The Great Game Expedition

21 Days Kafue National Park and Mana Pools World Heritage Site

From

$6800 USD

pp

Safari summary

KAFUE NATIONAL PARK & MANA POOLS

4X4 EXPEDITION : 21 Days

In May and September 2020 African Safari Experts is offering a select few safari enthusiasts the opportunity to journey into some of the wildest and most exciting areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Tour dates: April 26 – 17 May and 1st to 21st September 2020.

At 22000km² Kafue National Park is remote, unchartered and offers some of the best game viewing in pristine wilderness. Mana Pools has been voted one of the Top 3 safari destinations in Africa, a World Heritage Site, RAMSAR Site and Important Birding Area with incredible wildlife interactions.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to traverse the entire length of Kafue National Park through dense bush experiencing the very best that Zambia has to offer. Starting in Livingstone and ending in Lusaka guests are assured of the most astounding safari of their lives.


About this tour

Tour type Set-date, set-itinerary, group
Main focus Walking safari—with armed guard
Activity level Moderate activity
Best months April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
  • Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
  • Night game drives

Itinerary

Day 1

Kafue

Day 1 – Depart Livingstone: Bush Camp After breakfast we depart Livingstone at 09H00. Our first destination is Kalomo (+-180km’s from Livingstone). We drive through the town and make our way to the road that leads to the Ndumdumwezi Gate of Kafue National Park. You will experience the true culture of this beautiful country as we wind our way through the foothills passing rural villages and schools along the way. After entering the park gate, we will begin a leisurely game drive, here there will be plenty of time for game viewing and birding. We will stop at around 15h00 once the team has found a suitable bush camp. (BLD)

Day 2

Kafue

Day 2 and 3 – Bush Camping We begin breaking camp and making our way slowly Northwards, there are many “loops” to be discovered here & game viewing in this this section of Kafue is good. Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Oribi, Elephant, Wild Dog, Sable and Roan antelope and Lion are all possible sightings. Birds are plentiful and include Palm Nut Vulture, Black Cheeked Lovebirds, Herons, Kingfisher, Hornbills, Pygmy Geese, Wattled Crane and many more. There are over 500 bird species in this park including the endemic Black Cheeked Love birds, a “lifer” for ornithologists.

Day 4

Day 4 – Hippo Bay, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi After breakfast and breaking camp we will drive through the ancient Ngoma Teak Forests and visit the Game Rangers International Elephant Orphanage. This is a unique opportunity to see the incredible work this organization does in rehabilitating orphaned baby Elephants. Arriving at our campsite on the shores of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi there will be time to relax and visit the local small town and market. The camp offers afternoon game drives and night drives.

Day 5

Day 5 and 6 – Bush Camping Departing the following morning we will skirt the shores of the lake to the South West before heading North. This track has excellent game viewing as the wildlife are drawn to the water.

Day 7

Day 7 and 8 – Mayukuyuku After two days of bush camping we arrive in the Central section of the park and spend two restful days on the banks of the river. Chalet accommodation is available as well as morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and walking safaris.

Day 9

Kafue

Day 9, 10, 11 and 12 – Busanga Plains Heading North we will be following the course of the Kafue River towards the Busanga floodplains and the game rich area of the far North of Kafue. This area is well known for Lion, Leopard & Cheetah not to mention the possibility of Wild Dog packs. The idea is to spend as much time game viewing, exploring & discovering as much as we can about this stunning wetland area.

Day 13

Day 13 – Mayukuyuku We will take a slow drive back in the direction of Mayukuyuku where we will once again be spending the night to break our journey. It is not possible to traverse certain distances due to road conditions as well as the fact that we are “game viewing” all the time so slow speeds mean less ground covered but better opportunities to spot wildlife.

Day 14

Kafue | Mana Pools

Day 14 – Kafue to Lusaka : Eureka Campsite This morning we will depart Kafue National Park and passing through Mwamba we will make our way to Eureka Campsite on the outskirts of Lusaka. The team will re-stock with food and fuel for our journey and stay in Mana Pools. Accommodation is in chalets for all guests.

Day 15

Mana Pools | Zambezi

Day 15 to 20 – Mana Pools National Park Departing Lusaka early in the morning we will head for the border town of Chirundu and cross over into Zimbabwe. Once the border has been crossed and park formalities completed we will make camp on the banks of the Zambezi River. A Zimbabwe Pro Guide will be accompanying us for the next 6 days and the focus will be on walking safaris in this World Heritage Site. Birding is excellent and with the camps un-fenced the wildlife literally walk through the camp.

Day 21

Kafue | Mana Pools | Victoria Falls

Day 21 – Mana Pools to Lusaka : Eureka Campsite After breakfast and a morning walk we will depart Mana Pools. Re-entering Zambia we will once again make for Eureka Campsite and overnight here. The following morning we will transfer guests to Lusaka International Airport for their onward flight arrangements. The cost per person includes the following: Guided tour of the Victoria Falls National Park All fuel costs Vehicle use for the duration of the expedition All National Park entrance fees’ and costs (Kafue & Mana Pools) Private Chef preparing all meals (Our chef has 25 years’ experience & will provide delicious meals) Accommodation (roof top tent) (chalet for each couple at Eureka Campsite only) Bedding & linen Safe, clean drinking water for the duration of the tour All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner while on tour) All camping site costs Chalet accommodation for two nights in Lusaka Dedicated Professional Walking Guide in Mana Pools Satellite phone – medical emergencies only. Charging facility for camera batteries Mosquito repellent Should you wish to do personal laundry whilst in the bush we will provide water & detergents as well as a washing line. Biodegradable soap & shampoo Only 8 places are available for each expedition. Bookings can only be confirmed with full payment in advance. Starting from $6 800-00 per person. If this expedition interests you, please make enquiries with the following contact details: Burt Day          res@africansafariexperts.com +27 (0) 84 813 63 66 Pierre Pitlo      pierre@africansafariexperts.com +27 (0) 79 232 85 80 African Safari Experts (Pty) Ltd www.africansafariexperts.com  

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YAScore: 61/100
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