KIBOKO

We are planning a safari in Zambia. It would be 14 days in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. The safari would be primarily for photography and not walking. We cannot decide on August or September. Our preference for game is September but how hot is it? Are the night time temperatures comfortable for sleeping? Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

cj

Roccco

CJ,

Although it will be drier in September, with slightly greater concentrations of wildlife around water, I would endorse August over September.

For my own visit last September, I did find it to be on the dusty side and this did have an effect on my photography. It also affected the amount of stars that were visible, and stargazing, for me, was a great experience while I was at Chichele & Kaingo in June 2004.

In August you should still have very good gameviewing with just a bit more green left than you will have just one month later.

If your primary objective was the strongest possible gameviewing, no matter the effect on the photography, then September/October would be your best time. I do think sleeping at night would still be comfortable, at least in the early part of September.

Where are you thinking of staying?

KIBOKO

Thanks Rocco,

We are planning on Luangwa River Lodge and Chiawa plus one or two others. Is Zambia a popular family destination - many children? Given that we could go any time would June be better?

cj

Roccco

CJ,

Fortunately, for those seeking to avoid families, there are very few children to be found in Zambia, especially at the luxury camps. It is still a bit too far off the beaten path, I suppose.

Chiawa and Luangwa River Lodge would be an excellent combination. Hopefully you are able to take advantage of the long stay discounts. Each offer a pay for 5 nights, get 6th night free in high season.

Both are excellent family run lodges and amongst the very best in not only Zambia, but in all of Southern Africa.

merrj

Hi CJ
If you are wanting a lodge in Zambia that welcomes children you should look at Kasaka River Lodge. They are offering a bush kids programme that has activities such as child safaris, bush art and craft and visits to the local school. It is also well priced in comparision to other lodges in the area and now offers a new family unit for 6 people.

Roccco

Interesting...I read it another way but I guess the Kiboko could have wanted a child friendly camp, although I still think Kiboko was aiming to avoid children.

September will definitely have fewer children as children return to school in Europe and the USA.

I do agree that Kasaka River Lodge is more likely to have children. The lodges least likely to have children, in my opinion, are Chiawa, Kulefu and Sausage Tree Camp (due to pricing, child policies and marketing of the camps).

KIBOKO

Thanks to all of you for your replies. We were looking to AVOID children. We have nothing against children, quite the contrary, but on safari we would much rather avoid them. We usually try and travel when schools are in session but this is not always possible for optimum safari and wildlife viewing. Cheers and thanks C.J.

Africa

Hi Rocco

I met children during may stay at Chiawa in May 2006. They were aged 9-10 years but they were very well behaved and pleasant (more than some of the adults we met). Although, it was their third safari so you could say they were seasoned pros.