www.travelzambiamag.com August 2010
extra
INSIDE ■ Elephant orphans thriving ■ A right royal surprise ■ Top guide honoured ■ Buffalo mercy mission ■ News from around Zambia
Openwide! Why Bangweulu fits the bill for a wild wetland adventure
Nkani
News · views · people · places · conservation · community · wildlife · culture
Mwaiseni! Welcome to the second edition of TRAVEL ZAMBIA EXTRA “Are you sure you want a bird on the cover?” my publisher Craig asked, just as we were going to press. “It’s going to need some serious impact.” But this is no ordinary bird, I assured him. Just take a look at that monstrous conk. Besides, the bizarre shoebill is up there in any birder’s big five. And what’s more, Zambia is fast becoming the place to see one. So no apologies to non-birders, then, as in this edition we drag you deep into the murky waters of the Bangweulu Wetlands. And, anyway, it’s not all about shoebills. Adventurous visitors will find a wealth of other unique treasures in this littleknown wilderness – and a pioneering new conservation scheme promises that the best is yet to come. Elsewhere in this edition there is plenty more to celebrate, from orphaned elephants on the mend to international awards for Zambian guides, plus the latest news and views from around the country. So, happy reading. And please stay in touch: we’d love to know what you think of our new-look digital flipbook.
MIKE UNWIN, EDITOR MIKE@TRAVELAFRICAMAG.COM
TRAVEL ZAMBIA is published by Travel Africa Ltd. 4 Rycote Lane Farm, Milton Common, Oxford, OX9 2NZ, United Kingdom. www.travelafricamag.com Tel: +44 (0)1844 278883 Fax: +44 (0)1844 278893 Publisher Craig Rix (craig@travelafricamag.com) Editor Mike Unwin (mike@travelafricamag.com) Production Phil Clisby (phil@travelafricamag.com) Designer Lisa Duke Cover Shoebill (Stephen Cunliffe)
2 Travel Zambia
Batoka drinks two litres of special milk formula every three hours
A lot of bottle Good news from Camp Phoenix in Kafue National Park: Batoka the orphaned elephant has got his appetite back. And with milk on tap daily, it’s just a question of getting that pesky trunk out of the way. Batoka, latest arrival at the Elephant Orphanage Project (EOP), was in a severely malnourished state when he was rescued. “His body had used all its energy to stay alive,” reports project manager Rachael Murton. “There was nothing left to further his growth or improve his condition.” Six months later, however, Batoka is looking both bigger and healthier. What’s more, after his initial reserve, he has now become a boisterous member of the gang, play-fighting and dust-bathing with his new companions, and enjoying the attentions of Chamilandu, an orphaned female who likes to play mum. Meanwhile this year’s exceptionally heavy rains have brought lush growth to Kafue, and the EOP orphans – now four in number – have been relishing their excursions into the park. “All the elephants are growing fantastically and look in good shape,” reports Rachael. The EOP was established in September 2007 to take care of abandoned young elephants who had lost their mothers –
usually to poaching or injuries from snares. It is run by Game Rangers International (GRI), in partnership with the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), and has received orphans from as far away as South Luangwa. The project aims to rescue and rehabilitate its young charges and, when the time is right, to release them to a new life in the wilds of Kafue. Among the EOP’s generous sponsors is the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. Shepherd himself plans to visit the project in October before hosting a fundraising ‘Elephant Ball’ in Lusaka on October 16. “When I visited last year,” says the worldrenowned wildlife artist and conservationist, “I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone I met – including His Excellency President Rupiah Banda.” ■ To find out more about EOP or make a donation visit: www.davidshepherd.org/ project/000002/elephant/ MIKE UNWIN
TRAVEL ZAMBIA EXTRA is published three times a year to complement TRAVEL ZAMBIA magazine, published each November. All issues of TRAVEL ZAMBIA (and TRAVEL ZAMBIA EXTRA) are available free of charge in digital format or in printed format for a small charge. For orders or more information, visit: www.travelzambiamag.com Email: zambia@travelafricamag.com
RACHAEL MURTON
Bird brained!
