ZAMBIA
THE HEARTBEAT OF AFRICA
ZAMBIA
Covering 750 000km squared, Zambia sits between the tropics. Most of the country is part of an undulating plateau, cut deeply by the great valleys of the Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa and Luapula rivers.
Zambia is blessed with some of the most pristine wilderness areas and has harnessed an authentic view of real Africa. From the lower Zambezi to South Luangwa and the Kafue National Park, it is a mosaic of large and small miombo woodlands, interspersed with open, verdant spaces. The interior is dominated by Lake Bangweulu and surrounding floodplains.
This country has the largest water resource in Southern Africa. This stems from massive lakes and rivers that yield lush vegetation to support high densities of animal life. There are many protected wildlife areas that offer excellent habitats for herds of elephant and buffalo as well as other predators. Leopards are the main focus in the lower Zambezi, which attracts a vast number of big cat enthusiasts. Zambia’s herbivores are particularly fascinating due to a range of endemic species that have evolved over time thanks to isolation from neighbouring populations.
SHUMBA CAMP
In the northern region of Kafue National Park is Busanga Plains, a pristine wilderness that is so remote that there is almost no human interference with nature. Only two camps stand in this vast area, giving it a wilderness appeal like no other.
Shumba camp, named after the prides of lions seen in the area, is found on a wooden island in the 1 million-hectare Busanga Plains. It’s home to a multitude of animals from lechwe to puku, Lichtenstien’s heartebeest and even the “Big 5”.
The wild and remote floodplains seem to go on forever and standing over the scenery is a luxury tented camp made up of six tents. These are raised on wooden platforms with interlinking walkways. It’s a spacious and tranquil escape where guests will enjoy the hospitality of Zambia first hand.
SAUSAGE TREE CAMP
Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic and is set in a stunning location along the Zambezi River at the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. It’s a camp that offers all of the game and the luxury, without all the people.
Sleeping only 18 guests, Sausage Tree Camp provides an intimate approach to a true bush experience with lavish attention to detail. The central dining and bar areas are fronted by an enormous teak deck overlooking the Zambezi River and its low-set reed islands teeming with game.
Accommodation is in luxurious suites, completely rebuilt in 2018 to the highest of standards. These suites are generously spaced along the Zambezi River bank, allowing elephants to amble in between. Nearly hidden from one another and shaded by mature Sausage and Mahogany trees, the tents are cool, private sanctuaries to return to for an afternoon siesta or good night’s rest.
CHINDENI
In an enviable location on the edge of a lagoon where hippo chortle and elephant wallow, stands Chindeni - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful tented camps in the South Luangwa. This sublime tented camp is on the edge of a permanent lagoon, with the Chindeni Hills providing a truly breathtaking backdrop.
There's something about sleeping under canvas that ignites a sense of adventure in everyone. At Chindeni, you can combine that thrill with style and comfort in one of its four opulent tents. Gaze out from your private veranda onto the lagoon, which attracts birds and animals from miles around. You could also relax with a gin-and-tonic in the central lounge and dining area - a glorious expanse of varnished decking arranged on several levels around the surrounding ebony trees. This boasts the same spectacular view of the serene lagoon and its inhabitants.
It’s the perfect combination of all worlds as an array of other lodges in the area offer an opportunity to partake in an immersive walking safari that blends more than one camp into each journey.
TOKA LEYA
Overlooking islands in the mighty Zambezi River, Toka Leya offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. This makes it ideal for the beginning or end of your African safari. Morning explorations of the river, the surrounding Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park or nearby Victoria Falls can be followed by a tranquil afternoon at our spa or practising inspired yoga on the panoramic deck of our gym.
The camp’s twelve spacious, en-suite safari-style tents (including three family tents) with expansive decks serve up the dramatic views and glimpses of wildlife. To limit the footprint on this pristine area, wooden walkways snake between the units and the main area. Here, dining, bar and lounge settings are complemented by an infinity pool, a sundeck for sumptuous meals and a fire pit for night-time gatherings.