Jim Holden Invitational Safari to Zambia November 2024

Today's Schedule

12:45pm: Flight TK0525: Jim Holden & Sonia Marsh (2 pax)

1:30pm: Proflight  P00705 ex Livingstone : Christa and Kevin Sliter, Lisa and Jeff Winter, Fred Yanney & Christine Weissinger, Mary McAdara, Jill Watkins (8 pax)

• On arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka, you will be met by a representative of Tours Africa who will assist you with your luggage and transfer to the Latitude Hotel for your overnight stay.
• Drive time from the airport is approximately 30 minutes.
• 5:30pm: Drinks / sundowners on the outdoor terrace (weather permitting)
• 6.30pm: Welcome dinner in the hotel dining area
• Overnight: Latitude Hotel

Latitude 15 Hotel Sustainability

• The statement interiors that focus on local authenticity are created by local communities using recycled, upcycled and sustainable materials to offer a unique vibe unlike any formulaic hotel.
• Curated original artworks form huge centerpieces in lobbies, ornate hand beaded textiles adorn the stylish bedrooms, and funky recycled furniture really pushes the boundaries of local materials. The hotel is a true ambassadors for emerging African talent.

Today's Schedule

• Breakfast at Latitude Hotel
• 07:00am: Bags to be ready for collection (outside room)
• 07:30am: Road transfer to Lusaka Airport
• 9:00am: Depart charter flight to Royal Airstrip (flight time approximately 30 minutes)
• Met on arrival at the airstrip by your guide and transferred in open game vehicles to Baines River Camp (road transfer from the airstrip approximately 30 minutes)
• Lunch on arrival at Baines Camp: situated in the Eastern Chiawa Game Management Area adjacent to Lower Zambezi National Park and overlooks the Zambezi River.
• 3:00pm: Afternoon activity – Game drive/ River Cruise / Fishing in the Game Management area
• 6:00pm: Return to the camp for dinner @ 7:00pm
• Overnight: Baines River Camp

Game Management Area

• Lower Zambezi National Park is surrounded by a huge buffer zone called Lower Zambezi Game Management Area.
• There are no fences, so wildlife can move freely between the Zambezi National Park and Game Management Area, although GMA is dotted with villages, banana plantations, and farms.

Location and activity information

• The location in the Lower Zambezi means you are never far from exceptional wildlife experiences and safari activities.  
• During your stay, you have the choice of game drives (entrance to the Lower Zambezi National Park is 15 minutes from the camp) , canoe safaris, walking/hiking safaris, boat cruises, island sundowners, tiger fishing or a spa treatment in the comfort of your private suite.
• Game drives & safari walks: : On your early morning game drive, marvel at the diverse vegetation, from Albida forests and Palm groves, to grass plains and miombo woodlands, offering the ideal habitats to a variety of game and bird species.

• Beach’ activities: In addition to the activities listed above, there is a selection of unique touches not offered anywhere else. For example, you can swap out an evening game drive for a boat cruise and a game of boule on the beaches of the Zambezi River.**Please note that this activity is dependent on the river levels and is therefore only available at certain times of the year.

• River cruises: An experienced guide accompanies guests on a cruise of the Zambezi River in search of wildlife such as a breeding herd of elephants bathing, the ever-curious buffalo in the reeds or the elusive African Skimmer. Game viewing from the river adds a different dimension to a safari as most wildlife is more at ease with boats in the water than with vehicles on land. With the added flexibility to move around the boat, a river cruise offers spectacular photographic and viewing opportunities. Guests can enjoy sundowners as they sit down and relax at the end of the day, watching the sunset over the mighty Zambezi River.: 
• Tiger fishing: Catching a Tigerfish on fly is widely considered to be the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing and the opportunity to do so on the Zambezi should not be missed. The fishing clinics provided by Baines River Camp will contain information gathered by our guides, over their many years, on how to find and catch Africa’s most powerful freshwater game fish. With a ratio of two anglers per boat, you’ll be assured of maximum attention from your guide, translating into more hook-ups.
• Canoe safaris: Canoeing safaris offer visitors the privilege of viewing wildlife up-close as they glide through the Zambezi River. Visitors will have the opportunity to see sights such as birds nesting, antelope getting on with their everyday life, and baboons eating. Experienced guides will read the signs of the bush and ensure their guests maintain a safe distance whilst giving the best chance to view buffalo and elephants grazing. At the end of the day, drinks and snacks are served on one of the many sandbanks, making the perfect ending to the day as the sun sets behind the Zambezi escarpment.

