Lower Zambezi Experience: Independent

Welcome to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Arrive at Lusaka, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and travel to your luxury lodge by plane on a flight departing at either 930am or 1130am. Upon arrival at the private air strip, meet with local staff who will transfer you to the lodge. After a short welcome briefing, you will be escorted to your accommodation, and settle in with a wonderful lunch on the deck overlooking the Zambezi River. Your safari adventure begins right after lunch, with a guided game drive through the game management area adjacent to the National Park. See Day 2 for further details. Afterwards, relax into the evening at the comforts of your lodge.

The next two days are dedicated to searching for native wildlife in the surrounding game management area or national park. Safaris are carefully planned to ensure the best viewing times for certain wildlife, so this could mean early morning, late afternoon or night drives are essential for a higher chance of spotting wildlife. If a morning safari is organised, an early wake-up call (around 6 am) is usually essential to get the best viewing. Your private expert guide will provide insight into the daily patterns of certain wildlife, and in the morning, where big cats are usually the most active after a night of hunting, will definitely be on the agenda. Around late morning, return back to the lodge for brunch or a relax before lunch. You may opt to stay out all day, and in that case, a furnished lunch will be provided in the park. Especially in summer months, guests usually request the early afternoon back in the lodge to have lunch and relax by the pool or in their rooms. Then, in the late afternoon, it is back exploring with another activity. Night safaris are often scheduled to go in search for the elusive leopard, and this time of day also gives you a different perspective to the park. There are a number of other activities that you may choose to embark on during your time in the Lower Zambezi area. Bush walks are a more intimate way to explore the park, getting up close and personal with the unique flora of the area, plus the opportunity to get quite close to passing wildlife. You may also choose to opt for a canoeing experience or a jungle river cruise to see the park from a different angle and these come with their own special experiences. It may be a morning spent paddling past birdlife like bee-eaters and kingfishers, or a sunset spent on a sand island with a local elephant bathing nearby. Your guides will recommend the best activities for the day, taking into account the weather, time of year and your desires. After each day exploring the park, you will have the comforts of a luxury tented lodge to relax in, with each of the eight understated suites adorned with comfortable beds, ensuites and a private plunge pool. The common areas at the lodge have spacious lounging areas, an infinity pool overlooking the river and an expansive outdoor decking, perfect for dining under the starry night sky. Your all-inclusive experience is perfectly tailored for you to unwind after a day exploring.

Today you have another opportunity to enjoy this beautiful lodge and all activities on offer along the mighty Zambezi River.

This morning, perhaps take one final early morning game drive, or simply relax on the beautiful deck overlooking the Zambezi River with a long breakfast. You will then take your included flight (departing at 12.30 pm) back to Lusaka, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport where your Independent Experience will end on arrival.