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ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE OVERVIEW
Zambia and Zimbabwe are both fantastic safari destinations and rival any safari experience elsewhere on the continent. They are often done in combination. In addition, many combine either Zambia or Zimbabwe with a sojourn into Botswana. There are a myriad of possibilities. One of the aspects that makes these countries unique is the diversity of habitat as well as the untrammelled nature of the safari areas.
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Peak months
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June - October
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Epic suggests
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8 - 10 days / 7 - 9 nights
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Sample itinerary
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There are three main areas in Zambia to be considered:
- Lower Zambezi National Park - the lower Zambezi Valley is one of Africa's iconic game areas and considered by safari aficionados as among the very best; the "Big Zambezi" with alluvial plains populated by huge albida trees backing onto an impressive range of mountains. The game is spectacular with great elephant, buffalo, antelope and the full gamut of predators. Add to this the variety of experiences; drives, walks, canoeing, boating and fishing and you have the makings of a wonderfully rounded experience.
- Luangwa Valley - the home of walking safaris in Africa, the Luangwa is not generally a first time safari destination because it doesn't have the profile of other areas. For those in the know however, it is one of Africa's best kept secrets. Life on safari here is far from the madding crowds. The camps offer incredible authenticity and rustic elegance. The valley is dominated by the Luangwa River which in the safari season (June to October) harbours incredible game. If there is one area in Africa to see leopard then this is it!
- Busanga Plains - one of the most remote safari areas in Africa. It is a very diverse area comprising both marshland and savannah. The closest comparison one could draw to other areas in Africa is the Okavango Delta. Like all safari destinations in Zambia, they are more seasonal than others. In the dry months (July - October), they have few peers in terms of action.
There are two iconic safari areas in Zimbabwe:
- Hwange National Park - Hwange is an expansive savannah habitat that abuts the Botswana border. It houses an incredible concentration of game in the drier months (June through October) and is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. A full complement of predators are in residence and in the dry months, so the waterholes are "action central".
- Mana Pools National Park - Mana Pools is located in the Zambezi Valley and is one of the most spectacular safari areas in Africa. It is considered by safari aficionados as among the very best. The game is spectacular with great elephant, buffalo, antelope and a huge variety of predators.
Possible add-ons include:
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