Gem of Zambia Safari

Luxury Safari - 10 Nights

Day 1-4: Lusaka/Mfuwe Flight

South Luangwa 4 nights with Robin Pope Safaris in either the Nkwali, Tena Tena or Nsefu Camps.

The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.  It covers an area of over 9,000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs.  The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds. To explore this wilderness, Robin Pope has three camps from which you can drive, walk and night drive. Robin's camps are known world wide for their atmosphere and care for the guest.

The Nkwali, Nsefu and Tena Tena Camps are located on Robin's private land, overlooking the National Park.  The land is superb gameviewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grass plains.  Elephants often cross the Luangwa, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room.  The chalets are cool and spacious, overlooking the river.  Access to the park is through the main entrance over the bridge, by boat or by our nearby pontoon.  The area is famous for leopard and giraffe sightings.

• 12 guests
• en suite bathrooms
• open all year
• walking, drives, night drives

Day 5-6: Mfuwe/Lusaka/Jeki Flight

Lower Zambezi 2 nights with Chiawa Camp.

Lower Zambezi.  With the dramatic backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment and the wide, clear watered Zambezi River this park has spectacular landscapes and views.  The gameviewing is excellent ant the boating on the river gives a varied safari. The elephants and buffalo regularly cross the river and feed on the grass covered islands.

Chiawa Camp. Set deep inside the park, on the banks of the Zambezi River and in the heart of big game country, Chiawa Camp is owned and operated by the Cummings family.  The 8 ensuite tents, each set on it's own elevated wooden platform, over look the river where game is constantly coming down to feed and water.  In addition to drives and walks, the camp offers boating and fishing.

Day 7-10: Jeki/Lunga Flight

North Kafue 4 nights with Lunga River Lodge and Busanga Plains Bush Camp.

Northern Kafue National Park.  The Northern Kafue is a mix of Miombo forest broken by 'dambos', a local term for open grass areas.  It is particularly good habitat for sable, roan and Lichtenstein's hartebeest as well as reedbuck and oribi.  The major rivers in the area are the Kafue and the Lunga, which are clear flowing with thick, lush, green riverine vegetation lining the banks, hosting rich birdlife.

Lunga River Lodge is situated on the banks of the beautiful Lunga River where it enters the park in the North Eastern border.  The six chalets are large and extremely comfortable. The camp has a swimming pool, platform over the river, and a steam room.  Activities include game drives and walks in the pristine bush and boat excursions along the river. Boating on the river is a bird watchers dream, and very peaceful.

Busanga Plains Bush Camp.  From Lunga River Lodge a game drive through an exceptionally old Miombo Forest and over the flood plain to Busanga Bush Camp is a great opportunity to see sable and roan.  The North Western section of the Kafue Park is dominated by the Busanga Plains, a seasonal flood plain fed by the Lufupa River system.  In essence a mini Delta during the rains, which dries up in May/June attracting large volumes of game, noticeably lechwe and puku as well as the large plains game species such as roan, sable, hartebeest, zebra and wildebeest.  The concentration of plains game attracts a good number of lion and cheetah.  Busanga Plains Bush Camp, which is located on a fig tree 'island' in the middle of the plains is a small 6 bedded camp.  Accommodation is in comfortable thatch huts, with ensuite bush showers and long drop toilets.

Day 11: Lunga/Lusaka

2006 Tour Cost

These estimated rates exclude international flights, but do include internal flights, and all land arrangements.  These estimates are for guidance only and the final cost of your safari will depend on exact dates and style of travel, and the actual camps selected.