The land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife and raw wilderness, an all in one destination ……

For the more adventurous, Zambia is well worth a visit!

Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. Zambia is one of the top ten producers of copper. The country’s economy is reliant on copper exports, which make up 80% of foreign earnings and about 30% of the country’s land mass is reserved for wildlife. There are 20 national parks and 34 game management areas in the country with South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi rank among the finest game parks in the world.

Large parts of the country are thinly populated with much of population concentrated in the country’s most developed area—known as the Line of Rail – which is served by the railway linking the Copperbelt with the capital, Lusaka, and with the border town of Livingstone, which is where Dr David Livingstone first discovered the Victoria Falls In 1855. Victoria Falls is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe - this magnificent waterfull indigenously known as Mosi-oa- Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders” – plunging a misty 108m into narrow Batoka Gorge. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls is Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular viewpoint in ‘no mans land”. The world famous bunji jumping is done from this bridge.

 
Best time to go - May to October
Rain - November to April
Temp - Summer avg. 35C, Winter avg. 22C
Language - English (official), - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Monetary unit - USD or Kwacha
Visas - Double and Single visas can be obtained at any port of entry. Multiple entry visas must be applied for before travel
Health Requirements - Yellow Fever required if travelling to affected areas prior to arrival
Travel Insurance - Recommended

National Parks & Places of interest in Namibia


Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park - Livingstone

No trip to Zambia would be complete without experiencing the majesty of the Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world. The Zambezi River is the fourth largest river system in Africa after the Niger, Zaire, and Nile Rivers. The river stretches through a distance of 2,700 kilometers, starting as a little spring in the northwestern region of Zambia. As it goes on, it slowly builds up size and power, eventually serving as the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. As the Zambezi goes through the Victoria Falls, it provides a venue that is perfect for water sports such as rafting, river boarding, and kayaking.

This is a small park, only 66 square kilometres, but it affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the circular route, and the wide variety of species can be easily seen. The Park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and a variety of birds and smaller animals. Elephants cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the Park and the surrounding area. Currently it is a sanctuary to a few White Rhino who are protected by National Parks scouts and sometimes you can be fortunate enough to see them from a sunset cruise on the river or a walking safari in the park.

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia, covering an area of about 22,400 km². It is the second largest park in Africa and is home to over 55 different species of animals. The park is named for the Kafue River and it remains little-known and largely unexplored with vast tracts of its virgin bush still untouched. Thanks to its size and variety of habitat types the Kafue holds a fantastic diversity of wildlife. In recent years the Park has seen a well-managed growth in the number of Safari Camps and Lodges that operate in and around the Park. This new interest has brought with it more visitors and investment to the area, notably in infrastructure with a number of well-graded roads and airstrips.

The Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River in southeastern Zambia. Until 1983 when the area was declared a national park, the area was the private game reserve of Zambia's president. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The Park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

The River’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and huge acacias. The hills which form the backdrop to the Park are covered in broadleaf woodland. Even though the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the Park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The Park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard, and listen too for the ubiquitous cry of the fish eagle.

South Luangwa National park

This park has been accurately referred to as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. The Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this Park and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.

Seasonal changes are very pronounced in Luangwa. The dry season begins in April and intensifies through to October, the hottest month, when game concentrations are at their height. Warm sunny days and chilly nights typify the dry winter months of May to August. The wet season begins in November as the leaves turn green, and the dry bleak terrain becomes a lush jungle. The rainy season lasts up until the end of March and the migrant birds arrive in droves. Each lodge stays open for as long as access is possible, depending on its location in the area.


BEST OF ZAMBIA

Livingstone (Victoria Falls) - South Luangwa National Park - Lower Zambezi

9 Days / 8 Nights

2 Persons

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Zambia Activities

VICTORIA FALLS TOUR

To discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them it is well worth booking a Wild Horizons tour of the Falls. Described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800's as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' - 'the Smoke that Thunders' and in more modern terms as 'the greatest known curtain of falling water', Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at it's lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all.
Please note: During this time, it is recommended guests book a tour of the falls on the Zimbabwean side.
LADY LIVINGSTONE CRUISE

