The lowdown
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What
A two week safari adventure combining both bush and beach in some of the finest locations in Africa
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When to go
June to November, these months are the best for blue skies, excellent wildlife spotting and avoids the most humid and wettest months
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Best for
Those who would like to experience a phenomenal safari & beach experience in an unspoilt wilderness
Zambia has managed to avoid the overcrowding and overdevelopment found in more accessible safari locations and is widely regarded by aficionados as conserving some of the finest wildlife and National Parks in Africa. This combination uses properties with excellent eco-credentials and award winning conservation but without scrimping on comfort, also tying in nicely an idyllic eco-beach experience on the calm waters of Lake Malawi.
Highlights
- A private island upstream of the majestic Victoria Falls
- Safari with excellent guides in both Kafue and South Luangwa, outstanding game-viewing, predator action and colourful birdlife.
- Leopard spotting in the prolific South Luangwa valley
- Sundowner cocktails overlooking Lake Malawi
Alternatively, if you would like to travel in a large family or multi-generational group, these properties are easily booked on a exclusive basis.
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Day 1- 3
Sindabezi, Livingtone/Victoria Falls
Start your journey in Livingstone where your party will be taken by motorboat to a private island of the Zambezi, upstream from the Victoria Falls. With just five stilted chalets and your own retinue of staff, the calming waters slide past this off-grid lodge which is the ideal base from which to explore the Victoria Falls.
Sindabezi offers a very private experience on the island, far enough upstream from the falls to be away from the madding crowd and yet within an easy boat trip to visit the Victoria Falls or Livingstone Town. Elephants cross the river in the evenings and frequently use the island as a stepping stone. Sindabezi offers all the comforts of a luxury lodge but being accessed purely from the river by motorboat really adds a sense of excitement to the start of your trip.
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Day 4-7
Chisa Nests, Busanga Plains
A private charter flight will take you deep into the north of Kafue to the Busanga Plains – a rich wetlands habitat that abounds with wildlife. Your home here are the Chisa Nests, high in the trees above the plains mimicking the weavers nests. Comparable to the Okavango Delta but with only a handful of camps and attracting the finest guides expect unparalleled wildlife sightings.
The Chisa Nests are designed to blend into the landscape and give you a raised perspective of the surrounding savannah, the ideal vantage point to watch buffalo and impala grazing with your morning coffee. Busanga Plains attracts safari-goers looking for unfiltered experiences and hence the guiding is exceptionally good. You’ll explore the wetlands which throng with birdlife and keeps all the large mammals sustained through the drier months. The population of big cats is impressive and being such a wild area, game drives will be sure to reveal unexpected species and interactions.
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Day 8-10
Shawa Luangwa, South Luangwa
Safari in silence in the valley of the leopard. Explore South Luangwa by silent electric Land Cruisers, walk with the legendary Jacob Shawa who is rated as one of the most knowledgeable guides in Zambia and cruise quietly along the Luangwa River, passing hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks and watch elephants coming to drink from the shore.
The South Luangwa has been revered as the home of excellent walking safaris and this legacy continues under the watchful eye of Jacob. The camp is again comprised of just five “tents”, raised on wooden platforms with panoramic views across the river and the surrounding landscape. You may be surprised to find claw-footed baths and all the creature comforts you’d expect at a much larger lodge. At night, the canvas cocoons the platform, retaining the authentic bush camp feel.
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Day 11-14
Kaya Mawa, Malawi
A hop, skip and jump has you at your final destination – Kaya Mawa. Overlooking the crystal clear warm waters of Lake Malawi, this paradise island is the perfect place to relax after the dust and early starts of your safari. Spend your days heading out snorkelling or kayaking, explore the island and visit the local school or relax with a cold drink in your beach hammock.
Kaya Mawa has the ambiance of a beach club fused with a safari lodge in a staggeringly beautiful setting overlooking the lake. Service is impeccable and delivered with huge smiles and allows you to completely relax into the daily ebb and flow rhythm of island life.
