The Zambezi Valley

This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally.

KEY INFORMATION 

4 nights semi-participatory camping with either limited or no facilities, 3 nights camping in tented camp with shared facilities

Travel by open canoes on the Zambezi River

No previous experience necessary

Location start: Lusaka

Location end: Lusaka

HIGHLIGHTS ❇️

❇️ Experience the peace and tranquillity of canoeing on the Zambezi

❇️ Camp out under the stars on secluded islands

❇️ Game drives in Chiawa Game Management Area, renowned for its elephant sightings

❇️ Game walks and canoeing in the Lower Zambezi National Park

❇️ Citizen Science departures available on this trip

Included ✅

✅ Accommodation

✅ All breakfasts, 7 Lunches 7 Dinners

✅ Standard transfers

✅ All transport and listed activities

✅ Guide - Tour Leader

✅ Detailed Itinerary (upon booking confirmation)

Not Included ❌

❌ Flights (optional item)

❌ Travel Insurance (optional item)

❌ Single accommodation

❌ Solo traveller supplement (Where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

❌ Visas or vaccinations

⚠️ Optional items can be added to your travel upon your request

Onsite / Nearby ➡️

➡️ Country/Lakes

➡️ Mountains

➡️ Wildlife

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Lusaka; transfer to the Zambezi River

After the arrival of the group flight in the early afternoon, we transfer to the Zambezi River. Most of this road transfer to the start of the safari is on tar road with the last section of the journey being along a bush dirt track making a change to a 4WD vehicle is necessary. Depending on the time we arrive at the Zambezi River we will cross over to our evening campsite on Nyamumba island by canoe or motor boat. Dinner is prepared by the guide.

Please note: Clients must not book flights arriving after 12PM.

Accommodation: Wild Camping - Semi-participatory Camping

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2-4 Three days canoeing and wildlife watching on the Zambezi River, camping on remote islands

We have three days canoeing with early starts as it is often better to canoe in the early hours when it is not so hot, and more importantly, when the easterly head wind is at its weakest. The pace is gentle to allow us to make the most of wildlife viewing opportunities. We look out for elephant feeding on the banks, basking crocodiles and numerous colourful bird species including the magnificent African Fish eagle. The list of species we spot may include buffalo, baboon, Vervet monkey, Pied kingfisher, Goliath heron, Carmine Bee eaters and maybe even lion! We will frequently pass pods of hippo basking in the deeper water who will no doubt be keeping an eye on us! There are few signs of human habitation throughout our time on the river. Lunches and breakfasts are either taken on islands or on the banks of the river.

Accommodation: Wild Camping - Semi-participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Morning canoeing; afternoon game walk and drive in Game Management Area.Cycle to the architectural delight of Scicli

We canoe to the Chiawa Game Management Area, which is situated 18 kms from the Lower Zambezi National Park just opposite the Mana Pools, where we spend the night in our fly camp based on mainland. This is an area rich in wildlife and is renowned for the numerous elephant sightings. It is also home to warthog, waterbuck, impala, kudu, and rare Samango monkeys, with many riverene bird species including the Lilac-breasted roller. We have an afternoon game walk or game drive through the reserve where we hope to spot other nocturnal species such as genet, civet, hyena, porcupine, aardvark and if really lucky, the elusive leopard.

Accommodation: Fly Camp in Game Management Area - Comfortable Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Canoe to Lower Zambezi N.P.; morning game walk; afternoon game drive back to camp

Today we canoe from the Chiawa Game Management Area into the Lower Zambezi National Park (approximately 8km downstream). We have a morning game walk with a guide, and then have lunch in the park under the shade of the trees or on the banks of the Zambezi River. After lunch we will be taken on a game drive through the park back to our fly camp on the banks of the river in Game Management Area. If river water levels are too high in the winter months (May – July), due to excess water being released from Lake Kariba, we may use a boat transfer as certain road crossing may be flooded.

Accommodation: Fly Camp in Game Management Area - Comfortable Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Transfer to our riverside camp

We are transferred by road from our bush camp in the Game Management Area to Zambezi Breezes today. Should river conditions necessitate we may use a boat transfer back to Zambezi Breezes where required.

Accommodation: Zambezi Breezes or similar - Semi-participatory Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Transfer to Lusaka; end

An early start today; after breakfast we transfer approximately 4-5 hrs to Lusaka where our tour ends in the late morning. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer Details

Free arrival and departure transfers for all customers to and from the end accommodation. Transport on land is in a minibus or landcruiser for road transfers and safaris.