| Travel Suggestions for Bird Enthusiasts & Safari | | | | be heading for Zambia's oldest and largest national |
| Seekers! | | | | park: Kafue! Truly a bird watchers paradise, with |
| Zambia has it all: incredible wildlife, dazzling scenery, | | | | approximately 481 species ranging from aquatic birds |
| and is home to some of the most notorious holiday | | | | to land specimens. |
| destinations in the entire world! From the unique and | | | | Accommodation at Hippo Lodge, in thatched chalets |
| splendid Victoria Falls, to a few of the finest safari | | | | or rustic safari tents overlooking the Kafue River. |
| holidays such as South Luangwa National Park, Lake | | | | Extraordinary game viewing in the Busanga plains, |
| Kariba and Kafue; by choosing this trip you are for | | | | which flourish with red lechwe, puku, the solitary and |
| sure about to embark on an adventure to be | | | | rare sitatunga, roan and sable antelope, zebra and |
| cherished for the rest of your life! | | | | dozens of other fascinating animals. Cat species such |
| With an estimated 740 bird species, the country is | | | | as lion and cheetah are also quite common! |
| simply a Garden of Eden for bird lovers! The vast | | | | Interesting Bird Species: the endangered wattled |
| combination of miombo woodland, grassy dambos, | | | | crane, the Fulleborn's longclaw, African finfoot, Pels |
| forests and wetlands is ideal terrain, which | | | | fishing owl, Bohms bee-eater and half-collared |
| guarantees excellent birding opportunities throughout | | | | kingfisher. |
| the year. In fact, Zambia is believed to have one of | | | | Day 6: Full day inside Kafue National Park. Birding |
| the highest species-rich bird concentrations on the | | | | safari and river cruise included in the program. Game |
| African continent! | | | | drives and walking safaris are also a possibility. Fancy |
| In this 11 day Safari and Bird Watching Extraordinaire | | | | a rejuvenating hot spring dip in a unique sand |
| Combo you will travel across the country and be | | | | bottomed Jacuzzi? Anything is possible at Hippo |
| privileged enough to encounter a rich diversity of | | | | Lodge! Your wish is our command!!! |
| wildlife. Expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, | | | | Day 7: Game drive until 9 am, breakfast at Hippo |
| Red lechwe...and so much more! | | | | Lodge and departure for Lochinvar National Park. |
| Are you ready for the time of your life?! Zambia | | | | Lochinvar has outstanding birding prospects, with |
| here we come... | | | | over 420 recorded bird species in a little more than |
| Day by Day Itinerary: | | | | 428 square kilometers! That's almost one bird species |
| Day 1: Arrival at Lusaka International and transfer to | | | | per kilometer square! |
| Chaminuka Game Reserve Lodge, just outside the | | | | Overnight at The Lechwe Plains Tented Camp. |
| city. After a delicious light meal lunch, you have the | | | | Excursion highlights include a unique mokoro (dugout |
| choice between two activities: an afternoon around | | | | canoe) outing, questing for Kafue lechwe and |
| the reserve (which offers game drives, bush walks | | | | sitatungas! Watch Out Birds: pink backed and white |
| and horseback safaris), OR a trip to Kalimba Crocodile | | | | pelicans, African skimmer, Baillon's crake, osprey, |
| Farm. Either way, expect to see lots of birds and | | | | secretary bird, etc. |
| wildlife (Chaminuka has over 300 species of birdlife), | | | | Day 8: Early departure by charter flight to the |
| or huge numbers of hungry crocs!:) | | | | Bangweulu Swamps in the northern region of the |
| Day 2: Breakfast at Chaminuka and drive to Lower | | | | country! The area is home to the endemic Black |
| Zambezi National Park, opposite the famous Mana | | | | lechwe and is one of the last refuges of the amazing |
| Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe. Stay at Sausage Tree | | | | Shoebill, a very large stork-like bird. Your stay for the |
| Camp & canoeing in the afternoon. Incredible photo | | | | night will be Shoebill Island Camp, which offers a |
| opportunities for birds, and thrilling close encounters | | | | panoramic view of the floodplain! |
| with hippos, crocodiles, and thirsty animals along the | | | | Days 9, 10 & 11: Last but not least, our final |
| river bank! Birds of Interest: Trumpeter hornbill, | | | | destination sends you to my favorite Zambia safari |
| Meyer's parrot, Lilian's lovebird and Narina Trogon! | | | | destination: South Luangwa National Park! By fact, |
| Day 3: Early game drive and transfer to the shores | | | | many experts view it as one of the top wildlife game |
| of Lake Kariba. Afternoon Sundowner Cruise around | | | | sanctuaries in the world! |
| the lake, beverages and light snacks included. | | | | Accommodation at the luxurious Mfuwe Lodge! Each |
| Overnight at Spurwing Island (Zimbabwe). Bird Must | | | | chalet has its own en-suite bathroom, and a splendid |
| Sees: Spurwing Geese of course, the majestic | | | | deck overlooking one of the lagoons. The lodge also |
| Fish-Eagle, the African Darter, and the Gymnogene | | | | has an open boma for special dinner nights, and a |
| (African Harrier-Hawk). Also be on the lookout for | | | | campfire area for late and chilly evening chats under |
| the abundant wildlife of the area where elephants, | | | | the starlit African skies! |
| masses of hippos, crocs, buffalo and waterbuck are | | | | Typical birds of the area: yellow and saddle billed |
| kings! | | | | storks, open billed storks, black headed herons, |
| Day 4: Morning game drive in the Matusadona National | | | | ground hornbills, hammerkops and carmine bee-eaters! |
| Park, and continuation of the journey down south to | | | | Activities: |
| reach "The Smoke That Thunders": Victoria Falls, one | | | | - Upon arrival: Light lunch, afternoon nap and night |
| of the world's greatest natural wonders! Visit of the | | | | game drive. The Luangwa Valley is well-known for its |
| falls and accommodation at The Royal Livingstone | | | | remarkable and busy animal life after dark. Keep your |
| Hotel (5 Star British Old Style; been there, simply | | | | eyes open for unusual species such as African civets, |
| extraordinary), known as the "grand old lady of the | | | | genets, porcupines and bushbabies! Also of interest |
| Falls!" Breathtaking view of the Vic Falls, and private | | | | are foraging hippos, hyenas and leopards (awesome |
| trail only 10 minutes away from the heavenly site. | | | | area for these elusive cats)! |
| Make sure you have your raincoats ready as it will | | | | - Day 10: Early game drive, copious breakfast and |
| most likely be a "wet" experience!;) | | | | walking safari around the lodge area. A second night |
| Day 5: Wake-up call at 6am for a short visit of the | | | | drive is encouraged, although it is up to you really! |
| Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, ideal for rhino sightings. | | | | - Day 11: Packing up and en route for Lusaka |
| After a typical "bacon and eggs" breakfast you will | | | | International Airport! |