Overview
A superb canoe and walking safari in the Zambezi Valley in Zambia.
An exciting trip perfect for those wishing to encounter the spectacular
wildlife and incredible scenery of Zambia in as intimate and active a way as
possible. The mighty Zambezi is an excellent location for a canoe safari.
Camping out on secluded beaches, the days are spent relishing magnificent
scenery and abundant game, while passing the ever-present basking crocodiles
and hippo pods. Away from the water there is also plenty of time for game
walks and drives to experience the diverse wildlife and remarkable scenery
this region has to offer. Highlights * Experience the peace and tranquillity of canoeing on the Zambezi * Camp out under the stars on secluded islands * Game drives in Chiawa Game Management Area, renowned for its elephant
sightings * Game walks and canoeing in the Lower Zambezi National Park ItineraryDay 1
Depart London.Depart London. Day 2
Arrive Lusaka; transfer to the Zambezi River.After the arrival of the group flight in the early afternoon, we transfer to
Nyamomba. En route there will be a brief stop at a supermarket where there is
the option to purchase drinks and snacks to take with you on the canoes. Most
of this road transfer to the start of the safari is on tar road with the last
section of the journey being along a bush dirt track so a change to a 4WD
vehicle is necessary. We camp on the banks of the Zambezi River. Dinner is
prepared by the guide.
Accommodation: Wild Camping
*Semi-participatory Camping* Day 3-5
Three days canoeing and wildlife watching on the Zambezi River, camping on
remote islands.We have three days canoeing with early starts as it is often better to canoe
in the early hours when it is not so hot, and more importantly, when the
easterly head wind is at its weakest. The pace is gentle to allow us to make
the most of wildlife viewing opportunities. We look out for elephant feeding
on the banks, basking crocodiles and numerous colourful bird species
including the magnificent African Fish eagle. The list of species we spot may
include buffalo, baboon, Vervet monkey, Pied kingfisher, Goliath heron,
Carmine Bee eaters and maybe even lion! We will frequently pass pods of hippo
basking in the deeper water who will no doubt be keeping an eye on us! There
are few signs of human habitation throughout our time on the river. Lunches
and breakfasts are either taken on islands or on the banks of the river.
Accommodation: Wild Camping
*Semi-participatory Camping* Day 6
Morning canoeing; afternoon game walk and drive in Game Management Area.We canoe to the Chiawa Game Management Area, which is situated 18 kms from
the Lower Zambezi National Park just opposite the Mana Pools, where we spend
the night in our fly camp based on mainland. This is an area rich in wildlife
and is renowned for the numerous elephant sightings. It is also home to
warthog, waterbuck, impala, kudu, and rare Samango monkeys, with many
riverene bird species including the Lilac-breasted roller. We have an
afternoon game walk or game drive through the reserve where we hope to spot
other nocturnal species such as genet, civet, hyena, porcupine, aardvark and
if really lucky, the elusive leopard.
Accommodation: Fly Camp in Game Management Area
*Comfortable Camping* Day 7 Canoe to Lower Zambezi N.P.; morning game walk; afternoon game drive back to
camp.Today we canoe from the Chiawa Game Management Area into the Lower Zambezi
National Park (approximately 8km downstream). We have a morning game walk
with a guide, and then have lunch in the park under the shade of the trees or
on the banks of the Zambezi River. After lunch we will be taken on a game
drive through the park back to our fly camp on the banks of the river in Game
Management Area. If river water levels are too high in the winter months (May
July), due to excess water being released from Lake Kariba, we may use a
boat transfer as certain road crossing may be flooded.
Accommodation: Fly Camp in Game Management Area
*Comfortable Camping* Day 8
Transfer to our riverside camp.We are transferred by road from our bush camp in the Game Management Area to
Zambezi Breezes today. Should river conditions necessitate we may use a boat
transfer back to Zambezi Breezes where required.
Accommodation: Zambezi Breezes or similar
*Semi-participatory Camping* Day 9 Transfer to Lusaka; depart.An early start today; after breakfast we transfer approximately 3-4 hrs to
Lusaka International Airport for our flight to London.
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