Advise
Nov 24th, 2006, 01:23 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Advise
Hello
I am planning to trip to visit Zambia in July 07. I am postpone this trip of bring it forward by a month, but on doing some research, I felt July was a good balance of reasonable game viewing + decent weather (I hate hot weather).
We wish to visit Vic falls and want to do a reasonable amount of walking/night drives as well, while trying to get good value accommodation. With this background, we have the recommended the following -
Tafika (S Luangwa) - 3 nights
Chikoko Trails (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Crocodile Camp (S Luangwa) - 1 night
Kaingo (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Mwanba or Kuyenda (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Zambezi Sun (Livingstone) - 2 nights
Are we spending too much time in S Luangwa? I was advised (by the trip organizer) that the cost of internal transfers, sometimes isnt worth the value received from the trip, and this advised to stay with S LUangwa.
I would appreciate if anyone has an opinion and advice on this.
Many Thanks.
I am planning to trip to visit Zambia in July 07. I am postpone this trip of bring it forward by a month, but on doing some research, I felt July was a good balance of reasonable game viewing + decent weather (I hate hot weather).
We wish to visit Vic falls and want to do a reasonable amount of walking/night drives as well, while trying to get good value accommodation. With this background, we have the recommended the following -
Tafika (S Luangwa) - 3 nights
Chikoko Trails (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Crocodile Camp (S Luangwa) - 1 night
Kaingo (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Mwanba or Kuyenda (S Luangwa) - 2 nights
Zambezi Sun (Livingstone) - 2 nights
Are we spending too much time in S Luangwa? I was advised (by the trip organizer) that the cost of internal transfers, sometimes isnt worth the value received from the trip, and this advised to stay with S LUangwa.
I would appreciate if anyone has an opinion and advice on this.
Many Thanks.
Nov 24th, 2006, 05:27 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
10 nights is probably fine....but, you can maybe request for South and north Luangwa? if you want to do more than just the SL without too many transfers. I will leave it to the others for feedback on your lodges. I have never been....
You will find plenty of trip reports from fodorite visits to the South Luangwa. Just do a search in the search box.....
Hari
You will find plenty of trip reports from fodorite visits to the South Luangwa. Just do a search in the search box.....
Hari
Nov 24th, 2006, 05:48 AM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
See if your agent can provide an alternative where you are taking in two parks vs. just SL. Then you judge whether you want to pay the extra cost of Plan B.
If I were planning on several trips to Zambia, then I'd probaby stick with the one park at a time philosophy to avoid transfer costs. If this was my one shot at Zambia, I'd include a second location, despite the additional transfer cost.
With 10 nights I'd do either
South Luangwa 5 or 6
Lower Zambezi 4 or 5
or
South Luangwa 5 or 6
North Luangwa 4 or 5
I found the game viewing to be at least equal to South Luangwa in the LZ, plus you have the water activities of canoeing and game viewing by motor boat. Even if you did not want to do the water activities, the environment and wildlife is worth visiting.
With this mix, I'd pick 2 of your SL choices and add one or two LZ camps. I did Sausage Tree, then canoed on the Chifungulu Channel to Old Mondoro. The canoe ride was the most beautiful of all the caneoing I did in LZ. There is also Chiawa Camp that gets excellent reviews and Mwambashi Camp.
A less expensive transfer would be from South Luangwa to North Luangwa. North Luangwa is very remote. My fav camp, Kutandala, does very little driving and no night drives. Since you mentioned night drives, you might consider Tafika's "partner in the north," Mwaleshi. Or Buffalo Camp, there was a recent glowing review of Buffalo Camp. Cookson's Wildebeest are more prevalent in the NL and now there are rhino in NL. If you did SL and NL, I'd pick two of your SL camps and add one NL camp.
Of course, availability plays a big role in your planning. Good luck.
If I were planning on several trips to Zambia, then I'd probaby stick with the one park at a time philosophy to avoid transfer costs. If this was my one shot at Zambia, I'd include a second location, despite the additional transfer cost.
With 10 nights I'd do either
South Luangwa 5 or 6
Lower Zambezi 4 or 5
or
South Luangwa 5 or 6
North Luangwa 4 or 5
I found the game viewing to be at least equal to South Luangwa in the LZ, plus you have the water activities of canoeing and game viewing by motor boat. Even if you did not want to do the water activities, the environment and wildlife is worth visiting.
