Flatdogs Camp | South Luangwa National Park
One of the only camps in Zambia to be Fair Trade Tourism certified, Flatdogs Camp aims to protect the wildlife and people of the Luangwa valley. Flatdogs offers a host of different accommodations right on the Luangwa River. The luxurious Crocodile Nest is a three bed-roomed tented house with private pool, as well as private vehicle and guide. The wilder Jackalberry Treehouse is two bed-roomed house built around four live Ebony trees, over-looking a game rich waterhole. The chalets suit families perfectly with solid walls and connecting rooms. Luxury tents are spread out along the riverbank and are the real “Africa under canvas” experience, along with the slightly smaller but even better value classic tents.
The food at Flatdogs is renowned in the safari world as the a la carte restaurant serves a wide range of delicious & creative meals catering to all diets, serious allergies and individual preferences!
Safaris are led by expert guides who have studied all facets of the natural world. They can explain in detail the inter-locking ecology of the Park and use nature’s alarm calls to find interesting sightings for guests rather than following the herd!
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
There are four main chalet buildings, each of which has two separate guest bedrooms; the downstairs room is a double room with ensuite and a verandah, the upstairs room can be a king, twin or triple room with bathroom and verandah downstairs from the bedroom but entirely private. In between the 2 bedrooms is the small "kitchenette" where there is a fridge, kettle and tea/coffee making things. This works as an inter-connecting door for families so that kids can walk through to their parents room without having to go outside.
Furthest from the main area, is the larger family chalet which has three bedrooms in total but just two ensuite bedrooms, both of which are on the ground floor. There is also a kitchen area between the two bedrooms. There is a spiral staircase from the kitchen leading up to the "loft room" and upstairs viewing deck. The viewing deck looks towards the Luangwa river, the perfect place to relax and watch the sun set... The loft room has two more single beds but has no ensuite bathroom, guests sleeping here need to use a bathroom in one of the other bedrooms.
.jpg)
Room Facilities
Cooking Equipment, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Kitchenette, Microwave, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Portable BBQ, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Smoke Alarm, Table, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe
There are seven Luxury ensuite safari tents, six of which are pitched permanently on the banks of the Luangwa. These tents have a thatched roof for extra shade, ensuite facilities (hot shower, flush toilet and basin) with a canvas half roof over the bathroom, full-sized king or single beds, large mosquito nets. The tents have electric lights, a fan and universal charging points. There is also a room safe and tea & coffee making facilities. Six of the luxury tents including the family tent look straight out onto the river, one tent (tent 11, the honeymoon tent) has plenty of privacy and looks out onto a pretty lagoon, which attracts plenty of birdlife as well as elephant for their daily mud baths and giraffe and bushbuck when they are thirsty.
The Family Tent (a luxury tent) is a little different to the others, this is a specially designed tent which has space for a king bed and two single beds, with a large bathroom at the back of the tent, shared between the family. The family tent is on the river bank, with lovely views of the river.
.jpg)
There are three “Classic” en-suite safari tents available which are Meru style tents, three windows long with ensuite bathrooms with semi-open shower, toilet and basin. The Classic tents are smaller than the Luxury tents and are even better value. They work well for single travellers or guests who are on a tighter budget. Two of the three classic tents are on the river bank, the other looks directly onto the same water hole as tent 11 (the honeymoon tent) and has more privacy. The classic tents have full beds (one king or two singles), large mosquito nets, Universal charging points and stand up electric fans. The standard tents do not have tea and coffee making facilities or safes and have smaller verandahs than the luxury tents.
.jpg)
CROCODILE (CROC'S) NEST – 1 private tented house with 3 ensuite bedrooms The main tent has been split into two en-suite tented bedrooms , plus a third bedroom off the main deck towards the river with one king bed inside. All 3 rooms have Evening Breeze solar cooling systems over the beds. The bedrooms in the main tent have semi-open air bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and basin. The third bedroom has a fully enclosed bathroom. There is a generous living room/dining area in the Main tent with sofas and a dining table for guests to eat privately at the house. The living room and bedrooms open onto an outside deck and sitting area, with views onto the Luangwa River. There is a private swimming pool built into the deck too, just for Croc's Nest guests, which also looks onto the river. The house has 24/7 power & universal sockets as well as Wifi and a fridge for cold drinks and a mini bar. Guests staying in the Croc's Nest also have a private guide and their own safari vehicle so they can plan their activities depending on their particular interests.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Drinking Water Filtration System, Electrical Outlets, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fridge/Freezer, Lounge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sahara Style Tent, Smoke Alarm, Verandah
Set in a private spot away from the rest of camp, the Jackalberry Tree House is a special treat indeed. The “house” is made up by three joined platforms built around three mature Mchenja trees (African Ebony or Jackalberry tree). There are two en-suite bedrooms with an open sitting/dining deck in-between them. The Treehouse is entirely open at the front.