The Lady Livingstone is a 3 decker River Cruiser designed to seat 144 people and designed with personal comfort in mind. The sunset cruise usually takes around 2 hours providing spectacular views of the sunset with snacks and drinks. The cruise takes place along the Zambezi River, aside from the spectacular scenery as you are in the Mosi-O-Tunya National Park you have a great chance of spotting Crocodile Hippos and even Elephants.
AFRICAN QUEEN CRUISE

In the fading twilight hours, take a sunset cruise. Heed the call of Africa while sipping traditional cocktails and enjoying tasty snacks. The transfer will collect you at 15h30 in winter and 16h00 in the summer months in time for the cruise departures at 16h00 in winter and 16h30 in summer. Following this most memorable of experiences, you will be transferred back to your hotel between 18h30 and 19h00.
ZAMBEZI RIVER SAFARI

The 4 x 4 vehicles of the river! Aluminium hulled, jet propelled boats have been carefully designed so they can cross the ‘rough terrain’ of the river giving them access to places where other normal boats cannot go. This is a unique wildlife safari through the channels and rapids between the islands littering the wide part of the river just before the Falls. Elephant, hippo and wonderful birds are the main wildlife attractions and the views and sunsets are highlights.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS - 12 TO 15 MINS

Take off from the helicopter site and climb to a height of 1500ft above the ground, whilst approaching the magnificent Victoria Falls. The pilot will inform you of various landmarks of interest all along the route. You will do one and a half orbits right and left to enable the passengers on both sides of the helicopter to video, photograph and view the mighty Victoria Falls. Once complete over the falls your pilot will fly towards Long Island where one can see Elephant and Hippo dependant on the time of year. After this exciting experience and dependant on how much time was spent spotting the game on Long Island the pilot manoeuvres over to the Mosi Oa Tunya game park where there are several herds of giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest and from time to time elephant. From here the pilot returns to the helipad.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS - 18 TO 20 MINS

Take off from the helipad and proceed low level over gently undulating landscape with its Baobab trees, Mopani trees and Acacia shrub, to the mighty Zambezi Gorges. At rapid number 21 the pilot will lower the helicopter into the belly of the Batoka Gorge with its 800ft towering shoulders of rock. An exciting flight down river past rapid 22 – 23 – 24 – 25. At rapid 26, which is a very long and straight rapid, the pilot increases speed to lift out of the gorge, a towering 880 ft above you. Once clear the pilot then turns around and heads back to the falls passing several cultural villages underneath. At this stage the falls spray will be visible and at approximately 2 miles the pilot climbs up to 1500ft above the ground to reveal the Majestic Victoria Falls. The pilot will now orbit right then through the center of the Falls then orbit left through the center and up to the original falls. During this flight the pilot is explaining to the passengers the various important features through the headsets each passenger is wearing.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS - 25 TO 30 MINS

Take off from the helipad and proceed low level over gently undulating landscape with its Baobab trees, Mopani trees and Acacia shrub, to the mighty Zambezi Gorges. At rapid number 21 the pilot will gently lower the helicopter into the belly of the Batoka Gorge with its 800ft towering shoulders of rock. An exciting flight down river past rapid 22 – 23 – 24 – 25. At rapid 26, which is a very long and straight rapid, the pilot increases speed to lift out of the gorge, a towering 880 ft above you. Once clear the pilot then turns around and heads back to the fall passing several cultural villages underneath. At this stage the fall spray will be visible and at approximately 2 miles the pilot climes up to 1500ft above the ground to reveal the Majestic Victoria Falls. The pilot will now orbits right then through the center of the Falls then orbits left through the center and up to the original falls. During this flight the pilot is explaining to the passengers the various important features through the headsets each passenger is wearing. The final leg of this spectacular flight is Game viewing. The pilot will now proceed over Long Island, and the river on both sides of the Island looking for hippo, elephant and some of the large crocodiles. Once you have seen this we proceed over to the Mosi Oa Tunya game park where there are several herds of giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest and from time to time elephant who visit the park.
LIVINGSTONE ISLAND TOUR

