This 11 day, 10 night itinerary in Zambia combines some of our favorite lodges in the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Victoria Falls. Your safari begins in the Lower Zambezi National Park which features exceptional, undeveloped wildlife areas, renowned for its abundant game and variety of wildlife including hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, fish eagles and herds of elephants. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a walking safari. Walking was pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly enjoyed. You continue your safari with a short flight to South Luangwa and a game drive transfer to the lovely Puku Ridge Camp. South Luangwa is abundant with elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, zebras and various antelope species – many of which will be easily spotted as you lounge on your balcony or eat dinner. Your safari is topped off with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls (Livingstone) where you are treated to the impeccable service and style of Tongabezi Camp. One of the original natural wonders of the world, the World Heritage Site is known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. This spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports.
Sausage Tree Camp is set in the most stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park’s best game viewing area. The camp overlooks an expanse of narrow channels and low set reed islands teeming with game, with the magnificent Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop. Guaranteed private guiding, activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating and fishing. With a maximum of 18 guests accommodated in 7 “Luxury Suites” consist of lounge & dining areas, large deck and private plunge pool. The Kigelia family tent is made up of 2 ensuite bedrooms joined together by an open plan dining and lounge area with its own private plunge pool. A large 25m lap pool is idyllically situated overlooking the mighty Zambezi River. Game drives are the most successful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those ‘up close and personal’ experiences. Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. The Lower Zambezi is also renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi, “The Chifungulu Channel”.
Puku Ridge Camp, named after the Puku antelope that graze the floodplains in its view, is perched on a ridge in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park at one of its most beautiful locations. The camp was rebuilt completely in 2019 in an African canvas/chic style that blends in completely with its gorgeous environment. This is a luxury camp with every comfort yet is intimate and friendly with just eight tents, offering the authentic safari experience that many people long for. The Park is abundant with elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, zebras and various antelope species – many of which will be easily spotted as you lounge on your balcony or eat dinner. This stunning area can also be explored on foot with park rangers and tracking guides, and at night offering a chance to see some of the more elusive animals, such as leopards, genets, and honey badgers. Sunset is a perfect time to enjoy a cocktail in the bush, or on the banks of the Luangwa River in the company of one of Africa’s largest hippo populations.
Lions and leopards are often seen in the area around the camp, as are buffalo, giraffe, zebra and elephant. For big game like this, guests really need a vehicle to get up close and here in the South Luangwa, travellers have the privilege of going on game drives at night. Guests are always amazed how much can be seen when they go down to the river for sundowner cocktails before leisurely driving back to camp. The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari and it remains the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the bush. Puku Ridge’s experienced guides love showing guests the indicators of the wild, ‘rewinding’ the action of the last few hours from just a few small give away signs.
The luxurious Tongabezi Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream of the Victoria Falls. The lodge features a lounge, a bar, two main area swimming pools, and a gym. Meals are served in the large dining room, on an outdoor deck overlooking the river, in the privacy of your room, or floating on the Zambezi River. The five houses and four river cottages are each individually styled and cater for two to five guests. Game drives, bush walks, and boating trips are all-inclusive. Victoria Falls can be viewed in close proximity to the lodge, on a short excursion with your guide. Guests can hike around the falls or try ziplining or the bridge swing. Those seeking more leisurely activities can take sunset cruises along the river, with champagne and snacks included, meander through the vibrant local Livingstone Market, or discover the region’s history and archeology at the Livingstone Museum.
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