The Original Zambia Safari - Luxury Walking Safaris

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Frequently Asked Questions

This is a compilation of questions most frequently asked by travellers coming to Zambia.

 

Q: When is the best time to visit the Luangwa?

A: There is simply no single answer but to help you further please see our section on "Seasons in the Luangwa Valley".  There  are different aspects to every month of the year. The green season (December to April) is undoubtedly the most spectacular time for birdwatching, with all the migrants arriving to breed and displaying their bright plumage and intricate song.

From late January to early April there is sufficient water in the rivers and tributaries to make full use of boats for transportation, game-viewing and bird-watching.  These are the months in which we operate our Rivers & Rainbows safaris.

The month of May is the busiest month as it is the impala's rutting season. The bush is now full of the snorts and grunts of male impala that busy themselves either seeing off the competition or trying to impress the females.

June and July are the coolest months. As the bush dries rapidly, stark changes take place. The lagoons, already separate from the river in most cases, slowly dry up and disappear. Large herds of buffalo, elephant and other animals gather at the river's edge to take advantage of the permanent supply of water and one gets the feeling that everything is leading inexorably towards the onset of the rains once more.

Walking safaris are normally organised for the dry season, which is from April to November, when the bush camps are accessible.

 

Q: How safe is Zambia?

A: Zambia is relatively speaking one of the safest countries in Southern Africa and much more stable and quiet than neighbouring Zimbabwe. We have believed for some time that Zambia is becoming better known as a quality safari destination. This creates more publicity and ultimately more visitors, a trend that we sincerely hope will continue.

 

Q: What do your camp names mean?

A: KAPANI means "Place of the Mopane Trees". LUWI is the name of the tributary river on which the camp is set. NSOLO is the local name for the honey-guide bird. (It was also the nickname of an infamous poacher who was captured many years ago, very close to where the camp stands now. This fact was only established several years after the camp was sited and named!). KAKULI is the term referring to an old male buffalo that has left the main herd. (This was one of Norman Carr's traditional nicknames). MCHENJA is the local name for the ebony tree and the camp is sited under a beautiful grove of ebony trees.
 

 

Q: What kind of animals can I expect to see in the Luangwa?

A: The Luangwa Valley is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard, as well as the unique Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest. There are big herds of elephant and buffalo and in the rivers and ox-bow lagoons, huge pods of hippos as well as crocodiles can be seen. There are numerous prides of lions, and many other animal species such as zebra, warthog, monkeys, baboons and numerous species of antelope graze freely.

The Luangwa is also an excellent birdwatching destination, with more than 400 species having been recorded here.

• Wildlife in the Luangwa Valley

 

Q: How fit must I be to go on a walking safari?

A: A walking safari is designed around those taking part but it is not meant to be physically demanding. You typically meander through the bush at a leisurely pace with lots of stopping to discuss your surroundings. Anyone of average fitness can enjoy a walking safari.

 

Q: What must I bring when coming on safari?

A: For a detailed answer to this question please see our section on "What to Take on Safari".

 

Q: How do I book a trip with Norman Carr Safaris?

A: Please contact us to help you plan your holiday and to help you with all your Zambian arrangements. Alternatively we would be very happy to recommend a reputable safari operator close to where you live.

 

Q: What power sources will I find in camp?

A: Zambia runs on 220 - 240 volts using British style square pin plugs. Kapani Lodge is on mains electricity. Our bush camps run on solar power but we have inverters so limited 240 volt power can be provided for guests.

 

Q: What about tips?

A: In the camps we prefer guests not to tip staff during the course of their stay but rather to leave something with the camp manager at the end of their stay, if they would like to do so.  This will then be divided amongst all the staff, both those you have seen and those you have not.  As a guideline we advise something in the region of $10 per guest per day but of course this is entirely discretionary.  The safari guides are not included in this tip sharing system so if you feel you have been well taken care of then you can tip your guide separately, either in person or through the camp manager at the end of your stay.

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