Dr David Livingstone was paddled in a dugout canoe through swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the whole of the mile wide Zambezi River plunged. The ‘Makoro’ (canoe) paddlers skilfully landed him on ‘Goat Island’ (now known as Livingstone Island) right on the lip of the chasm. A few steps through the small rainforest on 16thNovember 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – ‘Mosi-o-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders) which he named in honour of his Queen as The Victoria Falls. Minimum 2 pax – Maximum 16 pax Children between 5 and 8 years pay half price. Visits to the island are only during the ‘low water season’, which usually begins in mid-July and goes through to the end of January. Swimming in Devil’s Pool is only available between middle of August and end of January (depending on actual water levels). Pick up times from the Royal Livingstone Hotel Sun Deck Morning visits – 07h15 for 07h30, 08h45 for 09h00 and 10h15 for 10h30 – returning after 1 ½ hrs Lunch – 12h15 for 12h30 - returning at 15h00 Afternoon visit (High Tea) – 15h15 for 15h30 and returning at 17h30
SIMONGA VILLAGE TOUR

The 3000 people of Simonga are a mix of the Lozi and Tonga tribes. The villagers generally make a living from agriculture, supplemented by catches from the Zambezi. Simonga has benefited from the development of tourism in the area and some residents now offer village tours. A typical visit to the village would start at the receiving area, where the visitors are. From there they would be taken to see some of the households and shown the day by day life of the villagers, including cooking, traditional animal husbandry practices and a visit to the school.
MUKUNI VILLAGE TOUR

Mukuni village is close to the border gate and is home to about 5000 people from the Leya community, who have lived in the Falls area for many generations. Guides are available to take you through the village where guests have the opportunity to learn more about the interesting culture while being shown around the village homes and Chief Mukuni’s Palace, as well as having the opportunity to try out the traditional food and beer.
DAVID LIVINGSTONE MUSEUM

Aside from a comprehensive collection of David Livingstone memorabilia the museum has interesting displays on the Stone Age people who first lived in this area and an African cultural section. Guided tours are available.
FISHING

Angle Zambia provides fishing excursions on the Zambezi River upriver from the Victoria Falls. Experienced guides will take the guest to the best fishing areas where over 75 species of fish lurk in the waters of the mighty Zambezi. One of these fish is rated by many anglers as “the finest sporting and fighting fish in the world” – the renowned Tiger Fish. A variety of wildlife may also be viewed along the river. Minimum 2 pax – maximum 16 pax No minimum age but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult Maximum pax per boat is 4 Children under 12 years and spectators (non-fishers) pay ½ price The transfer is ± 40 mins from Day Activity Centre, Avani or Royal Livingstone hotels to the fishing launch site Spin cast is the usual tackle however, flying fishing is available on request The fishing is on a “Catch and Release” policy Lost and broken tackle must be paid for.
MICROLIGHT FALLS FLIGHT

One person and an experienced pilot take a 15-minute microlight flight over the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. A 30-minute microlight flight will take you over the Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The minimum age is 8 however if a child is younger but big enough to fit into the harness then they are permitted to fly. All children are at full rate.
ELEPHANT INTERACTION

The guests’ experience begins when they board a jet boat to cruise upriver from Victoria Falls, keeping an eye out for wildlife in the national parks that border each side of the Zambezi River. At the Elephant Sanctuary they are greeted by elephants of all ages. Guests can stroke them, feed them, pose for photos with. Guest are then invited up onto a beautifully-appointed deck suspended over the Zambezi River and handed a champagne. The meal is prix fixe, so guests can sit back and relax over the delicious "bush gourmet cuisine" unique to The Elephant Café. This exclusive restaurant only uses wild and locally-sourced fresh ingredients, therefore its fine dining menu changes according to the seasonal produce that is available at any given time. Min /Max pax: 2 / 24 Speedboat / Elephant Interaction / Breakfast (06h10 – 09h45) Speedboat / Elephant Interaction / Lunch (10h00 – 14h30) Speedboat / Elephant Interaction / High Tea (14h15 – 18h00) Speedboat / Elephant Interaction / Dinner (15h15 – 21h00)
ROYAL LIVINGSTONE EXPRESS

