Zambian Safari - Hints/Tips and Facts
Zambian Safari - Hints/Tips and Facts
By Mark Donaldson Weather Most holidays are booked during the dry season – April to October.
By May the last rains have fallen and the blue skies are clear.
Groundwater is still plentiful and vegetation is thick, but areas that
have been unreachable throughout the rains now start to become accessible. During June and July temperatures fall to their lowest levels and can drop as
low as two degrees Centigrade. Thereafter the thermometer rises until the heat is alleviated
by the onset of the next rains, which usually arrive in November.
October therefore is normally the hottest month with maximum temperatures
of about 37 degrees. Food Meals at Robin Pope Safaris are of the highest standard, and are always
varied. All dishes are made in camp
by award-winning chefs, with the evening meal the highlight of the day.
Try enjoying your food by the moonlight with the distinct sound of
wildlife surrounding the camp as you dine. Visas Visas can be purchased on arrival at Lusaka airport for 35 US dollars. Reading Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
– Ken Newman Wildlife of Southern Africa – Vincent Carruthers Signs of the Wild – Clive Walker Luangwa (Zambia’s Treasure) – Mike Coppinger/Jumbo Williams Getting There British Airways fly direct from London Gatwick to Lusaka via Harare.
The flight time is exactly ten hours, normally departing at night and
arriving in Zambia the following mid-morning.
Reservations 08457 222 111. Where To Stay Choose from one of three Robin Pope-owned safaris at either Nsefu, Tena Tena
or Nkwali – all situated in the National Park. rps@super-hub.com
or (260) 62 45090. Tour Operator Roxton Bailey Robinson Worldwide www.roxtons.com
or
01488 689 702 Wilderness Safaris
PO Box 5219, Rivonia, 2128 RSA
011 807 1800 Zambia in 2001 A ‘Celebration of South Luangwa took place in May – a week of
unforgettable safari with additional focus on the culture and conservation of
the area. Following the end of the
rains, the bush in lush and green, the river was high and birding opportunities
were outstanding. Lion and leopard
were often seen at this time of year as they enjoy the drier areas. ‘Celebration of South Luangwa’ combined game-viewing with the opportunity
of an insight into the culture and lives of the ‘Kundu’ tribe of Eastern
Province. Suggested Equipment List 1.
Good quality sunglasses. 2.
Bush hat or cap 3.
Good walking boots or trainers 4.
Camera and PLENTY of film 5.
Binoculars are essential 6.
Personal toiletries 7.
Malaria tablets 8.
Suntan lotion and moisturising cream 9.
Anti-histamine tablets 10.
Insect repellent – Jungle Juice or Tabard etc 11.
Basic medical kit including plasters 12.
Visas, tickets, US dollars, travel insurance 13.
Powerful torch 14.
Earplugs Travel Tips When flying on a charter flight internally in Zambia, passengers are allowed
a maximum luggage weight of twelve kilograms in a soft sports bag.
For scheduled airlines, this capacity is increased to twenty kilos. US dollars are accepted everywhere but make sure of taking small
denominations. Change is normally given in Zambian Kwacha. Do not take excess clothing as an on-site laundry service returns clothing at
the end of each day. Drink plenty of water during the day – at least two or three litres to
avoid dehydration. This excludes
tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages which you can make up for at night! Consult
your doctor regarding any precautions which should be taken.
Malaria prophylactics are compulsory, and can be obtained from most
chemists.
