ZamZim Safari June 2012 - Nadia Eckhardt As Tour Escort!

11 – 26^th JUNE 2012

Just Released – Sign up by calling Nadia or Ilse at Africa Easy – 1800-617-2319. Space is limited for this

Safari to ZAMBIA & HWANGE, Zimbabwe

Explore 3 National Parks in Zambia & Zimbabwe “Our Way”

with Tour Leader Nadia Eckhardt

ITIN designed by Africa Easy –  revised 21 Sept 2011 

Trip Highlights

• Kafue NP – this Zambian park is one of the largest in Africa and the only place cheetah are found in Zambia
• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – birthplace of the walking safari and excellent leopard, hyena and wild dog sightings are common
• Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia – enjoy both water and land activities in this diverse environment; excellent birding opportunities
• Victoria Falls tour, Zambian side
• Sunset river cruise on the Zambezi
• Hwange NP - Zimbabwe’s largest National Park with excellent elephant, large lion prides and wild dog sightings 

Brief Outline of Itinerary for June 2012 – Zambia and Zimbabwe

Brief Day by Day

Day 1: 10 June 2012            Depart the US for LHR. Fly on to Lusaka or JNB.. Best to Lusaka, Zambia.

Day 2: 11 June                       Arrive Lusaka. Overnight in Lusaka at Taj Pamodzi. Additional cost for overnight B&B.

Day 3: 12 June                       Fly Lusaka to Shumba Camp, Busanga Plains/Kafue NP

Day 4: 13 June                       Shumba Camp, Busanga Plains/Kafue NP

Day 5: 14 June                       Shumba Camp, Busanga Plains/Kafue

Day 6: 15 June                       Fly to Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa NP

Day 7: 16 June                       Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa NP

Day 8: 17 June                       Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa NP

Day 9: 18 June                       Fly to from Mfuwe Airstrip to Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi

Day 10: 19 June                     Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi

Day 11: 20 June                    Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi

Day 12: 21 June                     Fly to Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls

Day 13: 22 June                   Fly to Zimbabwe and transfer to Davisons, Hwange NP

Day 14: 23 June                   Davisons, Hwange NP

Day 15: 24 June                   Davisons, Hwange NP
Day 16: 25 June                   Depart Davison, Hwange NP 9am approx. & fly VFA (Vicotira Falls at 1325p on

SAA to Johannesburg. Fly late night out of JNB to LHR. Avoids forced o/n in JNB.  

Day 17: 26 June                   Arrive AM to LHR after o/n flight from JNB. Fly from LHR to USA/Home.

Day by Day Outline of Itinerary June 2012

Day 1, June 10, 2012

Depart the US for Lusaka via London Heathrow. OR fly via JNB – connections are best LHR to Lusaka. Overnight in transit. The idea being to arrive Lusaka anytime on 11^th June.

Day 2, June 11

Arrive Lusaka and inclusive transfer from the Airport to Taj Pamodzi Hotel.  Forced overnight (not included in trip rate but will be booked together as a group by Africa Easy). This is also a good opportunity to rest up before flying out to our first Zambian National Park on the AM of 12^th June. 

Day 3, June 12

Zambia is a large landlocked country with the high peaks of the Nyika Plateau on the eastern border, the mineral rich corridor known as the Copper Belt is along the north-western part of the country and the mighty Zambezi River which winds itself through western Zambia to form its southern boundary. Lusaka is the commercial capital and tourism thrives in Livingstone at the Victoria Falls, but Zambia’s best kept secrets are the remote, Kafue, Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, which offer exceptional safari experiences, particularly walking safaris.

This morning we fly by shared charter from Lusaka, Zambia to Busanga, Kafue National Park.  Then we take a Helicopter transfer from Busanga to Shumba Camp//Kafue National Park. On arrival we transfer to Shumba.



Please Note: In some instances you may experience a delay at Busanga airstrip & heli pad before your transfer to the lodge - this is due to the limited number of seats available on the helicopter (4-5 seats). Depending on your transfer time to the lodge, Wilderness Safaris will make the appropriate arrangements in terms of this connection - a ranger will accompany you at all times.

Shumba Camp is situated in the northern section of Zambia’s Kafue National Park. This remote camp is camouflaged beneath a cluster of huge fig trees in the centre of the impressive Busanga Plains. The buildings are laid out on wide elevated decking, with flat roofs of reed poles and grass and glass doors that fold away to create open sides. The lounges, dining and bar area all flow harmoniously into each other and lead out to an open veranda with incredible views of the plains. There is a lower level camp fire deck, surrounded by built-in seating strewn with comfy cushions and another section of the veranda leads off to the sunken rim-flow pool. Candle-lit meals are served around the social indoor dining table, out on the deck or in the boma.