David Shepherd
NORMAN CARR SAFARIS
More than a mouthful chameleon
GUIDING LIGHT
LIAM WALLS
A female hippo guards her baby fiercely – as one over-ambitious leopard discovered LIAM WALLS
The King arrives
ROBIN POPE SAFARIS
Abraham Banda of Norman Carr Safaris (www.normancarrsafaris.com) has made it to the final three of the highly prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards for excellence in guiding. The awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Geographic Society in London in September and he will be there to collect his award. “Norman would have been extremely proud,” says Christina Carr of NCS, explaining that it was the celebrated safari pioneer who had first identified the potential in a very young Banda. “Abes personifies everything in which Norman believed,” she adds. “A love for the wildlife and respect for the people of the Luangwa Valley, a wish to share the wonders of this unique wilderness, and the ability to impart his expertise to aspiring young guides.” A modest Banda, who has recently been welcomed on to the NCS Board of Directors, says he will be accepting his award on behalf of the whole NCS team.
The bush is full of surprises – even for a seasoned South Luangwa safari guide. Braston Daka of Robin Pope Safaris (www. robinpopesafaris.net) recounts for Travel Zambia one extraordinary incident he witnessed during a routine game drive in June. As we crossed the Croc River we heard the loud scream of a baby hippo. A leopard was trying to grab it by the throat, but couldn’t because its skin was too thick. Attracted by the noise, two hyenas turned up to chase off the intruder and take over, but then the mother hippo arrived, pushed the baby into the water and chased the hyenas away. The baby was now very weak and breathing with difficulty, but its troubles were not yet over. Two lionesses appeared, chased the watching leopard into a small tree, then followed the blood trail to the poor wounded hippo. Luckily the mother was ready and managed to drive off the two cats, which retreated to the shade – right underneath the leopard. After a while, one lioness decided to climb the tree, whereupon it received a good beating from the leopard and dropped back down. Then the lionesses went off hunting again, leaving the leopard still in the tree and the hippo back with its mother.
MIKE UNWIN
to a Abraham Banda introduces a guest
THE KING AND I It’s not every day you meet a king. Last July, Australian traveller Liam Walls visited the Western Province village of Lealui to watch the annual Kuomboka ceremony. Unwittingly, however, he and his companions had pitched their tent directly in the path of the Losi King and his entourage. Liam’s blog recounts their accidental royal encounter. I took off my thongs and bolted back through the knee-deep water to our tent, catching a glimpse of the procession through a gap between buildings as I went. “You guys! Quickly!” I urged, unzipping the flap and sticking my head inside. “The King and Prime Minister are coming!” They shuffled out to join me just as the procession rounded the corner. We all bowed and applauded as the King approached. But instead of walking by he stopped abruptly, almost causing a royal pile-up. “Ah! Camping!” he exclaimed. “Is this your home?” We hesitated, not sure how to respond. “Yes!” we replied, in unison, as we realised we were grinning stupidly. “How adventurous!” beamed the King. “We... we love it,” piped up a nervous Gavin. “We’ve enjoyed the festival,” added Les (later kicking herself for not having, more correctly, called it a ceremony). I just gawped. For the first time in my life I was unable to think of anything to say; I’d never met a king before. ■ Enjoy more of Liam’s Zambian travel tales at: http://awoliam.blogspot.com/
Travel Zambia 3
Bangweulu wetlands
water
Where the
sky meets the
The Bangweulu Swamps have two great claims to fame. First, this watery wilderness was the final resting place of legendary explorer David Livingstone, who died in Chief Chitambo’s lakeshore village in 1873. Second, it is home to the equally legendary shoebill, a bizarrelooking bird that has become a kind of feathered Holy Grail for twitchers worldwide. So why has no one outside Zambia heard of the place? Stephen Cunliffe pulled on his wellies to investigate. Pictures by Stephen Cunliffe
4 Travel Zambia
Black lechwe sprint across the shallow floodwaters of Chimbwe Plain in the dawn light
Travel Zambia 5
Bangweulu wetlands
T
