Zambia
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Dean, Lynn, Ben and Chris travelled to Zambia and Botswana
Dear Rob: What a trip! Your planning was perfect and its execution was nearly flawless. We were particularly impressed with the system which seamlessly passed us from one service provider to the next without a single hitch. The Islands of Siankaba was delightful, the management attentive and hospitable, the experience, helicopter flights, elephant rides etc., thrilling. Ntwala wasn’t quite as luxurious as the Dorchester, but it was not far off that mark. Sandibe was the perfect combination of tranquility and excitement. Our guide, Tschabo, was terrific. Lebala was the prize. Not necessarily because of the accommodations, which were just adequate; not because of the food, which was ample and delicious; not because of the staff whose unfailing kindness and good humor were constant. But rather for our guide: Dux Mareja. I don’t know what kind fate put him in charge of our little group, but it was a godsend. In short, it was a marvelous trip, and we thank you profusely.
Zambia
Regions
Other regions
Of the lesser wildlife areas, Kasanka National Park and the Lake Bangweulu wetlands lie in the northern part of the country and are of particular interest to bird watchers. The rare shoebill can be seen in Bangweulu, whilst the species list in Kasanka is well over 400. Kasanka has a very diverse habitat, and although small (covering just 350 sq kms), sports a reasonable wildlife population of which sitatunga are of worthy note. In November and December, millions of Straw-coloured fruit bats migrate into the park, one of natures great migrations.
In the west of the country, on the border with Angola, the Liuwa Plain National Park plays host to Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration. The park covers some 3600 sq kms, and is generally only accessible during the dry season (June to November) when the receding waters of the Barotse Floodplain dry sufficiently to allow vehicle movement. The park is dominated by huge tree-less plains (it is possible to reach areas where there is no tree or any other object above the grassland in sight, a truly daunting experience) where eroded natural waterholes hold enough stagnant water through the dry season to support the wildlife population – some 43000 wildebeest, oribi, zebra and lechwe being the main species. The prime predator is the hyaena although wild dog and lion have also been seen in very small numbers. Birdlife is superb, with large flocks of pelican, crowned crane and wattled crane amongst the various stork, egret and plover species and on can only imagine what the area is like during the wet months. The huge plains are fringed by riverine woodland. To reach Liuwa is an expedition and not one which should be tackled lightly. Choose to take the scheduled small group departures during Mary, June, October and November.
For further information on safari options available in Zambia please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.