NORTHERN ZAMBIAN EXPLORER

(13 DAYS/12NIGHTS)

 

Fly into Lusaka, Zambia. To allow you to relax and get over the jet lag we always have you stay your first night in Lusaka. All our itineraries for Zambia are flexible and can be changed to meet your particular requirements.

 

Day 1

On arrival by road we will send you instructions on how to get to Lilayi Lodge where you will spend you first night but if you arrive in Lusaka by air you will be met by our representative at Lusaka international airport and transfer you to Lilayi Lodge for one night stay on Full board basis.

Our guide or our senior representative will meet you in the evening over dinner and go through your programme. This enables our clients to check up on any last minute questions

 

Days 2 and 3

You driver and guide will come to collect you for your transfer from Lusaka to Kasanka.

This is a 6 hours road transfer passing through the following major towns namely Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Mpika and Serenje. Accommodation is at either Luwombwa or Wasa camp.

 

Kasanka National Park

The safari then moves onto Kasanka National Park approximately 6 hours drive from Lusaka. This small park has one of Zambia's highest concentration of Sitatunga antelope. It is also has diverse birdlife which includes Pel's Fishing Owl, Narina Trogan, Ross Turacco and a large variety of waterfowl. Canoeing down the Luombwa River in search of the Blue Monkey is a worthwhile excursion.

Accommodation is either at Wasa Camp or Luwombwa Camp

Wasa Camp over looks Lake Wasa with its wealth of birdlife, resident Puku and hippo. Situated under shady trees Wasa accommodates twelve people in six twin bedded thatched rondavels with each pair of chalets sharing adjoining showers and safari type toilets.

Luwombwa Camp is attractively situated on the Luwombwa river approximately one hour drive from Wasa Camp. The camp accommodates ten persons in five twin chalets with adjoining facilities. Lighting is by Hurricane lamps.

 

Day 4 and 5

This is 5 hours road transfer to Bangweulu the Bangweulu Swamps and accommodation is at Shoebill Island Camp

Bangweulu Swamps

The Bangweulu Wetlands cover an area of some 35,000 square kilometres. This vast wilderness is full of African mystery. A watery land of papyrus, meadow grasslands and evergreen riverine woodland. It is here that David Livingstone, although desperately ill, pressed on courageously in his search for the source of the Nile, to his final resting place at Chief Chitambo's village.

The Bangweulu is unique for the vast number of endemic Black Lechwe along with herds of Tsessebe, Buffalo, Elephant, and Oribi. The shy and rare Shoebill Stork is also found here. The swamps offer some of the best bird watching in Africa with a large variety of waterfowl, cranes, herons & raptors to mention but a few.

On the drive from Kasanka to Shoebill Island the trip takes the bush roads, passing through villages where stops are made in order to purchase local produce such as sweet potatoes, vegetables and fruits. This gives the opportunity to visit the villages and to meet the local people.

Once in the Bangweulu, the safari passes through the local fisherman's camps and villages, giving one a closer look at Zambia's rich culture. Depending on the time of year, most of the area in Bangweulu is navigable by canoes or larger boats. Later in the year, as the water recedes, a combination of walking and boating is the best way to see the Wetlands.

 

Days 6 and 7

Transfer by road (Another 5 hours road Transfer passing through some of Zambia's spectacular areas) to Shiwa Ngandu for a few days stay at Kapishya Hot Springs

Kapishya Hot Springs

Transfer to Kapishya Hot Springs at the Shiwa Ngandu Estate. Shiwa Estate is situated in the Northern Province of Zambia and is based around the Shiwa Ngandu House, a forty roomed Mansion built at the beginning of this century by Sir Stewart Gore Brown. Although the mansion is closed for accommodation to visitors it can still be visited and accommodation is at the nearby Kapishya Hot Springs.