The bedroom platforms have romantic and rustic four poster beds (one queen and one king which can be split into two twin beds), open front walls and uninterrupted views of Africa. Each bedroom has an open air bathroom platform down a short flight of steps with hot shower, flush toilets and basin. A large sofa, armchairs and throw cushions are spread out on the middle deck for relaxing during the heat of the day and watching the game which wanders past the house, oblivious to your presence. There is also a dining table should guests prefer to dine at the house. A fridge and bar are provided in the treehouse as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. A hand-held radio is provided, so that guests can call for a vehicle to bring them to the pool, restaurant or bar, or in case there is a problem of any kind. Their safari guide will otherwise plan with them when they would like collecting from the house and their preferred activities.
The tree-house is on mains electricity, ideal for re-charging cameras or laptops. Giraffe, bushbuck, puku and elephant are commonly found all around the Treehouse and it is wonderful to wake to the sounds of elephant feeding below you or having a mud bath from the waterhole in front of the house.
.jpg)
-(Jessica-Salmon&%2339;s-conflicted-copy-2024-08-28).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours
We leave camp at 0600 after a light early breakfast of toast, cereal, yoghurt, tea and coffee from 0530. We do our safaris in open game viewers so that guests have an all round view of the birds, trees, wildlife and beauty of the Park.
Midway through the drive there is a tea/cold drink stop so guests can stretch their legs before carrying on, looking for new sightings, or following alarm calls to a predator or a kill.
Morning game drives usually return to camp at around 1000 depending on the season.
We leave camp at 3.30pm for our afternoon safaris, after tea in the courtyard. The safaris head out again after the heat of the day, when animals and birds start to get active again after the midday stupor! Your safari guide will aim to stop at a scenic spot just before sundown, so you can enjoy an infamous African Sundowner! Once the sun has set, you will continue on with a spotlight, operated by your spotter, who looks for interesting nocturnal creatures that you are unlikely to see during daylight hours. There is a chance to see nocturnal birds like night-jars, owls and bathawks as well as nocturnal mammals such as honeybadgers, civet, genet, porcupine, leopard and hyaena.
Afternoon drives return to camp at around 7.30pm depending on what you are seeing but the National Park's gate closes at 8pm.
.jpg)
The South Luangwa is renowned as the "home of walking safaris", this is where Norman Carr first offered the idea of visitors exploring the Park on foot rather than by vehicle, escaping the noise of the engine and experiencing the thrill and excitement of being at one with the wildlife and habitat at a slower pace. Our safari guides will explain the smaller details of the bush which you can see, hear and smell when on foot, from bird calls to alarm calls to trees and plants which have medicinal uses and tracks of the wild, so you can interpret what you are seeing and hearing with more clarity. Walking is usually enjoyed in the mornings when the temperatures are cooler, but can be enjoyed through the year for longer periods during cooler months. Each walk is usually 3-4 hours long at a gentle pace.
Unlike many "Traditional Village" projects, Chundu Village is really a living working African village where the local residents have agreed amongst themselves to invite visitors to show them their lives. They then use the money raised by visitors & donations to help the disadvantaged and for their co-operative farming programmes. During the visit, guests can see and help villagers preparing maize for meals, collecting water and visiting their nearby school if lessons are not in progress. The day trip including a local style lunch costs $40 per person. Transfers to the village cost US$75 per vehicle for day trips. Overnight stays at Chundu village are also possible, for a more in-depth experience, meeting the villagers and spending the night in a traditional local hut. Overnight stays cost $80 per person per night including all meals (entirely authentic local dishes – you eat what the villagers eat). Transfers for an overnight stay cost $75 per vehicle each way. If the village visit is chosen to be done instead of either a morning or an afternoon game drive, then there is no extra charge for the transfers for groups or four or more.
Flatdogs a la carte restaurant
Guests at Flatdogs camp are treated to an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jess & Ade love their food and source the best local ingredients to make delicious fresh & seasonal dishes with the 10 Flatdogs chefs. From free range eggs & organic chickens to dry aged beef and locally grown vegetables, they use the best of what's available in the Province for the daily specials board. There are full vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus available as well. For guests booked on our safari package basis, all meals on an a la carte basis are included.
