AN EXAMPLE FAMILY HOLIDAY ITINERARY IN ZAMBIA
If you’re ready to up the family holiday ante and inject some adventure into your travels, then look no further than a safari. For firing your children’s imaginations, introducing them to indigenous cultures, seeing incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, and not to mention, creating memories together that will last a lifetime, a trip to Zambia can’t be beaten. Whatever your age Zambia promises unrivalled experiences and unlimited adventure.
The below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect Zambian Family itinerary for you. Read on to find out more.
Discover: The Victoria Falls - Day 1 to 4
650 million litres of Zambezi water plummet into the Batoka Gorge on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe every minute, creating one of the world’s most splendid sites – the Victoria Falls. If you’re on safari in southern Africa, a visit to them should not be missed! Straddling four countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia), the falls can be viewed from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Start off gently with a walk along the edge of the waterfall, then it’s time for the adults and older kids to get active – go bungee-jumping or white-water rafting, take a helicopter flight or swing across the gorge. They don’t call this the “Adventure Capital” for nothing!
STAY: Tongabezi Lodge
Close to Victoria Falls this assortment of quirky houses and cottages is dotted along the banks of the Zambezi. Tongabezi is a lodge with style, exclusivity and bucket loads of charisma. Only a short boat ride away from buzzing Livingstone town, a host of wild and wonderful activities are easily accessible. A day spent in this secluded and peaceful hideaway with a bit of R&R Zambian-style, is perfect for some family down time.
Safari 1: Lower Zambezi - Day 4 to 7
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of our favorite destinations in Zambia. The vast reserve makes up 4500 square kilometers of Zambezi escarpment wilderness. The huge densities of wildlife tend to stick near the river, and game drives (and canoe safaris) in the park often encounter large herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra. The riverfront is also perfect leopard habitat and you may even see these rare predators lazing in a tree beside the river.
Families can self-drive through the park, or choose to stay at one of the top lodges that offer the full Lower Zambezi experience. A canoe safari along the river is also a must!
STAY: Time and Tide Chongwe River Suites
Indulge in luxury and seclusion while immersing yourself in a totally wild setting. Named after indigenous plants growing in the area, the Cassia and Albida Suites are nestled under towering trees at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Albida Suite sleeps four guests and is great for families wanting their own space.
it has an en-suite open air bathroom with a clawfoot bath, a canopied lounge and dining area, a pool overlooking the river, a fire pit and a dedicated butler.
Dine privately in your suite or in the main camp lounge on the riverbank, enjoying cuisine cooked with local seasonal ingredients. Notice how much better your nightcap tastes when it’s served in a crystal glass by the fire.
Safari 2: South Luangwa - Day 7 to 11
Home of the walking safari South Luangwa National Park is one of the most magnificent wilderness areas in southern Africa. The park is bordered by the great Luangwa River, which supports a large diversity of megafauna along its course through eastern Zambia. There is one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile residing in the river, while elephant, zebra and many predators are attracted to its fertile and forested banks.
If you’re looking for leopards, this is the place to be, the park is famous for sightings of these rare cats, and the many that hunt on the river have earned it the nickname “The Valley of the Leopard”. Great lodges, high quality guiding and stunning wilderness make this one of our top adventure safaris.
STAY: Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House private piece of paradise for you and family. This stand-alone property, which sits on the edge of a lagoon system frequented all year by elephant, impala, giraffe, warthog and countless other species, sits in a game management area overlooking South Luangwa National Park. This grand, one-of-a-kind, four-bedroomed home is designed to cater for one family at a time.
It’s fully staffed with private chefs and a private guide, so you’re free to explore South Luangwa, one of Africa’s prettiest and most abundant national parks.