Glamp Zambia: South Luangwa / Lower Zambezi & Livingstone 2021 Thornicroft

Zambia is the home of the legendary walking safari, the Mosi oa Tunya - the smoke that thunders (Victoria Falls), the mighty Zambezi River, abundant indigenous wildlife, the worlds’ largest mammal migration of fruit bats in Kasanka National Park, the worlds’ longest and presumed deepest Lake Tanganyika and vast open spaces . This is where to discover the last truly authentic safari experience of days gone by. Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia’s welcoming people live in peace and harmony and have a great sense of humour.

Zambia offers some of the finest Safari experiences in Africa, from face to face encounters on a walking safari, day and night game drives, canoeing, cycling, Tiger fishing, dining and sleep outs under the stars, specialist birding, hides, private guiding and vehicles, expert guides, romantics weddings and honeymoons, camping on your own island, cultural visits and conservation projects. Bush cuisine is a highlight so do indulge in freshly baked goods produced using local skills and techniques. Experience village life in rural areas or try some of the adrenaline-thrills like sitting on the edge of the Victoria Falls in Devils Pool or a microlight flight over the Falls and end your day with a sundowner and a guaranteed spectacular sunset.

Adjust your pace to our natural rhythm and let your soul find perfect peace in this remote wilderness. However you choose to spend your time in Zambia you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon.

Do look out for our unique and endemic animals. Zambia has all the animals you’d expect to find on an African safari—elephants lumbering across the plains, cheetahs stalking prey, hippos peeking their eyes above the water’s surface. The country, however, offers something more—a stunning amount of wildlife diversity. Go beyond the iconic, well-known species and discover the rare and unusual wildlife of this untouched, spellbinding place.

1. Thornicroft’s giraffe has dark, large leaf-shaped spots that travel down its cream-colored leg.  This subspecies was named after Harry Scott Thornicroft, the then commissioner of North-Western Rhodesia. Distinguishable by its stunning skin pattern, this isolated population of giraffes is only found in South Luangwa Valley.

2. Roan antelope is sometimes confused with the sable antelope but has a lighter coat. Travelers who witness two males fighting for dominance over the herd—a relatively common occurrence—will see them drop to their knees and then violently clash their horns together.

3. Puku is a medium size antelope with golden-reddish coats. Males are distinguishable by their beautiful short, slightly curved horns. Large groups of puku can be seen in floodplains during the dry season.

4. Bushpig has short legs, a long snout, small eyes and a round body. Generally nocturnal, the bushpig is found in groups of a dozen or so members.

5. Crawshay’s zebra have narrower stripes and lack the light-brown shadow stripe found on other zebras. This distinct subspecies of the plains zebra can be found in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.

6. White-tailed mongoose - This carnivore is the largest of all mongooses. Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, and its back, consequently, appears rounded. Travelers are most likely to see the solitary, nocturnal animal during a night safari. Even if you don’t see it, you may hear its high-pitched cry or smell its skunk-like odour, which is used to fend off predators.

7. Tree-climbing lions  - Though only a theory, some wildlife experts hypothesize lions climb trees to avoid the biting insects in the savanna grasses. In Kafue National Park it’s possible to find lions lounging in the limbs of fig trees. Unusual behavior for the big cat and a dream come true for nature photographers.

8. Lichtenstein’s hartebeest is a large antelope with high shoulders and a yellowish-brown coat. It’s easily recognizable by its horns, which both the males and females possess, that curve inward and then out in an “S” pattern.

9. Pangolin gets its name from the derivative of the Malay word “pengguling”, which roughly translates to “something that rolls up.” The species’ shy nature and nocturnal habits makes it anything but certain. Often called “the scaly anteater,” as it is covered in overlapping keratin scales and can roll itself into an impenetrable ball when being attacked by a predator.

10. Cookson’s wildebeest  is endemic to the Luangwa Valley, this subspecies is distinguishable from other wildebeest by its smaller stature and the light, reddish bands that run along its side.

11. Endemic species include - Ansell’s Shrew, Bangweulu Tsessebe, Black Lechwe, Cookson’s Wildebeest, Pitman’s Shrew, Rosevear’s Striped Grass Mouse, Sakeji Horseshoe Bat and Zambian Mole-rat, Black-cheeked Lovebird, White-chested Tinkerbird and the Zambian Barbet.

Please check link to see which VISA is applicable to your passport.

https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=127 

If your passport allows a KAZA VISA  on arrival please note the following.

You will need a passport valid for six months and an appropriate visa to enter Zambia (preferably with a minimum of 2 blank pages). Please obtain a multiple entry visa or KAZA visa.

The KAZA UNIVISA costs USD 50 and allows tourists to obtain one visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa is valid up to 30 days as long as the holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day-trips through Kazungula Borders. (You may need a multiple entry visa for Zambia.)

Currency 

Local currency: Zambian Kwacha 
Symbol: ZK 
ISO code: ZMW 
Subunit: Ngwee 
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Zambia Airways 
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Health and Insurance

The tour price does not include personal insurance. All guests must have comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including trip delay/cancellation and emergency evacuation cover by air if needed, hospitalization & repatriation; baggage loss and loss of funds through cancellation or curtailment of package booked. Ntanda Ventures Ltd cannot be held responsible for the financial costs involved in the evacuation or medical treatment of any guest or any disruptions in itineraries due to external circumstances.

* There are many exciting excursions and activities (with an element of risk) within Zambia, so medical insurance with repatriation is of paramount importance.

* Anti-malarial prophylaxis are recommended, to prevent you from contracting maleria, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Consult your medical practitioner. It is important to adhere strictly to the dosages, especially for the four to six weeks after their stay in Africa. Guests are further advised to use mosquito repellent and wear long clothing in the evenings and sleep under a mosquito net at night to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

Inoculations: A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are travelling from an infected area. Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Consult your medical practitioner.

Carrying Medicines: A small personal medical kit will give you extra comfort if you do become ill whilst on holiday. However please be aware that any medication MUST be accompanied with a doctor’s prescription. The Zambian government strictly enforces the law when it comes to drugs of any sort. Many drugs that you can buy across the counter in other countries, such as strong painkillers etc. are classified as prohibited in Zambia. If in doubt, get an official prescription and make sure your medication is in a sealed container.

Wildlife safety

Wildlife can roam freely near national parks. When staying at lodges please take the utmost care when walking about. If you come across game, do not approach the animal. Elephants in particular can move very fast and can be very dangerous – they are scared of humans and can react suddenly without warning. Nile crocodiles occur in the rivers and lakes in Zambia. We advise you not to swim in any local waterways.

Please do not buy any curios that are made from any animal material.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat). 

Drinks: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. 

Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. 

On safari, keep clothes to neutral colours - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are a must. 

Whilst there are no regulations for dress code, it is customary in Zambia for women to cover their legs for the sake of modesty. We ask that you please respect this, particularly in rural areas. Both men and women dress smart casual in the evenings at safari lodges.

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.