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My experience in Zambia was absolutely
phenomenal. The staff were exceptional, nothing is too much trouble
and their service and enthusiasm is sincere. The locations chosen
are all very different and the experiences vary so this is an
ideal Zambian circuit. All of the lodges are unique and tastefully
decorated with spectacular vantage points.
Sussi and Chuma
Highlights of my stay at Sussi and Chuma. Seeing white Rhino in
the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Visiting a local school, which
is very basic but the students are so eager to learn, this makes
you realise what a privileged society we come from and the smallest
donation to such a school could make a large difference to a child’s
life. Our guides had a genuine interest in the children, which
was clearly visible by the way the children responded to them.
At last but certainly not least the visit to the magnificent Falls
which are breathtaking no matter how many times you visit and
the visit to the craft market, which one of our fellow travellers
reminded us of the fact of how talented Zambian people are.
Sussi and Chuma is an enchanting Tree house hideaway built in
the canopies of giant ebony trees. The lodge is situated on the
banks of the Zambezi River just 10 minutes upstream from the mighty
Victoria Falls. Named after David Livingstone's faithful friends
who carried his body from the interior of Zambia to the British
Embassy in Dar-es-Salaam. The lodge has 10 luxury tree houses
all with en suite facilities, mini bars, and tea/ coffee making
facilities, hair dryers, mosquito nets and overhead fans. You
have your own private verandah with a magnificent view overlooking
the Zambezi River. The main lodge features an airy dining room,
a raised lounge and bar area, a curio shop, small library as well
as a downstairs deck area and swimming pool that borders the rivers
edge.
All inclusive activities include: A guided tour of Victoria Falls
and rain forest on the Zambian Side, game drive in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya
National Park where Zambia's only white rhino can be spotted,
A Cultural Tour of Livingstone including a visit to the Museum
and The Maramba Village, A shopping Tour in Livingstone Town and
an early morning or sunset river cruise on our 12 seater boat.
Lechwe Plains Tented Camp
This area is spectacular and the lagoon is so unexpected. This
un-touched National Park is such a treasure and Lechwe is currently
the only lodge in the Park. What struck me the most about this
area is the relaxed nature of the antelope, which is due to the
lack of predators. To me this area is like a paradise to Antelope
who are in large herds casually standing and lying around totally
unperturbed. We were also privileged to visit a true fishing village
where we were given insight into the daily workings of this community.
This is another community Star of Africa will be involved in the
upliftment of. After a morning boat trip we were treated to a
bush breakfast on the banks of the lagoon!
Lechwe Plains Tented Camp is situated in an acacia grove on the
fringe of the Chunga Lagoon, overlooking the Kafue floodplains.
A World Heritage Wetlands Site, Lochinvar National Park is home
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to over 428 bird species, thousands of aquatic Kafue Lechwe, 2000
blue wildebeest and 700 zebra. Buffalo, greater kudu, bushbuck,
Oribi, hippo, reedbuck, waterbuck and the elusive Sitatunga are
also present.
The spacious tents are beautifully decorated with en suite bathrooms
with toilet, basin, bath and outdoor shower, hair dryers, mosquito
nets and private verandah overlooking the lagoon. Well-lit pathways
connect the tents to the main bar, lounge and dining areas. Meals
are served outdoors whenever possible and often around a log fire
in the evening.
All Inclusive Activities at Lechwe include: Canoeing in mekoros,
trips in our 6-seater banana boat, cultural visits to a nearby
fishing village, fishing, game drives and walking trips on open
flood plains which give you the perfect opportunity to view vast
herds of wildebeest, Lechwe, various types of antelope and zebra.
Kulefu Tented Camp
This secluded camp gives you an accurate idea of the vast and
untouched reserves Zambia has to offer. One afternoon I had three
male elephant metres away from my tent and I spent the afternoon
watching these awesome, intelligent animals. The second evening
when returning from a game drive, we arrived just in time to see
a leopard kill an impala but the drama did not end there with
the appearance of the ever present hyena, who tried to chase the
leopard off! She was not having this and made a come back which
eventually resulted in us seeing her drag the impala up a tree.
