| Many people have different expectations from a | | | | herds of elephant trawl through the mopane |
| safari to the African continent - some enjoy | | | | forests, along with equally large herds of buffalo. |
| relaxing in five star accommodation with spas and | | | | Large prides of lion defend their territories from |
| the latest treatments, with world class dining and | | | | the local competition and the chances of seeing |
| fine wines, whilst others want to totally immerse | | | | leopard in the wild are perhaps higher than |
| themselves deep in the bush. Either experience will | | | | another location in Africa. Many different species |
| afford high quality game viewing but the latter | | | | of antelope thrive in Zambia as well as the more |
| most definitely provides a real sense of Africa | | | | unusual Thorneycroft's Giraffe and Cookson's |
| "unplugged". | | | | Wildebeest. |
| Walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia's South | | | | The Luangwa River supports high concentrations |
| Luangwa by the renowned Norman Carr over | | | | of hippopotamus and as the dry season |
| fifty years ago and today his legacy is a small | | | | progresses and the river shrink, it is not |
| selection of high quality "bush camps" which are | | | | uncommon to see pods of several hundred hippos |
| platforms for exciting foot safaris. "Bush camps" | | | | gathering in the deeper channels. Strategically |
| tend to be much smaller than traditional safari | | | | placed photographic hides provide exceptional |
| lodges, taking between 6 to 10 guests at a time | | | | opportunities to get close to these large "river |
| and more traditional in design with a handful of | | | | horses" and observe their behaviour. |
| thatched cottages, usually opening onto a tranquil | | | | Zambia is easily accessible with direct flights from |
| bend of the Luangwa River. | | | | the UK into the capital, Lusaka. A short flight then |
| The key to any safari in Africa is the quality of | | | | takes you to the small town of Mfuwe which is |
| the guiding and Zambian guides are amongst the | | | | the gateway to a safari in the South Luangwa. |
| very best - taking guests out on foot requires a | | | | And as you make your way to camp, the |
| high level of concentration and sensory perception. | | | | spectacular beauty of one of Africa's last true |
| Imagine coming across all of the wildlife you would | | | | wilderness areas unfolds, drawing you in and |
| see from the comfort of your set in a large 4x4 | | | | holding your imagination captive for the next few |
| vehicle, now imagine the same experience on | | | | days. |
| foot. Safety is paramount and the experience is | | | | If a walking safari in Zambia sounds like the style |
| unforgettable. My very first walking safari in the | | | | of safari you would enjoy, make sure you talk |
| South Luangwa brought our small group to within | | | | with someone who has visited the area and can |
| 100 feet of a pair of mating leopards! | | | | provide an impartial insight into the best location |
| Zambia's National Parks are well established and | | | | and camp for you depending on your |
| during the dry season which runs between May | | | | expectations, as some camps are more rustic |
| and the end of October, the South Luangwa | | | | than others. |
| provides exceptional game viewing. Large breeding | | | | |