The 6 luxury safari tents are complete canvas structures, set on raised platforms and protected by an extra reed pole and grass roof. These large rooms include twin or kind beds with crisp white linens, mosquito nets, comfy suede couches and dark wood writing desks. Behind the woven grass screens are the en-suite bathrooms, which boast indoor and outdoor showers. The entire front section of the tents comprise gauze windows and double glass doors, opening out to private decks with sunken outdoor lounging sections filled with cushions.


This lodge has been named after the favorite species in the area, the lion, and here the impressive prides are anything up to 20 strong. Explore this significant wetland resource on game drives in and around the Plains and exciting night drives give you an added insight of the nocturnal wonders of the area. Your stay at Shumba Camp includes all meals, local drinks and daily game activities.


Overnight Shumba Camp (3 nights).

Day 4 & 5, June 13 & 14

Two full days in Kafue National Park.  At 22 500 square kilometres, Kafue National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Africa. It is fed by three rivers, the Lufupa in the north-west and the Lunga and Kafue in the north-east. The Lufupa River floods in the summer, creating a large floodplain delta system that attracts thousands of waterbirds. The Lunga and Kafue rivers are wide and slow-flowing, banded by riverine forest. In the extreme north of the Kafue lie the Busanga Plains - one of Zambia's most significant wetland resources and one of the few areas in the world that remain untouched by development and human activity.

The birdlife is thrilling in its diversity and numbers with nearly 500 species recorded. The Busanga plays host to elegant Grey Crowned Cranes and Fülleborn's Longclaw is another speciality here. Birding habitats are exciting and include vast floodplains, broadleaved woodland (mopane and miombo), open water and riverine fringe.

Activities include game drives, walking safaris and night drives, led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. As the plains dry out, this camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest, followed by their predators, most notably lion. Cheetah and wild dog are also to be seen, while a special treat is the resident herd of roan antelope. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin's Barbet. Overnights at Shumba Camp.

Photo Credit – Pic taken by Dana Allen

Day 6, June 15

After breakfast, we depart Shumba on a Helicopter transfer to Busanga and then fly to Mfuwe via Lusaka and on to Kafue NP to South Luangwa National Park. Transfer to Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa.

Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is situated within Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. It is perched on a hillside escarpment and is aptly named after the Puku antelope, which graze on the floodplains below the lodge. The main building is an open sided thatched structure with cool screeded concrete flooring. The lounge, bar and dining area flow into each other in an open plan over split levels with African chic décor of ethnic artifacts, bamboo pole features and cushion clad wicker furniture. The lantern lit lower level exudes a calm and intimate atmosphere beside the water feature, overlooking the vast floodplains.

The 7 super spacious safari tents are privately set away from the main building. They are huge canvas structures atop screeded concrete bases, enclosed by top to bottom gauze picture windows, allowing natural light to stream in. The king or twin beds are under crisp white linens, draped mosquito netting and ceiling fans and there is minimal furnishing in stylish light woods and suede. The en-suite bathrooms are huge, each with oversized bath tubs beside the windows, hair dryers and indoor and outdoor showers. You can watch the sun rise from your bed and do leisurely game viewing from your private deck.


Explore this incredible National Park on thrilling game drives, night drives and particularly on walking safaris with highly qualified guides. Challenge yourself to spot the most unusual markings on the Thornicroft’s Giraffe, which is endemic to this region. Your stay at Puku Ridge includes all meals, local drinks, park entry fees, two game activities daily and return road transfers between Mfuwe International Airport and the lodge.

The South Luangwa National Park covers about 9 050 square kilometres of the Luangwa Valley floor, which varies from about 500m to 800m above sea level. Near the banks of the Luangwa the land is fairly flat, and mostly covered with mature woodlands. There are areas of dense vegetation where bushbuck and leopard thrive and a number of large clearings that were once part of the mighty Luangwa River but were cut off, forming alluvium-filled oxbow lakes. Sausage trees with their pendulous fruit are often filled with the shrieks of Lilian's Lovebirds or Grey-headed Parrots, adding surreal character to these clearings, while towering Ilala Palms highlight the backdrop of riparian forest. Overnight Puku Ridge Camp (3 nights).

