammals: Warthog, Bushpig, Aardvark, Banded Mongoose, Slender Mongoose, White-Tailed Mongoose,
Predators/Scavengers: Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Side-striped Jackal, African Civet, Large-Spotted Genet
Primates: Vervet (Green) Monkey, Yellow Baboon
Rodents & Shrews: Scrub Hare, Porcupine, Tree Squirrel
Reptiles: Snakes, Lizards, Chameleons, Crocodile, Turtles/Tortoises/Terrapins
Birds: Goliath Heron, White Stork, African Openbill, Marabou Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, Sandgrouse/Pigeons/Doves, Swifts/Spinetails, European Bee-Eater, Southern Carmine Bee-Eater, Larks/Sparrow-Larks (Finch-Larks), Swallows/Martins/Saw-Wings, Robin-Chats/Palm-Thrush/Aleths/Scrub-Robins
Likely Sightings
Large Mammals: Red Lechwe, Oribi, Common Reedbuck, Blue Wildebeest (Gnu), Eland
Small Mammals: Sharpe's Grysbok, Klipspringer, Rock Hyrax (Dassie), Yellow-Spotted Rock Hyrax, Water (Marsh) Mongoose, Striped Weasel
Predators/Scavengers: Cheetah, Leopard, Wild Dog, Honey Badger (Ratel), Cape Clawless Otter, Spotted-Necked Otter
Primates: Thick-Tailed Galago (Bushbaby), Lesser Bushbaby
Rodents & Shrews: Woodland Dormouse, Four-Toed Elephant-Shrew, Multimammate Rat, Tree Rat, Springhare, Smith's Bush Squirrel
Birds: Ostrich, Grebes, Cormorants/Darter, Purple Heron, Malagasy Pond-Heron, Hamerkop, African Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Secretarybird, Bat Hawk, Tawny Eagle, Booted Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, African Goshawk, African Marsh-Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Crested Francolin, Shelly's Francolin, Swainson's Spurfowl, Helmeted Guineafowl, Wattled Crane, Rails/Crakes/Finfood/Jacanas, Bustards/Korhaans, Shorebirds/Waders, Thick-knees (Dikkops)/Coursers/Pratincoles, Skuas (Jaegers)/Gulls/Terns, Skimmer, Grey-headed Parrot, Meyer's Parrot, Lilian's Lovebird, Schalow's Turaco (Loerie), African Scops Owl, Southern White-Faced Scops Owl, African Barred Owlet (Owl), Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle Owl, Pel's Fishing Owl, Mousebirds/Trogons, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Racket-Tailed Roller, Trumpeter Hornbill, Red-Billed Hornbill, Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Black-Collared Barbet, Acacia Pied Barbet, Fork-Tailed Drongo, Corvids, Tits/Creeper, Babblers, Bulbuls/Greenbuls/Nicator, Thrushes/Rock-Thrush, Wheaters/Chats, Hyliotas/Tit-Babblers/Warblers, Apalis/Crombecs/Eremomelas, Camaropteras/Wren-Warblers, Grassbird/Rockrunner/Grass-Warbler, Cisticolas/Prinas, Flycatchers/Batis, Wagtails/Pipits/Longclaws, Shrikes/Boubous/Tchagras, Bush-Shrikes/Helmet-Shrikes, Starlings/Oxpeckers, Sugarbirds/Sunbirds/White-Eyes, Buffalo-Weavers/Sparrow-Weavers/Sparrows, Weaver/Cuckoo-Finch, Quelleas/Bishops/Widowbirds, Pytilias/Waxbills/Firefinches, Finches/Mannikins, Whydahs/Indigobirds (Widowfinches), Canaries/Seedeaters/Citril/Siskin/Buntings
Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings
Large Mammals: Grysbok, Steenbok, Suni, Tsessebe, Crawshay's Zebra, Hartebeest, Black Rhino
Small Mammals: Aardwolf , Bat-eared Fox, Tree Hyrax, Dwarf Mongoose, Bushy-Tailed Mongoose, Selous' Mongoose, Marsh Mongoose, Meller's Mongoose, Temminck's Pangolin, Striped Polecat (Zorilla)
Predators/Scavengers: Serval, Caracal, African Wild Cat, Small-spotted Genet, Black-Backed Jackal
Primates: Chacma Baboon, Samango (Blue) Monkey, Maloney's Monkey, Night Ape
Rodents & Shrews: Rock Elephant-Shrew, Hedgehog, Four-striped Mouse, Sun Squirrel
Birds: Yellow-Billed Stork, Saddle-Billed Stork, Shoebill, Steppe Buzzard, Grey Go-Away-Bird (Lourie)
Zambia Guides
Jason Alfonsi
Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa National Park Walking Safaris
Jason began guiding in South Luangwa in 1984 and is widely respected as one of the park's top Master Guides, with an unparalleled knowledge of the wildlife and natural history of South Luangwa. He is a member of the Zambia Ornithological Society and an enthusiastic amateur astronomer.
