Zambia: my favorite destination for scenic wilderness, dense game concentration and luxury accommodations

by Editor | Jan 14, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles

Article and photos by Josette King

 Chongwe River Camp where the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers meet

After an exciting visit to the South Luangwa National Park in the fall of 2006, I returned to Zambia last year. In the Luangwa Valley, particularly lush in 2007 after experiencing intense seasonal flooding in January and February, I especially enjoyed Nkwali, the flagship camp of Robin Pope Safaris.

Hippos enjoyed the morning sun by their waterhole near Nkwali

Located on a prime vantage point on the east bank of the Luangwa River, Nkwali coupled the casual atmosphere and intimate proximity to wildlife that only a bush camp can provide with the indulgent amenities of the best safari lodges. From there, I traveled deep into the park to Luwi. This remote seasonal camp of reed and thatch huts offered a rare opportunity to experience one of the last traditional bush camps as envisioned by the renowned late conservationist and guide Norman Carr.

 Cape buffalos throve in the Lower Zambezi National Park

I went on to explore the Lower Zambezi National Park. Established in 1983, it is the most recent of country’s national parks. Although still relatively underdeveloped, this stretch of wilderness is wedged between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment; a privileged location that offers remarkably picturesque scenery and an amazing concentration of wildlife along its 120 kilometers of river frontage.

An elephant emerged from the Zambezi at Sausage Tree Camp

The river bank is home to several highly reputed wilderness camps and lodges, including the Chongwe River Camp, with its panoramic view of the confluence of the Chongwe River and the Zambezi rivers; the Chiawa Camp blended so unobtrusively into its surroundings that elephants and buffalos routinely paraded within feet of the tents on their way to the river; and the whimsical Sausage Tree Camp with its pristine conical Bedouin tents peering through the riverine forest canopy at the scenic entrance of the Chifungulu Channel.

A lioness

My journey concluded with a visit around Victoria Falls, where I experienced first-hand the award-winning accommodations and hospitality of Tongabezi, as well as the stunning architecture and sweeping vistas of the recently opened Stanley Safari Lodge.

Are you thinking of traveling to Zambia? Click on the following hyperlinks to read dedicated articles on Zambia destinations and properties visited by Simon & Baker travel teams Zambia, Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Chiawa Camp, Chongwe River Camp, Luwi, Nkwali, Sausage Tree Camp, Stanley Safari Lodge and Tongabezi.

Sabi Sand property offers privacy, Big Five luxury experience in South Africa

by Editor | Nov 5, 2007 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles

An elephant at Rattray’s* 

Thanks to its location adjacent to the world famous http://simonandbaker.com/kruger in South Africa, the Mala Mala Reserve is ideally situated for Big Five game viewing. Perched on the edge of the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, Mala Mala shares a long fenceless border with the park through which prey and predator alike cross at will. This alone makes Mala Mala noteworthy because this area of Kruger is known for its outstanding game viewing.

Home of a popular lodge, Mala Mala Main Camp, the Reserve also houses the new and exclusive Rattray’s lodge. Where the Mala Mala Main Camp is a good buy for families and game viewing enthusiasts willing to share space with a few fellow travelers; Rattray’s is adult oriented and intimate.

During their stay at Mala Mala, our team appreciated the property’s Big Five orientation and friendly staff. The family owned Rattray’s lodge became a South Africa favorite. Small, intimate and structured to show off its animal guests, Rattray’s offered a fine safari experience. A young university trained game viewing guide doubled as a round the clock staff person assigned to each party of up to four guests for the duration of their stay.

The suites, each in a self contained building, were seductively elegant, comfortable and private. In addition to two full bathrooms, WiFi, and a laptop computer there was a private plunge pool. In the event a guest chose not to go on the early morning or sunset drive, the suite was a perfect place to lounge.

*Photo Elena del Valle