Wild Zambia – in the footsteps of David Flatman
The remote wilderness areas of Zambia present an unrivalled opportunity to experience Africa in all its vastness and a safari here feels like a genuine adventure. David Flatman or ‘Flats’, a pundit and former rugby player wanted to experience a ‘grown up’ friends holiday with a difference with some of his chums. David played for Bath and the England national rugby union team and writes about his travels for the Mail on Sunday ‘Rugby star David Flatman discovers the stunning wildlife of Zambia‘.
On his super-quick holiday David Flatman visited only the Lower Zambezi National Park but if his article has given you a taste for a Zambian safari, here are our suggestions:
Among the standout areas to visit are Livingstone where you can watch the Zambezi River thunder over the Victoria Falls. There’s plenty else to do in the area – rafting, bungee, boat cruises, to name but a few – and a few days here make a great start or finish to a safari holiday.
The Zambezi River thundering over the Victoria Falls
Catch up with the river again as it meanders through the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park which is chock-full of wildlife – including the leopards, elephants, hippos and crocs that David Flatman saw. The varied safari activities on offer – from day and night game drives to walking and boating safaris – give plenty of opportunity to see plenty of fantastic animal action.
Sundowners by the Zambezi River at Royal Zambezi Lodge
Then there is the South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, where big cats, especially leopard, and elephant are particularly prevalent. It’s where walking safaris were pioneered and is still a superb spot to explore on foot as well as on day and night game drives.
Nkwali Camp on the banks of the South Luangwa River
Zambian safari highlights include:
- Visiting the magnificent Victoria Falls
- Sundowner river trips on the Zambezi
- Enjoying the beautiful Lower Zambezi National Park on day and night game drives, and guided walking safaris, in the company of expert guides
- Boat and fishing trips on the Zambezi River to see wildlife from a different perspective
- Exhilarating game drives in the South Luangwa National Park, famous for its populations of hippo, elephant, lion and leopard
- Fabulous walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park
- Accommodation in comfortable and spacious lodges in beautiful off the beaten track locations
- Professional safari guides to teach you everything you need to know about the wildlife and habitats of Zambia
Magical: A Zambezi leopard was the highlight of David’s trip © Tena Tena
Sample Zambia itinerary
Days 1 to 3
On arrival into Livingstone Airport in Zambia today you will be met and driven to Tongabezi for a stay of three nights on a full board basis. This lovely river-side lodge is a super place to relax at the start of your trip and is a great base from which to explore the Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
The ‘Dog House’, Tongabezi Lodge
Days 4 to 6
This morning you will be transferred back to Livingstone Airport in time to take a scheduled light aircraft flight to the Lower Zambezi. You will be met on arrival at the airstrip and driven to Royal Zambezi Lodge. Over the course of the next three days you can explore the park and its wildlife on foot, by boat, canoe and 4×4 game drives. The lodge has stunning views over the river and it’s quite possible to spot elephant and hippo without even leaving your room!
Elephant crossing the river in front of Royal Zambezi Lodge
Days 7 to 9
A scheduled light aircraft flight will take you to Mfuwe Airstrip in the South Luangwa today. Your three night stay in South Luangwa is at Nkwali Camp which is surrounded by grassland and quiet ebony groves. There’s plenty of wildlife in the area and it’s a very good place to spot leopard and lion.
Magnificent lion close to Nkwali Camp
Day 10
After breakfast this morning you will be flown by scheduled light aircraft from Mfuwe to Lusaka International Airport. From here you will take an international flight home, or continue with another African adventure.
Any questions?
A safari along these lines would cost around £6,600 per person to include international and regional flights, full board accommodation and all safari activities. All our safari holidays are individually tailored so this is very much a guide and can be altered to suit your wishes.
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a safari holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of holiday from family safaris and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
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