Bushtracks Expeditions

Destination: Southern Africa

Zambia and Botswana Photo Safari with Rikki and Jack Swenson

Zambia, Botswana - Optional Photographic Extension to the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Itinerary

Days 1 - 3

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The South Luangwa National Park has recently been highlighted in both National Geographic (May 2007) and National Geographic Traveler (March 2007) magazines with photos by world renown wildlife photographer, Frans Lanting. The writer of the story, Lanting's wife Christine Eckstrom, speaks of Zambia as, "wild Africa at its best. We were surprised a place this big, rich, and intact still exists and is so little known."

Upon arrival in Lusaka, Zambia, board a commercial flight for Mfuwe the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. On landing at Mfuwe airfield, naturalist guides will drive you to Mfuwe Lodge in the South Luangwa National Park. Built between two lagoons, each thatched chalet at the lodge offers en-suite bathrooms and a large private deck. The open thatched lounge, dining room, and bar area includes a swimming pool, and overlooks the lagoons that are regularly visited by hippos, crocodiles, and puku antelope. Here, you might enjoy an early morning walking safari while your afternoon game drive will offer you numerous photo opportunities of lion, giraffe, elephant, hippo, zebra, baboon, waterbuck, and impala. Afternoon drifts into evening with a sundowner followed by a night drive back to the lodge.

Lodging: Mfuwe Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 4 - 6

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

This morning fly by private air to the Lower Zambezi National Park and Chiawa Camp. The Lower Zambezi National Park borders 120 kilometers of Zambezi River, a magical environment for wildlife photography. 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.

Visitors to the Park are assured of seeing very little human activity. With over 300 bird species, lion, leopard, herds of elephant and buffalo, prolific hippo, gigantic baobab trees and magnificent stands of acacia, the Lower Zambezi National Park and Chiawa Camp have become one of Africa's most exclusive safari destinations. Resting peacefully inside the National Park, on the river bank, in a grove of mahogany and acacia trees, the lodge is constructed essentially of natural materials, and is designed to ensure its idyllic setting can be fully appreciated. The camp is part of the natural environment with elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo, baboons, and other animals moving freely through the area. The photo opportunities from your own deck may be a special delight. Here you will also have the opportunity to canoe in the Zambezi River, affording you a refreshing vantage point of the wildlife. All tents are under shade, each on a raised deck with private veranda and en-suite facilities. Only sixteen guests can be accommodated.

Lodging: Chiawa Camp (B,L,D)

Days 7 - 8

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Continue by private air to Victoria Falls in Zambia. From the air, you should have great views of the gorges created by the massive amount of water that has moved through and reshaped this landscape for thousands of years. On arrival, drive to the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Enjoy a guided walk to the Falls along rain forest trails, watching for wildlife, such as bushbucks and vervet monkeys. The volume of water is staggering. The next morning you may choose to take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip, offering fantastic photographic opportunities of this spectacular natural wonder. Later, you'll visit the Chief Makuni village with its interesting blend of old and new ways, learning about and photographing their traditional lifestyle. You'll end your day on the river's edge, photographing or just enjoying the dramatic sunset, with a cool drink in hand.

Lodging: Royal Livingstone (B,L,D)

Days 9 - 11

Chobe National Park, Botswana

This morning take a sunrise stroll one last time at Victoria Falls before boarding your private plane for a scenic flight along the mighty Zambezi River to Botswana and your next wildlife destination. Upon arrival in Kasane, Botswana's most northerly town, drive west along the Chobe River into Chobe National Park to arrive at your lodge overlooking the river. During your days here, you'll explore the river banks by boat, and watch for elephants which come down to drink and bathe.

Venture out on game drives in open vehicles or explore the area on foot with a naturalist guide. The Chobe floodplain is renowned for its large concentrations of elephants, buffalos, and zebras. It is also know for it's high density of predators: lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and cheetah. Also, watch for unusual antelope species such as sitatungas, roan, sable, pukus, and lechwes. You might also see rare wild dogs hunting for food, and numerous birds such as blacksmith plovers, sacred ibises, saddlebill storks, fish eagles, kingfishers, and hornbills. Sunday night, celebrate your African safari with a traditional barbeque or "braai" under the stars.

Lodging: Chobe Game Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 12

Livingstone and International Flights Home

Return to Livingstone by boat and road in time for your international flights home.

The Details

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