Today's Schedule

• Breakfast in camp
• 08:00am: Set off with your guide after breakfast for a visit to the  Mugurameno Primary School located in the Mugurameno Cultural Village - a community living in harmony with nature and one another.   (Should you wish to purchase items for the school or school children, stationary is always needed so books pens and other similar items would be greatly appreciated0
• Return to the camp at approximately 11:30am. 
• 12:00pm:  Lunch 
• 3:00pm: Afternoon activity – Game drive/ River Cruise / Fishing in the Game Management area
• 6:00pm: Return to the camp - dinner @ 7:00pm
• Overnight: Baines River Camp

Today's Schedule

• Breakfast at the camp
• Depart 06:00am from camp via boat
•  06:30am: Arrive at pick-up point for game viewing in open vehicles
• 06:30 to 11:00 am:  Enjoy game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park 
  • The Lower Zambezi boasts one of the most diverse animal and plant kingdoms. One of the main attractions of the Lower Zambezi is that it’s home to “Four” of Africa’s “Big Five.” You’ll be lucky enough to spot any of these creatures along one of your drives – namely the Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard. These animals are some of the most magnificent creatures to still walk the Earth.
• 12:00pm: Return to the camp via boat in time for lunch
• Afternoon activity – depart 4:00pm from camp for a late afternoon early evening game drive in the Game Management area
• Experience a delicious "Bush Braai" dinner before returning to the camp.
• Overnight: Baines River Camp

What is a Bush Braai?

• A traditional method of cooking/roasting marinated meat or chicken over a grid on a wood fire. under the stars.

• Wherever you go on safari there will definitely be an outdoor boma and a safari braai.

• The boma symbolises an outdoor retreat, where guests gather to socialize, find warmth, eat good food and promises a really great time for all!

Wildlife insights:

• The Lion: Early morning is the perfect time to catch a snap of a pride of lions lounging, while their cubs play, in Lower Zambezi National Park. As the day starts heating up the “King of the jungle” gets lazier and can be found dozing in the shade. At dusk, you might be able to watch these magnificent creatures transform into hunters. They are a formidable opponent to both predator and prey alike.
• Fun fact: Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are dominated by females.
• The Elephant: The elephant’s trunk is its most valuable and interesting feature. It acts as a nose, a hand, an extra foot, a signaling device and a tool for gathering food, drinking or spraying water, dusting, digging and more. The trunk of an elephant can reach up to 23 feet high and perform movements as delicate as picking berries or caressing a companion. Elephants spend 16-18 hours a day grazing and browsing. These gentle giants often pass through Baines’ River Camp and are an absolute treat for our visitors.
• Fun fact: Elephants use their trunks to squirt water into their mouths, one squirt equates to seven litres per drink.
•  The Cape Buffalo : Buffalo do not hear or see very well, but their sense of smell is highly developed. They often fall prey to predators such as lions; however, they are far from defenseless. Buffalo move around in herds which affords them safety in numbers. They are also large and have sharp horns which act as deterrents for smaller less capable predators. The Cape buffalo is native to Zambia and has roamed the Zambian plains for thousands of years.
• Fun fact: Buffalo wallow in mud pools as a cleansing technique that rids them of skin parasites and coats them in a layer of mud to prevent further insect attack.
• The Leopard: Zambia has the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Not only is the leopard the shrewdest animal in its category but it’s also the best climber. These big powerful felines can haul a catch weighing more than their body weight up a tree. Leopards spend most of their lives sprawled out, comfortably napping in the bushes or in the branches of a tree.
• Fun fact: In some areas, the leopard is seen as a symbol of wisdom.

Today's Schedule

• Breakfast at the camp
• Morning game viewing and return to the camp
• Lunch at the camp
• 2:00pm: Depart Baines River Camp and transfer to Royal Airstrip
• 3:00pm: Depart Royal Airstrip on charter flight to Lusaka
• 3:30pm: Arrive Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka
• 5:45pm: Met on arrival at Mfuwe International Airport by your driver/guide and transferred to the Mfuwe Lodge (drive time approximately 45 minutes)
• Arrive at Mfuwe Lodge in time for dinner- set around two lagoons and shaded by a canopy of ebony and mahogany trees
  • There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction
• Overnight: Mfuwe Lodge

