Zambia Odyssey

Wilderness Safaris New Zambia camps

2007-11-08T03:55:00.000-08:00

KWENA LAGOON CAMP, SOUTH LUANGWA

• Open 1 July 2008
• Open from 01 May to 30 November each year
• Kwena means 'crocodile'
• The camp is built overlooking a huge permanent lagoon
• 7 twins / doubles & 2 family units (2 rooms, each en suite, with adjoining sitting area)
• 5 km from Kalamu Camp
• Activities: Day & night game drives, walks, stargazing, village visits, birding
• Rack rates: USD510 pppn (valid to Nov 08)
• Access: Luamfwa airstrip (shared with Kalamu), 15 mins flight from Mfuwe

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

2007-11-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

No 5) Luwi Bushcamp – South Luangwa National Park (Mid)

Focussed solely on walking safari, this is a rustic bushcamp that epitomizes the legacy of Norman Carr- this is a product every true safari enthusiast would relish. Luwi lies beneath a shady canopy of mahogany trees looking over a grass plain that is regularly used as a crossing path by game moving toward the lagoon just off to the camps side. With only 4 rooms the camp is minimal but has undeniable charm and character; the guiding is some of the best around.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

2007-11-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

No4) Old Mondoro – Lower Zambezi National Park

Nestled among giant winterthorn trees on the banks of the Zambezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park Old Mondoro overlooks a maze of scenic channels and islands. With accommodation for only 8 guests, Old Mondoro is a back to basics authentic bushcamp. Accommodation includes four rustic yet comfortable, open-style canvas and reed rooms; each with its own en-suite bathroom. The perfect camp to couple with a few nights at Chiawa or Sausage Tree.

The Luangwa today

2007-11-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

As we write to you now from the Luangwa Valley the storm clouds are brewing and we are expecting another of our early season rain showers. After the excessive rains we received at the start of this year no one really knew what the weather Gods had in store for us this time around but at the moment it certainly looks as though our weather is coming early this year.

The new growth has already started as a result of the early rains and the bush has that wonderful fresh feel to it. The Impala are just starting to drop their young and the warthog babies are all over the place.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

2007-10-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

No 3) The River Club – Livingstone, Victoria Falls

Perched up on a hill overlooking a wide curve in the Zambezi the River Club, an Edwardian style 9 roomed lodge, has the best views of any Zambezi River lodge. Located only 20 minutes drive from the Falls themselves, the lodge is close enough to make use of all the activities and views the area can offer whilst also being tucked away from the crowds. A fantastic infinity pool, beautiful manicured gardens and open fronted river view rooms make this a cracking place to stay.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

2007-10-18T09:31:00.001-07:00

No 2) Chiawa – Lower Zambezi National Park

Regarded as One of Africa's Top Ten safari camps" according to Conde Nast, Chiawa is renowned for personalized, excellent service and its expert African-born guides. Due to being one of the first of only a privileged few to commence operating safaris in this unique area, Chiawa’s camp location is unrivalled – each room looks out over the Zambezi and the general communal areas are right on the banks of the river. It has the highest price tag of any Zambian camp….but it is worth every penny!

Zambia's Top Ten Lodges

2007-10-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

Over the next ten days we will be reviewing Zambia's best safari lodges...there is no particular order to the list as so many of the countries camps are superb and we cannot decide which ones are the very best!!

So, (in no particular order!)

1) Busanga Bush Camp - Kafue National Park

Located in the heart of the Busanga Plains in Kafue, Busanga Bush Camp is a stunning ‘raw’ bush camp. With only three rooms (four for group bookings is possible) the camp is all about safari and ‘no frills’. Discreetly hidden away from view this small camp is located on an island overlooking the Busanga Plains, an expanse of seasonal floodplains that play host to some of the remotest game viewing (superb lion) in Africa.

Sausage Tree Camp News

2007-10-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Sausage Tree Camp News:

* Two brand new Honeymoon Suites. These will include very, very spacious luxury bedouine style tents with private minibar & lounge area, a large teak deck with plunge pool, indoor bathroom and raised outdoor bathroom, both with twin showers and twin basins. They will also include a large two-person bath tub.

* Complete rebuild of all the guests tents at Sausage Tree Camp. Including sliding teak doors and teak decks on all tents. Same bedouine style design, only much larger and a lot more bush chic & stylish!

* New boat and vehicle for river transfers to and from Jeki airstrip.

