Wildlife Walking Safari - Conservation Lower Zambezi - Zambia

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SAFARIS

Facts and Questions

Please be advised that with immediate effect the departure tax has increased for all clients flying out of Zambia as follows: Subject to change without warning.

International Departure Tax was US$20.00 p/p and has increased to US$25.00 p/p.
Domestic Departure Tax was US$5.00 p/p and has increased to US$8.00 p/p.

Common questions asked:

1. What are your credentials as a specialist safari outfitter?
Vintage Safaris is the only specialist walking safari outfit in the Lower Zambezi area. We have been ZNTB accredited tour operators for many years and have gained a reputation for providing a first class and uniquely personalised safari. All our professional guides are fully qualified by Conservation Lower Zambezi and have years of experience guiding within wildlife rich areas of southern Africa. Our safari itineraries include some of the finest onward destinations in the region and we work closely with these other operators to ensure an outstanding quality of experience throughout. James Egreemont-Lee and Timothy Jackson have a combined history of over 25 years working in the safari business.

2. Is it safe?
Safety is our principal concern whilst on safari and every activity planned in detail. However, wild animals can be unpredictable and therefore any activity associated with them carries an element of risk. Walking in the bush and canoeing on rivers is a specialist exercise and guides are trained and licensed specifically for these activities. Firearms are carried as a precaution when walking. We remind visitors that the essence of every activity is to provide a thrilling experience and never fear or discomfort.

3. How does your organization affect the local wildlife and indigenous cultures that we are to encounter on the Safari?
The continued existence of wild areas in Africa relies heavily on their sustainable commercial value. The Lower Zambezi generates revenue from tourism to maintain its very existence and tourists are essential for its survival for the generations to come. Vintage Safaris is the embodiment of eco tourism with its emphasis on walking and the low impact nature of camping in the bush. During our walking safari there is no need for vehicles at all. Our interaction with animals is intimate and our respect for them paramount throughout a safari. Never do we intend stressing an animal or negatively impacting on the environment.

West of the areas set aside for wildlife, there is a local community that lives primarily along the Zambezi river, mostly comprising people from the Gova tribe. Theirs is still largely a traditional way of life, fishing and farming along its banks. Almost every member of staff employed by Vintage Safaris and the safari industry as a whole, is from the local villages. The impact of this employment on the local economy is huge and the industry indirectly sustains a great number of families. Local education programs are in place to promote environmental awareness which is so important for the co existence of wildlife and human settlement in the future.

4. Do you employ local staff?
Yes. A typical team comprises between 6 and 10 local staff depending on group size. A ZAWA gamescout will also accompany us during parts of a safari, especially if walking within the National Park where it is a requirement.You will have time to talk with members of the team throughout your journey with us - on our longer trips you will visit the local community, its schools and villages. All your food is cooked by our local staff, to a standard that will blow you away!

5. How do I get there?
International flights to Lusaka from London or Johannesburg are most popular. From Lusaka a short flight by private plane (25 mins) brings you to the Lower Zambezi bush airstrips for our walking safari. For our other personally designed tours we will discuss with you the best destination to join us at.

6. What do I need to bring?
A list of suggested kit is sent on booking a safari - See under walking details below for some suggestions.

7. Payment

30% deposit secures a booking.
Balance to be paid 90 days prior to safari.
Custom Safaris require a 50% deposit.
On request of booking an account # will be provided to make a direct deposit or wire transfer - Most banks and Trusts can perform this procedure. All trips are listed in US$. NB The US$ is the most widely accepted currency other than local currency within Africa.

8. Cancellation penalties

Written cancellation
• Over 90 days prior to safari – 50% refund of Total Safari plus $100.00pp cancellation charge. Custom Holidays subject to a US$500.00pp cancellation charge.
• 60 days - 25% refund of Total Safari plus above charges
• Within 30 days prior to safari – no refund.

NB We strongly recommend that adequate travel insurance be taken out at time of booking.

9. Tipping

Tipping is hugely varied of course, but the standard scenario is to leave a tip for staff at a Lodge or Camp. You might want to tip seperately a guide assigned to you whilst on safari (you will tend to stick with the same guide for drives/canoes etc) and then a token to all staff in the 'tip box' or with management. It is always a tricky one to handle, but when asked (which I am often) I suggest between $5 and $10 per day of your stay for the staff tip all together - as there will not doubt be at least 5 people taking care of you in various ways. This assumes ofcourse that everyone has been helpful!!

10. How do you know we are a reputable company?

Vintage Safaris is affiliated with and has to be certified by the following organizations to operate on an annual basis; Zambian Wildlife Authority, Conservation Lower Zambezi and the Zambia National Tourist Board.

Zambia Wildlife Authority - Known as ZAWA, this is the government department that controls protection and commercial development of wildlife within Zambia. All Tour operators pay fees both directly and indirectly to ZAWA.
Zambia National Tourism Board - Having fulfilled the legal criteria, every tour operator must be licensed annually by this government body.
Conservation Lower Zambezi - CLZ is an NGO focusing solely on the conservation of the Lower Zambezi area. In conjunction with ZAWA, CLZ is the examining body through which all professional safari guides must be licensed. Detailed exams, specific to the Lower Zambezi, are taken by trainee guides at stages over a period of years to ensure a high standard of guiding once fully qualified.