Kapishya Hot Springs is a Country Lodge offering the traditionally built ‘rondavels' with en-suite facilities. Situated on the banks of the Manshya River. The Lodge is ideal for boating, canoeing, swimming in the Hot Springs, bird watching or just relaxing

 

Day 8

Road transfer to North Luangwa National Park for 3 nights stay at Buffalo Camp

North Luangwa National Park

The safari camps are situated on the Mwaleshi River that bi-sects the park from East to West. By September, when the pools away from the river have dried, the concentration of game is phenomenal! Herds of buffalo numbering over 1,000 are not uncommon.

In North Luangwa there are only three camps. In keeping with the natural surroundings and the wilderness theme of the Park, these camps are constructed of grass and reeds with en-suite facilities.

This park offers an experience to the client that is looking for a safari away from the normal tourist routes and it is not unusual to have the 4,500sq kms to yourselves! More often than not, you will not encounter another vehicle or human being other than your guide and camp staff! There are few roads and walking is the park's forte.

 

Day 11

Air transfer to Mfuwe Airport near The South Luangwa National Park.You are transferred to either Kapani, Chinzombo, Kafunta or any other fine Lodges of the South Luangwa National Park for 2 nights stay.

The Luangwa Valley

Two of the more notable parks are, The North & South Luangwa National Parks (also known as The Valley of The Elephants) and are the pride of Zambia's Game Reserves. They cover a total of 16,000 Sq Km and are situated only 75 minutes by air from Lusaka. They boast 15 high class Lodges and Camps of International standards.

The Luangwa Valley forms part of the Great Rift Valley that runs from Kenya into Zambia. On its Eastern boundary the Muchinga Escarpment rises majestically some 1,200 metres from the Valley floor. The main feature of this park is the magnificent Luangwa River that runs through the middle of the 100 km wide valley. This river, the life blood of the valley, affords large pods of hippos that wallow in it's deep pools.

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is the better known of the parks in Zambia with an extensive network of roads and lodges, while the North Luangwa, being less developed, offers a unique wilderness experience. The valley is teaming with a large variety of game. Large herds of buffalo (said be to the largest in Africa) and also elephants are one of the major attractions of the valley.

Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest are some of the unique animals that are endemic to this part of Africa. The dominant antelope that abound in the valley are impala and puku, along with kudu, zebra, eland, reedbuck, wildebeest, hartebeest and bushbuck.

The main predators are lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Lions occur in large prides and are often seen both day and night. South Luangwa boasts of having one of the largest concentrations of leopards in the world and this makes for a thrilling encounter on your night drive!

The birdlife in the valley is also of rich and varied diversity with over 400 species recorded. The large flocks of cranes, brightly coloured Carmine bee-eaters and the numerous different raptors are but a few of the spectacles that you may see.

Lodges and Camps in the Valley

Various fine lodges are situated in South Luangwa and one in particular is pioneering micro-flights in the park itself, affording spectacular views and an ‘eagles eye' approach to game viewing.

These lodges and camps vary in both style and facilities. Most of the main lodges are permanent structures with ensuite bathrooms. Some of the lodges are on either mains or generated electricity while others opt for solar lighting systems. The majority of the lodges are situated along the banks of the Luangwa offering perfect spots for game viewing.

The bush camps are normally tents or are built from local materials such as reeds and grass but still offer a high standard of comfort.

 

Day 13

Fly to Lusaka in time for your onward home bound flight or to connect to another destination or safari.

PRICE GUIDE

NORTHERN ZAMBIAN EXPLORER. (13 DAYS/12NIGHTS)

 

NON EXCLUSIVE SAFARI RATE

Safari for 1 person costs £4,895.00 Per Person

Safari for 2 people costs £2,495.00 Per Person

Safari for 3 people costs £2,300.00 Per Person

Safari for 4 people costs £2,185.00 Per Person

 

Group rates of 6 and above are available on request.

 

All rates are inclusive of meals, accommodation, game viewing activities

(except at Livingstone, where transfers are at added cost) both air and road transfers.

All do not include park fees, airport taxes and all personal expenses

A night may be spent in Lusaka on arrival or on departure.

 

Prices excludes flights to and from Africa.

To make a booking please call us on 01995 679 776

e-mail us at zam-northern@safari-africa.co.uk

 

11 Day / 10 Night option also available.