The National Park, which is Zambia's premier wildlife destination, lies in large part between the Luangwa River to the east and the Mchinga escarpment in the west. It is 9,050 sq.km (3,500 sq miles) in size and home to over 60 species of mammal and almost 450 species of bird. The Luangwa River takes a slow meandering course down the valley, with the seasonal rise and fall in water levels many ox-bow lagoons are formed. It is the fertile soils associated with these lagoon systems which allow the large variety of species and high number of animals that are found in the areas close to the main river.
The South Luangwa is regarded as the home of walking safaris, certainly they were common place in this Park long before anywhere else and with the high quality of guiding found at most of the safari operations there are few places better suited to this most exciting way of experiencing the African bush. Night drives are another popular activity offered by all camps giving guests the chance to see nocturnal species that will not be seen by day and of course the early evening hours are best for watching predators hunting. The Valley provides an excellent habitat for leopards leading to higher than usual concentrations, although they are very often seem on night-drives it is not at all uncommon to see them in daylight hours as well.
The Lower Zambezi National Park lies on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, the Park stretches back through the hills to the north but most of the game is found on the fairly narrow strip of land between the river and the hills. There are a few camps up-stream of the National Park but only 6 safari camps inside the Park itself so visitors never feel overcrowded. Whilst the Park does not offer a large variety of habitats one of the features that make it so popular is the variety of activities on offer, with a river that is navigable year-round come waterborne activities such as boating and canoeing to contrast with the usual driving and walking safaris that are also available. This stretch of the mighty Zambezi is also one of the best areas in which to fish for the notorious Tiger Fish, Africa's most exciting fresh-water sport fish.
This is Zambia's biggest and oldest National Park. The central part of the Park is easily accessible by road from Lusaka, and there are shuttle flights serving airstrips at Lufupa, close to the confluence of the Lufupa and the Kafue Rivers and on the Busanga Plains in the north of the Park. The camps in central part of the Park are open year round whilst the flood-waters that cover the Busanga Plains in the summer months mean that the camps in that area are only open from June through until the end of October. The Kafue National Park is home to a larger variety of species than any other Park in Zambia, Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan which are uncommon in other Parks are often seen here as are Wild-dog and Cheetah.
One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as Mosi Oa Tunya or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ the Falls drop 111mts into the gorge below. Livingstone has earned itself a reputation as the adrenalin capital of Southern Africa there are numerous exciting activities from bungee jumping to helicopter or microlight flights over the Falls, gorge swings and arguably the best commercial white-water rafting in the world. Livingstone Island sits in the middle of the river at the top of the Falls themselves offering unparalleled views to the few guests that are able to venture there.
Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, is a typical modern African city. Set on open plains at the heart of the country, the city serves as Zambia’s rapidly developing economic and transport hub with new buildings popping up everywhere and many chain stores and shopping malls springing up all over the sprawling suburbs. There are a number of hotels and restaurants that offer visitors to Luasaka hospitality and cuisine of an international standard. Tourist attractions and activities however are not so easy to find so most safari tourists who stay here are doing so for just a short time en route to Livingstone or one of the National Parks.
In addition to working with Zambian operators and camps, we also work with some Malawian operators. These camps are in different area's of Malawi.
Lake Malawi is the crowning jewel of this country. It is one of the largest, longest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. Numerous fishing villages are scattered along its length but there are still vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. It has more species of fish than any other freshwater lake in the world, with over 600 species of fish in the Lake Malawi National Park alone. The 590 kilometre long and 85 kilometre wide Lake is the third-largest lake in Africa, occupying one-fifth of Malawi’s total area.
Cape Maclear is located on the southern shore of Lake Malawi at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula, this is a little resort town surrounded by mountains and set within Lake Malawi National Park. This town features an array of beachside bars and local restaurants. Other popular activities include: bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, swimming or shopping in the local craft markets as well as island tours and guided village walks.
Likoma Island is the larger of the two inhabited islands in Lake Malawi. The island has both beaches, and predominantly flat terrain with a baobab dotted south.
Nankoma Island is an uninhabited island located in Lake Malawi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access to this island is via Senga Bay, not Cape Maclear. The boat collection point is a 2 hour drive from the airport (KIA). Home to over 350 species of birds (including the migratory African Pitta), and many species of cichlids endemic to lake Malawi: highlights include exploring the island by nature trail or kayak, birdwatching and sunset cruises.
Majete Wildlife Reserve sprawls across 700 square kilometres of the Great African Rift Valley, its undulating terrain incorporates grassy plains, riverside groves and forests of marula, acacia and leadwood interspersed with palms and the occasional baobab tree. The park has a diverse mix of wildlife, including black rhino, elephant, antelope and warthog, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos.
Zambia is incredibly diverse, there are camps scattered across the country. Under Other Area's we have King Lewanika's camp in the Liuwa Plains, Mwaleshi camp in the Northern Luangwa, Kasanka National Park in Northern Zambia and Shoebill Camp in the Bangweulu.