Details about your Vintage Africa Walking Safaris

Group sizes and age restrictions
Our safaris are exclusive: in the past we have catered to only one party at a time whilst on trek. The increased demand from single individuals and small groups wanting to join other walkers allows us to offer more options. For example, you choose a trip date and we can arrange to include you in a group or suggest other dates. Of course, you can also make this an exclusive safari for you and your friends/family. Participants must be 12 or older but consult with us for options for the younger children.

Walking - Safety
Every safari is carefully planned to ensure our guests' safety. Your guide leads each foray into the bush and carries a heavy-calibre rifle. An armed game scout also provides backup for guides on each outing. Before the trek all visitors are given a full safety briefing that outlines the procedure for approaching game on foot.

VHF radio contact with base camp is maintained to ensure assistance should there be a need for urgent medical attention or evacuation by aircraft. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried at all times.

Terrain
The Zambezi Valley offers flat bush-and-woodland terrain for easy walking through abundant wildlife.

The escarpment hills rise dramatically to the north of the Zambezi. Once up in the foothills overlooking the valley below, the terrain to the north is predominantly undulating with steep valleys and grassed ridges. Beyond the escarpment ridge are extensive Miombo forests with some stretching grassland plateaus. Elephant paths traverse the area, providing the most perfectly engineered routes up steep inclines. Big game is not as easily found here as in areas close to the Zambezi River, although elephant are often seen; there is every chance of encounters with a variety of species, like klipspringer and sable antelopes found only in hilly country. A variety of riverine hardwoods often fringe valleys, as do the numerous natural springs found throughout the hills.

Fitness and Health
Guests should be able to walk comfortably for up to 3 or 4 hours at a time and enjoy reasonable health. However each day we plan to suite the abilities and desires of the group.

Malaria prophylactics are encouraged, as is any personal medication that one could require once on safari. Personal medical insurance is essential.

Permanent Camps
Vintage Africa Safaris is committed to offering visitors to Zambia a unique and unforgettable experience, in particular within the Lower Zambezi Valley.

To this end, a flexible itinerary including both the walking safari plus an onward trip to any of the Lower Zambezi National Parks' best camps and lodges is available. A visit to other Zambian quality destinations, such as Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, can also be arranged. See our other safaris for more information.

Activities
Game viewing: the emphasis of a Vintage Africa Safaris experience is on walking amongst wildlife in some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of the Zambezi Valley, recreating the age of travel before the advent of the motor.

When walking one takes in the detail of the bush and gets a chance to safely approach game on foot and experience the subtleties of the wild through tracking, birding and learning about natural history and bush lore.

Fishing opportunities during days spent at our river sites abound. The Zambezi is famous for its tiger fish that becomes ferocious when hooked. Zambezi bream is also an excellent eating fish. Rods and tackle are available.

Canoe trips down the Zambezi provide other unique experiences. They are included in all our other trips.

What to Bring
A detailed suggested kit/clothing list will be sent upon booking. The atmosphere in all places we stay is informal, so casual neutral coloured clothing is both practical and acceptable. During the summer months of September to December cool clothing is essential, with long, loose clothing for evenings. From May to August it can be quite cool at night and in the early mornings, so warmer clothing is advised.

We advise that guests bring a good pair of lightweight walking shoes for the walking safari.

A good pair of binoculars and an adequate supply of film are also recommended for those with cameras. On all days except the Vintage Safari, electricity is provided via generator for five hours per day on a 220/240volt AC supply utilising the UK standard 3 pin/ 13amp square socket outlet.

Access
Transfers by light aircraft to and from Lusaka (a 30-minute journey) are recommended. We can easily arrange flights as per our guest's itinerary.

Meals
All meals are served with characteristic elegance. Breakfast is flexible. On some mornings it is best to rise early and after tea or coffee and a light breakfast of toast and cereal, begin walking to make the most of the cool and crisp dawn. Alternatively, if we have decided the camp should remain for a day or two, we can return from an early walk to enjoy a full breakfast. Lunches are served at campsite or as a picnic on lengthier walks. Dinner is three courses of fresh ingredients served to us by candlelight under the stars and beside a campfire. We carry plenty of ice, and are self sufficient. Bread is baked daily on open fires and our chefs are extremely good and versatile.

Drinks
All cordials and sodas, beers, spirits and wines are provided as part of your safari. Ice and lemon is supplied for drinks. Not all destinations before/after your Vintage Africa Walking Safari include drinks.

Waiver and release of liability
The objective of this safari is to subject you to rewarding experiences not danger. However we will require you to sign (or your parent/guardian if under 18) a disclaimer to acknowledge acceptance of the terms set out. You will need to fill out separate forms for each location we stay at.

What is included and not included?
For each safari we offer see Specific Details' at the bottom of the safari descriptions.

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