Activity information

Typical day on safari at Mfuwe Lodge

• 05:30am:  wake-up call 
• 06:00am: light breakfast (cereals, fruit, muffins, toast, tea, coffee, etc.) 
• 06:30am: morning game drive 
• 11:00am: return to the lodge for brunch  
• After brunch there is a siesta time when the animals and people sleep in the shade – you can relax by the pool, enjoy a siesta in your chalet, shop in our Curio Shop, read your book on the deck – just relax during this quiet time of the day, or visit our Bush Spa for a treatment! 
• 3:15pm: Afternoon tea 
• 3:45pm: Afternoon/evening safari – game drive to sundowners and snacks at a pretty spot in the Park, followed by evening game drive  
• 7:30pm:  Return to the Lodge to freshen up before dinner 
• 8:00pm: Dinner 

Location information 

• Located just inside South Luangwa National Park, less than an hour drive from Mfuwe International Airport, you’ll be amazed at the ‘deep in the bush’ feeling of Mfuwe Lodge. As soon as you arrive you’ll understand why it has been voted Best Lodge in Zambia.

• Combine the view of the two lagoons and the incredible wildlife with delicious meals followed by a pampering massage at the Bush Spa, and your trip to Africa couldn’t get any better.

• Each of the chalets includes a private deck for you to use as your own wildlife viewing perch, best appreciated with a favorite cocktail in your hand, perhaps, as the sun sets on the horizon

• Breathe deep in the airy, open plan of the central lodge, with dining and bar areas for you to enjoy with your travel companion or enjoy a relaxing solo swim in the spacious pool.

• When you’re ready for adventure, there are game drives and guided walks to suit every desire, led by incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming guides.

• If you’re looking to wind down from an exciting day of hippos and elephants, you can choose a book and settle in a comfortable spot in the library. Whatever you decide to do with your time, at Mfuwe Lodge every choice is the right one.

 Mfuwe Lodge Elephants

• Each year from early to mid-November, when the fruits of the Wild Mango Trees ripen, there is a family of Elephants that remember the juiciness and flavour of the fruits of a certain group of trees. In order to access these trees the elephants walk up a set of steps and right through the lodge reception. The regularity and reliability of this parade has meant that this particular family of Elephants has become known the world over. Documentary film-makers and regular guests alike are enthralled by their antics.

Safari Activities

• Enjoy your early morning and late afternoon game drives, and experience the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. Return to the lodge to freshen up before the evening meal. Game viewing activity start time for the morning game drive is 05:30/6:00am and afternoons is 3:30/4:00pm.

• Night drives: At night, a whole new cast of characters fills the landscape of the South Luangwa. With the help of a spotlight, take to the road and see what you can find…

• Experience one of Zambia’s unique bush walks in the care of a professional safari guide. These walks were pioneered in Zambia allowing only six safari goers to accompany each guide. On a safari walk, all of one’s five senses come alive! As they say at Mfuwe, “From a vehicle you see Africa. On foot you feel, hear and smell Africa.” You could add touch and taste as your guide draws your attention to everything around you, including the trees and vegetation, as well as the wildlife, both big and small.
• Time permitting, you may also be interested in visiting the headquarters of Conservation South Luangwa, a privately funded organization that works hand in hand with the Park authorities to conserve and protect the habitats of the Luangwa valley and the wildlife in the area.

Today's Schedule

• 8:00am: After breakfast you will be taken to the Local Community Village for a visit to the primary school - Chiwawatala 
• You can also see how the community has been engaged by way of the The Farm - where all the fresh vegetables / fruit is grown for the Mfuwe Lodge.
• Visit Tribal Textiles workshop and store, where the local community produce a beautiful home decor, art and craft items.
• After the visit to Tribal Textiles, stop at the Mulberry Mongoose store where the locals have learnt to convert brutal poachers' traps into jewelry with strength and innovation - all sales contributing to conservation.
• Time permitting visit Conservation South Luwanga  for a short talk on their continued conservation efforts in the region before returning to the lodge. (Note:  your guide will advise the order of your morning activities on the day)
• Return to the lodge for lunch
• 3:00pm: Enjoy High Tea before your afternoon game viewing and sundowners
• Return to the lodge for dinner. 
• Enjoy evening entertainment with a performance by the local Tseka Group
• Overnight: Mfuwe Lodge

Tribal Textiles

• Tribal Textiles has been running for 32 years, with humble beginnings in 1991 on the banks of the Luangwa River.
• The company employs a number of local community members in the area and a visit to the workshop is always very interesting. You will have the opportunity to create your own piece of African material art which will then be converted into a bag and delivered to you before you depart from Mfuwe.
• Founded by Gillie Lightfoot, Tribal Textiles grew into the small but mighty company it is today, providing sustainable employment, fair wages and economic empowerment to up to 100 local people. The company is one of the biggest employers in the Luangwa Valley, an area where jobs are scarce.