housands of beady eyes monitored our slow progress across the waterlogged expanse of Chimbwe Plain. I was plunging knee-deep through water and deeper into the dark mud below as I tried to keep pace with Simon Ng’ona, my Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) guide. But though the going was heavy, the panorama unfolding around us buoyed our spirits and I marvelled at the sheer number of antelope that stretched in every direction to the treeless horizon. We had walked slap-bang into the middle of one of Africa’s most impressive, but least known, wildlife gatherings. The game-rich floodplains of the Chikuni sector, where we now stood, are part of an extensive system of lakes, swamplands, seasonally flooded grasslands and shallow water bodies – fed by the Chambeshi River – that collectively make up the 10,000 km2 Bangweulu Wetlands. From April onwards, as nutritious grasses sprout in the wake of the receding floodwaters, black lechwe gather in their tens of thousands to enjoy the grazing. This handsome, medium-sized antelope is endemic to the Bangweulu region. And while poaching in recent decades may have reduced its population from a reputed 250,000 in the 1930s, the sheer scale of the gathering is still astounding. Lechwe are not the only animals to find a home here. The swamps, grasslands and termitaria woodlands of this remote wilderness also support good numbers of tsessebe, sitatunga, oribi, southern reedbuck and zebra, along with small herds of elephant
6 Travel Zambia
and buffalo. Our forays across the plains and swamps brought us good sightings of all these herbivores, while spotted hyena regularly put in an appearance and skulked around our campsite at night. For many visitors, however, Bangweulu’s mammals – even the astounding lechwe – play second fiddle to its astonishing birdlife. I soon found myself mesmerised by the huge flocks of wattled cranes (10% of Africa’s total population reside here) that stalked the plains, along with their retinue of egrets and African spoonbills, while deeper in the swamps we added excellent sightings of African purple swamphen, lesser jacana and white-cheeked bee-eater to our burgeoning list. One bird holds a particular allure. The bizarre-looking shoebill, an obscure stork-like
ABOVE: Black lechwe gather in tens of thousands during peak season. Only males (top) have horns BELOW: The white-cheeked bee-eater is a distinct local subspecies of the bluebreasted bee-eater
A small buffalo population still roam the Bangweulu grasslands. Numbers are set to increase as conservation improves
Travel Zambia 7
Bangweulu wetlands
species with an enormous fish-catching beak, is arguably the most sought-after bird on the continent. It had become my obsession as the Bangweulu trip had approached – especially as this was the only place in southern Africa I would ever find one. And yet, after a full day of fruitless searching – the monotonous sloshing of our strides taking us ever deeper into the swamps – I had begun to fear the worst. Simon was upbeat, however, insisting he knew just the man to help. The following morning he proudly reappeared poling a small pirogue and accompanied by Patson Mukosa, a local guide who had worked for 19 years at the aptly named Shoebill Camp. If there was a shoebill in the area, Simon assured me, Patson would know where to find it. Great! I hopped in and we immediately set off in search of the favoured feeding sites of our elusive quarry deep within the permanent swamp. Patson informed me that, in his experience, the shoebill – also known as a whale-headed stork – was easiest to locate between March and August, although he was confident he could find them throughout the year. As the day wore on and the heat sapped my energy and enthusiasm, he remained resolute. After seven long hours, and without the aid of binoculars, my elated guide suddenly pointed ahead and exclaimed: “Shoebill!” And there it was: a huge grey bird with a great boot of a bill standing stock-still in the shallows. We approached cautiously. It stood frozen, staring into the water for what seemed an eternity, before its 8 Travel Zambia
head suddenly darted forward and emerged seconds later clutching a sizeable catfish. With a quick gulp and toss of the head down went the prize – whole. For two hours we edged forward until we eventually sat barely 20m from this extraordinary creature. After a while it took flight, flapping up to rest and digest in a nearby tree, and we tore ourselves away. “I told you I know these swamps,” proclaimed Patson proudly. “I wanted to find you a shoebill and I did. Thank you very much!” I was jolted from my thoughts by the whine of a distant car engine. Bangweulu project director Ian Stevenson had kindly agreed to drive me around for the afternoon. I followed his Landcruiser with my binoculars as it churned through the flooded grasslands and slowly drew nearer, eventually coming to a halt some 150m from where we stood – Ian had learned the hard way how easy it was to get bogged down and was taking no chances. Simon and I trudged wearily over to the vehicle. As we drove across the trackless plains, enjoying a welcome opportunity to rest our legs, Ian told me all about this neglected chunk of wildest Africa. Bangweulu, it transpires, was actually declared a Game Management Area way back in 1972 but fell off Zambia’s tourist circuit due to a lack of funding, development and expertise. Things changed in 2008 when African Parks Network (APN) was invited by the local community and ZAWA to help the wetlands realise their huge tourism potential. “The project has a 20 year lifespan,” explained Ian, “and we aim to