Days 7 & 8, June 16 & 17

Two full days in the South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa is renowned as the best walking destination in Africa and guests have the choice to explore the Luangwa riverine vegetation and adjacent dambos on guided walks. Other activities include day and night wildlife-viewing drives. Overnights at Puku Ridge Camp.

Day 9, June 18

Fly from South Luangwa NP on a shared charter to the Lower Zambezi NP. The wildlife of the lower Zambezi National Park is entangled between the escarpment and the river, which makes for excellent game viewing. Enjoy bush walks, river safaris, canoeing, game drives and fishing, all hosted by highly acclaimed Africa-born guides.

Chiawa Camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in Zambia. This peaceful thatched camp rests under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees and is mainly constructed of natural materials. The welcoming lounge and bar area is furnished with stylish leathers and teak woods and there is an upstairs viewing deck with incredible views of the river. Al-fresco dining takes place on the veranda and there is a refreshing plunge pool, surrounded by a lazy sundeck, all overlooking the Zambezi. Round off the active days with social drinks and travelers tales beside the crackling campfire.

The 9 superior tented rooms are linked to the main building by foot paths. They are large aerated canvas structures canopied by a firm roof. Tents 1 – 6 were completed in April 2009 and they offer plenty of space opening out to split level timber decks complete with daybeds overlooking the river. All the rooms boast locally made furniture in a classic safari style and the huge king or twin beds have Egyptian cotton linens and draped mosquito netting. The wood paneled en-suite bathrooms have ball and claw bath tubs, positioned with views through the tents to the river and there are double vanities as well as indoor and outdoor showers.  (Photo by Chiawa Camp)

Day 10 & 11, June 19 & 20

Two full days of game viewing and safari activities (walking, canoeing, boating and game drives) in the Lower Zambezi.  Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the south-eastern part of Zambia, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park occupies 4092 sq. kms, with 120 kms of river frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. There are approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species, which thrive in the Park, as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers.

This area is still unspoiled as it is new to tourism and is afforded a high level of protection from the Zambian Government and the local tour operators. It was only declared a National Park in 1983, and the Cumings Family, who own and operate Chiawa Camp, brought the first tourists to the Park in 1990. Visitors to the Park are thus assured of seeing very little human activity. This has led to the Lower Zambezi National Park providing one of Africa's finest wilderness experiences.

The legendary Zambezi River is in itself a spectacle and is the namesake of this pristine wilderness. Along its 2700 km course, the Zambezi fertilizes the Barotse floodplains, plunges over the Victoria Falls and replenishes the massive Lake Kariba before reaching the Lower Zambezi. Here, a myriad of islands have formed, creating a home and feeding ground for an incredible amount of diverse wildlife. And which together creates one of the most diverse and interesting eco-systems on the planet, providing the opportunity to explore these habitats in an unmatched variety of safari activities. Overnights Chiawa Camp. (3 nights)  (Photo by Chiawa Camp)

Day 12, June 21

Fly on a shared charter flight from the Lower Zambezi to Victoria Falls. The town of Victoria Falls is set on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, at the western end of the Victoria Falls themselves. The settlement began in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was explored. The town then expanded as the railway line reached the Falls, shortly before the Victoria Falls Bridge was opened in April 1905, connecting Zimbabwe to what is now Zambia. Victoria Falls is the principal tourism center for the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. The spray from the falls can be seen from 50 kilometres away, hence the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya” - the smoke that thunders. Lower water levels are experienced from August to mid-January and higher water levels are seen from mid-January to the end of July. Shop at the extensive craft markets, support the local restaurants and bars, or get active with white water rafting, sport fishing and kayaking. Be sure to relax and enjoy unforgettable African sunsets on a Zambezi River cruise.

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. It is one of only three 1S0-accredited hotels in Zimbabwe.

The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquillity and seclusion that many guests seek. The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark.

World-class service, and food and beverage choice and preparation second to none, make the hotel a magnet for international visitors and locals alike. The opulent Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, the Jungle Junction with its famous breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment in the evenings, offer variety and wide choice. Stanley’s Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, is renowned for its cocktails and afternoon teas. The Terrace has been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century. The ambience of the hotel is steeped in that history with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe’s colonial era.

We have not included any touring at Victoria Falls. A walking tour to the Falls can easily be set up and or a sunset river cruise on the Zambezi.  Extra costs will apply for the above mentioned tours – but will be less than $100 total for tours and transfers.

Overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel, Bed and Breakfast basis. Lunch and Dinner for own account.

Day 13 , June 22

We fly on a shared charter from Victoria Falls to Hwange NP and Davison’s Camp.

Located on the border with Botswana, Hwange was proclaimed some 75 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. In particular, its great herds of Cape buffalo and elephant (nearly 30 000) are a sight to see. Hwange has some of the highest mammal diversity for any national park in the world. With over 100 species the diversity is incredible: slender mongoose, yellow mongoose, banded mongoose, Selous mongoose, dwarf mongoose, honey badger, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, side-striped jackal, lesser bushbaby, vervet monkey, baboon, porcupine, aardwolf, spotted hyaena, caracal, leopard, African wildcat, lion, scrub hare, southern giraffe, hippo, springhare, warthog and Burchell's zebra. Antelope often seen in the area include common duiker, eland, roan antelope, impala, kudu, sable, steenbok, waterbuck and blue wildebeest. White rhino is another special sight to see here; Wilderness Safaris has recently helped translocate a number of these wonderful beasts into the protected park. Overnight at Davison’s Camp (3 nights).

Davison's Camp lies deep in Hwange National Park, in the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession - one of the best game viewing areas of the entire Park. It is a classic African tented camp, with the units tastefully hidden beneath a grove of false mopane trees, overlooking a waterhole and open plain.

Named after the founder of Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, this camp, with its 8 tents and a family tent, offers a wonderful bush experience. Both the tents and the separate main area, comprising a lounge, dining room, and open campfire area, look out over the productive waterhole.

Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, or guided walks in the early mornings, while during the siesta hours, guests can view wildlife coming down to the waterhole to drink from their tent veranda or the main area.

Bird life in the area is prolific (400+) and varied, with species frequenting teak woodlands as well as those more typical of the drier Kalahari being present.

Day 14-15, June 23 & 24

Enjoy two full days in Hwange. Activities centre on open 4x4 Land Rover game drives and guided nature walks throughout the Makalolo concession. The area's large number of waterholes attracts game in both quantity and variety, especially in the winter months when Hwange is literally home to a Noah's Ark parade of animals as they come down to quench their thirst.

Game viewing is productive year-round in the Linkwasha Concession and wildlife frequently encountered here includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, spotted hyaena, southern giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, common waterbuck and reedbuck. There are a number of large, open plains areas which make for excellent game viewing; in summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance here, while in winter the waterholes are magnets around which elephant in enormous numbers congregate to drink.

Bird life in the area is prolific (400+) and varied, with species frequenting teak woodlands as well as those more typical of the drier Kalahari being present. Overnights at Davison’s.

Day 15, June 25

Depart very early this morning for our flight to Lusaka or to Johannesburg and connect with our British Airways flight home. Depending on flight schedules and connection times, we may be required to overnight in Johannesburg or Lusaka (not included in trip rate).

Day 16, June 26

Arrive home in the US.

A few notes in general about the itinerary, dates and rates.

• This Safari ITIN is scheduled for June 2012 and is based on the top National Park and game viewing regions in Zambia and it includes the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. 
•  Rates are below and have come in fairly high being that we are including 3 excellent Regions in Zambia and then Hwange too.  We could cut out 1 3 night stay in Zambia – but it would be a shame to miss any 1 of the 3 National Parks programmed.
• Dates may still change by a day or 2 (hopefully and probably not) depending on scheduled flights within Zambia and Zimbabwe. 
•  Staying on the Vic Falls, Zim side is more cost effective than the Zambian side. We can tour the falls and enjoy a river cruise on Zimbabwe side. Our hotel overlooks the falls.
• Depending on the international flight schedule, we may have to overnight on arrival in Lusaka and on departure in Lusaka or Johannesburg.
• An open-jaw flight into Lusaka, Zambia and out of Johannesburg, South Africa may be the best routing.
• Accommodations may change due to charter flight availability, routings and final group size.

Based on 4 Guests and including Nadia as Tour Leader:

$ 15,880.00 per person sharing double

In addition to the per person sharing rate the add on

Single supplement rate would be approx. $ 1 815.00

**********

Based on 6 guests and including Nadia Eckhardt as Tour Leader:

$ 15,380.00 per person sharing double

In addition to the per person sharing rate the add on

Single supplement rate would be approx. $ 1 815.00

Included in price

*        Accommodation in shared rooms (if 2 guests) and single room for SGL traveler.

