Hidden Gems of Zambia

The Mighty Zambezi. Africa's fourth longest river originates as a tiny burbling spring in a secluded stretch of marshy wetland and lush forest; close to where the borders of Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. A river that becomes large in size and overwhelming in power - sustaining life, offering knowledge, wonder and a sensory sojourn to all those that visit her waters. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this magnificent river on our Zambezi River Cruise, one of most loved past-times living here on the Zambezi. We offer our guests a sunrise and sunset cruise which includes a lovely selection of drinks and snacks. There is also the option to enjoy a lunchtime Floating Picnic!

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Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa River Cruise Credit: Wiki West

Explore the Wild on Horseback - at Chundukwa River Lodge, horses are not just part of the experience — they’re part of the family. As a working horse ranch with a lively and well-loved stable yard, we offer a unique opportunity to explore our indigenous wilderness on horseback, through riverfront paths and bush trails alive with natural beauty. Chundukwa Horse Trails are open to both in-house guests and visitors staying elsewhere in Livingstone. We welcome riders of all levels, including children, with carefully curated experiences that range from one-hour rides to half-day adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or trying horse riding for the first time, our experienced guides ensure a safe and enriching journey, sharing fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and landscape along the way.

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Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Marion Payr

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Rishi le Hunte

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Rishi le Hunte

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Rishi le Hunte

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Wiki West

Chundukwa Horse Trails Credit: Wiki West

Utilize your private vehicle and guide to take you to Victoria Falls and explore Livingstone. No set time departures, no waiting for the late risers – you are free to spend as much time as you want to experience the world’s largest waterfall and surrounding attractions. This is your day to do it all, see it all, experience it all! Our team is on standby to guide you and assist with all activity arrangements in advance, all pre-arranged experiences are for the clients' own account.

Different seasons = different views of the Falls and activities on offer. This is mainly due to the rains and the Zambezi River water levels which does have a dramatic effect on many factors that might influence your trip. If in doubt, please ask us for more advice.

There are three main seasons, which are, in a nutshell;

Low Water Season = Hot & Dry. August/September, October, November, December. Victoria Falls will be at her lowest water flow at this time of the year and it is imperative to visit both Zim/Zam viewing points to see water flowing over at various viewing points. Although you will not witness Victoria Falls in her full splendour at this time, this is prime time for wildlife viewing as herds of elephant descend upon the river. Livingstone, Victoria Falls & Kasane enjoy daily herd sightings on the roads and national parks during this season. White water rafting is also at its peak for adventure enthusiasts and the Devils Pool at the edge of Livingstone Island is open for daredevil swimmers.

High Water Season = Hot & Rainy. December/January, February, March, April, May. With the arrival of seasonal rains, the Zambezi River and tributaries begin to rise, and Victoria Falls begins to flow in earnest once again. This is prime viewing of Victoria Falls and travellers may witness the roaring thunder of water, giant swirling mist and the incredible noise and wet that gives rise to her Tonga name, “the smoke that Thunders”. It may actually be challenging to see many parts of the Falls due to the sheer amount of mist and spray! This is the time to really get fully immersed in the glorious ‘Zambezi shower!’ Water-based experiences such as white water rafting and the Devils Pool swim may close due to safety concerns in this high water period.

Mid Water Season = Cool & Dry. June, July, August/September. Winter has arrived in the region and visitors may be surprised at how low the temperatures can quickly drop in the evenings! The water flow quickly reduces at this time of the year as we approach the Low Water season once again. Visitors may expect warm sunny days, cool evenings, fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities and all activities / experiences on offer.

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Cross some of the rarer birds off your list – over 180 species of birds have been spotted here, including the African Fin Foot and the Livingstone Turaco.

Bird watch from your chalet overlooking the river or from our gardens. If you’re keen to learn more, we offer birding for novices and professionals.

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Embark on a guided walking safari in our local Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of the rare and endangered White Rhinos.

Spectacular to be able to view these and other game whilst on foot, and learn about the bush.

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Visit our neighbouring village, home to most of our team at the lodge. A chance to meet some members of the community, and learn about the local building techniques, cuisine, traditions and of course the local brew! A visit to the small community pre-school that we support is always fun too – for the students and the visitors.

