Zambia information
ZAMBIA...
NATIONAL PARKS OF ZAMBIA - ZAMBIA'S GAME PARKS:
SOUTH LUANGWA:
Experts have dubbed South Luangwa as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world
The concentration of game around the Luangwa river and it’s ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa.
The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the park's 9050km2.
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 this 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.
The hippopotamus is one animal you won’t miss. As you cross over the bridge into the park there are usually
between 30 and 70 hippos lounging in the river below and most of the dambos and lagoons will reveal many.
There is estimated to be at least 50 hippos per kilometre of the Luangwa River!
Zebra can be seen running in small herds of about a dozen. The difference between Zambia’s zebras and those
in the south and east of Africa are in the stripes.
Watch out for the elusive bushbuck, preferring to inhabit densely covered areas.
The common duiker is not that common near the Luangwa river but inhabits the back country of the Luangwa Valley.
The largest of the antelope is the eland, usually near the Nsefu sector of the park.
The most numerous antelope is the impala, these gregarious animals can be seen in herds all over the park.
Not to be confused with the Puku, of similar size but a much fluffier buck with a rich orange coat and also prolific.
More scarce is Maloney’s monkey. Present, but unlikely to be seen except on night drives is the night ape, and the
nocturnal bushbaby. Hyenas are fairly common throughout the valley and their plaintive, eerie cry, so characteristic of
the African bush can be heard on most nights. South Luangwa has a good population of leopard but they are not that
easy to spot and tend to retreat when they hear vehicles.
When to go 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.
See below in brackets.
Where to stay; Sun and Sandals' Lodges: There are many varied places to stay in the Valley ranging from
luxurious safari camps to budget chalets and camping. Most of the lodges are spread along the east bank of
the Luangwa River, in the adjoining Game Management Area, conducting game drives and walking safaris along
the west bank, in the Park itself. Some of the Lodges have bush camps deep in the Park for remote walking safaris.
Kapani is one of the more well known and established lodges, built by Norman Carr, the ‘father’ of conservation in Zambia.
It has comfortable, well appointed brick and tile chalets and top quality catering. (All year).
Kapani runs three bush camps in the Park during the dry season; Luwi, Kakuli and Nsolo with the emphasis on
walking safaris. (June to October) Run by Norman Carr Safaris. Chichele Presidential Lodge -
An elegant Victorian “Gentleman’s Lodge” initially constructed as a private residential retreat for the former
President of Zambia – Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
Chichele occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire South Luangwa National Park, home to elephants,
lions, their prey and their habitats. With its magnificent hilltop position inside one of Africa’s most
prolific game-viewing areas, Chichele is set to become one of the greatest safari lodges in Africa.
Puku Ridge Tented Camp A real wilderness experience under canvas with attention to luxury and comfort and emphasis
on exciting wildlife opportunities. This superb property is located on a ridge overlooking spectacular game rich floodplains.
Game to be seen includes elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo and giraffe. Guided walks,
game drives and night drives are conducted by armed professional safari guides.
Mfuwe Lodge is a fine luxury lodge in one of the South Luangwa's prime locations, built between busy lagoons within
the Park iteself. They have two Trail Camps, for walking safaris operating from July to October.
Otherwise the main lodge is open all year round. Tena Tena is a luxurious tented camp under a shady mahogany grove
in the northern section run by Robin Pope, a well-known safari expert. (June to October).
The Popes also own the picturesque Nkwali Camp further south, which boasts the ‘best bar in the Valley.
’ (April to December) and Nsefu, the oldest camp with a spectacular view across the Luangwa River.
The newest Lodge in the Valley is Kafunta
Each spacious log cabin is made from natural material with a splendid view over the winding Luangwa River.
Luamfwa is another of the Valley’s oldest lodges, recently refurbished and nestling in a very remote section of
the park itself. Its wooden chalets overlook a busy lagoon. (June - Oct)
KAFUE NATIONAL PARK Kafue is Zambia’s oldest park and by far the largest.
It was proclaimed in 1950 and is spread over 22 400 square kilometres - the second largest national park in the world -
about the size of Wales.
The Kafue and Lunga Rivers offer superb fishing opportunities, especially good bream, barbel and fresh water pike.
Most lodges have fishing tackle, rods, boats and bait available. Cheetah and Leopard also roam the plains,
the cheetah being able to exercise their famous turn of speed, reaching up to 125 kilometres an hour.
Blessed with 7 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls,
Zambia offers holidays filled with adventure and scenic beauty. A wide range of hi-action activities from the
legendary Walking Safari deep in the wilderness. World class River Rafting, Bungi into the deep gorge below the
Victoria Falls, Abseiling, Canoeing Safaris down the Zambezi,
River Surfing, excellent Tiger Fishing and breathtaking African sunsets.
Apart from the most spectacular views of the magnificent Victoria Falls, Zambia has some of Africa's finest
Game Reserves in the world. Here you'll find all the details you need on What to see, Where to stay,
How to get there, When to go.
Try an adventure in Zambia with Sun and Sandals for high action adrenaline thrills and off-the-beaten track adventures:
rafting, kayaking, canoeing trails, 4x4 routes. house boating, horseback trails, scuba diving, bungi jumping,
microlighting and some of Africa's best fishing spots.
Zambia has an incredible natural heritage with many unique species found only here, for bird lovers there are
over 740 species.
The People Zambia has over 73 different tribes, with a population of just about 10 million people,
most of whom live in and around the urban centers. The population growth however, at 3.7 % per annum is
among the highest in the world. Generally speaking,
Zambians are very friendly people, and it is not uncommon for people to approach foreigners and start a conversation.
English is spoken throughout the country. There is no predominant ethnic culture and Zambians are fast becoming
westernized. There is however, an attempt to maintain traditional customs with the revival of ancient tribal ceremonies
amongst the various tribes in different parts of the country. If any of these are taking place during your visit,
they’re well worth attending.
Health It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Zambia.
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are travelling from an infected area. i.e.
not arriving from Europe America Canada
Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised.
Malaria is virulent in the low lying areas of the country which include most of the good wildlife destinations.
Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving.
Your pharmasist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink.
In the more remote areas always boil it first, except
if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe.
Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns. Swimming should be confined to swimming pools!.
Swimming in still waters can be a problem - not only due to bilharzia, but crocodiles..
Clothing Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be
worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings.
On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens.
A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen.
Don't forget swim wear and binoculars.
Some city restaurants have dress codes - casual jacket and tie for men, informal dresses for women.