Luangwa Bushcamps

2007-10-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Bilimungwe and Kapamba camps remain open throughout November, December and May and are the only bushcamps to do so!!

South Luangwa - news from the bush

2007-10-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

October each year is the last month of our peak season, already we have experienced a couple of small showers reminding us of what is to come. But above all this month is renowned for the heat that it brings. With so little water around and no real rain for the past 6 months it is a very dry heat, this is a whole lot more comfortable than humid heat but it is heat none the less.

One of the Luangwa’s greatest spectacles at this time of year as the river banks are exposed are the colonies of Carmine Bee-Eaters. These beautifully coloured birds turn the skies red above their nests. They burrow several feet into the sandy riverbanks, rearing their young before the river inevitably rises again in a few months time.

Zambia Safari Fact

2007-10-10T03:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know the Little Bee-eater (the smallest member of the bee- eater family) characteristically perches low down - often just centimetres from the ground - and sallies upwards to capture butterflies, wasps and other insects. At night groups huddle together for warmth - as many as ten abreast on a single stem?

Zambia Climate for the beginning of the year

2007-10-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

January to March

This is officially Zambia’s rainy season. Known as the ‘Green Season’ this is actually a time of staggering beauty as the parched landscape and dry rivers rapidly fill and flourish into a lush wetland paradise. Many people argue that this is when Zambia is at its most beautiful.

The ‘Green Season’ however is not the best time for game viewing solely because much of the country gets bogged down, quickly becoming a swampland impassable to even the most hardened safari vehicles. Because of this, the majority of the country has no choice but to shut down.

The exception to the rule is the Mfuwi area of South Luangwa, the gateway to the park. Here roads are passable and with very few visitors because of the rains, the quality of safari is superb. The Mfuwi area has a superb infrastructure and has always had an abundance of resident game. Couple this with the fact that the time of year sees incredible birdlife as the migrants come to feed, displaying their mating colors and Wilddog also tend to return to the Valley floor, and you have arguably Zambia’s best kept secret!
By mid March the rains start to ease off and the last of the Green Seasons impressive storms disappear over the escarpment. The Lower Zambezi, Kafue and North Luangwa's camps are all closed throughout the season.

Did you know?

2007-10-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know a single Saddle-billed Stork's egg weighs around 146g?

Visa difficulties

2007-09-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

All clients travelling to Zambia should check their visa is stamped into their passport BEFORE moving on from the immigration desk on arrival. They should check they have been given enough days for their visit. A number of clients have been experiencing difficulties on leaving Zambia as they were not given enough days and their visa had expired.

Kalamu Camp in South Luangwa

2007-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wilderness Safaris' excellent new Kalamu camp is now open in the South Luangwa National Park.

Luamfwa Concession in remote southern part of South Luangwa
4 large beautifully designed en suite Meru tents, 3 twins & 1 double, with river views
Plunge pool
Children 8 and over welcome
Seasons: May to Nov
Activities: Day & night game drives, guided walks, evening star talks
Access Luamfwa airstrip, 15 min from camp; From Lusaka - 1 hour 20 min flt / From Mfuwe - 15 min flt / From Kafue - 2 hr flt

South Luangwa Lodge Review; Kakuli

2007-09-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Kakuli Bush Camp

Meaning “old buffalo bull”, has one of the most spectacular settings of all of Luangwa’s camps. Set on the edge of the Luangwa River in South Luangwa, the lodge looks upstream with a wide stretch of river on its right and a grazing stretch of bush that extends all the way up to the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers (a great spot for glorious sunsets).

The focal point of the camp is the bar, dining and lounge area (an area more spacious than necessary for a five roomed camp) that looks over a view that drops down to the bush before meeting the Luangwa river in front of camp.

The main areas are constructed of reed and thatch yet the rooms are traditional safari tents that all have thatched roofs and en suite bathrooms made from reed walls, all open for showers under the stars. The camp is spoilt for space and on first impression seems much larger than it actually is; overall a stunning camp.

Kakuli Bush Camp – Zambia Odyssey View

Views, views and more views – the setting at Kakuli is truly spectacular. Not as rustic as Luwi or Nsolo, Kakuli offers a great bush experience for those who want to feel a little more ‘secure’ – this is yet again a fantastic Carr camp.