.jpg)
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
No. Rooms: 20
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Baines' River Camp | Lower Zambezi
Set under Jackalberry and Tamarind trees on the banks of the Zambezi River, you will find Baines', River Lodge. Combining the tradition of an era gone past with modern world luxury, Baines' is the ultimate escape for the refined traveler.
Baines River Camp can accommodate 20 people in 8 Explorer Suites and a Family Suite. Each luxurious, freestanding suite offers an atmosphere of elegance and privacy, boasting spectacular views over the Zambezi River. The suites are equipped with air-conditioning, Ceiling fans, minibars, personal safes, king-size beds, and spacious bathrooms.
The Camp location in the Lower Zambezi means guests are never far from exceptional wildlife and river experiences. Activities include game drives and walks in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Alternatively, explore the Zambezi River by motorboat and canoe or have a chance at catching a tigerfish.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
Explorer Suite (King Beds)
Explorer Suites
Each elegantly furnished Explorer Suite offers:
A spacious bedroom with King size (XL) bed, which can be converted to twins, a writing desk, a leather occasional chair with footstool
A bath & dressing room with double basins, large walk-in shower, separate toilet
A river-facing veranda with a 2 metre sofa, occasional chair, coffee table
Two of these Suites offer additional outside showers and are usually allocated to honeymooners or guests celebrating a special event.
General amenities include air-conditioning (operational during generator hours), ceiling fan, coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryer, personal safe, luxury bathroom amenities, personal insect repellent, torch, whistle to attract the attention of a watchman in case of an emergency.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Kayaking, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Kayaking / Paddling, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Your best chance to see and photograph predators, large herds of buffalo etc. is on a game drive in an open viewing vehicle.
When possible, our guests enjoy the use of a private vehicle and dedicated guide.
Best time to visit: June - November
River cruises make for relaxed game viewing, photography and bird watching. You will be entertained by baboons, hippo, elephant, crocodiles,water buck
and the occasional buffalo on the river bank and the Zambezi’s various islands.
Best time to visit: 01 March – 30 November
Sunset cruises make for a spectacular end to a day in the bush. (01 March – 15 December)
Anglers visit the Zambezi River especially to catch Tiger Fish, a fearsome game fish. Strict catch and release policy. (01 September – 30 November)
Canoe safaris give a totally different perspective to the African wilderness. (01 June – 15 December)
Walking safaris are not for the faint-hearted and are best suited during winter months. On a walking safari the focus is mainly on tracks, vegetation, birds,
butterflies etc. (01 June – 30 September)
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Star
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Gourmet, Leisure, Relaxation, Wildlife
Nanzhila Lake Camp | Southern Kafue
Lake Camp is an addition to Nanzhila Safaris and perfectly compliments the Plains Camp experience. The focus of Lake Camp is exploring the Southern Kafue wildlife that is found around Lake Itezhi-tezhi. Here, the megaherbivores like elephant, buffalo and hippo are more common. The tented chalets are all situated along the tree line, giving guests an unobstructed view of the floodplain and shoreline ahead which has a constant flow of wildlife. The chalets feature comfortable beds with mosquito nets, as well as large en-suite bathrooms and vanity areas, and expansive covered verandahs for midday game viewing.
- Images
- Rooms
Safari Tent
Lake camp consists of 3 safari tents under thatch with flushing toilets and hot water (by donkey boilers).
Your Stay
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp | Southern Kafue
Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp is the closest real Zambian safari camp to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. This owner-run and managed intimate lodge is located in the remote and seldom visited the southern sector of Kafue National Park and the park gate is a 3-hour drive from Livingstone. Nanzhila Plains offers excellent opportunities to see the healthy populations of a number of antelope species including roan and sable, reedbuck, defassa waterbuck, oribi, hartebeest and eland as well as all the major large carnivores, such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The birdlife is phenomenal throughout the year, and sightings can almost be guaranteed of the endemic black-cheeked lovebird, the wattled crane, ground hornbill and saddle-billed stork amongst others.
- Images
- Rooms
- Facilities
There are 2 x en-suite thatched chalets with twin three quarter beds
There is 1 x en-suite thatched chalet with a queen-sized bed
There are 2 en-suite safari tent with twin three quarter beds
There is 1 x ensuite safari tent with a queen-sized bed
Camp Site. 4 sites. Max capacity - 24 campers.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Library, Private Vehicle (Available)
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Elephant Interaction, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Chundukwa River Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Chundukwa River Lodge is located on a horse ranch, set alongside the Zambezi River just 25kms from Livingstone Town. We offer clients a farm-stay experience within a natural garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, home-grown and healthy food - and the opportunity to relax, horse-ride or immerse yourself in a few or all of the bucket-list experiences that Livingstone and Victoria Falls has to offer.
