Best of Zambia

Back in the 1950’s Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in Zambia. His aim was to track big game on foot in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, one of Africa’s last havens of un-spoilt wilderness and home to some of the continent’s greatest concentrations of game. Norman like to say "to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings." Over 60 years on, at Norman Carr Safaris we are still walking....we are still passionate about sharing the thrill of tracking lions on foot through early morning mists, the delight in learning something new on every activity and the adventure of walking from camp to camp the original safari way. Walking safaris are immersive, sensual and peaceful. In Zambia, an armed wildlife ranger or "scout" leads each walking group, followed by the trained walking guide. In other countries, the walking guide is armed and leads the group alone. Having a walk led by two wildlife experts was conceived by Norman and our 60 year track record of safety speaks to the effectiveness of this approach.

While certainly vehicle safaris allow one to cover more ground and see a greater volume of game in a 3-4 hour safari, it is only on a walking safari where all your senses are heightened and you can see, hear, smell and feel the bush. You begin to understand the interconnectedness of the flora and the fauna, how each small part plays an important role in the greater ecosystem. Small mysteries of the bush are unlocked and explored; tracks are investigated; and the wide variety of animal poo becomes an unexpected and fascinated learning experience! And while generally speaking, walks are more focused on the little things in the bush, tracking big game on foot is not uncommon and always thrilling.

Driving safaris are all conducted in open 4X4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or Land Rover) with either two or three 'rows' of seats. At Chinzombo, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja 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 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.

Once regarded as the time in the safari calendar to be avoided by less adventurous operators, the 'Secret' Season months of January through March are now heralded by those lucky enough to experience them, as the highlight of the year.

Norman Carr Safaris has always been open all year round and is the only Zambian safari operator to open a true Bush Camp in the Luangwa at this time of year. Kakuli opens around the 20th January and closes again in early April. We gain access to camp by boat and activities are either on foot or by boat. A few days at Kakuli combines very well with the game drives and prolific wildlife on offer in the areas around Kapani Lodge and Chinzombo.

During these Secret Season safaris the bush is in its fullest flush of growth, rivers and lagoons are brimming and boating safaris take you eye to eye with hippos and crocs. The air is clear and excellent for photography; you will find magnificent skyscapes and sunsets with the occasional dramatic tropical downpour.

A wealth of migratory birds in breeding song and plumage make the bush a wonderful place to explore at this time of year. It is a time of plenty so there is no shortage of wildlife; the Secret Season months are usually the best for seeing wild dogs in the South Luangwa.

Our local professional therapists offer you unique treatments with fresh homemade products.
All products used in the treatments are developed and mixed by the therapists using healing herbal plants and natural ingredients found in the local bush land and Mfuwe produce farms.

The products are all created and tested by us, and are safe to use on your skin; we guarantee a healthy and purely natural experience. Products are easily absorbed and are beneficial for the health of your body.

Enjoy all the treatments in the privacy of your Villa, surrounded by the sounds of the animals in the distance.

Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer sightings of general game species namely elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino. Rich birdlife, including sought-after species such as half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco may be spotted as well.

Exploring the area on foot is a remarkable way to enjoy the small wonders within close proximity to the camp – the experience enables an understanding about the medicinal properties of plants and trees, the ecology, birds and insects; as well as interpreting the signs of the wild including animal tracks.

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Whether a relaxing sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, there are stunning scenic views and exciting wildlife to be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious boat. There is always an abundance of hippo and crocodile; with the mighty Zambezi revealing other surprising sightings along the way.

Tracking rhino at Wilderness Toka Leya is an exhilarating way of getting up close and personal with these endangered animals. Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) scouts monitor these rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle, and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied by the scout.

* Please note that a nominal park fee is applicable.

The Zambezi River hosts several varieties of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch. Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months (October through to December).

* Fishing is on a catch and release basis, with a nominal park fee applicable.

An opportunity for guests to gain an understanding of the camp’s eco-friendly initiatives. Energy saving is explained, including how waste water is reused in the camp nursery which was established to rehabilitate the area. The camp’s worm farm not only assists in the degradation of organic waste, it is the perfect fertiliser for the indigenous trees in the nursery – which are then planted in areas where they once grew. Guests have the chance to participate in our rehabilitation efforts as well by planting their very own tree.

The camp's uniquely situated riverside spa allows guests to relax and be pampered with its variety of wellness treatments.

A World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the most expansive curtain of water in the world. Behold the "Smoke that Thunders", Victoria Falls, is known to locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" for valid reasons. View its dramatic roaring waters and a mini rainforest that clings to the Falls’ edge, with a variety of mammals and birds. Plummeting some hundred metres into a basalt gorge, the spectacular spray, seen from kilometres away, is beguiling.

* A guided tour on the Zambian side is included in your stay; while the view from the Zimbabwean side is at extra cost.

Cultural visits to one of the nearby villages are respectful and insightful ways of learning about and interacting with the people and culture in this part of Zambia. The visit includes seeing one of the schools, and a homestead. Guest donations have assisted with projects that focus on schooling and income-generating activities, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism in the area.

Visit the local museum, and neighbourhood markets, to catch a glimpse of historic and modern Livingstone town.

Wilderness Toka Leya is a tranquil safari base from which to easily access and explore the Victoria Falls and the adrenaline-filled adventure hub of Livingstone.

The mighty Zambezi’s many experiences include thrilling activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, and helicopter rides to name a few.

* These activities are at extra cost.