Tailor Made Holidays, Discover Zambia

The Islands of Siankaba are 2 densely-forested sand islands in the Zambezi River, upstream from the internationally renowned Victoria Falls. The luxurious camp offers 6 secluded chalets linked by a footbridge to the main bar and dining area. The unique chalets are built of teak and custom-made canvas tenting and are raised well above ground levels in the tree canopy.

Beyond the raging waters of Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi flows through to the Mozambique border, dissecting an area of rich and relatively undiscovered wilderness that boasts a spectacular concentration of game. Canoe safaris provide an ideal and unique way of exploring this untouched wilderness, affording superb opportunities to view the variety of game and birds from the tranquil waters of one of Africa’s most important rivers.

The game ranger Norman Carr (1912-1996) pioneered the now famous "walking safari" in the Luangwa Valley. Now operated by his family company, Norman Carr Safaris, this is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first-hand.A safari guide and armed game scout accompany each bush walk,which is restricted to a limit of 6 guests. Safety precautions are paramount, and the qualified safari guides must pass stringent tests in order to accompany these small groups. It’s amazing what a different and exhilarating perspective of the bush you experience on foot. Discover the secrets of the habitat and ecology as you gently wander through the bush with your experienced and knowledgeable guide. Walking safaris are not at all strenuous - there is a lower age limit of 16, but no upper age. A reasonable degree of fitness is required.

A family run operation founded in 1986, Robin Pope Safaris offer walking safaris, exclusive game lodges and some of the most luxurious properties in Africa. Based amidst the game-rich landscapes of South Luangwa National Park, their intimate camps offer truly luxurious wilderness experiences, with some of the best private guides in Africa ensuring wildlife encounters that are second to none, with specialist expertise in walking and photographic safaris.

Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and one of Africa’s most spectacular game parks. Located at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, sandwiched between the dominating heights of the Muchinga escarpment and the life giving waters of the Luangwa River. Zambia’s famous ‘walking safaris’ originated here, and its expansive plains are home to some of Africa’s richest concentrations of wildlife, including a healthy population of hyenas, leopards and lion.

One of southern Africa’s most renowned tourist attractions and considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the incredible spectacle of Victoria Falls presents us with the largest single curtain of water on the planet. Located on the outskirts of Livingstone – Africa’s ‘Adventure Capital’ – the breathtaking sight of ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ is simply overwhelming. Scenic flights over the falls and the National Park allow you to truly appreciate its majestic power.

With 25 years of experience operating safaris in southern Africa, Wilderness Safaris delivers a superb fusion of customer care and environmental sustainability that ensures some of the most quintessentially African wildlife experiences possible. Operating in Kafue National park, Zambia’s largest protected area, they have successfully combined old-style luxury camping with some of the continent’s most pristine wilderness areas and a team of highly professional guides, to present a safari experience of seamless quality and wonder.

Chiawa Camp is a private luxury tented camp with a host of activities including game drives, walking safaris, river safaris, fishing, birding and canoeing. Resting peacefully in a grove of mahogany and acacia trees, the camp can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 wellappointed safari tents. Set on elevated timber decks providing both security and panoramic views of the Zambezi River, all tents are ensuite and have insect screens and solar-powered lighting. The thatched lounge with upstairs observation deck, bar and dining areas look over the Zambezi River and the animals that regularly drink around the lodge.

Kakuli is set on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers. The main ‘chitenge’ overlooks a large floodplain and the Luangwa River. Accommodation is in four tents each under a shady thatch roof. Large ensuite bathrooms are open to the sky behind each tent. All of the tents overlook the river. You may explore the areas around Kakuli either on foot or by vehicle. The area is teeming with game and the river in front of the camp is home to over 400 hippo. Bird watching is superb, with over 400 recorded species. Hundreds of large water birds can be seen wading through the shallows while birds of prey soar overhead.

Luangwa Valley in Zambia is home to worldfamous wildlife concentrations and varieties of animals and birds. Kapani Safari Lodge is the erstwhile home of Norman Carr (see previous column), and is a permanent camp accommodating up to twenty guests. Accommodation is in brick-built chalets with thatched roofs, spacious living areas, luxurious interiors and comfortable beds with walk-in mosquito nets. The rooms look out over the oxbow lagoon, as does the wooden deck, where meals are served. The main ‘chitenge’ (thatched rondaval) contains the lounge area and bar as well as a small library of natural history books. The sparkling pool is a wonderful refuge from the heat of the day. Game viewing is excellent at Kapani.Your guide will ensure you have every opportunity to see all the wildlife, birds and varying vegetation. Further out on the plains you're bound to see large elephant herds, reaching up to 70 in number. Buffalo are abundant and spread throughout the valley and predators follow close behind. During your spotlit evening game drives there is a very good chance that you will see leopard and other nocturnal species in the park.

If you want to add on a visit to Victoria Falls, first discovered by the explorer and missionary David Livingstone in the 19th century, your ideal base is The Royal Livingstone Hotel, situated in the Mosi-Oa- Tunya National Park which fringes the Zambezi River and overlooks the falls. This is the place to enjoy the charm of a bygone era and you can enjoy a personalised butler service. All rooms are ensuite and many have a balcony overlooking the river. The hotel offers excellent dining services, sports and recreation.