Our menus are always guided by what is available in the garden and our surrounding neighbours, from whom we support locally. We have a farm-to-fork philosophy which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our “pick, clean and serve” approach.
Our boutique lodge offers five river-facing chalets and a family-friendly cottage. Guests stay with us on a fully-inclusive basis, which includes all meals, house drinks, a sunset cruise experience and the opportunity to have a private vehicle with driver for a day trip to Victoria Falls. Longer stay guests may opt for additional complimentary experiences with us.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
A large and beautifully appointed River Chalet boasting spectacular panoramic views of the Zambezi River. This luxurious room offers a king sized bed, double basins and large walk-in shower. The room extends out onto a private deck with an outdoor bath tub for the ultimate bush and bath experience! Our windows are screened with gauze to allow for maximum light, airflow and river views, with roll-down blinds and curtains, should you wish to use them. Bee Eater River Chalet sleeps two guests.
The Honeyguide River Chalet is ideal for couples and friends alike. This thatched, open-fronted, wooden chalet sits on stilts on the edge of the river and features a king size or twin beds, en-suite bathroom with hand-crafted mosaic shower, beautiful old teak flooring and panoramic views over the Zambezi river.
A romantic stay on the Zambezi in every way. This warm and beautiful River Chalet is tastefully furnished and offers a comfortable sitting area as well as a private balcony for hours of river watching. Indoors, a grand bathtub features, while a double shower beckons. Our windows are screened with gauze to allow for maximum light, airflow and river views, with roll-down blinds should you wish to use them. Francolin River Chalet sleeps two guests.
Jacana is an open-fronted chalet sitting on the edge of the river. Guests staying here will appreciate the exquisite mosaic tree that features in the beautiful bathroom, with a double shower and double sink. A king-sized bed sits on beautiful old teak flooring and guests travelling as a family have the option to add up to two single beds, allowing children to sleep comfortably in the same room with their parents. Our windows are screened with gauze to allow for maximum light, airflow and river views, with roll-down blinds should you wish to use them. Jacana River Chalet sleeps up to four guests, ideal for two adults and two children aged 10-17 years.
Kingfisher is the situated as the final and fifth River Chalet boasting ultimate privacy and river views, where guests can enjoy their morning coffee with hippos floating by. It features beautiful old, teak floors and a king size bed. The bathtub boasts a beautiful mosaic with shower head – and for the adventurous, an outdoor shower beckons under the shade of beautiful tree – with the promise of a starlit shower on a warm night! Our windows are screened with gauze to allow for maximum light, airflow and river views, with roll-down blinds should you wish to use them. Kingfisher River Chalet sleeps two guests.
Chundu Cottage 3-bedroom Family Unit
- 3 bedrooms (2 x king & kids loft)
- Min pay 4 adults
- Family-friendly
- Private pool
- Fully catered or self-catering by arrangement
This is a completely private, stand alone, family-friendly, thatched home overlooking the Zambezi River. Our small team of chef, waiter and housekeeper will serve you ‘at home’, at your own convenience. We cater for children too, so parents can rest assured that their children can eat early and go to bed, allowing for some adult time.
Chundu Cottage sleeps up to 6 people and includes one king/twin bedroom with en-suite shower and double basins, a second king/twin bedroom and an upstairs loft space that sleeps two. The loft space and second bedroom share a separate bathroom with double basins, a private toilet, and a shower with a skylight roof. An open-plan lounge and kitchen area opens onto a covered veranda and adjoining deck, extending to a plunge pool. The deck is fenced so little ones can’t wander into the swimming pool or down to the river. There are fireside chairs and a picnic table on the bank of the river for dining under the stars. Children of all ages are welcome.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Battery Charging Facilities, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fishing, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Art Galleries, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Kayaking / Paddling, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Mountain Biking, Museums, Quad Biking, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.
Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as many bird species. A sunrise or sunset cruise in our own boat is included in all our packages!
We have a large stable yard with horses for all levels of riders, and options for children. Horse-riding packages are available too. Livingstone Polo Crosse Club is also on our premises – guests are welcome to take a walk up to the fields to join us - or hire a horse and play!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