Nick Murray
Mana Pools National Park Canoeing & Walking Safaris
With 25 years guiding experience, and a BSC in Zoology and Wildlife Management, Nick's expertise includes the capture of over 2,000 wild animals for translocation. Since 1997 Nick has spent most of his time canoeing the Zambezi River at Mana Pools. He is legendary for his ability to identify and communicate with specific hippos out of thousands along the way.
Zambia FAQ
Zambia Facts for Visitors
Visas
If your itinerary includes Mana Pools, you will be crossing the border into Zimbabwe and you will need a multiple-entry Zambian visa. Multiple-entry visas must be applied for in advance through the Zambian Embassy. Complete information, including a downloadable application, can be found at www.zambiaembassy.org under "Visa and Consular". The cost of a multiple-entry visa is about $80. It is recommended that you submit your application 1-2 months prior to your departure date.
If your itinerary does not include Mana Pools, you can obtain a visa at the point of entry into Zambia. Current charges are around $50 for tourists of most nationalities (U.S., Canada, and the U.K. If your nationality differs from those listed, please ask about visas before booking.
Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from Zambia and have at least two blank pages.
Departure Tax
Is payable locally in dollars by all guests for each departure. International Airport Tax - US$25; Domestic Airport Tax - US$8.
Water
It is recommended that you only drink bottled water as the bacteria in the water can be quite aggressive to unfamiliar intestinal flora. If you have doubts, do not use the tap water, even for brushing teeth. TIP: Your local natural market, health food store, or vitamin shop may carry a natural product called Grapefruit Seed Extract. Other names include Naturbiotic Citricidal GSE. This totally natural product is a wonder for both prevention and treatment of all sorts of intestinal problems. It kills a long list of bacteria and protozoa, including Giardia, when used properly! 2-4 tablets of Grapefruit Seed extract with water once or twice each day acts as a prophylactic and will go a long way in preventing Montezuma's Revenge and other intestinal upset. Highly recommended.
Money / Currency
Zambia's unit of currency is the kwacha (ZMK.) At the airport and in the larger cities and towns, you can exchange travelers' checks and US dollars to kwacha. When changing U.S. dollars, use new or undamaged bills, as torn or heavily crinkled bills are not accepted. Some of the larger banks will have ATMS that can withdraw funds using Visa cards - be sure you know your PIN number. Additionally, Robin Pope Safaris accepts Visa for payments made in their camps. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, however not in remote areas, and should not be relied on. If you plan to use a credit or debit card, remember to call your bank in advance of your trip and let them know you will be using the card internationally. If you don't do this, banks will sometimes flag your account for fraudulent activity when you use your card abroad and it can be difficult to have the fraud alert lifted quickly.
Voltage / Outlets
Electricity can vary by location in Zambia but is usually 220-240 volts with Type C, Type G or Type D outlets. You will need to bring a converter for any appliances you plan to use that can't handle the higher voltage. Additionally, you will need a plug adapter that fit the specific plug types mentioned above. At the camps with generators (Nsefu and Tena Tena), hairdryers cannot be used, however simple battery recharging will be fine.
Climate
June-July: This is the "dry season" and is also winter. The grass dies back and the lagoons start to dry up. Expect warm days, but cold at night and in the early mornings. Jackets are needed.
August: Varies from cool to hot, can still have cold spells, bush is dry, lagoons are shrinking, and game viewing is increasing.
September: Hot, dry and hazy. Trees flower and lose leaves. Game viewing is excellent.
October: Very dry with excellent game viewing. There will likely be an occasional rain where it will cool down and clear the air. It can be very hot (up to 40 degrees C in the shade). New growth starts and there are newborns everywhere by the end of the month. The woodlands are all very green near the end of Oct.
This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:
- Master Guides - who reply on advanced tracking skills, not radios
- Un-habituated Wildlife - in remote areas are less used to humans so you see true "wild" behavior
- Jeep, Walking & Canoe Safaris - for the broadest diversity of game and a more intimate & authentic safari experience not available elsewhere in Africa
- Avoid Crows - Nsefu Sector has 2 lodges, compared to Mfuwe's 25 lodges!
- No Jeep Competition - you won't find 5-30 jeeps chasing a lion pride as is typical in most of Africa
- Max 2 Per Row in Jeeps - for unobstructed wildlife observation
- Master Guides - who reply on advanced tracking skills, not radios
- Un-habituated Wildlife - in remote areas are less used to humans so you see true "wild" behavior
- Jeep, Walking & Canoe Safaris - for the broadest diversity of game and a more intimate & authentic safari experience not available elsewhere in Africa
- Avoid Crows - Nsefu Sector has 2 lodges, compared to Mfuwe's 25 lodges!
- No Jeep Competition - you won't find 5-30 jeeps chasing a lion pride as is typical in most of Africa
- Max 2 Per Row in Jeeps - for unobstructed wildlife observation
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