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Chobe National Park is well known for being one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. This safari experience is ideal as a combination destination with Zambia as a day-trip experience due to its close proximity.

Chobe boasts Africa’s Big Five. A Chobe River Safari brings you close to brilliant birdlife, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breathtaking in their sheer number - infact, the world’s largest elephant population. The land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home. Chobe is also a popular birding destination – more than 450 species have been recorded. Several species, including skimmers, are on their southern-most limit, making a sighting particularly exciting for Southern Africa bird watchers.

Land-based and water-based safaris are available and both are possible in a single Chobe Day Trip.

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Visit Livingstone Island and stand where the Scottish explorer David Livingstone first viewed the Victoria Falls in 1855!

Your trip to Livingstone Island starts on the banks of the Zambezi River where you will meet your guide and be given an introduction of what to expect and a safety talk. From there you will take a short boat ride to Livingstone Island. The captain will navigate the rocky channels as you cruise within a close distance of the Victoria Falls. Once you reach Livingstone Island you will be greeted by staff and taken on an adventure to the edge of the waterfall - if it is a sunny day the rainbow views are incredible! Clients are then provided the optional experience of swimming in the Angels Pool or Devils Pool (the rockpool that is open will dependent on water levels/safety) The Devils Pool has a natural rock ledge literally on the edge of the Falls, allowing visitors to safely swim in the pool without getting swept over the edge!

After the swimming experience and all-important photos, your guides will lead you back to a pop-up restaurant where you will be treated to either Breakfast, Lunch or High Tea depending on the time of day.

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Soar over Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge, and the wildlife-filled National Park by helicopter or microlight, covering three world-class attractions in one unforgettable ride.

Will you be kissed by an angel as you fly through the ‘smoke’ of the Falls?

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Take a day trip to the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, for a day on safari with conservationist and safari guide Charles Brightman.

Charles has worked as a Professional Guide for the last 32 years and has an extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, specialising in Private Guided Safaris (including walking safaris, specialist wildlife and birding watching safaris), as well as customised accommodation and safari itineraries.

Charles is four times winner of the Green Globe 21 Award as voted by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism and finalist in 2011, 2014 and nominee for 2012 and 2013 in The Safari Awards. Discover Safaris believe that tourism can benefit wildlife conservation and local communities, and are committed to minimising our environmental impact and supporting local conservation and community projects. Charles dedicates much of his time to the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit which he established in 1999 and which he has developed into a well respected anti-poaching initiative.

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Considered the best one day rafting experience in the world, the Zambezi River flowing down the Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its white-water rapids and striking scenery, deep within the sheer black cliffs of the Batoka Gorge afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller-coaster ride along a route carved over millennia by the middle Zambezi River. SAFPAR offer a Full Day Rafting experience and the season is split into Low or High Water.

“LOW WATER”

The “Low Water” Rafting Season runs approximately from the middle of August to the middle of January, depending upon the water level / rains each year. This can change as and when levels increase or decrease. Our low water trips depart from directly below Victoria Falls in the Boiling Pot. Note! At the end of the rafting trip, rafters are required to hike 200m out of the gorge, this can be challenging in the warmer months in the middle of the day. While you are not required to be an extreme athlete, the ability to do these 20-25 minute hikes is an indication of fitness levels required for this incredible river.

RAFTING IN LOW WATER (Approx. July to January) Full Day Rapids 1 – 21

“HIGH WATER”

The “High Water” Rafting Season runs approximately from the middle of January to the beginning of August, depending upon the water level / rains each year. Please note that rafting can close around April /May for safety reasons due to water levels being too high. Note! At the end of the rafting trip, rafters are required to hike 200m out of the gorge, this can be challenging in the warmer months in the middle of the day.

RAFTING IN HIGH WATER (Approx. Feb to June) High Water Rapids 14 – 21

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Rated one of the top dining experiences in Zambia, The Elephant Cafe is a three-tiered adventure (jetboat, elephant viewing and all-inclusive dining) that is a signature experience for all visitors to Victoria Falls!