Robin Pope -New Walks in South Luangwa

2007-04-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

-New 6 or 8 night walking safari along the Mushilashi River, in central South Luangwa, Jun - Oct
-Magical camp site under evergreen trees, on island surrounded by white sand
-Wild walking experience
-Set departures, Robin leading 9 of 18 departures
-Walks designed around full moon
-2 nights Nkwali, 2 nights Palmgrove, 2 nights Luangwa, 2 nights Nsefu
-Rack rate: 8 nights US$3860 (22 May to 30 Jun & Oct) / US$4320 (Jul to Sep)
-Rack rate with Robin leading: US$4060 / US$4520

Sefofane, Botswana's leading airline start their Zambia Schedule

2007-04-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

Kafue - Livingstone daily Dep Kafue 10h30, arr Livingstone 12h00Dep Livingstone 14h30, arr Kafue 16h00

Kafue - Lusaka daily Dep Kafue 10h00, arr Lusaka 11h30Dep Kafue 11h15, arr Lusaka 12h45Dep Lusaka 14h30, arr Kafue 16h00Dep Kafue 06h00, arr Lusaka 07h30 (Tue, Thu & Sat only)Dep Lusaka 08h00, arr Kafue 09h30 (Tue, Thu & Sat only)

Lusaka - Lower Zambezi daily Daily am schedule times vary, daily mid day & pm flights:Dep Lusaka 12h00, arrive Lower Zambezi 12h40Dep Lusaka 14h45, arrive Lower Zambezi 15h15Dep Lower Zambezi 13h00, arrive Lusaka 13h40Dep Lower Zambezi 15h45, arrive Lusaka 16h15 (not Sat)

South Luangwa (Kalamu) - Kafue - Lusaka dailyDep Kalamu 08h15, arr Mfuwe 08h30, foc if travelling on Dep Mfuwe 09h00, arr Kafue 11h00, Dep Kafue 11h15, arr Lusaka 12h45, Dep Lusaka 14h30, arr Kalamu 16h30.

Luggage limit 20 kg

Wilderness Safaris to open Kalamu in Luangwa in July

2007-04-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Kalamu Camp, remote southern part of South Luangwa.

4 Meru tents, 3 twins & 1 double, Luamfwa Concession - opening July 07

Children 8 and over welcome

Rate: USD435 pppn (rack, valid to Oct 07)

Season: Jul to Oct8Access: From Lusaka to Luamfwa airstrip - 1 hour flight / From Mfuwe - 15 minutes/ From Kafue - 2 hours

South Luangwa Lodge Review ; Luwi Bushcamp

2007-04-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful camp set back from the dry Lubi River. This is a camp that epitomizes the legacy of Norman Carr; a rustic South Luangwa bushcamp set miles from any other camp that is focussed solely on walking safaris.

With views of the riverbed in the distance, Luwi Bush Camp lies beneath a shady canopy of mahogany trees looking over a grass plain that is regularly used as a crossing path by game moving toward the lagoon just off to the camps side.

Open air dining and an open sided bar give guests a real ‘bush’ experience with breakfasts served around a campfire and dinners served under the stars. Each of the four rooms are made from reed and thatch and can only be described as simply beautiful rooms. Three have twin beds and one (room 4) has a double bed – the choice of the four. The rooms are spacious, have en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold showers and flush toilets – 2 of which are set out in the open air. Mosquito nets attractively drape each bed and trees run straight through each room - the camp being built around nature with no intention of changing the habitat it is built around.

Overall

Described on the Carr website as ‘simple yet extremely comfortable’, Luwi rather undersells itself! It is certainly extremely comfortable and although ‘simple’ thats the last thing that crosses your mind on entering camp, it is a simply stunning bush camp! The rooms, especially numbers 1 and 4 are superb, the guiding is some of the best around and its character and charm are undeniable. This is a camp that offers a product every true safari enthusiast would relish. We love it and regard it as one of the best bush camps in South Luangwa!

Wilderness in Kafue

2007-04-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

After a successful trial period this past rainy season Wilderness Safaris have announced an extension of their operating season in the Kafue: Shumba and Lufupa camps will no longer close at the end of November but rather on the 4th January 2008.

With the aid of helicopters, specialised swamp boats and recent infrastructural developments (roads, bridges and strategic airstrips) they are now able to provide a great experience in one of the wildest and most remote areas in Africa.

We are working on Christmas and New Year packages that will offer great bargains to explore the Kafue

South Luangwa

2007-04-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Over the next month we will be reviewing the South Luangwa National Park and the best lodges to be found throughout the park. Keep an eye on this blog every week for new reviews from our consultants.

