ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Zambia - The Real
Africa Visit: Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Lochinvar National Park, and Victoria Falls Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by air, wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, boating and canoeing on the lower Zambezi River, village visits, excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, and a guided tour of Victoria Falls Zambia is an enormous country in southern central Africa. It is home to some of Africa's most diverse landscapes and large wildlife populations. It is in many ways similar to Zimbabwe (in terms of wildlife, landscapes and the quality of the professional guides). There is however one important difference - Zambia is a stable, democratic country. The "Real Africa" safari is a shorter version of our "Star of Africa" safari. Guests can partake in an exciting array of activities such as canoeing and boating on the Lower Zambezi River, professionally guided walks through the South Luangwa National Park, wildlife viewing drives in Lochinvar, interacting with locals in their villages, and a viewing the world's largest waterfall - Victoria Falls. Flying between each destination allows guests to maximize their time on safari. Full itinerary and trip details below: DAYS 1, 2 LOWER
ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK Upon arrival at the Lusaka International Airport you will
be met and transferred by light aircraft (included) to Kulefu Camp for 2 nights. The With a beautiful riverbank setting, Kulefu - the faraway place, offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Wildlife includes elephant, lion, buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, hyaena, hippo, crocodile, zebra, various gazelle and many bird species. After sunset, when the paraffin lamps glow softly among the trees, the chink of glass and china as dinner is served is often accompanied by the nocturnal voices of leopard or a rare fishing owl. In the morning, your quest for an unforgettable wildlife viewing adventure will begin. Discover Kulefu’s magnificent wildlife by boat, canoe, open 4x4 safari vehicle or on foot. Guests are accommodated in eight spacious tented rooms built on raised teak decking with twin beds, mosquito nets, en-suite facilities (basin, toilet, shower), solar heated water and a private veranda. The informal bar, lounge and dining area are housed in a magnificent central marquee, giving an open-air feel and harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Beautiful Rhodesian teak and natural fabrics add comfort and authenticity. The camp is open from May through December each year.LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK, Kulefu Camp, all inclusive DAYS 3, 4 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK On day 3 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to South Luangwa and Chichele Presidential Lodge for 2 nights. 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, lion, 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 also available - walks range from short excursions to longer overnight trips. There is also a swimming pool. SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, Chichele Presidential Lodge, all inclusive DAYS 5, 6 LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK On day 5 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Lechwe Plains Tented Camp for 2 nights. 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. LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK, Lechwe Plains Tented Camp, all inclusive DAY 7 VICTORIA FALLS On day 7 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Livingstone. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by road to Sussi and Chuma for 1 night. 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 Zambezi river. 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. VICTORIA FALLS, Sussi and Chuma, all inclusive DAY 8 EN ROUTE Today you will be transferred to the Livingstone Airport in time to board your onward flight.
Trip name: Zambia - The Real Africa Type of safari: Premier Collection - Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with light aircraft transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Trip length: 8 days Trip cost: Based on 2 people traveling together the cost is US $3,995 per person May through October 2004. US $750 single supplement if traveling with others. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal flights. Air tickets: Click here to view airfares to Africa. Extensions:
When to travel: Wildlife viewing is best during the period April through October each year. Departures: This safari departs upon request for one or more travelers. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all first class and very comfortable. From thatched bungalows to large walk in luxury tents raised to floating chalets, all of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other luxuries include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. Age limits: The minimum age limit on this safari is 12. Guides: You will enjoy some of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas in the company of Africa’s top professional and learner guides. Zambian guides have all had to endure many years of intense training, both academic and in the field, and are rated as some of the most qualified of all African guides. Your safety and comfort are their highest concerns and they carry firearms for your protection. They are also trained and prepared to respond to medical emergencies. Luggage: As light aircraft are used for many transfers baggage is strictly limited to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted. If you wish to exceed the luggage limit please inquire about the extra cost of doing so. Trip price includes: all airport meet and greets and transfers to and from camps, lodges, hotels and airports (including light aircraft transfers from Lusaka to Kulefu, from Kulefu to Chichele, from Chichele to Lechwe Plains Tented, and from Lechwe Plains Tented to Livingstone), all inclusive stays at Lower Zambezi Camp, Chichele Presidential Lodge, Lechwe Plains Tented Camp, and Sussi and Chuma, guided wildlife viewing (in open 4 x 4 vehicles, on foot, by boat, and from canoe), tour of Victoria Falls, village visit, Park's fees, MARS (Medical Air Rescue) coverage in Zambia, most drinks, and Zambian government taxes. Trip price excludes: international and domestic flights (unless stated), airport taxes, entry visas, and all items of a personal nature i.e. extra activities at Victoria Falls, trip insurance, tips and gratuities, some drinks, and telephone calls. Visas: American passport holders traveling as tourists DO require an entry visa for Zambia. This will be paid by Star of Africa. Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates. Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants. Return to Ultimate Africa's Zimbabwe Safari Collection Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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