Adventure in the Bush

Zambezi

Day 1 – Livingstone On your arrival at Livingstone airport you will be met by Charles who will drive you the short distance to Maramba River Lodge. Check in, relax, have a drink by the pool overlooking the river and get acquainted with your surroundings. Pierre will meet you at Maramba and at 15h00 we will be collected by our bus and taken to the Zambezi Waterfront where we will board Lady Livingstone for our 2-hour sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River (optional). Bring a warm jacket and binoculars. Dinner will be at the lodge as a group. (D)

Kafue

Day 3, 4 and 5 – Lochinvar National Park Lochinvar is considered the best wetland birding in the world with tens of thousands of water birds. 449 bird species in 428km²!!! Lochinvar is renowned as a superb bird sanctuary featuring many different waterfowl, raptors, woodland species and migrants. The floodplain is a wide almost flat area, with black clay soils, sloping almost imperceptibly towards the Kafue River. Vegetation is made up of grasses, sedges and herbs adapted to an annual pattern of flooding. Many plants grow up with the rising waters to become emerging aquatics at high flood. A few isolated winterthorns (Acacia albida) and palms (Borassus aethiopicum) occur on the river banks. Hundreds of wattled cranes can be seen feeding on vegetable matter dug from the soft mud and the large marabou stork scavenging for stranded fish. Around Chunga Lagoon you’ll find the greater and lesser flamingo, the pink backed and white pelicans, African skimmer, Caspian tern, Baillon’s crake and the red knobbed coot. Many species of duck are abundant in this environment; the black, fulvous, whistling, pintail, garganey, southern pochard, pygmy goose, yellow billed duck and the Cape and European shovellers. Waders include avocet, the Mongolian, Caspian and Pacific golden plovers, whimbrel, turnstone, sanderling, little stint, spotted redshank, black tailed and bar tailed godwits and six species of sandpiper. Over 50 raptors occur including the black sparrow hawk, osprey, secretary bird, African cuckoo hawk and the peregrine falcon to name a few. Other interesting sightings include the white-bellied and black bellied korhaans, yellow throated sandgrouse, narina trogon, and Denham’s bustard. A former ranch, the park was designated in 1972 and is known for its Kafue lechwe which number over 30 000. The antelope and birds thrive in the absence of larger predators. Lochinvar is also home to hot springs, echoing rocks, remains of a Neolithic settlement and an Iron Age village on Sebanzi Hill, also known for its caves, ancient baobab and wildlife. (BLD)

Lower Zambezi | Mana Pools | Zambezi

Day 9, 10 and 11 – Lower Zambezi National Park The beauty of this park lies in its undeveloped wilderness state. The opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular! The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe so the entire area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife sanctuary teeming with animals. The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including Ebony and Fig trees’. Enormous herds of elephant up to 100 strong are often seen at the river’s edge. The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard. Game drives, sunset cruises, river excursions and walking safaris are optional activities over the next three days. The camp is situated in a secluded location deep within the game rich Chiawa area, next to the Zambezi National Park. Indigenous bush surrounds the lodge, wildlife roam freely through the camp, the un-spoilt and abundant river offers phenomenal game fishing. The magnificent Zambezi River is undoubtedly a ‘bucket list’ destination! (BLD)

Lower Zambezi | South Luangwa | Victoria Falls | Zambezi

Day 15 – Mfuwe Airport On our final morning we will have an early game drive followed by a hearty breakfast before we say our final farewells to this fantastic adventure showcasing the very best that Zambia has to offer. Unique experiences and memories that will last a lifetime – we’re sure you will be back very soon. Our team will drive you to Mfuwe Airport for your local or international onward flights. (BL) Tour Information The following is included in your tour cost: Meet & transfer from Livingstone Airport to Maramba River Lodge (a 15-minute drive) One nights’ accommodation at Maramba River Lodge Guided tour of the Victoria Falls by your guide All fuel costs for the duration of the tour Vehicle use for the duration of the expedition driven by your personal guide Private Chef preparing all meals (Our chef has 25 years’ experience & will provide delicious meals with silver service dinner table dining) Accommodation with bedding & linen Safe, clean drinking water for the duration of the tour All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) while on tour             Breakfast:        Bacon & Eggs with toast & cereals             Lunch:             Sandwiches with fruit             Dinner:            Salad, Main course & Desert All camping site costs All guiding & driving by professional guides & 4X4 experts Camp set-up & dismantling of equipment each morning & evening (a local camp manager is employed for this) Satellite phone – medical emergencies only. Charging facility for camera batteries Your own private guide – 2 guests to each guide & vehicle making this an incredibly personal experience. Mosquito repellent Pre-dinner snacks with sundowners A head torch – to be returned at the end of the tour Biodegradable soap & shampoo Optional Activities on tour: Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River on “Lady Livingstone” (includes return transfer from Maramba River Lodge, National Park Fees’, snacks, selected drinks & 2-hour boat cruise) A bush walk with guide and scout in Lower Zambezi National Park A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River Night drives in South Luangwa National Park A bush walk in South Luangwa National Park