ABOVE: The Bangweulu wetlands are home to around 10% of Africa’s wattled cranes BELOW: The region’s rich biodiversity includes such gems as this exquisite hawk moth OPPOSITE: To find a shoebill you must take to the water
Travel Zambia 9
Bangweulu wetlands
create the capacity for local people to manage their natural heritage for themselves. His vision is a farreaching one that will benefit people and wildlife alike. “Ultimately,” he added, “the goal is to create an environment in which the community will want to protect and preserve Bangweulu.” The total project area of 6000km2 comprises 3090km2 of the Bangweulu Game Management Area, along with the 2910km2 Chikuni Community Partnership Park (CCPP). This park, explained Ian, has similar status to a national park but belongs to the local community rather than the state, and is managed by APN as a private sector partner. “It is a pioneering concept in African conservation,” he enthused. As we stood around discussing the future of this unique area, a group of fishermen and their families plodded past, pushing heavily laden bicycles through the shallow water en route to some distant village. I had heard persistent rumours that some 10 Travel Zambia
locals, members of a 90,000-strong community of subsistence fisherman scattered across the seasonal islands of the swamp, felt threatened by the park and the arrival of APN. “Our greatest challenge is to win the support of the local communities,” agreed Ian, explaining how the fishermen, especially, are worried about the introduction of sustainable fishing practices. “But with the revenue from tourism and the development it will bring,” he insisted, “the community stands to reap significant benefits in the long term.” Other challenges loom on the wildlife front, including an ambitious plan to release cheetah back onto the floodplains as early as next year. “We want to restore the area’s original fauna and flora,” said Ian, explaining how WWF The Netherlands is funding a five-year animal reintroduction programme. A temporary 20,000ha sanctuary to be constructed during 2011 will also allow the translocation of
ABOVE: A shoebill takes flight on its massive 2.5m-wide wingspan top right: Wildfowl head for their evening roost
And there it was: a huge, grey bird with a great boot of a bill, standing stock-still in the shallows
fitting the bill
T
additional elephant, roan, sable and waterbuck to augment the remnant populations of these species within the project area. Locally extinct predators such as leopard and wild dog will follow, with the ultimate ambition being the return of lion and black rhino within the next six years. An afternoon in the company of the indefatigable Ian proved a fitting finale to my highly entertaining adventure in this unique chunk of Zambian wilderness. Although the area still has a way to go in developing its full potential for wildlife and tourism, I could easily see how Bangweulu might become Zambia’s Okavango Delta in the years ahead. Meanwhile, if you have a yearning for the untamed and unexplored, and don’t mind getting a little wet, then Bangweulu is a veritable playground for the adventurous nature lover. The low hum of innumerable grazing lechwe and the deafening silence of the wide-open plains await you.
he shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) stands 1.5m tall and has a wingspan of 2.5m. Its scientific name means ‘King whalehead’. The enormous clog-shaped bill measures 23cm long by 10cm wide; its hooked tip and sharp slicing edges make it a formidable implement, adapted to scoop, stab and crush all in one. This distinctive bird eluded western science until 1851, when Victorian naturalist John Gould described his first specimen as ‘the most extraordinary bird I have seen for many years.’ Scientists have since puzzled over its taxonomy, some classifying it among the herons and others among the storks. DNA evidence now suggests the shoebill is most closely related to pelicans (Pelecaniformes), as Gould himself initially surmised.
