Photograph by Wilderness Safaris
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A visit to these two countries is a logical and rewarding combination and a regular air transfer service is available between Lilongwe, Malawi (your normal point of entry) and Mfuwe, Zambia, the entry point for the South Luangwa National Park. The time to visit is between May and November to avoid the rainy season.
Zambia
Zambia stretches from the southern shore of Lake Tanganika to the shores of Lake Kariba. It is bordered by Malawi and Mozambique on the east, Zimbabwe to the south, Namibia and Angola to the west and Congo and Tanzania to the north. A large portion of the country is given over to wildlife with 19 national parks and 31 game management areas. The prime wildlife areas are the Luangwa valley and the South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
The South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park is one of the best in Africa with prolific game and birds. Thornicroft giraffe are indigenous to the park and Cookson's wildebeest unique to Luangwa. Leopard are most common between July and October. The area is noted for its excellent night drives and its walking safaris. Among the camps and lodges we would recommend Tena Tena, Nsefu, Nkwali, Tafika, Kapani and Chibembe. See Robin Pope Safaris for more information.
Photograph by Wilderness Safaris
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of the largest and most unspoiled wildlife parks in Africa. It is very different from the Luangwa Valley, higher and with the amazing Busanga Plain, an eco-system rather like the Okavango Delta. Kafue has an excellent variety of wildlife including sable, roan, Liechtenstein's hartebeest as well as the more common species. Accommodation suggested includes Lunga River Lodge, Busanga Bush Camp and Puku Pan Safari camp.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is a wonderful area for safari by canoe or on foot with good game viewing on the flood plains. Shearwater and Safari par Excellence are the major canoe safari operators and Sausage Tree Camp a luxurious tented camp offers safaris by boat, canoe, on foot and 4x4 vehicle including night drives.
Victoria Falls
While the majority of tourists stay on the Zimbabwe side there are several excellent small camps and lodges on the Zambian side well away from the crowds. They offer river excursions and other activities. The River Club and Tongabezi are two of the best.
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