The palate is local, uncompromisingly Livingstone. The team at The Elephant Café use homegrown and local produce, always keeping an eye on sustainability. Your adventure begins upstream of Victoria Falls departing from The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa; where clients will be on wildlife watch whilst they meander through the National Park, river and islands. The real fun begins when several rapids need to be negotiated - avoiding hippos and crocodiles on the way! The jetboat experience to The Elephant Café is approximately 30 minutes per way. On arrival clients will be met by members of a magnificent herd of rescue elephant for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Experience an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants, hosted by guides who are dedicated to their wellbeing, some of whom have cared for this same herd for over 20 years.

The origins of this herd are six elephants left orphaned after an extreme drought led to culling operations in Zimbabwe in the 1960’s and 70’s. Hand-reared with positive reinforcement techniques – these elephants have grown up with safe human support. During the height of political uncertainty in 2002, the herd and many of their caretakers were transferred from Zimbabwe across the Victoria Falls Bridge to the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone for safety under the ward of Safari Par Excellence. There is an extremely strong bond between members of the herd and their handlers. It is a phenomenal sight to witness and many visitors are understandably overwhelmed with emotion during the herd meet and greet. The herd receive regular visits from an advisory committee of veterinary specialists, who assist and oversee all aspects of the herd dynamics including emotional and physical wellbeing – and the all-important dental check-ups!

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Access the hide in-between activities at your leisure and watch the resident lapwings, puku and buzzards frequent the waterhole. Enjoy spectacular views of bigger wildlife too like elephant and hippo. You could even be graced by the occasional visit of the local leopard.

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Puku at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Leopard at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Buffalo at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Elephant and hippo at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Hippo at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Wallowing elephant at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Leopard at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Leopard at the Tafika Camp hide Credit: Nick Riddin

All vehicles are open, comfortable and accommodate only four guests allowing for great photographic moments and plenty of opportunity to ask the guide questions.

Morning drives set off early from camp and are taken at a relaxed pace. A stop is taken at a scenic sight during the morning to enjoy a hot cuppa' and snack.

On afternoon drives, sundowners are taken overlooking the Luangwa River, after which a spotlight is brought into play, revealing Africa's nocturnal wildlife.

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All vehicles are open, comfortable and accommodate only four guests allowing for great photographic moments and plenty of opportunity to ask the guide questions.

On afternoon drives, sundowners are taken overlooking the Luangwa River, after which the drive continues in the dark with the help of a spotlight.

Night drives are led by an experienced guide accompanied by a hawk-eyed spotter who controls the spotlight and finds many nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day activities.

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On foot guests are given the rare opportunity to become part of nature, to immerse themselves in the wonders that present themselves at every turn. A walking safari is always led by an experienced guide with an armed National Park scout and a tea bearer so their are many eyes ready to spot the Luangwa's wildlife, identify the smallest insect, track last night's lion spoor and identify a possible threat before it really becomes one.

Children under the age of 12 are unfortunately not able to take part in walking safaris at Remote Africa Safaris.

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Sitting in a game-viewing vehicle or walking delicately through the African bush may not provide the level of activity craved by more energetic guests. For these guests Tafika offers mountain bike safaris led by an experienced guide who in most cases is the owner, John Coppinger.

The cycling route takes the safari cyclists along the tracks and paths of the Game Management Area, adjacent to Tafika Camp. Mountain bike safaris generally take place in the afternoon. This gives participating guests enough time to finish their ride and meet up with the game drive, just before sunset, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a night drive after an hour and a half of cycling.

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At Remote Africa Safaris the local village, Mkasanga, kindly invites guests to visit and gives them the opportunity to learn about the lives of the people from the Luangwa Valley.

Highlights of these visits include: a guided tour of the local school - proudly showcased by the teachers, a visit to the village and a local church choir performance where guests experience the perfect harmony of Africa's song

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A seasonal Carmine bee-eater hide is built annually at Tafika. The hide is built into the banks of the Luangwa river to gain the best view of the carmine colony as they flock around their newly dug breeding holes. This hide is generally available during September and October and visits to the guide are done with a guide.

Tafika guests are also able to visit the Kawere hide during a game drive activity. It is built on the camps private land and overlooks a productive waterhole where elephants and buffalo come to drink and fishing parties frequent towards the end of the season.

