Walking Itinerary Day 1

Walking parties are restricted to six clients and a professional guide as well as a National Parks game scout accompanies each party. Clients start their safari from the Chongwe River, which forms the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Most clients prefer to charter into Royal Zambezi airstrip only 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the Chongwe River.

Clients are met at the strip and transferred in an open 4x4 vehicle to Hippo Creek Wilderness Camp. Some clients meet at Hippo Creek after completing their canoeing safari on the Zambezi River. Depending on the time of arrival at camp, clients can enjoy an afternoon's walk up the Chongwe River to the Chongwe pools and waterfalls. The first night is spent at Hippo Creek which has five twin thatched, en suite wooden lodges.

Day 2

The following morning, clients are transferred to a point inside the park where the walking trail begins. Hippo Creek staff takes the vehicle and trailer with all the camping equipment and food, etc., ahead to a site on the Zambezi River. Porters who accompany the trail throughout carry a packed lunch, fruit and refreshments. Clients walk to an established and well-organized camp where hot showers and comfortable camping facilities are provided.

Another full day is enjoyed exploring the park and camp this night is set up away from the river, overlooking a waterhole. This area offers incredible birding opportunities as well as prolific wildlife.

Final Day

The Lower Zambezi National Park is home to the endangered wild dog and there is a full-time research team that is studying the several packs in the area. The final day's walk is to Mwambashi River Lodge, a comfortable, well appointed 16-bed lodge situated at the confluence of the Mwambashi and Zambezi Rivers, and overlooks Chikwenya Island (the eastern boundary of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park). Clients can charter out of the park from Jeki airstrip only five kilometers from Mwambashi River Lodge, normally onto Livingstone, Lusaka or the South Luangwa.

Area

The Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP) is Zambia’s best-kept secret. Situated in the south of Zambia and opposite Zimbabwe’s world renowned Mana Pools National Park this unexploited wilderness area is home to large herds of Elephant and Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog and a wide variety of plains game. The southern boundary of the park is the Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is this magnificent river to the south and the undulating range of hills forming the Zambezi escarpment to the north that gives this National Park it’s incredible diversity of fauna and flora. The Lower Zambezi National Park is now a regular destination in most Zambian itineraries. Safari Par Excellence conducts a four night / five day mobile backed up walking safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park between the Chongwe River and Mwambashi River Lodge.

Transfers (extra cost at published rates)

Ex-Kariba (Road and Boat):
For clients departing from Kariba, Safari Par Excellence require that guest arrive in Kariba the night prior to the start of the safari to avoid clients being left behind due to delayed flights. The preferred meeting place and time in Kariba on the day of departure is the Kariba Breezes Hotel at 09h30. However, clients requiring pick-ups from other hotels in Kariba will be collected at approximately 09h00-09h30. All clients will be required to complete customs and immigration formalities and to sign indemnities before setting off for their transfer to Zambia.

On the last day of the safari, clients are advised to make hotel reservations for that night, as they will only be dropped off in Kariba at approximately 15h30. We will not be able to get clients back to Kariba for any flights departing before 16h00.

Self-Drive:
Clients self-driving from Lusaka, should be at the Kafue Pontoon launch site at 12h00. From here clients are transported to Hippo Creek Wilderness Camp by motor boat (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes).

Air Charters Ex-Lusaka / Mfuwe / Livingstone:
Charters can be arranged for clients wishing to charter from / to Lusaka, Mfuwe or Livingstone, at an extra cost. Please provide us with your connecting flight details so that we can arrange the charter flights accordingly.

Minimum number:
2 Non Residents
4 Regional Residents

Maximum number:
6 Pax (excluding guide)

Age Restriction

The minimum age is 15 years. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual’s fitness and health.

Experience and Fitness

No experience is necessary but guests need to be reasonably fit without major injuries.

Basic Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer to Hippo Creek Wilderness Camp - Lower Zambezi Valley. Depending on arrival time at Hippo Creek, clients will enjoy an afternoon’s walk up the Chongwe River to the Chongwe pools and waterfall. Overnight - Hippo Creek - twin thatched en suite chalets with shower, toilet and basin.

Day 2 - Clients are transferred to a point inside the park where the walking trail begins. Clients will spend the day walking, making their way to their overnight camp, stopping for lunch and a siesta along the way. Overnight - Established mobile tented camp with bush toilet and shower and comfortable camping facilities.

Day 3 - Another full day is enjoyed exploring the park making ones way to the next campsite, stopping for lunch and a siesta along the way. Overnight - Established mobile tented camp with bush toilet and shower and comfortable camping facilities.

Day 4 - This morning, clients will walk to Mwambashi River Lodge arriving for lunch and afternoon lodge activities. Overnight - Mwambashi River Lodge - a comfortable, a well-appointed 16-bed lodge with en suite shower, toilet and basin.

Day 5 - Those who have not booked an extra night at Mwambashi River Lodge, will transfer out on this day either by charter flight to Lusaka, Mfuwe or Livingstone or by road and boat to Kariba, depending on what they have booked. Those remaining at Mwambashi River Lodge for another night, will enjoy the day taking part in activities on offer at the lodge and they will depart the following day.

Equipment Supplied

Food & Drinks Supplied

All food is of a high standard. All food, meat, vegetables and fruit are fresh. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be catered for providing Safari Par Excellence have been notified well in advance.

Client Requirements