Firstly, an overview of South Luangwa

Regarded as one of Africa’s best safari parks and widely recognised as the home of the walking safari, South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s prime wildlife destination, home to an abundance of game and beauty of habitat that is rarely seen in other game reserves.

Nestling at the southern end of the Great rift valley, the ‘South Park’ as it is known is divided by the impressive Luangwa River that cuts through from North to South creating vast oxbow lakes that spread over floodplains providing the lifeline to the area. The Park has become increasingly known over the past few years for its unspoilt beauty and varied, exclusive habitats.
Much of its reputation is owed in no small measure to one man, Norman Carr - he was the first to realise the photographic potential of the park and the first to start official ‘walking’ safaris. Whilst working to rehabilitate animals into the wild Norman Carr created a network of bushcamps that he guided walking safaris between, placing a huge emphasis on the level of guiding. Fifty years later and the vast majority of operators in South Luangwa use his ‘bushcamp’ model and keep to his strict guideline on the incredibly high levels of guiding.
Mfuwe, the gateway to the Luangwa valley, is home to a superb concentration of game and consequently has recently become increasingly busy. There are some fantastic lodges here that offer a somewhat ‘protected’ safari, away from the bushcamp idea. The walking camps are located away from this area, in completely untouched areas that could just as well be private reserves for the number of people you see whilst on safari in the South of Luangwa. It is here that you now find the camps that carry Norman Carr’s legacy.

Wildlife

The diversity and sheer quality of game also rivals Africa’s big name parks – over forty species of large mammal and some four hundred species of bird thrive on the valley floor. Cats especially leopard thrive here along with a couple of good wild dog packs.

Our Overall View

This park should be viewed in a league of its own solely because of the quality of guiding to be found in the area. Man y of the operations here offer a level of guiding and accommodation that are amongst the best we have ever seen. Not only does the park have great guides but it also has a phenomenal level of game; we agree with the rumours - it is not only the best in Luangwa, it is simply the best place in Africa to view leopard.

New Kafue Safari

2007-04-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

New Exploration Safari!

The rivers of the Kafue National Park just beg to be explored, so we’re thrilled to announce a new Exploration safari that does just that. "Kafue’s Rivers and Plains" is a great trip that takes in the Kafue, Lufupa and Lunga rivers along with the Busanga Plains through which these tributaries of the Kafue River flow. Fantastic wildlife sightings in this enormous and underdeveloped pristine wilderness area include an impressive variety of plains game as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and hippo. In addition, the Kafue conserves some species of special interest including Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable, roan, puku, the diminutive oribi, and, incredibly, lechwe in their thousands. Accommodation for the 7-night, 8-day Exploration is in Lufupa Camp, Musanza Tented Camp and Lunga River Lodge.

Wilderness Safaris enter South Luangwa

2007-04-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

Wilderness Safaris’ newest camp is in the South Luangwa National Park. It is here that walking safaris were pioneered in the 1950s and the variety of habitats, from the cool hills of the Muchinga Escarpment to the spectacular oxbow lagoons and open sandbanks of the Luangwa River, support one of the most diverse and concentrated populations of wild animals in the world. Wilderness Safaris’ new Kalamu Tented Camp is situated in the Luamfwa area in the southern section of the South Luangwa. One of the most remote areas in the Park, the Luamfwa is a true wilderness location, with incredible species diversity and endemics such as the Thornicroft’s giraffe. Kalamu is a traditional Zambian Classic camp, accommodating six guests and located on the banks of the South Luangwa River. South Luangwa is considered the premier walking destination in southern Africa, so walking safaris are a must here. A private airstrip ensures easy access.

Wilderness Safaris Zambia Camps Dates

The operating dates for Wilderness Zambia camps for the 2007 season are as follows:

• 1 May – Shumba Camp and Lunga River Lodge open.
• 1 June – Busanga Bush Camp and Kapinga Camp open
• 1 July – Lufupa open
• 30 November – Kapinga, Busanga Bush Camp and Lunga River Lodge close
• 3 January 2008 – Shumba and Lufupa close

Kapinga and Busanga Bush Camps, previously 6-bedded camps have opened to full capacity of 8-bedded camps – and provide a discount for sole use, meaning that when there are 8 guests taking sole use of the camp, they will receive a special rate and pay only for 6 guests. In the South Luangwa National Park, Kalamu Tented Camp will be celebrating its opening with a special introductory offer for all new bookings for this year.

2007-04-09T04:00:00.000-07:00