This is a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where the natural splendour will stir your imagination and the luxurious comfort soothes your soul. This unique luxury rail restoration is an extension of the five-star Royal Livingstone Hotel. The train provides fine wining and dining as you travel through the picturesque Zambezi Valley in Pullman style coaches which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. The Royal Livingstone Express consists of 5 air-conditioned carriages, 2 dining cars, a club/kitchen car, lounge car, and an observation car and is pulled by either a 10th class No. 156 or a 12th class No. 204 locomotive. One of the dining cars, The Wembley, was built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company. The journey begins when you're collected from the Royal Livingstone Hotel at 17h00 and transferred to the Bushtracks Private Station, where guests board the immaculate vintage first class Lounge carriage. There are two dining cars with a seating capacity for 92 passengers and a fully equipped kitchen car to produce a 6-course gourmet dining experience.
ZAMBEZI CANOE SAFARI

Probably the best way to appreciate the beauty, peace and wildlife of the Zambezi River above the Falls is to paddle slowly downstream in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa. Watch the Pied Kingfisher hover and dive, listen to the haunting call of the fish eagle and the grunts of the hippo, see elephant, buffalo, and other animals come down to drink and explore the islands and waterways along the route. There is time to stop for something to drink and listen to tales of Livingstone’s journey to the Falls.
WHITE WATER RAFTING

World famous white water rafting. Awesome grade 5 rapids all year round. LOW WATER (Mid July to End January, best = August & September) A half-day white water rafting trip in the morning takes in rapids 1 – 10, breakfast, a light lunch and drinks for the climb out. The afternoon white water rafting trip includes lunch, rapids 11 – 21, and drinks for the climb out. Return transfers from Livingstone town accommodation are included in the rate. A full day white water rafting trip includes 21 rapids, lunch and 9 ½ hours in the day, including the walk out of the gorge and the drive home. HIGH WATER (End January to Mid July) PLEASE NOTE: IF THE WATER IS TOO HIGH THE RIVER IS CLOSED FOR SAFETY REASONS - this usually happens between April and May but can last as long as up to July. Full Day – rapids 11 - 25
CHOBE DAY SAFARI

Chobe National Park is approximately two hours from Livingstone. Your transfer is by road and boat across the Zambezi River, as you are crossing into Botswana you will need your passport. Your safari begins with a river game viewing cruise on the Chobe River with refreshments while the boat takes you close up to the wildlife and waterfowl along the river. The cruise ends at around 12h30 and you are taken to one of the riverbank hotels for lunch. After lunch, spend the afternoon on 4x4 safari vehicles game viewing in the Chobe National Park, an opportunity to see the abundance and variety of wildlife that Chobe is renowned for. Return to the border post at approx 17h00 and from there transfer back to your hotel to arrive at around 18h00. The cruise and the game drive each last approx 2½ hours and can be swapped around so that guests may do the game drive in the morning and the cruise in the afternoon. The timings, on average, will work as follows: - Livingstone to the Ferry border: approx. 45mins Border crossing (including immigration): approx 20-30mins Ferry Border to Riverfront hotels (we always stop here for a bathroom break): approx 15mins Riverfront hotels to CNP: approx 10-15mins Departure – Between 07h10 and 07h30 from Hotels in Livingstone Duration – 9½ hours * Visas may be required for this tour (for guests own account)
RHINO WALKS

Guests are driven to Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and transferred to safari vehicles. There is a briefing by the guides, regarding the procedures and safety aspects of the walk. Professional guides give commentary on the rhino as well as wildlife, flora and spoor encountered during the walk. Guests are then transported to the picnic site reserved exclusively for the walking safaris. After the picnic, guests are accompanied by the professional guides to the park exit and transferred by vehicle back to the accommodations. Many factors are involved in starting the Walking Safari, which can add to the overall duration of this Activity. The actual walking time is 3 Hours + transfer both ways + organizing the Escort Scout + driving to and from the starting/pickup point. Normally the duration is 4 to 4 ½ hours but could be a bit longer. Min number of guests 2 / Max 16 (2 groups of 8) Min age 14 / Maximum age N/A (guests must be physically fit however) ALL GROUPS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A PROFESSIONAL WALKING SAFARI GUIDE AND AN ARMED ZAWA ESCORT SCOUT.

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!

Tom & Lyndie Lamson, USA – South Africa and Zimbabwe