Shoebills are endemic to Africa, inhabiting deep swamps from southern Sudan in the north (where the largest population is found) to Zambia in the south. They often frequent narrow channels between larger water bodies where fish concentrate, ambushing prey – including fish, reptiles and water birds – with a sudden lunge. A breeding pair requires a territory of at least 2km2. They construct a ground nest in a clearing of swamp grass at the onset of the dry season, as the floods recede. Two to three eggs are laid, but inter-sibling rivalry means that generally only one youngster survives, reaching maturity after 3-4 years. Today the shoebill population is estimated at 5-10,000. The species is highly vulnerable to drainage and disturbance, and is designated as Of Special Concern by the IUCN.
Travel Zambia 11
12 Travel Zambia
Bangweulu wetlands BANGWEULU BASICS
I could easily see how Bangweulu might become Zambia’s Okavango Delta in the years ahead
Lake Bangweulu North Luambe NP
Mpika
CHIKUNI BANGWEULU GMA
Shoebill Island Camp Nsobe Community Campsite
Nakapalayo Tourism Project
Ndola
South Luangwa NP
Kasanka National Park Serenje Mkushi
Kapiri Mposhi
Luambe NP
Mfuwe
Lu an gw aR ive r
LEFT: Local people will benefit from the new Chikuni Community Partnership Park CENTRE: Zebra are among many other grazers that thrive alongside the lechwe ABOVE: A hottentot teal takes to the air BELOW: The flooded grasslands pose a serious challenge to vehicles
HOW TO GET THERE: By air: private charter from Proflight or Sky Trails. By road: an 8-10 hour drive from Lusaka along the paved Great North Road then a scenic dirt road via Lavushi Manda National Park. The nearest fuel and provisions are in Serenje (182km from the Chikuni sector); self-catering visitors are advised to stock up before leaving Lusaka. WHERE TO STAY: ■ Lake Waka Waka Community Camp, Lake Waka Waka Beautifully located beside Lake Waka Waka (safe for swimming), this rustic community-run campsite offers bucket showers and barbeque spots. A great place to break your journey on the long drive into Bangweulu. Camping from US$5 pppn. ■ Nakapalayo Tourism Project, Chiundaponde This immaculate communityrun camp consists of six simple twin-bed brick chalets with bucket showers and the village’s first flush toilets. For US$60 pppn, visitors receive an evening meal with traditional entertainment, breakfast and a village tour. ■ Nsobe Community Campsite, Chikuni Located on the edge of the game-rich Chimbwi Plains, Nsobe is a basic campsite with a fresh water borehole and barbeque facilities. Currently under renovation, it is scheduled to reopen in late 2010, with camping at US$10 pppn. ■ Shoebill Island Camp, Chikuni Offers tented accommodation or reed cottages with en suite shower and flush toilet. Camping costs US$10 per night; self-catering chalets are US$50 per night. Fully inclusive packages at US$360 per night include all meals and guided boat trips. The Kasanka Trust administers the camp: www.kasanka.com. WHEN TO VISIT: The best time is May-August, when the Chimbwi Plains are dry enough to be driven on but still sufficiently green to attract massive concentrations of lechwe. The plains remain accessible until December, but from January-April heavy rains make most access roads unnavigable. During this time the campsite at Nsobe disappears underwater and the seasonally flooded wetlands can only be accessed by boat. FIND OUT MORE AT: www.african-parks.org/bangweulu or www.bangweulu. org. Alternatively, contact Hanneke Hogerheijde, Marketing & Tourism Development Manager for the Bangweulu Wetlands Project, on +260 974 044 567 or at hanneke@bangweulu.org.
