Zambia | Aug. 2016 — previous

Elephant!

Deep Connections

I got to connect with the people and the animals on a level that I couldn’t have anticipated.

– Rachil W., 2014

A Year Later

Remembering our time in Zambia still reliably brings me to a more peaceful, grateful, grounded state.

                         — David M., 2012 (a year later)

Why Zambia?

  • Wildlife density and variety as great as anywhere in the world, without the crowds of tourists you’ll see on most safaris.
  • Zambia is well known for its knowledgeable, rigorously trained wildlife guides.
  • A classic African bush experience in remote accommodations far from other people and vehicles.
  • Zambia is the birthplace of the “walking safari,” and one of the only major wildlife countries that allows you to view wildlife on foot in its national parks.Map showing position of Zambia in Africa
  • Zambia is also one of the only major wildlife countries that allows night game drives, which offer the best chances for close views of leopards and other nocturnal species, as well as the best chances to see big cats hunting.
  • Opportunities to travel by canoe or motor boat on Zambia’s many rivers, in the midst of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of aquatic birds.
  • Victoria Falls — considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
  • Zambia is a peaceful, stable, safe country, with friendly, engaging people.

Principal Trip: August 2–14Hippos with Bird

  • Victoria Falls: Special early morning visit to one of “the seven natural wonders of the world.”
  • Chobe National Park, Botswana: Famous for tremendous herds of buffalo and elephant, opportunities to see rare antelope species, and get close to lions and other predators.  Watch the sun set over herds of elephant and a chorus of wild birds on boat cruise down the Chobe River.  Spend two nights at comfortable lodge in the bush, and one night in town.
  • Lusaka: Rare opportunity to visit urban slum, meet residents, learn about their struggles and celebrate their victories, meet inspiring activists.
  • Kawaza Village: Spend a day and night in a rural village, eating local food, sleeping in local huts, meeting residents, meet traditional healer, visit school, dance….
  • South Luangwa National Park: 4 days in “one of Africa’s best [parks] in terms of wildlife abundance” (Audubon Field Guide to African Wildlife) but without the crowds of tourists encountered elsewhere. Highlights include some of the best wildlife guides in Africa, opportunities for ‘walking safari,’ night drives–where leopards and other night predators are often seen in action, and elephants, hippos, monkeys, and other animals wandering through the lodge.

Trip begins in Victoria Falls, ends in Lusaka.

Click here for Full Itinerary.

Optional Northern Extension: August 14-22

  • North Luangwa National Park: 3 days in remote bush camp, specializing in walking safaris—no other people around–a taste of the African bush as it once was.
  • Mukungule Nature Conservancy: 4 days volunteering at a national planning summit to establish a community-led nature conservancy outside North Luangwa Park.

Trip ends in Lusaka.

Costs

Special early sign-up discount rate available until Jan. 14:

Principal Trip: $3650       

Northern Extension: $2200.
All prices based on double occupancy.

Included

All accommodations, meals, park fees, guide fees, all group activities, laundry, transportation–including 3 Zambia domestic flights and airport transfers on arrival and departure.  Extension includes charter flight to N. Luangwa and return flight to Lusaka.

Not Included

Transportation to and from Zambia (but we are happy to help you find the best flights), Zambia visa (obtainable upon arrival), vaccinations or other prophylaxis, trip insurance, drinks, tips.

This trip is a great value.

We have taken great efforts to find accommodations, transportation, and other facilities that provide the best value for the price.  And we have then negotiated the best possible rates.

You will stay in comfortable, often spectacular, accommodations; you will be well fed; you will be well taken care of.

To maintain an intimate group and wildlife viewing experience, the trip is limited to a maximum of 14 participants.