Email Stanley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Hustlers thieves, officials,police,ruin what would otherwise be a wonderful tourist destination
Zambia is a beautiful country with so much to offer, but traveling up from Botswana, there is a stark difference -the official's police and the Botswana people are friendly and efficient, (been several times) , have never been hustled in Botswana -the moment you arrive in Zambia there will be a hustler at your door -the Botswana officials expedite you quickly and efficiently -The Zambian side will keep you for hours -But that we can deal with.Livingstone(Vic Falls,) was empty this year of tourists, one would think they would welcome the ones who do come,but there we felt immediately like we were a mark, and constantly harassed and hustled, beware of the money exchangers and hustlers, do NOT deal with them,even if it costs a bit more, use a bank or ATM, where you are nor surrounded -they will come at you in gangs and try to distract you as others steal from you -this happened to us with our international guests who had money stolen, the police are no help,so don't expect any help there, we did go to the Livingstone police but they laughed at us and said we most probably dropped the money ourselves -so they find it a joke and obviously are not there to help tourists -our guests said it spoilt their experience there, and I doubt will recommend anyone else to go there
NL
Email Karel Stein | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not as good as Botswana
I was at the Croc Valley Camp at south Luangwa NP.
Good accomodation, most lousy Safari vehicles ever seen. Never felt safe or Comfortable.
Park and accomadations are great, but the animals have been greatly reduced over the years. My wife grew up in Zambia and recalls a much more populated national park.
The wildlife watching was poor becasue the animals ran when they saw the vehicle and it was hard to get to, but it was memorable. To be fair, we didnt drive deep into the park, partly because the roads weren't signposted and we got a bit lost. If the infrastructure was improved and poaching stopped, it would be a wonderful destination. We visited in 2004.
Email Mrs Aysha Lakhi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Zambia in the sun, the rugged side of Africa
We visited the Royal Zambezi Lodge as a family group of 8. A very long, bumpy, dusty ride. 4WD vehicles essential to traverse the rugged terrain and seeing elephant and buck roaming in the GMA. Check-in was pleasant and efficient and activities very efficiently organised. HALAL MEALS were accommodated and of excellent standard. Chef willingly shared a recipe or two! The monkeys in dining area, became tedious and downright annoying with their antics of pouncing down from the trees and making off with our food. This applied to relaxing on our private deck too as crunching on a snack out there was out of question. Chalets and facilities tastefully decorated and the thrill of walking to the boma with the possibility of encountering an elephant was exciting . Staff were always at hand to escort guests to and from their chalets making it calm and safe. I was in the Frontier Suite where elephant, hippo, buck and baboons were literally grazing under the balcony/deck.
US
Email Halley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful spot on the River
The safari overall was spectacular, just so much fun seeing all the animals in their natural habitats. The time we were there (mid October) was very hot, we felt it and so did the animals. So because of the heat many of the animals were not out and about, but still very much enjoyed everything Lower Zambezi had to offer!
SE
Email Hakan Olsson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Even better than expected, we had a wonderful but too short visit to South Luangwa.
We have travelled a lot in Southern and Eastern Africa visiting most of the great parks and South Luangwa stands out as one of our favourites after a previous visit. An Eden of scenic beauty and this time during high season there was wildlife everywhere and something to see behind each corner. And the park is never crowded. Flatdogs and Nkonzi are truly nice places, well managed with excellent food and comfortable safari tents. Elefants and hippos sharing the camp grounds are part of the bush feel. Guiding was superb including walking safaris and night drives.
ES
Email Wild Edu | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
CA
Email Greg Sensei | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good place to go, but hard to access. Additionally, they are still connected to trophy hunting which will result in me not returning in the future.
US
Email Paul Sivley | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Lwange was amazing in May, Kafue had good wildlife sightings, but far fewer
I traveled via Cross Country Safaris to Zambia in May 2017. I visited 3 camps in Kafue and South Lwange. Cross Country chose beautiful camps in Chichele Lodge and Flatdogs Camp. Amazing wildlife sightings and great service and comfort at these two camps. I've been on about 6-7 wildlife safaris, and this ranked first or 2nd best. I wish Cross Country had told me more about Kafue, despite the fact that I read it had less wildlife. We did see typically one good game sighting each drive, but far less density of sightings than at South Lwange. If I went back to Kafue, it would be in September. Tseste flies were quite noticeable in Kafue. I found camp staff a little less well trained at Kafue than at South Lwange, and thought it was wierd that they have live shooting practice for rangers inside the park, rather than in the Game Management Area.
