Love & light - this is Zambia!

‍

Last year, we had a bumper Zambia safari season, which got us excited about a deep-dive episode dedicated to it, but we have been singing the praises of this destination for years. It is known as the "rising giant" and it truly does feel like it's still somewhat untapped. After Covid, a relatively lesser known Lower Zambezi National Park gained popularity, but don’t let that fool you - it’s still spoilingly uncrowded. 

‍

‍

Our BHS safari experts, Jo Cooper and Geraldine Morelli, come together to compare their stories. Jo having been to South Luangwa recently, and Geraldine fresh out of Lower Zambezi. Both claiming they caught the biggest tiger fish of their lives. Geraldine didn’t even know she was into fishing until she hit the waters of the Zambezi!

‍

‍

Jo’s long career on the road as an overland safari guide means he’s done plenty of time within the borders of Zambia, but Kafue remains the “road less travelled” so that’s where he’d like to go next. Geraldine’s return to Zambia last year further enhanced her appreciation for the country as a photographer. She talks about the changes in light between the two parks we talk about, and… well, Geraldine’s enthusiasm has no limits, so prepare for some passionate reviews!  

‍

‍

‍

We discuss the unique value of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi individually, and why they make an epic combination. The sheer variety of activities diversifies the way you can explore and experience the wilderness. The abundance of wildlife versus the lack of people, the space, and the professional and passionate level of guiding you’ll find.  Access - flights into Lusaka, and then a light aircraft to the parks. Airfare is pricey and entry level accommodation comes in at around $800 per person per night. These are important considerations; however, you’ll hear how our team works cleverly to utilise the specials, green season travel, seasonal rates, property combinations, and insider deals to make Zambia an affordable and unbeatable destination. 

‍

‍

According to Jo:

‍

South Luangwa has a larger focus on walking safaris and immersion into the bush. Small bush camps in the far north or far south, away from Mfuwe, are the way to go. Walk from camp to camp. Favourite operators we use? Kafunta, Bushcamp Company, and Time & Tide.

‍

“It feels like you have exclusive access to the wilderness area, but it’s just quiet and large enough to feel alone. So many leopards, and lions. Small camps create such a private experience.

‍

Geraldine says about Lower Zambezi:

‍

There’s just such a variety of activities - walking, boating, canoeing, game drives, loads of wildlife on land and on water. Winterthorn tree forests. Golden sunlight for photography. Hugely reduced number of vehicles for a national park with public access. It’s never busy at a sighting.

‍

We pressured her to pick favourite safari lodges, and she managed to whittle it down to four… 

‍

• Kutali, no electricity, no running water, right on the river, only 5 tents, almost feels outdoors. 
• Old Mondoro - luxurious, large spaces, outdoor bath with an elephant encounter I won’t forget, best sightings, deep in the park, wild dogs that have been documented taking down buffalo.
• Chiawa - wildlife experience out of this world and scenery to die for.
• Sausage Tree - smarter, high end style, best private guide who healed fears about elephants! Catching tiger fish and vundu made me a keen fisherwoman!

‍

If you missed our previous episode about Zambia, find it here. And we hope you enjoy this reflective chat about one of Africa’s most magical safari destinations. 

‍

Check out Geraldine’s photos from Zambia and elsewhere in Africa on her Instagram channel.

‍

Listen to this podcast now!

‍

‍

‍