The Complete Zambezi Safari - 9 Days

The elegant adventure of a 1920’s walking safari
An acquaintance with the Zambezi by canoe
An exquisite lodge deep in the bush.

Safari Summay

This tailor-made safari is designed to give our guests a complete experience of the Lower Zambezi Valley in Zambia.
Following the nostalgic traditions of those exploring and traveling in Africa a century ago, this odyssey begins in the manner of the 1920s, with Vintage Africa Safaris giving one a taste of things past. Each exclusive safari is designed to take us on a journey without need of vehicles, from a stunning setting on the banks of the Zambezi River into the remote hills of the escarpment. After a four-day vintage safari we continue by canoe, paddling silently down the Zambezi, quite simply the best way to become acquainted with this most beautiful of rivers. We arrive at an enchanting location in the heart of outstanding wildlife country to spend four nights at Mwambashi River Lodge, affording a fitting end to this safari after taking in the full diversity of the area from antique beginning to contemporary end. Those wishing to visit Victoria Falls should see our Cultural Explorers itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lower Zambezi
Arrive in Lusaka in the morning and board a 25-minute private flight to the Kayila bush airstrip where you are met by the Vintage Africa Safaris team. Then walk 10 to 15 minutes to your camp, an echo of the 1920s, set on the banks of the Zambezi.

There is nothing quite like a walk through the African bush, and the day is spent undertaking introductory walks in the surrounding area. Not only does the excitement of encounters with big game on foot, but also the detail of the environment, leave one with an intimate appreciation of creation.

Vintage Africa Safaris' fully-appointed mobile camp provides all the elegance and comfort of travel from a bygone age classic, spacious tentage and first-class dining under the African Sky.

Day 2: Lower Zambezi
A full day to explore the area. You might decide to walk into the hills for a picnic lunch by a spring and enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Zambezi Valley. Later you return to your camp by the river. Walks are led by your guide and host.

Day 3: Lower Zambezi into the foothills
You break camp early to travel into the foothills of the escarpment. As you walk into undeveloped wilderness, the whole camp is transported and set nearby a river that runs from the hills. Your walk brings you through a game-rich area and you take time to learn more about the area's wildlife, tracks and signs, birds, vegetation and bush lore. If fresh tracks are found you can follow them and experience the thrill of walking up to animals, all the while safely guarded by an armed guide and an armed game scout. You arrive at the new site for tea.

Day 4: Lower Zambezi - hills
A day spent exploring the hills or walking the flatlands below camp. The area offers a remoteness accessible only on foot , and you stop and swim in deep pools of fresh water from hillside streams.

Day 5: Lower Zambezi canoeing
After an early breakfast you walk some 30 minutes to a vehicle which takes you to canoes and your canoe guide on the river. Nothing brings one closer to the essence of the Zambezi than to travel silently by canoe. As wildlife is drawn to the waters' edge, you can witness game as never before. Exploring channels, drifting by herds of animals and marveling at an ever-changing setting, you experience all the thrills this wilderness can offer in one day. In the afternoon, beneath shady trees on the riverside, there appears the most beautifully-located Mwambashi River Lodge. Here you spend the next 4 nights accommodated in large East Africa-style tents on platforms, each with en-suite bathroom.

Days 6 9: Mwambashi ( Mwambashi River Lodge )
You have the opportunity to take in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. You can explore this game-abundant area by vehicle or on foot. Canoeing further downstream or spending time on the river fishing from motorboats are options to complement morning and evening/night game drives. For fishermen, trying for the renowned tiger fish on this world-famous stretch of river is a must.
*On day 9 you fly back to Lusaka

Specific Detailsails

A complete kit list, including suggested reference books, will be given with joining instruction.

The elegant adventure of a 1920’s walking safari
Our intention is to offer our guests a unique experience of the Zambezi wilderness area. The attraction of an exclusive, classic walking safari, with portable mobile camp and the thrill of seeing some of Africa's most prolific wildlife, will ensure that visitors will leave having appreciated an extraordinary journey.

The Walking Safari
There is nothing quite like a walk through the African bush. Not only the excitement of encounters with big game on foot, but also the detail of the environment, leaves one with an intimate appreciation of creation.

Our mobile walking safaris take place within the Chiawa Game Management Area and Zambezia Wildlife Sanctuary, protected wildlife areas adjacent to the Lower Zambezi National Park. We walk from the Zambezi river itself into the uncharted wilds of the Zambezi escarpment hills to the north. Without roads and accessible only by foot, the area is outstandingly beautiful and each party on safari will have endless miles of pristine, remote bush theirs to explore.

The area is home to an abundance of animal species, with the most prolific big game populations inhabiting the flatlands close to the Zambezi river. Throughout the safari we are likely to find a fascinating diversity of wildlife, from elephants, lion, leopard and the antelopes, to a wide variety of birdlife.

Each safari takes place entirely at the pace required of each group. Routes and exploration are endless.

The fully appointed mobile camp, including gramophone and squeeze box for an occasional soiree, facilitates all the elegance and comfort of travel in style and our guests will immediately recognize the pleasures of a walking safari from another age.

The Mobile Camp
Guests will enjoy a high degree of comfort whilst travelling on a vintage safari. Custom built, traditional style spacious white tents sleep two and with hot showers, fine dining and elegant attention to detail. Each tent has a canvas basin and water on tap from a canvas container. Discrete and traditional bush loos are built nearby camp and we provide everything for a successful safari.

Depending on route and number of days available, camp can either move daily to a new area or remain for a day or two to enjoy a particularly attractive site. The route and camp options are discussed each day to suit the intention of the group.

Vintage Walking Rates(For those wishing to add more days walking - please ask us about present availability)



What is included
Full board accommodation, laundry, wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks, game viewing activities and fishing.

What this doesn’t include
Airfare to Zambia and Domestic flight into Lower Zambezi.
(Approx US$300.00rtn for Domestic flight)
Comprehensive health and personal effects insurance.