An Adventure in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Deep in eastern Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park sits firmly off the tourist trail. Remaining a true wilderness and haven for elephant, African painted dog and leopard (watch their stealthy activities on a night drive), a visit to South Luangwa is a safari in the purest form.

In fact, it is the origin place of walking safaris and they remain a staple at every camp in the park. Led by some of the finest guides on the planet, you’ll set out to follow the tracks of the big cats, examine the handiwork of birds and insects, and learn to ‘read’ the bush. For the most adventurous, there’s also the option to plan a multi-day expedition where you’ll trek through sandy riverbeds and overgrown forests, spending each night in a fly-camp under the stars.

Don’t get us wrong, open-topped game drives are incredible as well as boating safaris, specifically after the rainy season when the Luangwa River has risen dramatically. It’s home to one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile in Africa, and a plethora of birdlife!

A highlight on any Southern Africa trip, seeing Vic Falls in all its pounding, dramatic, mesmerising glory is unforgettable – and there is plenty to keep you busy in the area. Firstly, we recommend a walk (guided or unguided) to get a feel for the sheer enormity of the waterfall, before taking to the skies and marvelling from above in either a helicopter or a microlight. Both offer incredible views and big, bucket-list ticks.

To really get the adrenalin going, there’s a selection of daredevil activities to choose from – bungee jumping, gorge swinging, white water rafting and trips to the iconic Devil’s Pool (exclusively on the Zambian side, but can be arranged from Zimbabwe) spring to mind – but if something more sedate is on the cards, there are languid boat trips on the Zambezi, sundowner cruises and wonderful afternoon teas to enjoy.

If safari is on your mind, there are a couple of options to choose from. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers good game viewing of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra (sadly no big cats) as well as fantastic rhino tracking opportunities and walking safaris. Otherwise, take a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for the Big Five and river cruises to see the hundreds of elephant the park is rightly famous for.

One of the oldest national parks in Africa and Zimbabwe’s largest, Hwange has a curiously sparse landscape but its trump card is the water-logged pans that attract wildlife from all around.

Game drives are top of the list here. They allow you to cover the most ground, spotting massive herds of elephant (one of the largest populations on the continent), elusive African painted dog and around 100 other mammals. You’ll either leave in the early morning to catch stragglers returning from their exploits, late afternoon, or after sunset when the big cats are on the hunt, and nocturnal animals like bushbabies, mongoose and, if luck is on your side, the endangered pangolin come out.

For a lesson in the subtle clues left behind by Hwange’s wildlife, a walking safari with an expert guide is an unforgettable experience that draws you closer to nature. Most lodges in Hwange have forged a close relationship with local communities, offering you the chance to learn about traditional crafting and conservation projects too.

Anyone toying with the idea of a Zimbabwe safari will likely have heard of Mana Pools, so named for its four oxbow lakes that draw furry and feathered creatures from across the park. On game drives in the morning or late afternoon, you’ll spy everything from herds of buffalo and shy sable to African painted dog and cheetah.

This wildly-beautiful scene also plays host to a portion of the mighty Zambezi River, where you can travel at eye-level with herds of elephant and big cats, hippos and crocodiles on a boat ride between tiny islands. Try a canoe trip if you’re feeling brave; the truly adventurous can even turn it into a multi-day excursion! Away from the river, the landscape is ideal for walking safaris and you’ll learn to follow tracks, decipher calls and even watch fully-grown elephant standing on their hind legs to reach the juiciest leaves.