To Lusaka
Travel Zambia 13
Around Zambia Where to go · activities · conservation latest · safari news
From exciting new safaris to conservation challenges, Zambia continues to generate stories that entice and inspire the visitor. Here are a few recent highlights. 1
Jumbo welcome
MAYUKUYUKU CAMP
There has been a change of guard at Mayukuyuku Camp in Southern Kafue, where resident elephant Big Mac has been replaced by newcomer Dave Onetusk. “We have to be very vigilant with him,” reports camp manager and head guide, Patrick Moyo. “He spends pretty well the whole day wandering around camp and turns up wherever the guests and staff are at the time. As we move to another area, so does he.” Both bulls are thought to be around 55 to 65 years old. Meanwhile the camp, which boasts new luxury permanent tents and a new loop road, reports excellent game viewing for July, including good leopard and cheetah sightings, and a regular family of otters in the river. ■ Find out more at www.kafuecamps.com 2
Buffalo buffet
Mwinilunga
Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) has come to the rescue of stranded buffalo in a mercy mission dubbed ‘Operation Buffalo Buffet’. The buffalo, along with a few impala and waterbuck, were trapped on islands by rising river waters after three floodgates were opened in the Kariba Dam during March. As the limited grazing ran out the animals began to deteriorate, with some too weak to swim back to the mainland even after the water levels began to fall. With the help of ZAWA, the authorities at Mana Pools, and a number of local safari lodges, CLZ has been transporting hay and pellets – generously donated by local farmers – to the islands. With the animals recovering their strength as water levels continue to fall, it is hoped they will soon be able to return to the river bank. ■ Find out more at www.conservationlowerzambezi.org
Solwezi
West Lunga NP
STEWART REID
Liuwa Plain NP Kaoma
Limulunga Mongu
Blue Lagoon
Kafue NP
1 Za m
be
zi
Ri ve r
Sioma Ngwezi NP
Kazungula Livingstone
3
White-water overnighter
Victoria Falls affects people in different ways: some yearn to pit themselves against the churning Zambezi in a white-water thrill ride; others prefer just to relax and appreciate the majesty of the spectacle. A new two-day overnight rafting package based in Livingstone combines both approaches in a single trip. Day one tackles rapids 1-10. Day two braves rapids 11-25. And between the rafting, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls and a tranquil night camping underneath the stars in the Zambezi gorge. ■ For details contact Safari Par Excellence on zaminfo@safpar.com 14 Travel Zambia
SAFARI PAR EXCELLENCE
STEWART REID
Victoria Falls
iver
eR
u Kaf
3
Lochin NP
ne
N
4
TZ
0
200 miles
100 100
300 km
200
L. Mweru
Mpulungu
RR SAFARIS
L. Tanganyika Sumbu NP L. Mweru Wantipa
E
asy rider… A bushb jockey at uck acquires a babo o Kapani Lo dge, Southn for a Luangwa
Lusenga NP Kasama
NORMAN CA
0
L. Bangweulu Mpika
North Luangwa NP
4
Luambe NP Kasanka NP Kitwe
5
Ndola
Mfuwe South Luangwa NP
Lu a
ng w
aR
Kapiri Mposhi
Blue Lagoon NP
LUSAKA Lower Zambezi NP
2
r Rive Lochinvar NP L. Kariba
Chirundu
Chipata
ive r
Mkushi
Lukusuzi NP
er zi Riv
e Zamb
NORTH LUANGWA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME
Isoka
5
Last rhinos arrive
On 26 May five black rhinos from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa – four females and one male – arrived in North Luangwa National Park. This was the fifth and final stage of a translocation process that began in 2003, and brings the ‘feeder population’ of black rhinos in the park to 25. “Zambia was once home to Africa’s third largest black rhino population,” reports project director Claire Lewis, “and this pioneering operation marks the first successful return of black rhinos to a country where they had previously been poached to extinction.” The programme is supported by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, with the assistance of ZAWA and conservation authorities in both South Africa and Namibia. ■ Contact Claire Lewis for more details at: clairelewis@fzs.org