*        Accommodation on FB (full board – all meals/snacks), activities (walks/game drives/boat

           trips) and drinks while on Safari

*        Services of a full time Tour Leader throughout (Nadia Eckhardt)

*……..Park Entrance fees

*        All game drives in a 4x4 WD safari vehicle

*        Government taxes and levies

*        Internal flights  (only as specified) + domestic taxes

Excluded in price

*       International & domestic airfares. Only internal safari flights mentioned above are include.  

         Air would be required to be booked by Clients into Lusaka by 11^th June via LHR and out of  

          Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 25^th June via JNB and LHR.

*       International and domestic departure tax

*       1^st and last night (if required) accommodation dependent on airline routing

Something Tasty from South Africa!

Many of Africa Easy's travelers to South Africa (Nadia's home country) are amazed by the quality and level of cuisine while on safari and in the cosmopolitan areas. South Africans know how to eat and eat well! Pair your meal with a local vintage and you are set - memories in the making...

Here's a traditional South African recipe that you can easily make at home, Malva pudding. South Africans call most deserts "pud" or "pudding" so don't be confused - this isn't quite the same as what an American would expect from a pudding.

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon apricot jam
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
generous pinch of salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 cup milk

Sauce:
1 cup whole cream/heavy cream
4 oz/125g butter
1/2 cup hot water

To Make:
Beat the egg and sugar well in a mixer. Add the jam. Sift flour, bicard and salt together. Melt the butter and add the vinegar. Add the liquids to the egg mixture alternately with the flour mixture. Beat well and bake at 350F for 45 minutes to one hour until set as a cake would look when finished.

For the sauce, melt ingredients together and pour them over the pudding (cake) when it comes out of the oven. Let sit and absorb, serve with whipped cream. We like to pair a slice with a tot of Amarula cream - enjoy!

Nadia's Highlights from Vic Falls!

On Nadia's recent Southern Africa tour, she returned to one of her favorite spots - Victoria Falls - and was lucky enough to lead a handful of Africa Easy travelers. The group of ladies were ready for a good adventure and Vic Falls at high water is a very powerful sight indeed. Nadia reports, "We headed out for a walk in our ponchos thinking we might get a spray or 2....but we got drenched! And loved the experience ....a double rainbow was an extra special treat......"

On the group's last day at Vic Falls, the Zambezi River cruise and finale did not disappoint! It was full moon, and the gals watched the sun set in the West and the moon rise in the East all at about the same time....they didn't know which way to turn! What a unique experience in such a beautiful setting! 


Vic Falls is an ideal place to start or end a safari in Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe. It is also a relatively easy add-on to a safari in South Africa. Accommodations range from luxury lodges and small tented camps, to contemporary and colonial-style hotels. Contact us today and start planning your Southern Africa Safari and include Victoria Falls!

Featured Lodge: Chobe Chilwero

Occasionally we like to feature our favorite camps and lodges throughout Africa. Botswana is one of Africa Easy's favorite places to really get out into the bush and explore Africa in a variety of ways - mokoro, walking, boating, game drives and more. One of the best spots for boating in Botswana is the Chobe River and there's arguably no more luxurious place to stay than at the Chobe Chilwero Lodge.


Chobe Chilwero borders the Chobe National Park, which is home to the world's largest population of elephant and one of the most beautiful rivers in Southern Africa. The luxurious lodge has 15 suites housed in individual cottages and boasts the best spa on the Botswana safari circuit.


Africa Easy's Best of Botswana Tour features two nights at Chobe Chilwero where we enjoy traditional game drives and boat rides along the Chobe River at sunset. Game viewing is exceptional along the river in the late afternoon as buffalo, elephant and other animals come to the river's edge to play and drink. 

Each of the guest cottages features warm colors, beautiful African tiles, wide private verandahs and, our favorite thing, amazing bathrooms with huge soaking tubs and outdoor showers!


The spa is one of the most beautiful and well-outfitted (with Africology!) centers that we've seen in Africa and beyond. The lodge offers early morning snacks and buffet and hot breakfast in the dining room, afternoon tea on the lawn before game activities, and incredible dinners on the candle-lit verandah...the service at Chilwero is superb!


Chobe Chilwero is certainly one of Africa Easy's favorite spots in Botswana! Contact us to learn more about Chobe Chilwero and how to include it in your custom Africa Safari.