SOUTH LUANGWA &
Frank Steenhuisen Elephants crossing the Luangwa River at sunset
An unforgettable adventure with safariFRANK’s intrepid duo - Frank and Gesa
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t has been said that if you only visit two continents in a lifetime, visit Africa twice. For the wild at heart it is somewhere that will call you back time and time again – a destination full of adventure and wonder. Two individuals who know this better than most are Frank and Gesa, an intrepid duo who have made the continent their home, and their mission to share its beauty with others. As qualified walking and trail guides, Frank and Gesa are an integral part of the African adventure company safariFRANK. Throughout the year they journey right off the beaten track, far from the tourist packs, to provide visitors memorable encounters with extraordinary wildlife and to connect them with African culture. Recently, whilst on assignment with safariFRANK, the pair fulfilled a long-held dream to explore South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Their aim was to get to know the area and meet with their operators/suppliers based there – but the outcome was so much more. The adventure started at one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets, South Luangwa. As one of the nation’s oldest walking safari destinations, the area has successfully held
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TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
on to its ‘old Africa’ feel. Animals, plants and landscape combine to form a spectacular wildlife sanctuary which acts as home to hippos (an estimated 6,000), leopards (South Luangwa has been voted one of the top five destinations in which to view them), giraffe, wildebeest and zebra… to name just a few. ‘There is nothing quite like a walking safari in the African wilderness,’ said Frank and Gesa of their experience. ‘Getting up with the rising sun, stepping in the footsteps of elephants, feeling the ground beneath your feet… you never know what will happen once you get out there but one thing is for certain - anything and
everything is possible.’
Staying in traditional bush camps added to the experience and created the perfect ‘play and stay’ combination, making South Luangwa irresistible to those seeking a less ordinary adventure. Central to creating these unforgettable moments are the local guides, which the team at safariFRANK know and go to great lengths to appreciate. ‘We were especially impressed by our guides, some of them having worked here for more than 20 years,’ said Gesa. ‘They took a lot of pride in high guiding standards and the old pass on their knowledge to the young.’
Gesa Neitzel Experiencing the African wilderness on foot in South Luangwa
By: Johan Steenhuisen (founder of safariFRANK) Photos: Frank Steenhuisen, Gesa Neitzel
