Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Zambia & The Lower Zambezi: Africa’s Elite Corner


Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 : DEPART USA

EN ROUTE
Depart today on your South African Airways overnight flight to Johannesburg.

DAYS 2-3 : VICTORIA FALLS

TONGABEZI
Arrive Johannesburg and connect with your flight to Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Here the Zambezi River is over a mile wide and plunges into a vertical abyss across its entire width. The force of the falling water sends spray clouds high into the air, giving rise to the African name “Mosi Oa Tunya,” the smoke that thunders. Spend two nights at Tongabezi, a superb lodge situated on the Zambezi River comprised of four houses and five cottages, each unique in design and set among ebony and acacia trees. There is game viewing on the river by canoe or banana boat, bird watching, fishing and viewing the falls. Adventurous optional activities include whitewater rafting (water levels permitting) and the “Flight of Angels” over the falls.

TONGABEZI ISLAND CAMP


A special feature of Tongabezi is the romantic Bush Camp on small, shady Sindabezi Island in the middle of the Zambezi River. It faces a floodplain where elephant, buffalo and waterbuck feed most evenings. Spectacular sun and moonrises combine to make this a very special place. (B,L,D)

DAYS 4-5 : LIVINGSTONE / SOUTH LUANGWA

MFUWE LODGE
Board your transfer flight to Mfuwe, gateway to the South Luangwa Valley. Known as the “Valley of the Elephants,” the South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, wildlife and beautiful scenery. In the southern region leopard, kudu and giraffe are numerous. To the north wildebeest and other savannah species dominate the scene. Over the years the Luangwa River has left behind the still waters of oxbow lagoons, surrounded by flood plains. As the dry season progresses, these waters become the focal point for the water-dependent wildlife. Elephants in the hundreds march down to the river, seeking water and shade under the tallest trees. Game viewing by vehicle and full day walking trips are offered along with picnic bush lunches. Night drives are one of the highlights, giving you the chance to see nocturnal animals, especially leopard, for which the valley is famous. Spend your first two nights in Mfuwe Lodge, a unique lodge situated in the Park with 18 luxury en-suite thatched chalets. Each has a private deck overlooking a lagoon that attracts abundant wildlife and game. (B,L,D)

DAYS 6-9 : SOUTH LUANGWA VALLEY

BUSH CAMPS
Spend the next four days walking and driving in this special sanctuary experiencing the safari treasures of the valley. Five intimate and exclusive bush camps are the perfect complement to Mfuwe Lodge. Bilimungwe, Kapamba, Kuyenda, Chamilandu and Chindeni offer accommodation for a maximum of eight guests in a mix of tented and traditional bamboo reed camps, all with en-suite bath. Solar-panel lighting, paraffin lanterns and hot and cold running water ensure you will not have to forgo any level of comfort despite being in a remote and unspoiled location. Each camp has its own style and you may stay in one, two or more camps as you wish, walking or game driving between. Activities are tailored to the individual tastes and include walks and day and night game drives. These remote camps provide a true African experience where the walking safari was pioneered for those wanting to get close to nature. (B,L,D)

DAYS 10-12 : SOUTH LUANGWA / LOWER ZAMBEZI

CHIAWA CAMP
Morning flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Park extends 75 miles along the Zambezi River downstream from Victoria Falls. Wildlife is abundant including elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard, together with a great variety of birds. Chiawa offers an unequalled variety of activities. Walks under the guidance of a professional guide or game drives in an open safari vehicle often reveal the big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Night drives with the aid of a spotlight allow guests to see the nocturnal creatures and predators on the prowl. For anglers, there is an opportunity to catch the world’s toughest fresh water fish – the tiger fish. Expert guides cater for all levels of anglers and a strict Catch & Release policy is observed. River safaris explore the river and its islands in comfortable pontoon boats. Canoeing provides close up viewing of birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Chiawa Camp has been voted one of Africa’s “Top Ten Safari Camps.” It is perfectly positioned in the heart of the National Park under a shady grove of mahogany trees. Spacious tents are each set on elevated wooden platforms under shade with panoramic views of the Zambezi. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 : LIVINGSTONE / JOHANNESBURG / DEPART

EN ROUTE
Scheduled flight to Johannesburg connects with your departure flight. (B)

DAY 14 : ARRIVE USA

EN ROUTE
Early morning arrival. Welcome home!

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