Zambia

African Safaris are of course the ultimate in wildlife adventure .. the lion’s roar at night, pink dusky sunrises and sunsets, the smell of the campfire and the earth after the rains … all of this plus world class guides, small luxury tented camps and superb wildlife makes Zambia my number one safari suggestion on the continent.

If you only ever go on one safari holiday to Africa, make it Zambia!  Massive herds of elephants gather in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, the Busanga Plains in North Kafue National Park are home to Zambia’s only Cheetah, the rare African Wild Dog are doing well in several of Zambia’s parks and of course walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia, so there are plenty of suggestions for mobile camping or bush camping with days of enjoying natural history on foot.

Flocks of thousands of Carmine Bee-eaters nesting in the dry river banks can be seen around September time and the Emerald Season in Zambia is a great time for travelling by boat and watching animals in the flooded forests and lagoons full of colourful birds and is also the time for many baby mammals, I can recommend a Rivers and Rainbows safari week with Norman Carr Safaris in South Luangwa. Other seasonal highlights include the bat migration at Kasanka around November and the amazing Shoebill Stork which is best seen around May – June at Bangweulu swamps. One of the best locations for Birding in Zambia is Kafue National Park and I highly recommend Mayukuyuku here, a lovely small eco-camp, open all year.

And of course on the borders of Zambia – Zimbabwe is one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls.  Visit in the rainy season and you will be deafened by the sound of thunder as waters crash down the mighty Batoka Gorge, in the dry seasons you can walk out over the top of the falls along the shores of the upper Zambezi River and picnic in the shallows.  Many adrenalin sports are available around Livingstone, bungy jumping, microlighting, white water rafting, abseiling … the list goes on!  For a more sedate enjoyment of the Zambezi, take a sunset cruise and watch elephants crossing the river or coming down to drink, or on the lower Zambezi river past the main rapids, take a few days canoeing, camping on islands and river banks to immerse yourself in the beauty of this watery wonderland as it meanders it’s way along to eventually join the Indian Ocean!

Zambia is a great option for a Family Safari with a selection of ‘Safari Houses’ at Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Livingstone and some fabulous specially trained family safari guides.  Children can learn the art of baking in a bush kitchen, tracking wildlife on foot or fishing from a dug out canoe!  Take a look at the Norman Carr Safaris family safari itinerary.

Weddings can also be arranged in Zambia – either a romantic bush wedding on safari or at the Victoria Falls are just two suggested locations. Combine a Zambian Safari with the gorgeous beaches of Lake Malawi for a honeymoon with a difference! Check out the safari honeymoons page for some ideas.  If you would like a longer safari, ask me to put together an itinerary combining Zambia with Botswana for the ultimate in African Safaris!  Some of the camps in Zambia have special offers and long stay discounts, have a look at the Africa specials page and ask me for details.

There are also opportunities to visit and help local schools and clinics in Zambia, including a dedicated volunteering holiday.