Jim Holden Invitational Safari to Zambia November 2024

Holden Safaris welcomes you to Zambia!

Weather conditions in November

• Lower Zambezi: Clear skies and lush landscapes are the norm. November – The rain (when it starts in October or November) brings respite from the dry conditions. It is extremely hot with daytime temperatures about 91 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t rain every day, and rain mostly arrives as afternoon thunderstorms.
• South Luangwa National Park generally includes very high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Daytime temperatures are expected to be around 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit cooling off to about 77 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Typical temperatures can be misleading; some days will be hotter.

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION IN THIS ONLINE DIGITAL ITINERARY

To make full use of this online digital itinerary, please refer to each of the “Tabs” at the top of the Overview page which provide all the information you need for your safari, as summarized below:  

• Overview page: A Day-to-day summary of the itinerary.
• Destinations: Description of the various places you will visit during your safari 
• Accommodation: Images and information of hotels/lodges/and camps where you will stay including room type
• Daily Information: Detailed day to day schedule with timings and activities, inclusions and exclusions
• Map: Virtual interactive map showing your route.
• Transport: Summary of your flights and road transfers in Africa
• Information: Summary of each country information 
• Documents: Helpful information specific to your itinerary provided by Holden Safaris together with Holden Safaris Terms and Conditions. The Documents give general information for travel to the countries on your itinerary.
• Please note the regulations relevant to your specific itinerary.:
  • No Visa is required for entry to Zambia
  • No Covid entry requirements to Zambia
  • No Yellow Fever vaccination required for Zambia (unless visiting high alert area pre arrival )
  • Note: Please refer to the CDC website for advice on anti-malaria medication recommended for different countries as certain types of malaria may be resistant to medication prescribed.   https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/a.html
• Contact Us: Holden Safaris contact details

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

• Jim Holden - President - Holden Safaris - Newport Beach CA USA: +1 949-500-0094
• Vivienne Holden - Holden Safaris Africa Office - Durban South Africa: +27-82-882-5056
• Nick Aslin - Zambian Ground Handlers - + 260 977 747048
• Evie - Zambian Ground Handlers - +260 965 989229

TRAVELKEY APP: Enjoy mobile access to your travel content on this on/offline itinerary

• Download the TravelKey App from Google Play Store & the App Store.
• There may be other apps called TravelKey. For the correct app please refer to the Pre-departure check list under the Documents page where you will find the correct TravelKey app logo with the tag line, “exclusive to WETU clients”.
• Enter your itinerary mobile code (password): B3B4Z2 to complete the itinerary download

WHATSAPP: Download the Whatsapp messenger app for smartphones

• Easy way to communicate with family back home besides email is to use WhatsApp. WhatsApp is free to download messenger app for smartphones. WhatsApp uses the internet to send messages, images, audio or video. All contact numbers above are WhatsApp enabled. 
• WhatsApp Messenger, or simply WhatsApp, allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content when using Wi-Fi and the internet at no cost instead of using cellular data-networks where fees may apply. Most safari lodges and hotels now have Wi-Fi.

SUMMARY ITINERARY

Day 1: 11 November 2024 / Lusaka

Arrivals:

• 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)

• Met and assisted on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka by Tours Africa and transferred to Latitude 15 Hotel 
• 5:30pm: Drinks / sundowners on the outdoor terrace (weather permitting)
• 6.30pm: Welcome dinner in the hotel dining area
• Overnight: Latitude 15 Hotel (HB basis - D, B): air-conditioned: sumptuous beds, walk-in showers, full-sized baths, complementary still and sparkling Latitude mineral water and, free broadband Wi-Fi).

Day 2: 12 November 2024: Lusaka / Zambezi National Park / Baines River Camp

• Breakfast at Latitude 15 Hotel
• 07:00am: Bags to be ready for collection (placed outside the room)
• 07:30 am: Tours Africa road transfer from Latitude 15 Hotel 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 :  FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands): laundry; air-conditioning: hairdryer: en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower: (Please note that the camp activities are flexible apart from canoeing and safari walks which would require confirmation 72 hours beforehand to finalize)  

Day 3: 13 November 2024/ Baines River Camp

• Breakfast in camp
• 08:00am: Set off with your guides after breakfast for a visit to the  Mugurameno Primary School located in the Muguramano Cultural Village - a community living in harmony with nature and one another.  (Should you wish to purchase items for the school / school children, stationary is always needed so books pens /crayons/pencils 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 - FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands): laundry; air-conditioning: hairdryer: en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower

Day 4: 14 November 2024/ Baines River Camp

• 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 - FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands): laundry; air-conditioning: hairdryer: en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower

Day 5: 15 November 2024/Baines River Camp / Royal Airstrip / Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka / Mufiwe International Airport / Mfuwe Lodge south Luwanga

• Breakfast at the camp
• Morning game viewing and return to the camp 
• Lunch at the camp
• Some time to relax before transfer (time to be advised by camp management) to Royal Airstrip for charter flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport - Lusaka
• 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
• 4:35pm: Depart connecting scheduled Proflight flight to Mfuwe International Airport
• 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 - FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands); air-conditioned chalets: comfortable sitting room, imperial King or twin beds, en suite bathroom with walk-in  ; laundry; swimming pool: outdoor gym & Bush-Spa.

Day 6: 16 November 2024/ Mfuwe Lodge

• 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 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 on the order of your morning activities on the day)
• 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 -  FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands); air-conditioned chalets: comfortable sitting room, imperial King or twin beds, en suite bathroom with walk-in  ; laundry; swimming pool: outdoor gym & Bush-Spa.

Day 7: 17 November 2024/ Mfuwe Lodge 

• Morning and afternoon game viewing
• 3:00pm: High Tea before your afternoon game viewing with your professional guides
• All meals at the lodge
• Overnight: Mfuwe Lodge - S FB, game-viewing activities, National Park fees and conservation levies, drinks (except premium brands); air-conditioned chalets: comfortable sitting room, imperial King or twin beds, en suite bathroom with walk-in  ; laundry; swimming pool: outdoor gym & Bush-Spa.

Day 8: 18 November 2024/ Mfuwe Lodge/Mfuwe International Airport/ Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

• Breakfast at the lodge
• Morning safari activities
• Return to the lodge for lunch 
• At a time advised by lodge management, you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your scheduled flight to Lusaka (drive time approximately 45 minutes)
• 6:25pm: Depart scheduled flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Lusaka - flight time 1 hour 10 mins.
• On arrival at Lusaka, you will be met in the airport main terminal and transferred by Tours Africa to Latitude 15 Hotel
• Dinner for own account
• Overnight: Latitude 15 Hotel :(B & B basis) 
• Departure details
  •  Fred Yanney and Christine Weissinger:  Depart Lusaka Emirates flight EK0714 @ 9:20pm

Day 9: 19 November 2024/ Lusaka / Day Rooms at the hotel / Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch for own account
• At a time advised, you will be transferred to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for international departure flight

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       

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