Affordable Nature
Zambia
For a one-of-a-kind adventure, nothing beats the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A remote locale of rich volcanic soil has given way to pristine landscapes teeming with wildlife, even some you won’t spot anywhere else in Africa, such as Thornicroft’s giraffe. Drives in open 4x4 vehicles get you up-close, but for even better views, try a walking safari to see the swish of a lion’s tail as it disappears into the bush. Your journey comes to an end at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where your riverboat journeys down the Zambezi River kissed by the vivid hues of sunset.
Days 1/2 - Washington, D.C. or New York/Johannesburg
Board your overnight flight arriving the next day in Johannesburg. You are escorted to your hotel situated in the exclusive district of Sandton just north of the city. PROTEA HOTEL BALALAIKA SANDTON. (Meals Aloft)
Days 3/4/5/6/7/8 - Lusaka/Mfuwe/South Luangwa National Park
Begin your exciting adventure with a short flight to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. Connect with your flight to Mfuwe – the gateway to South Luangwa National Park – one of Africa’s prime wildlife sanctuaries. Wild and remote, the park has an abundance of wildlife rarely seen and some sub-species of animals found only in this valley, such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. Here, even the zebra aspire to be different. The Crawshay’s zebra is a subspecies of the Burchell’s zebra and has evenly-spaced stripes as opposed to the uneven broad stripes of those in the south and east. Find 14 antelope species and one of the densest populations of leopard in Southern Africa. Lions are plentiful and often roam in prides of up to 30. Large elephant and buffalo herds roam the plains and throughout the valley. The winding Luangwa River is filled with hippo, crocodile and Crowned Crane with baboon troupes patrolling its steep sandy banks where often hundreds of brightly-colored Carmine Bee-eaters are nesting. Of the 14 antelope species here, the impala is the most populus, but perhaps the most beautiful is the kudu, with majestic spiral horns found in the dense bush. During the next six days discover all of this and more on your daily wildlife drives and walks. Fascinating night drives (at additional cost) bring to life genet, civet, serval, honey badger and the occasional prowling leopard or lion. Over 400 recorded bird species populate the area, including the melodious Heuglin’s Robin and birds of prey, such as the Steppe and Fish Eagle. Learn about the Kapani School Project, established in 1986 to provide education to disadvantaged children. Visit the school and find out about their conservation awareness program that teaches the children about the positive impacts the environment and wildlife have on the community. Get involved with other on-going conservation and research projects in the area, which may include anti-poaching efforts, wild dog re-colonization and the reintroduction of rhino. Your beautiful lodge is situated on an oxbow lagoon near the park entrance and was founded by the late Norman Carr, a pioneer of the walking safari and noted conservationist. KAPANI LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 9 - Livingstone/Victoria Falls
Fly by light aircraft to Zambia, where you continue by vehicle to Livingstone and one of the most wondrous sights in the world. Feel the mist as the world’s largest curtain of water cascades down a sheer-sided abyss with a thundering roar. You will never forget your first sight of Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a glorious sunset as your riverboat cruises the Zambezi River alive with lumbering hippo, sun-basking Nile crocodile and Cape clawless otters diving for fish. Over 350 bird species reside here, including African Fish Eagle and Schalow’s Turaco. After a day of adventure, return to your lodge – a sanctuary of timeless Zambian traditions. ZAMBEZI SUN. (B)
Day 10 - Victoria Falls
From miles away, columns of water from the Falls are visible and today you will be afforded impressive views of the gorge and the mighty curtains of water on a guided walk of the Falls. Visit a centuries-old village ruled by Chief Mukuni for insights about the culture and history of the area from a local community guide. Your hotel is made for fun-loving adventurers and has abundant activities (additional costs may apply), including white-water rafting, bungee jumping and or just relaxing poolside. ZAMBEZI SUN. (B)
Days 11/12 - Johannesburg/Washington, D.C. or New York
The time has come to bid farewell to the incredible sights and sounds of Zambia, as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you connect with your flight home.
Optional Post-Extension to Cape Town, South Africa
Explore one of South Africa’s most popular destinations – Cape Town. Tour the city and go to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views. Explore world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a living display of South African flora, including a wild almond hedge planted by Dutch settler Jan van Riebeeck in 1660. Take in Cape Peninsula, from its beaches, to Hout Bay and Seal Island, from the tip of the Cape of Good Hope to the convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and to the naval base and Penguin breeding colony. Visit New Rest/Kanana Coummunity Trust to learn about the slow, but steady improvements. Browse antique shops and gardens nestled in the ‘Valley of the Huguenots’ and marvel at the incredible variety of architecture, from Cape Dutch, to Victorian and Georgian. Toast your good fortune and your incredible trip at wineries nestled below the Boland Mountains.
Your Journey Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Washington, D.C. or New York. Flights within Zambia per itinerary.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Breakfasts daily and all meals while on safari in Zambia. Other meals per itinerary.
- All wildlife viewing by 4x4 open-air vehicles or on-foot (walking safaris at the discretion of the camp manager).
- Complimentary bottled water in safari vehicles and at meals.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.