Africa
A Wildlife Safari on the Zambezi River, 8 Days - From: $4,400
Trip Summary
Come celebrate your life achievements and milestones with an eight day safari where you will experience the best that Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park has to offer. Enjoy luxury at its finest at Chiawa Camp, and rustic wilderness of Old Mondoro Camp. Both located along the banks of the Zambezi River. The camps' sensational guides and caring staff will ensure that your celebration goes off without a hitch as you experience Zambia in all its glory.
Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the south-eastern part of Zambia, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park occupies 4092 sq. kms, with 120kms of river frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. There are approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species which thrive in the Park, as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers.
This area is still unspoiled as it is new to tourism and is afforded a high level of protection from the Zambian Government and the local tour operators. It was only declared a National Park in 1983, and the Cumings Family, who own and operate Chiawa and Old Mondoro Camps, brought the first tourists to the Park in 1990.
Only licensed operators may conduct safaris in the area, and only the few lodges situated within the Park may conduct river & canoeing trips there on a daily basis. Visitors to the Park are thus assured of seeing very little human activity. This has led to the Lower Zambezi National Park providing one of Africa's finest wilderness experiences.
The legendary Zambezi River is in itself a spectacle and is the namesake of this pristine wilderness. Along its 2700km course, the Zambezi fertilises the Barotse floodplains, plunges over the Victoria Falls and replenishes the massive Lake Kariba before reaching the Lower Zambezi. Here, a myriad of islands have formed, creating a home and feeding ground for an incredible amount of diverse wildlife.
Highlights
- Explore Zambia’s legendary Zambezi River, a pristine wilderness comprised of islands, lagoons and floodplains home to approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species.
- Enjoy guided river safaris at one of the few camps in the National Park permitted to conduct waterborne safaris within the park. Spot hippos, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life from water level.
- Take a canoe safari on the Zambezi River and conclude your paddling with sundowners before being driven back to camp.
- Experience night game drives to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, and genet, as well as some of the larger predators, like lions and leopards, on the move.
- Stays at two camps provide different perspectives of the river, each offering complete comfort in an intimate setting with spectacular views of the river and access to game-viewing activities.
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| May | $4,400 |
| June - October | $5,950 |
Based on two guests traveling together. Note that prices may be higher during peak Holiday travel time from mid-December through mid-January.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Days 1 - 4
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Day 1, arrive into Lusaka, Zambia off international flights. On arrival in Lusaka, guests will be greeted and escorted to a scheduled charter flight departing for the Lower Zambezi National Park. Guests will deplane at Royal Airstrip where they will be met by a Chiawa Camp representative and transferred via road and boat to Chiawa Camp.
Enjoy a variety of safari activities such as: day and night game drives, bush walks, canoeing, gameviewing by boat and fishing.
Lodging: Chiawa Camp (B,L,D)
Days 5 - 7
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
On Day 5, guests will board a motor boat for a 45 minute boat transfer downstream to Old Mondoro Camp.
Although Old Monodoro boasts the same variety in activities as Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro also has a rustic, wilderness feel. Old Mondoro is the only "bush camp" found in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Its earthy, reed enclosed accommodations and main areas do not lack for a luxurious and full service experience
Lodging: Old Mondoro Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8
Begin Journey Home
On Day 8, guests will be transferred by road from Old Mondoro to Jeki Airstrip for a schedule charter flight to Lusaka, Zambia. In Lusaka, guests will connect with international flights home.