THE EXPERIENCE
During peak season, the areas along the river banks (where most of the lodges are located) offer vast numbers of game, coupled with the unrivaled freedom to enjoy night drives, off-road driving, walking, boating and fishing. Zambia is well known for its game-viewing hides set in superb locations, often alongside game trails or overlooking waterholes. This provides unique opportunities to really see, hear and even smell the game as they pass by or come to drink.
What adds to the Zambian charm is the amount of game that roams freely through the camps. You’ll hear the distinctive cracking of branches as elephants emerge out of the bush and make their way past your window, the telltale tracks of leopard or lion scattering between buildings to show they passed this way, and the sound of hippos munching as they keep the lawns close-cropped at night.
The dry season from June to November is best for game viewing, when the heat shrinks the water sources and drives the game to the remaining surface water. In the latter part of the dry season, the wilderness takes on a raw beauty filled with dusty African bush scenes, deep red sunsets, and an almost continuous procession of lackluster wildlife to and from the water sources. The most visited sight is Victoria Falls, the largest body of falling water in Africa. Feel the sheer power of this incredible world heritage sight. The town of Livingstone, as named for explorer, David Livingstone is a haven of colonial charm with ornate hotels and Victorian architecture. For many bush-lovers, Zambia remains an unspoiled favourite.
TAS TIPS
- Take a helicopter flip or microlight flight over Victoria Falls to truly witness its vastness
- Give yourself some time at the falls so you can walk, sit and really take in the grandeur of this natural spectacle
- Take your passport with you in Livingstone and you can cross onto the Zimbabwean side for a drink
- Activities include white water rafting, Bungi jumping, bridge swinging or abseiling; canoeing, river cruises and elephant interactions
- Look out for Wild Dogs – the Zambezi is one of the best places to see them
- Leopards are part of the pride of Zambia and you have the opportunity for incredible sightings