FEATURE ZAMBIA
AFRICA IN THE RAW B
Zambia
Ask an Africa specialist tour operator which country provides a taste of the real Africa, or ‘Africa au naturel’, and the chances are that the answer will be ‘Zambia’, says Steve Hartridge Zambia was a forerunner in tracking
lessed with Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders which Zambia shares with
Zimbabwe – it is alleged that David Livingstone was on the Zambia side when he discovered the largest curtain of water in the world in 1855, naming it in honour of the reigning monarch – an abundance of water, vast open spaces and heavy concentrations of wildlife, Zambia delivers a unique and unforgettable African holiday. Aside from Victoria Falls, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, there are 17 other significant waterfalls, five huge lakes and plentiful rivers offering activities like tiger and fly fishing, canoeing safaris and house-boating holidays.
From left: Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma Lodge; Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi; Sanctuary Kulefu Camp
For adventure-seeking clients there’s a
wide range of high-octane action on offer, from first-class white-water rafting, kayaking and river surfing to bungee jumping into the deep gorge below the Victoria Falls and abseiling and canoeing down the Zambezi. But Zambia’s trump card is some of
the best game reserves in the world, offering safaris deep into the wilderness, and most UK visitors head straight to one of the country’s 11 national parks or other wildlife areas. A real plus is that the safari experience in Zambia is usually a little cheaper than an equivalent safari in Botswana or Tanzania. Zambia’s best known wildlife area, the
South Luangwa Valley, is a habitat for a huge concentration of wildlife. With an estimated 740 species, the country also attracts serious 'birders'.
wildlife on foot, with walking safaris being pioneered by operators such as Norman Carr and Robin Pope. North Luangwa is one of the best walking safari locations on the continent and, with the possibility of encountering lion and other predators on foot, guests get a taste of Africa in its purest form – and are guaranteed an adrenaline rush. Says David Spooner, executive vice-
president of marketing at Sanctuary Retreats: “Sanctuary Zebra Plains is our first luxury walking safari camp in South Luangwa and is located in an untouched and exclusive area of the park, allowing guests to explore the most spectacular terrain and high concentration of game straight from their luxury tents." South Luangwa is also known as the leopard capital of Africa and guests have
a strong chance of spotting one of the bush's most elusive animals. Other wildlife-based options in South Luangwa include elephant-back trails. Zambia also pioneered small, often
owner-run, camps within its national parks. Typically these accommodate between just eight and16 guests. Chris McIntyre, managing director of Expert Africa, says it is important that agents understand Zambia’s USPs and sell the country to the ‘right’ clients. “Zambia is best suited to those clients
who have been on a previous African safari, that is someone who is comfortable around wildlife and being in the bush and is looking for a slightly more rustic experience. “Agents should target those who will
readily pay a premium for seriously good guides and for seeing game in a less-crowded environment and who will
www.sellinglonghaul.com • November 2011 25
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