Excellent safari destination, Zambia is in all respect in the middle between Tanzania and Botswana, not only geographically. Not so crowded as Tanzania’s parks, not as exclusive and expensive as Botswana, some thick bush as in the delta, but also some nice openings. A very diverse game, but also your occasional large herds of buffalos. Professional and authentic walking safaris were first invented in Zambia and still are, together with amazing canoe safaris along the mighty Zambesi, a Zambia’s speciality. If you seek more beyond the privileged bubbles represented by safari camps, enjoy driving and visiting some rural villages outside the parks. So if you are game for authenticity, excellent camps and lodges but not necessarily over the top in terms of luxury, excellent game viewing, and want something more than just game drives, Zambia is definitely your option. It is also ideal for families and group of friends, boasting a couple of ideal “houses in the bush” in different national parks. And off course it’s home to “smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls.

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Let us try to answer some of the questions you might have before choosing Zambia as your next destination. If you are not satisfied or have further doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Will I be safe
Zambia is a very safe and peaceful country thanks to its people. Safe in terms of social stability: technically one of the poorest countries in Africa, in fact a strong rural community system prevents deep poverty. Only when walking in the capital city of Lusaka or Livingstone you might use normal precautions, the same you would have in any US or European city. Other than that you will find very friendly and welcoming people.  English is the official language. Safe in terms of medical assistance: given the remoteness of most of the camps in Zambia and the lack of an adequate health care system, personal medicines should be carried from home, and reckless behaviour should be avoided. This said, all camps have staff trained in first aid, and from most airstrips a Med Evac service can be guaranteed by helicopter to Lusaka, and from there air ambulance can get you to Johannesburg in about 2 hours. Safe in terms of hygiene: no compulsory vaccination is required to enter Zambia unless you arrive from countries where yellow fever is endemic. Soon after the rainy season and during the hottest months, malaria prevention tablets are definitely advisable. Please refer to your national health authorities for updated requirements or recommendations, and contact us for the most updated status on health requirements. Food hygiene in camps and lodges is generally very good, and ice cubes in drinks or fresh vegetable are safe. Drink only bottled or purified water. Safe in terms of quality of transportation: both the aviation industry and ground transports enjoy a safe record in Zambia.

Where will I sleep
A general note: in Africa a tented camp is not synonymous of basic accommodation. Some tented camps are of a 5 star hotel’s suite level, with its own style and décor, they just happen to have canvas walls instead of brick and cement walls, usually on a raised wooden deck. Ask us about pictures and descriptions, we will gladly provide them, together with our first hand feedback. Zambia offers in general a good level of accommodation related to the safari industry, up to reasonably luxury camps. It lacks in top luxury properties. A good tented camp will provide tented bedrooms of approx 20 sqm, private bathroom with shower, possibly an outside deck, no airconditioning. A good lodge will offer bandas type of accommodation, having brick walls, and thatched roof. A luxury tented camp or lodge will provide ample bedrooms in excess of 30sqm, a unique décor, private bathroom with shower and/or bathtub, an outside deck possibly with outside shower. For those seeking remote parts of the parks, with less vehicles pressure, a bush camp could be the only accommodation available. Bush camps are more rustic options, not finalized at saving money, but at enjoying a more personal and deep contact with nature, as they normally have only 3-4 rooms, and a more open layout.  Finally the Bush Houses offer what can be considered a rugged elegant experience, typically consisting of one building hosting 2 bedrooms downstairs and 2 upstairs, all en-suite, sharing one very cozy common lounge area. They can only be taken as a whole, not room by room. They are the perfect solution for families or group of friends travelling together as then everything is private: private chef and service staff, private vehicles and private guide.

What will I eat
Zambia camps and lodges have a mix of colonial English and Afrikaans influence, so expect to eat fresh or cooked vegetables and good meats. In general all tented camps and lodges we select will offer a variety of food, and they can cater for any food allergies or preferences, vegetarians, vegans, gluten free etc…, provided they are notified at the time of booking.

Should I take my kids along
With main focus in Zambia being true safari experiences in Zambia, and camps being generally in remote location, not fenced off to wild animals, most of the camps do not cater for kids under the age of 6 or 8, unless the entire camp is taken on exclusive basis. Above this age limit a safari deep in the wilderness is always a great experience for kids, but kids must be always under parental control keeping in mind you are in remote wilderness areas. This said, the bush houses certainly create an ideal setting for family safaris, making Zambia the ideal destination for families with kids just above 6. Camps’ staff and our pilot/guides have a very soft spot for kids, so don’t be surprised if your pilot will be as good as your nanny back home in taking care of your kids!

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A reasonably good airline flight network operates between the main parks. Should you want to gain full flexibility, avoiding some time wasted or compromise in the planning of your safari, then a private flying safari is still your best option. You might also opt for private flying if you decide to combine Zambia with neighbouring Botswana and Namibia.