Pupils turn teacher
Anna Tolan, of Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust in South Luangwa National Park, was thrilled when two former students returned in June with classes of their own. Kevsion Zulu and Sam Nkoma, now fully trained primary school teachers, were able to spend a day with their new pupils enjoying the very activities and facilities that had first inspired them. “We are very proud to see our efforts in conservation and wildlife education coming full circle,” says Anna, “and we wish them every success as they pursue their career as teachers.” ■ More details at www.chipembele.org
CHIPEMBELE
ue
SNAP SHOT
SAFARI NEWS IN BRIEF ■ VIDEO COMPETITION Guests of the Bushcamp Company are invited to enter a competition for the best wildlife video shot during their stay. First prize is a seven-night safari for two at either Mfuwe Lodge or one of the company’s bush camps. Entries close on 31 December 2010. Details at: www.bushcampcompany.com ■ SOUND SAFARI Wildlife sound recordist and animal behaviour specialist Derek Solomon offers new ‘sound safaris’ in South Luangwa National Park. Guests are equipped with headphones to help detect and interpret the noises of the African bush. The three-night safaris are based at Mfuwe Lodge. Details from daphne.zamag@iconnect.zm ■ COMMUNITY CAMPS ON THE WEB Munyamadzi and Natwange community camps, located beside the remote North Luangwa National Park, now have their own websites. Online
reservations are thus now possible for the first time. Check them out at www.munyamadzibushcamp.com and www.natwangebushcamp.com ■ ZAMBEZI KULEFU OPEN FOR BUSINESS Sanctuary’s Zambezi Kulefu Camp is now open. Situated in a picturesque riverbank winterthorn grove in Lower Zambezi National Park, this camp offers seven spacious permanent tents and a Bedouin-style lounge and dining area. Details at www.sanctuaryretreats.com/lodges ■ TENT WITH A VIEW Chiawa Camp on the Lower Zambezi has opened its new ‘tent nine’, offering an open bathroom and elevated views of the Zambezi and Chiawa Rivers. Guests have already been enjoying the fish eagle that perches in front of the room each morning and the elephant families drinking from the river below. Details at www.chiawa.com
Travel Zambia 15
Safari Planner
Contact our partners for all your Zambia travel needs... (Tell them you heard about them in Travel Zambia)
BAINES RIVER CAMP This true safari lodge offers a wide variety of activities in and around the Lower Zambezi www.bainesrivercamp.com · sabine@bainesrivercamp.com BUSH BUZZ Experts in travel – customised tours, safari packages, accommodation, activities, car hire, flights www.bush-buzz.com · info@bush-buzz.com BUSHTRACKS AFRICA Your gateway to central and southern Africa www.bushtracksafrica.com · victoriafalls@bushtracksafrica.com CHIAWA CAMP One of Africa’s premier safari camps, on the banks of the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi NP www.chiawa.com · info@chiawa.com FLATDOGS CAMP The only truly ‘family friendly’ camp in the Luangwa www.flatdogscamp.com · info@flatdogscamp.com ISLANDS OF SIANKABA Seven secluded chalets situated on two private islands between Vic Falls and Chobe www.siankaba.net · siankaba@zamnet.zm
How to receive
