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Zambian Safari - Hints/Tips and Facts

By Mark Donaldson  

Weather

Most holidays are booked during the dry season – April to October.  By May the last rains have fallen and the blue skies are clear.  Groundwater is still plentiful and vegetation is thick, but areas that have been unreachable throughout the rains now start to become accessible.

During June and July temperatures fall to their lowest levels and can drop as low as two degrees Centigrade.  Thereafter the thermometer rises until the heat is alleviated by the onset of the next rains, which usually arrive in November.  October therefore is normally the hottest month with maximum temperatures of about 37 degrees.

 

Food

Meals at Robin Pope Safaris are of the highest standard, and are always varied.  All dishes are made in camp by award-winning chefs, with the evening meal the highlight of the day.  Try enjoying your food by the moonlight with the distinct sound of wildlife surrounding the camp as you dine.

 

Visas

Visas can be purchased on arrival at Lusaka airport for 35 US dollars.

 

Reading

Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa – Ken Newman

Wildlife of Southern Africa – Vincent Carruthers

Signs of the Wild – Clive Walker

Luangwa (Zambia’s Treasure) – Mike Coppinger/Jumbo Williams

 

Getting There

British Airways fly direct from London Gatwick to Lusaka via Harare.  The flight time is exactly ten hours, normally departing at night and arriving in Zambia the following mid-morning.  Reservations  08457 222 111.

www.ba.com

 

Where To Stay

Choose from one of three Robin Pope-owned safaris at either Nsefu, Tena Tena or Nkwali – all situated in the National Park. 

rps@super-hub.com  or (260) 62 45090.

 

Tour Operator  

Roxton Bailey Robinson Worldwide            www.roxtons.com       or                 01488 689 702

Wilderness Safaris                                     PO Box 5219, Rivonia, 2128 RSA       011 807 1800

 

Zambia in 2001

A ‘Celebration of South Luangwa took place in May – a week of unforgettable safari with additional focus on the culture and conservation of the area.  Following the end of the rains, the bush in lush and green, the river was high and birding opportunities were outstanding.  Lion and leopard were often seen at this time of year as they enjoy the drier areas.

‘Celebration of South Luangwa’ combined game-viewing with the opportunity of an insight into the culture and lives of the ‘Kundu’ tribe of Eastern Province.

 

Suggested Equipment List

     1.                 Good quality sunglasses.

2.                Bush hat or cap

3.                Good walking boots or trainers

4.                Camera and PLENTY of film

5.                Binoculars are essential

6.                Personal toiletries

7.                Malaria tablets

8.                Suntan lotion and moisturising cream

9.                Anti-histamine tablets

10.              Insect repellent – Jungle Juice or Tabard etc

11.              Basic medical kit including plasters

12.              Visas, tickets, US dollars, travel insurance

13.              Powerful torch

14.              Earplugs

 

Travel Tips

When flying on a charter flight internally in Zambia, passengers are allowed a maximum luggage weight of twelve kilograms in a soft sports bag.  For scheduled airlines, this capacity is increased to twenty kilos.

US dollars are accepted everywhere but make sure of taking small denominations.

Change is normally given in Zambian Kwacha.

Do not take excess clothing as an on-site laundry service returns clothing at the end of each day.

Drink plenty of water during the day – at least two or three litres to avoid dehydration.  This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages which you can make up for at night!

Consult your doctor regarding any precautions which should be taken.  Malaria prophylactics are compulsory, and can be obtained from most chemists.