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Carmine hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Carmine hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Lagoon hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Kawere lagoon hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Kawere lagoon hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Kawere lagoon hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Kawere lagoon hide Credit: Nick Riddin

Driving safaris are all conducted in open 4X4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or Land Rover) with either two or three 'rows' of seats. We generally have 4, with no more than 6, people on a vehicle ensuring everyone has a 'window' seat.

Night drives are generally an extension of your afternoon game drive, canoe or walking safari. As the sun begins to set we stop to watch the day come to a close and as dusk falls set off to explore as the nocturnal animals start to emerge.

The best chance of seeing genets, civets, elephant shrew, porcupine and the fierce honey-badger is after sunset and the large predators, with the exception of wild dog, are most active at night. Night time birding can be very rewarding with nightjars, owls great and small, dikkop, bat hawk and coursers are all abundant.

The Africa night sky is simply magnificent and it’s worth coming all this way just to experience its vastness and splendour. The Milky Way seems 100 times brighter in the Luangwa Valley where there is no light pollution. We’re watched over by the Southern Cross, Orion and Scorpio amongst an infinite number of others and memories of sitting in awed silence listening to the distant call of lions, cicadas and a million tree frogs under the crescent of an African moon will live with you forever.

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There is little to compare to the thrill of a walking safari, and we are fortunate to have some of the best terrain for exploring on foot in the Lower Zambezi valley right on our doorstep. Walking is the only way you really become intimate with Africa, learning about the small, seemingly irrelevant plants and animals which are often overlooked on a game drive.

We walk accompanied by an armed scout, and your safari guide will show you an amazing secret world of tiny wonders as he leads you slowly through the bush along ancient animal pathways, examining plants, trees and insects along the way.

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Credit: Time+Tide

One of the most leisurely ways to experience the sights and sounds of the Lower Zambezi valley is on a canoe safari. Our canoes seat two guests and a guide in comfort, with ample room for cameras and binoculars.

Canoeing offers you a completely different perspective as you glide gently along either the Zambezi and its beautiful channels or the Chongwe River, allowing you to fully appreciate the magical beauty of this incredible area and the creatures and plants that inhabit it.

It truly is a special experience for the nature lover using only the safest of routes where previous canoeing experience is not necessary, and lifejackets are provided. All you need to do is sit back, relax and watch Africa slip by!

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Chongwe is tiger country! The Lower Zambezi is home to the tiger fish, nicknamed the “water dog,” whose sharp teeth are matched only by its fighting spirit and reputation as one of the world’s top game fish.

At Time + Tide Chongwe Suites we offer our guests the chance to head out onto the river in search of this formidable combatant, operating a strict catch-and-release policy in order to preserve stocks of this incredible fish. You can fish with both fly and popper.

Alternatively, you can try your hand at bream fishing on the Chongwe river itself, where a limited catch can be brought back to camp and served up with a delicious lemon butter sauce!

Fishing can be combined with game activities and all equipment is provided, with both conventional tackle and entry level fly rods available. We recommend serious fly fisherman should bring their own tackle. Please contact us for specifications and recommendations.

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The Zambezi River offers a variety of additional activities that few, if any, other destinations can offer. One such activity is a river safari which offers both morning and afternoon opportunities to view game from the comfort of a luxury boat.

Sit back and relax as your guide leisurely navigates the islands and main channels of the mighty Zambezi. Cruise the river looking at game, birds and enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets you are ever likely to see. All without the bumps and dust of game drives.

Morning coffee or evening sundowners can be enjoyed from either the boat or from your own island in the middle of the Zambezi River!

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The Chiawa Cultural Village was born of a partnership between conservation organizations (with Africa Wildlife Foundation as a key strategic partner), Lower Zambezi Lodges and the Goba people of Chiawa, championing a cultural tourism enterprise prototype that empowers local people to benefit directly from the tourism trade generated by the profusion of wildlife in the region. It is owned by the Chiawa community through the Tsika Development Company.

At the Chiawa Cultural Village, visitors will embark on a guided tour where they will learn about the lives of the Goba people, their traditions, trades, tools, edifices and arts including dance, song and handiwork of local craftspeople.