KAFUNTA SAFARIS With Kafunta River Lodge and Island Bush Lodge, the pride of the South Luangwa www.luangwa.com · kafunta@luangwa.com KAINGU SAFARI LODGE Set in an area of pristine wilderness on one of Africa’s great rivers – Kafue www.kaingu-lodge.com · reservations@kaingu-lodge.com KANYEMBA LODGE A secluded paradise on the banks of the Zambezi www.kanyemba.com · info@kanyemba.com LUANGWA RIVER LODGE An intimate owner-run lodge – your stylish safari retreat www.luangwariverlodge.net · reservations@luangwariverlodge.net NANZHILA PLAINS SAFARI CAMP Situated in Kafue NP. We offer remote Africa in its true unrefined beauty www.nanzhila.com · info@nanzhila.com NORMAN CARR SAFARIS 60 years of excellence. Based in the South Luangwa NP, home of the walking safari www.normancarrsafaris.com · kapani@normancarrsafaris.com OLD MONDORO Intimate, remote, wild and just perfect. The finest of bushcamps in the Lower Zambezi NP www.chiawa.com · info@chiawa.com PULSE AFRICA Our dedicated team focuses on crafting tailor-made holidays for discerning Africa travellers www.pulseafrica.com · info@pulseafrica.com ROBIN POPE SAFARIS Zambia’s leading tour operator. Luxury is defined by service and this is where we excel www.robinpopesafaris.net · info@robinpopesafaris.net SAFARI CONSULTANTS Experienced UK operator specialising in tailor-made African safari holidays www.safari-consultants.co.uk · info@safariconsultantuk.com SANCTUARY RETREATS Luxury, naturally... Lodges in Livingstone, South Luangwa NP and Lower Zambezi NP www.sanctuaryretreats.com · info@sanctuaryretreats.com SAUSAGE TREE CAMP A truly classic African wildlife experience in the heart of the Lower Zambezi NP www.sausagetreecamp.com · reservations@sausagetreecamp.com SHENTON SAFARIS Zambia’s leading wildlife and photographic operator www.shentonsafaris.com · info@shentonsafaris.com SOUTHERN SUN RIDGEWAY Enjoy the very best of Zambian hospitality in our recently refurbished Lusaka hotel www.southernsun.com · res@southernsun.co.zm STANLEY SAFARI LODGE Small personal lodge, only 3km from the mighty Victoria Falls, outside Livingstone www.stanleysafaris.com · reservations@stanleysafaris.com THE BUSHCAMP COMPANY Six exclusive camps in South Luangwa NP – an unrivalled wildlife experience www.bushcampcompany.com · info@bushcampcompany.com VOYAGERS ZAMBIA LTD Your complete one-stop travel shop for the region; experienced Zambian operator www.voyagerszambia.com · travel@voyagerszambia.com.zm WATERBRERY LODGE An informal family-friendly lodge close to Victoria Falls but in the heart of the wild www.waterberrylodge.com · reservations@waterberrylodge.com WILDERNESS SAFARIS Camps, walking safaris and explorations in Kafue, South Luangwa and Victoria Falls www.wilderness-safaris.com WILDLIFE CAMP An affordable option based in South Luangwa, offering walking and driving safaris www.wildlifecamp-zambia.com · info@wildelifezambia.com ZAMAG TOURS AND SAFARIS Agricultural/farm tours and safaris in Zambia www.zamagsafaris.com · info@zamagsafaris.com ZAMBIA TOURISM BOARD National tourism authority, your gateway to the country diverse attractions www.zambiatourism.com · zntb@zambiatourism.org.zm
16 Travel Zambia
Travel Zambia provides creative, unique content that meets the demand of the traveller. Drawing from top writers and photographers, the magazine gives a personal insight into the country and its people. WHAT YOU GET Travel Zambia magazine: Published annually in November and consisting of at least 64 pages, this magazine covers the whole country in detail, providing an in-depth overview. Travel Zambia Extra: Produced three times a year and comprising a minimum of 16 pages, this supplementary publication will focus on a particular subject in each issue, allowing us to provide you with more detailed information and inspiration to help you plan your Zambian travels. DISTRIBUTION All editions will be distributed FREE as digital flipbooks, either via download from our website (www.travelzambiamag.com) and partner sites, or you can register to receive a link to each issue as it is published. Register online at www.travelzambiamag.com or email zambia@travelafricamag.com. But if you prefer your magazines in printed format, don’t worry – printed copies are available on subscription for a nominal fee to cover print and postage costs. Consult our website for prices or contact us direct...
www.travelzambiamag.com Email: zambia@travelafricamag.com Travel Zambia is published by Travel Africa Ltd.
www.travelafricamag.com