Canoeing on the Zambezi River gives you an up close experience
with nature and the professional river guides make one very comfortable
with this unique experience which is a definate must. They did
manage to calm our nerves with a surprise bush breakfast. (Comfort
eating…)
Deep in game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park, lies a secluded
intimate safari camp settled comfortably in the deep shade of
tall riverine trees. Kulefu, meaning "the Far Away Place"
is profoundly peaceful, eco-friendly and well appointed. The camp
overlooks a magnificent section of the legendary Zambezi River.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is an extremely remote area with
abundant and varied wildlife including the "Big Four".
There are good populations of elephant, lion, buffalo, waterbuck,
leopard, hyena, zebra, various antelope and many bird species.
Discover Kulefu's habitants and habitats by boat, canoe, and safari
vehicle or on foot - and from the verandah of your own comfortable
tent. Each of the 8 tents is on raised teak decking with a private
verandah, toilet, basin and shower and solar heated water and
lighting.
All inclusive activities at Kulefu Tented Camp include: a full
range of game drives both at night and during the day, game walks
conducted by a professional guide and an armed National Parks
Scout, exciting boat and canoe excursions on the Zambezi River,
bird watching and stargazing and amazing fishing opportunities.
Puku Ridge Tented Camp
Although we did not get to stay at this camp due to flight delays
we did visit. The camp overlooks an open plain ideal for game
watching from the decks or the beautiful welcoming pool. The tents
are very spacious with indoor & outdoor showers and a sunken
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have the advantage of day/evening drives and walks.
Puku Ridge Tented Camp is a 12 bed tented camp in a remote wildlife
area in the South Luangwa National Park. The camp is nestled into
a rocky outcrop beneath a canopy of towering trees. The magnificent
expanse of lush grassland beneath the camp is a prolific wildlife
area with exciting viewing opportunities.
This is a real wilderness experience under canvas with attention
to luxury and comfort and with emphasis on exciting wildlife opportunities.
Each of these tents has a wrap around view of the flood plains
below. Well-lit pathways cleared of undergrowth connect the tents
to the main dining and lounge area. The natural vegetation is
otherwise be left as undisturbed as possible. Each tent has private
bathroom facilities with a toilet, basin, sunken bath and indoor
and outdoor showers, Two three quarter beds, double or king-size
beds, mosquito nets, private verandah, hair dryers, tea and coffee
making facilities. Game to be seen in the area includes elephant,
lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, zebra, various antelope and
thornicroft giraffe.
All inclusive activities at Puku Ridge Tented Camp include: a
full range of game viewing drives in the South Luangwa National
Park using open four-wheel drive vehicles driven by a professional
and knowledgeable guide. Night drives using spotlights to see
the nocturnal animals such as leopard, night apes and spotted
hyenas. A professional guide and an armed National Parks scout
conduct drives and game walks.
Chichele
Presidential Lodge
This gracious lodge has style and views to die for.
Completely different from the other properties but still offering
the personal service as it is only ten rooms. Our stay was brief
but the service levels were still very apparent. Just as we thought
the thrills and spills were over on our drive to the airport,
we spotted a male lion next to the road. He was watching something
across the road and suddenly got up and walked to the vehicle
so close I really thought we were about to get another passenger!
Chichele Presidential Lodge is built on a hilltop over looking
the South Luangwa River; this is where time stands still. A gentleman's
lodge where the elegance of the Victorian era still lingers in
the cool deep verandah, the stylish dining room, the reading rooms
and the sumptuous bedrooms. You will enjoy last century's charm
with this centuries' comforts. All rooms have en suite bathrooms
with shower and bath, air conditioning, hair dryers, mosquito
nets, mini bars and private verandah. The polished gun cabinets,
are from a by gone era and the great white hunters have long gone
but a vast wildlife refuge remains. The South Luangwa National
Park is yours to explore - a huge wild area bisected by the Luangwa
river valley, home to elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions, their
prey and their habitats. Game to be seen in the area includes
elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo and giraffe.
All inclusive activities at Chichele Presidential Lodge include:
a full range of game viewing drives in the South Luangwa National
Park using open four-wheel drive vehicles driven by a professional
and knowledgeable guide. Night drives using spotlights to see
the nocturnal animals such as leopard, night apes and spotted
hyenas. A professional guide and an armed National Parks scout
conduct drives and game walks.
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