ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Zambia Safari
Accommodations Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi - Incredible! Set under a grove of mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp can accommodate 16 guests in 8 well appointed safari tents, each en-suite, each set on its own elevated wooden deck with a panoramic view of the Zambezi River. The tents are insect proof, have twin beds and solar-powered lighting. The charming lounge, bar, and dining areas are of thatch and pole construction, and overlook the Zambezi (and the wildlife that regularly drinks by camp), providing an unmatched safari ambience. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives,professionally guided walks, boating, canoeing (half, one and two day trips available), birding safaris, bush breakfasts, visits to iron-age sites, the opportunity to monitor cheetah in the relocation program, and angling for the infamous tigerfish and giant vundu catfish. Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa - The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the central river. Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Chichele (pronounce to rhyme with belly) occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park. Since the original structures, built circa 1960, became very dilapidated, the lodge has had a complete makeover. A spectacular new central lodge of stone and thatch has been designed to complement its natural surroundings. In order to exploit the wonderful floodplain vistas offered by the site, 10 elegant Victorian style lodges were built along the edge of the hillside, each giving guests a private panoramic view. Each room offers air conditioning, en suite bathroom with shower and bath, and minibar. Quality furnishings and discreet service provide the necessary level of comfort expected by upmarket travelers. Wildlife in the area includes elephant, lions, wild dog, buffalo, giraffe and a wide variety of antelope in addition to many other endemic species. Activities include wildlife viewing drives in the South Luangwa National Park using open 4 x 4 vehicles. Nighttime wildlife viewing drives using spotlights enable guests to see such nocturnal animals as leopard, night ape and spotted hyena. Professionally guided walks are conducted by armed professional guides - walks range from short excursions to longer overnight trips. There is also a swimming pool. Kawaza Village, South Luangwa - For the last 13 years Robin Pope Safaris has supported a school in the Nsefu Village area. Kawaza School now has the reputation in Zambia of being a great example of how tourism can improve a community. A number of the guests that visited the school said that they would be interested in learning more about the local way of life. Robin Pope Safaris now offer the opportunity to stay at Kawaza Village for a day visit or a night. The Kawaza Village Project is self-run by a committee of villages with Robin Pope Safaris now playing only a marketing and advisory role. The income from the project not only supports the village and the project members, but also helps run the school. Kawaza was the winner of the prestigious 2000 Silver Otter Award, given for the Best Overseas Tourism Project by the British Guild of Travel Writers. Kulefu, Lower Zambezi National Park -
The Lechwe Plains Tented Camp, Lochinvar National Park - The Lochinvar Estate has a genuine history as an "Out of Africa" colonial cattle ranch and farm. Bequeathed to the nation in 1904, the old colonial farmhouse still stands, under a preservation order. But Lochinvar's huge swath of unique wetland and floodplain savanna has returned to its wild state. Today it is a World Heritage Wetland Site. Situated on the Kafue River floodplain mid way between Livingstone and Lusaka, the Park is now the last stronghold of the Kafue lechwe, an aquatic antelope of extraordinary grace. Open April through November the exotic and beautiful Lechwe Plains Tented Camp is an African fantasy under canvas. The lodge, built onto teak decking, shelters in a mature grove of acacia trees on the edge of the wide Chunga Lagoon. Just six double units cater for a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, making this a tranquil hideaway far from the main safari circuits. Each unit has ensuite toilet, sink, shower, bath and private viewing deck. The close-up experience of living in the same environment as the wildlife offers a new perspective to the visitor. Peace and beauty blend together with ever-changing waterscapes. Guests have the undivided attention of the hosts and staff, including a professional ornithologist and guides. Lechwe Plains is a bird watcher's paradise with over 400 species recorded. In addition, the park contains approximately 30,000 Kafue lechwe, 2,000 blue wildebeest and 700 zebra. Greater kudu, bushbuck, oribi, hippopotamus, side-striped jackal, reedbuck and common waterbuck are also present. Activities include dug-out canoe excursions, wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, professionally guided walks, and fishing. Mwaleshi Tented Camp, North Luangwa - Situated in the North Luangwa this remote camp offers comfortable accommodations for a maximum of 8 guests. Mwaleshi is a seasonal bush camp, constructed of grass and pole. The camp has been built along a scenic stretch of the Mwaleshi river; a clear perennial stream, which feeds the Luangwa River. There is no electricity and ablution facilities consist of 2 communal toilets and two communal showers with views across the river. Hand basins are provided in the chalets. The camp is in the heart of an area renowned for its abundant wildlife and in particular large lion populations. There are few roads and whilst it is possible to drive across the Mwaleshi flood plain, the camp guides prefer to conduct most of the wildlife viewing activities on foot. Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa - The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of Africa's last unspoilt wilderness areas. It covers an area of over 9,000 square kilometers through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of wildlife - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds. Nkwali Camp is located on Robin's Pope's private land, overlooking the National Park. Access to the park is by boat. The ebony woodlands and open grassplains offer superb wildlife viewing. Guests are accommodated in 6 woven bamboo chalets which are airy and very spacious. Each of the rooms has a riverview. The attached bathrooms are partially open to the sky - to shower in the moonlight is a luxurious experience. The bar, near the riverbank, has been built around a massive ebony tree. From the bar, sunsets are spectacular and are frequently accompanied by a large herd of elephants crossing the river. The dining room overlooks a lagoon where many of the resident animals drink during the day. At night, some of these animals wander through the camp feeding on the vegetation. Nkwali is surrounded by thickets and wooded glades which provide cover for many birds, including some very unusual species. This area is renowned for leopards and they are often seen hunting. The camp is open April - December for professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives. Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa - Built on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, 12 kilometers north of Tena Tena Camp, lies Nsefu. Nsefu was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognized then as a phenomenal wildlife viewing area and it still is. Robin Pope reopened the camp in 1999, in keeping with the original style. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where wildlife often grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for wildlife, especially leopard at night. The original rooms have been extended, with a spacious bathroom added to each. All of the rooms have river views. The camp lies in the heart of the undeveloped Nsefu sector and so offers charm and total comfort in remoteness and seclusion. Nsefu Camp is open June through October. Activities include professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives. Puku Ridge Tented Camp, South Luangwa - Situated near Chichele Presidential Lodge within South Luangwa guests may view large numbers of wildlife, right in front of the camp, as you look out over the plain below. The camp offers unrivalled tented accommodation with the most fantastic game viewing. The property is tastefully furnished with everything one would desire. Activities at Puku Ridge Tented Camp Include day and night wildlife viewing drives and professionally guided walks. Wildlife in the area includes elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo giraffe and much more. River Club, Victoria Falls - Incredible! Overlooking the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls in Zambia, this small luxury lodge exudes colonial elegance as it takes guests back to a forgotten time. Each of the 10 airy open fronted chalet enjoys en suite facilities and fantastic sunset views over the Zambezi River and Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. The main lodge building with its colonial style tin roof, house the elegant dining room, lounge, drawing room, and library. There is also a lovely swimming pool. Activities include visits to the Mosi oa Tunya National Park (home to white rhino), the historical town of Livingstone and the Railway Museum, the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, village / school visits and sundowner boat trips on the river. In the evening guests may enjoy croquet on the expansive lawns while hippo snort in the background. The River Club was voted as one of the 20 best hotels' in the world by Fodors and was also voted by Harper's and Queen as one of the World "Most Luxurious" Action Spots. The perfect place to relax for several days at the end of your wildlife safari! Royal Livingstone, Victoria Falls - Located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, at Victoria Falls, the 5 star Royal Livingstone brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region. From the grand entrance to the expansive lawns, every detail has been lovingly crafted to create the impression of being in another place in time, a time of romance and adventure. The bedrooms are two-story clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises 10 en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the great river and beyond. Each room offers a quiet retreat from the ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. As the rooms have been built no higher than two stories the accommodations are very spread out and thus guests must walks long distances to go back and forth between their rooms and the main areas (or be driven by golf cart).The main area includes an incredible bar and lounge where guests can relax inside or outside under thatched shade, decorated in harmonious greens, creams and ebony. With its comfortable armchairs and low ottomans the lounge is a place to enjoy an impeccably served high tea or to linger longer over some fine port or cigar. The a la carte restaurant offers a range of exquisite delicacies from around the world. There is a wonderfully large outdoor pool area and a viewing deck along the river bank with the mist of Victoria Falls rising a short distance away. There is also a spa. The Royal Livingstone is a place to enjoy the majesties of Africa with all the charms of a bygone era. Songwe Point, Victoria Falls - Set on a breathtaking site overlooking the Zambezi River's spectacular gorges downstream from Victoria Falls in Zambia, this recreated African village accommodates guests in 8 rustic thatched huts. Each hut has its own toilet and washroom whilst feature bath and shower rooms are located on the edge of the gorge overlooking the mighty river below. Activities include visits to the 700 year old Mukuni village and the historical town of Livingstone. Evenings end with tribal dancing before retiring to your private hut. Very unique! Sussi and Chuma, Victoria Falls - Spend a night in the forest canopy as you luxuriate in your beautiful treehouse overlooking the broad Zambezi River, just upstream from the world famous Victoria Falls. Sussi & Chuma, named after David Livingstone's faithful friends, is an exclusive, upmarket lodge which takes full advantage of its enchanting river-bank setting. Guests are accommodated in 10 luxury tree-houses, built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees lining the bank. Each unit offers en suite bathroom with shower and bath, overhead fans, minibars, and each has a private view of the Zambezi from its own deck among the branches. The main lodge building features a spectacular raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, swimming pool and lawns sweeping down to the water's edge. Resident wildlife, such as hippopotamus and elephant, is likely to wander through the grounds at any time, since in the National Park they have priority. A wide choice of activities adds to the attractions of this elegant, secluded retreat - these include wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles to view endangered rhinoceros, professionally guided walks, canoeing, fishing, sunset cruises, cultural visits to nearby villages. Other activities available to guests include whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, microlight, fixed wing and helicopter flights over the Falls, and of course, guided tours of the Falls themselves. Tena Tena Bush Camp, Luangwa Valley - "Tena Tena is altogether beyond superlatives, and must be one of the best safari camps in the whole of Africa", The Times, London. In the local language Tena Tena means "temporary home". The name is apt as, with a capacity of only 12 guests, the camp atmosphere is at once intimate and highly personalized. This remote camp, located within the Nsefu section of the South Luangwa National Park, enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade six large custom-made tents with ensuite bathrooms. From the thatched roof dining room and bar guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the river banks. Wildlife is almost always in the vicinity and guests dining on Tena Tena's superb cuisine are able to watch antelope, elephant, and other species as they come to drink at the river. The hide behind Tena Tena overlooks a waterhole and guests can spend many hours with their cameras as different species move through the area. Robin Pope's Tena Tena is open June through October and activities include professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives. Return to Ultimate Africa's Main Safari Lodge and Camp Page Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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