Mulberry Mongoose

• Our courageous workshop team are 80% women and 100% born and raised in Zambia. They have become famous for their ability to convert brutal poachers' traps into jewelry with strength and innovation.
• Snare wire traps tragically ensnare, maim and kill iconic wildlife including elephant, lion and leopard. Our awesome team transform these brutal wires into beautiful beads and jewelry. We elevate our designs with local materials such as feathers, seeds, wooden beads and vintage coins to ensure our designs are uniquely African.
• The sale of each piece donates to conservation and our clients feel deep pride knowing they wear an ethical story where rural African-empowerment and conservation go hand in hand.

Conservation and sustainability efforts of the Mfuwe Lodge

• This includes working with Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), as they continue their efforts to protect and save South Luangwa’s wildlife and natural resources, and the Commit to Clean Water project that drills fresh-water boreholes for the Mfuwe community, and the Meal-a-Day programme, that provides 2,500 children a day with lunch.
• The Farm: To add to the culinary experience at The Bushcamp Company and to keep true to our sustainability ethos, our Farm was born.
  • The Farm enables the lodge to provide fresh and seasonal fruit, vegetables, salad and herbs for our kitchen without the added carbon footprint of food transport from hundreds of miles away. The Farm is forever growing and developing, with constantly planting new vegetables and fruits and thinking of ingenious ways to use them. Any excess harvest is used to make delicious staples in the kitchen such as jams and marmalades, juices, sauces and salsas, as well as sundried fruits and tomatoes.
• Ele Africa Collection
  • Mfuwe Lodge is known for the unique experience of the elephants coming through Reception each year to eat thefruit from the wild mango tree in our courtyard. In honor of those gentle giants, the Ele Africa Collection was created. Sales of these items benefit the wildlife of South Luangwa National Park as well as local residents, through our conservation and community projects, including our Commit to Clean Water Programme. This is an ongoing project, drilling boreholes and providing fresh drinking water to over 60,000 people per day currently in the surrounding communities.

• TSEKA Entertainment Group 

   
  • TSEKA (Sensitization and Education through Kunda Arts) is a local theatre group that performs at Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. 
  • They offer engaging plays that highlight the natural environment and local culture, providing both entertainment and education for guests.

Today's Schedule

• Morning and afternoon game viewing
• 3:00pm: High Tea before your afternoon game viewing with your professional guide
• All meals at the lodge
• Overnight: Mfuwe Lodge

Today's Schedule

• Breakfast at Mfuwe Lodge
• Morning safari activities
• Lunch at the lodge 
• At a time advised, you will be transferred to Mfuwe International Airport for your scheduled flight to Lusaka
• 6:25pm: Depart scheduled flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka - flight time 1 hour 10 mins.
• On arrival in Lusaka, you will be assisted with airport formalities and transferred to Latitude 15 hotel
• Dinner for own account
• Overnight: Latitude 15 Hotel 

NOTE:  Fred Yanney and Christine Weissinger Departure

• 7:45pm: On arrival in Lusaka, assistance with airport formalities and check-in for international departure flight
• 9:40pm: Depart Lusaka Zambia on Emirates scheduled non-stop overnight flight EK 0714 to Dubai

Today's Schedule - Day rooms

• Breakfast at the hotel
• At times advised, transfer to Kenneth Kaunda Interntional Airport
• Lunch and dinner for own account

Departure details

• Collection from Latitude 15 : 05:00am:
  • Mary McAdara : Depart Lusaka Airlink flight 4Z161 @ 07:30am / Arrive Cape Town 2:30pm/depart Cape Town flight UA  2023 @ 8:50pm to Washington
  • Jill Watkins: Depart Lusaka Airlink flight 4Z161 @ 07:30am / Arrive Cape Town 2:30pm/depart Cape Town flight UA  2023 @ 8:50pm to Washington

• Collection from Latitude 15: 11:30am

  • Kevin and Christa Sliter: Depart Lusaka BA6269 (Airlink)/ 2:15pm/ arrive in Johannesburg 4:30pm /connect departure flight BA054 @ 10.15pm

• Collection from Latitude15: 3:30pm: 

  • Jeff and Lisa Winter: Depart Lusaka 6:00pm flight KQ0704/ arrive in Nairobi 9:40pm/ connect departure flight KQ0002 @ 11:35pm to JFK

• Collection from Latitude 15: 6:00pm:

  • Jim Holden / Sonia Marsh: Depart Lusaka 9:55pm flight QR1452