With this mix, I'd pick 2 of your SL choices and add one or two LZ camps. I did Sausage Tree, then canoed on the Chifungulu Channel to Old Mondoro. The canoe ride was the most beautiful of all the caneoing I did in LZ. There is also Chiawa Camp that gets excellent reviews and Mwambashi Camp.
A less expensive transfer would be from South Luangwa to North Luangwa. North Luangwa is very remote. My fav camp, Kutandala, does very little driving and no night drives. Since you mentioned night drives, you might consider Tafika's "partner in the north," Mwaleshi. Or Buffalo Camp, there was a recent glowing review of Buffalo Camp. Cookson's Wildebeest are more prevalent in the NL and now there are rhino in NL. If you did SL and NL, I'd pick two of your SL camps and add one NL camp.
Of course, availability plays a big role in your planning. Good luck.
Nov 24th, 2006, 06:41 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
THanks for your replies.
I have found this http://www.remoteafrica.com/rates.asp?t_id=14 and am investigating it. I suppose the prices include a discount on account of the 10 days being spent with the same company. Will post with I have more detail.
I have found this http://www.remoteafrica.com/rates.asp?t_id=14 and am investigating it. I suppose the prices include a discount on account of the 10 days being spent with the same company. Will post with I have more detail.
Nov 24th, 2006, 06:56 AM
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tafika is a very nice camp, with the option of doing a microlight flight over the park..a great experience.
Note in the link you provided that road and air transfers are NOT included. Make sure you get a quote on that as well as the flight from Mfuwe-Livingstone, which goes through Lusaka.
Note in the link you provided that road and air transfers are NOT included. Make sure you get a quote on that as well as the flight from Mfuwe-Livingstone, which goes through Lusaka.
Nov 24th, 2006, 07:56 AM
#6
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi - Good advice here - I would just add that if you did your original itinerary, I would choose Tafika OR Kaingo, and then choose another camp in the central or southern part of the park. Just a thought. You can't go wrong if you choose among the camps listed in this thread. You might consider going toward the end of July - game viewing might be a bit better.
Good luck with the planning!
Sharon
Good luck with the planning!
Sharon
Nov 24th, 2006, 03:55 PM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you'd enjoy the itinerary on the Remote Africa website. You've already listed Tafika anyway. I agree, it is an excellent camp.
Was there a reason you originally picked the camps you did in S. Luangwa?
Was there a reason you originally picked the camps you did in S. Luangwa?
Nov 25th, 2006, 01:25 PM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with Lynn that the Remote Africa itinerary looks very good. That itinerary will give you about 70% walks and 30% drives. Depending on logistics you may only get 2-3 night drives at Tafika. If I was going to fine tune their intinerary I would add an extra night or two at Tafika.
In terms of air transfers when I flew one way from N.Luangwa to Mfuwe the total cost of the 4 seater charte flight was $600 one way or $150 each. (No individual price - you pay the full $600 for the plane.)I know Takika has there own Cessna 206 that they use for air transfers, so perhaps their own air transfer may be somewhat less than the above cost.
In terms of air transfers when I flew one way from N.Luangwa to Mfuwe the total cost of the 4 seater charte flight was $600 one way or $150 each. (No individual price - you pay the full $600 for the plane.)I know Takika has there own Cessna 206 that they use for air transfers, so perhaps their own air transfer may be somewhat less than the above cost.
Nov 28th, 2006, 03:28 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your replies.
This itinarery was suggested by a very well known and travelled author of a very popular range of guidebooks to Southern Africa.
My brief was that I will willing to spend the money, but I'd rather have better walking/guiding/drives than luxury. His opinions of the itinerary was based on what he thought offered 'better value for money' and I willing to take his word for it.
I have found most other travel organisers in the UK offering off-the-peg deals or itineraries, rather than something based on client requirements.
I have thought about the option of visiting N Luangwa for 4 days and the cost isnt significantly more, but it offers exclusive walking which to me will come at the cost of night driving. This isnt a sacrifice I want to make, inspite of the fact that I havent got plans for the forseeable future to make a second trip to Zambia. I was advised to avoid L Zambezi on the same grounds (excellent game/luxury but not the same value for money that S Luangwa offers).
Does anyone have an opinion on selecting between Mwamba/Kaingo/Kuyenda? Kuyenda is perhaps a good 30km to the south of Kaingo/Mwamba and might offer a slight different terrain to explore.
This itinarery was suggested by a very well known and travelled author of a very popular range of guidebooks to Southern Africa.
My brief was that I will willing to spend the money, but I'd rather have better walking/guiding/drives than luxury. His opinions of the itinerary was based on what he thought offered 'better value for money' and I willing to take his word for it.
I have found most other travel organisers in the UK offering off-the-peg deals or itineraries, rather than something based on client requirements.
I have thought about the option of visiting N Luangwa for 4 days and the cost isnt significantly more, but it offers exclusive walking which to me will come at the cost of night driving. This isnt a sacrifice I want to make, inspite of the fact that I havent got plans for the forseeable future to make a second trip to Zambia. I was advised to avoid L Zambezi on the same grounds (excellent game/luxury but not the same value for money that S Luangwa offers).
Does anyone have an opinion on selecting between Mwamba/Kaingo/Kuyenda? Kuyenda is perhaps a good 30km to the south of Kaingo/Mwamba and might offer a slight different terrain to explore.
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:56 AM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"...if you did your original itinerary, I would choose Tafika OR Kaingo, and then choose another camp in the central or southern part of the park."
Hi - This is what I was getting at when I suggested one camp over the other. Kaingo and Tafika both have excellent reputations, but they both are in the northern part of the park. If that's OK with you, then go for it.
Kuyenda is one of the bushcamps; it's located in the southern area of the park . I stayed at one of these camps - Chamilandu - earlier this year and loverd it. I think it enjoys one of the best locations, right on the river with the Chindeni hills in the background. Lovely place.
I would have to disagree with your agent regarding Lower Zambezi though. The terrain is quite spectacular there, and you would have the option of doing soem of the most peaceful canoeing down some channels where myriad birds, hippo, ellies, and more can be found. It's a very different experience from S. Luangwa, so it's is like comparing ... how do you Brits say it chalk and cheese? ;-)
At any rate, good luck. I still say you cnnot go wrong with these choices on the table!
Hi - This is what I was getting at when I suggested one camp over the other. Kaingo and Tafika both have excellent reputations, but they both are in the northern part of the park. If that's OK with you, then go for it.
Kuyenda is one of the bushcamps; it's located in the southern area of the park . I stayed at one of these camps - Chamilandu - earlier this year and loverd it. I think it enjoys one of the best locations, right on the river with the Chindeni hills in the background. Lovely place.
I would have to disagree with your agent regarding Lower Zambezi though. The terrain is quite spectacular there, and you would have the option of doing soem of the most peaceful canoeing down some channels where myriad birds, hippo, ellies, and more can be found. It's a very different experience from S. Luangwa, so it's is like comparing ... how do you Brits say it chalk and cheese? ;-)
At any rate, good luck. I still say you cnnot go wrong with these choices on the table!
Nov 28th, 2006, 11:31 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to clarify - the agency didnt say L Zambezi isnt good. According to them, the standard of service offered by other lodges compared to Sausage Tree and Old Mondoro is quite poor. These 2 lodges therefore charge a fortune and get away with it. In comparison, S Luangwa has lots of high quality lodges and the competition there means that they all offer good value for money.
Nov 29th, 2006, 05:18 AM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are folks on this forum who have been to less expensive lodges on the Zambezi - Dennis (Matnikstym) is one. He enjoyed Chongwe River Lodge, and others have offered good reports on other lodges as well. Perhaps they will weigh in. FWIW: all the lodges in the more popular Zambian parks are raising their rates. Zambia is becoming a popular destination. And I loved South Luangwa, I was just putting other options out there for you!
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:15 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think we've finalised the itinerary for now
3n Tafika
2n Chikoko
1n Crocodile Bushcamp
2n Kaingo
3n Kuyenda
2n Livingstone
starting July 7 07.
If anyone's planning to be there then, I'd like to hear from them.
Thanks everyone for your inputs.
3n Tafika
2n Chikoko
1n Crocodile Bushcamp
2n Kaingo
3n Kuyenda
2n Livingstone
starting July 7 07.
If anyone's planning to be there then, I'd like to hear from them.
Thanks everyone for your inputs.
Nov 29th, 2006, 07:18 AM
#14
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I may be so bold: Are you really going to travel to N. Luangwa to Buffalo Camp for one night? Consider skipping Kaingo and spending three nights there! (Not to bash Kaingo...) Just thinking of your overall trip. (Sorry if I'm butting in too much!)
You'll have a fab time!
You'll have a fab time!
