Mike14c

Hi, Everybody:

So, we're still working on planning what will be our fourth Safari. We've kind of been all over the map (in a fun way) with planning. Now I'm onto this idea, and would love to see if anybody has thoughts or feedback:

We're thinking of heading to Zambia; and instead of hitting a number of reserves, we thought we'd just go to one camp and pretty much settle in there for about seven nights. Our candidate in Chiawa (and maybe we would do a couple of nights in Old Mondoro in the midle of the week.) This is because we've done the five camps in two weeks thing -- and LOVED it! But now that we've done that in SA and Bots, we're thinking just settling and relaxing and enjoying a single area in depth might be more fun -- or at least just different.

This would be first trip to Zambia; we're going in late July. The rest of our time in Africa will be in non-safari parts of SA. We love game drives and water activities. Any thoughts?

THANKS!!!!!

GreenDrake

I have not stayed in either of these camps, but both of my last 2 trips involved in staying in one camp 5-8 days. Once in the North Luangwa and once to Mashatu. I really enjoyed not packing and unpacking constantly and getting a feeling of the rhythms of the camp and its environment. I think this is a great way to make a 7-9 day stay seem "longer" and more relaxed.

spassvogel

You are describing of what I would prefer!

I would stay in Chiawa and never move to another venue!
That guarantees quality time in one venue instead of rushing around to another one ..

Excellent idea!

I personally find Old Mondoro a bit rustic but the walking is excellent!

I am sure you will enjoy it!

July is a wonderful time!

SV

atravelynn

Old Mondoro is perfectly rustic. A great plan for Zambia.

If you like water activities, July is the perfect time to see the Great White Sharks. I went with African Shark Eco Charters out of Simons Town to see the breaching sharks near Seal Island in False Bay.

atravelynn

If you really like canoeing, here is a thought. Spend 3 nts at Chiawa. Canoe for a day on the Zambezi, maybe sidetracking through some channels if the opportunity presents itself to Sausage Tree. Overnight. Then canoe via the Chifungulu Channel to OM.

Of course that negates the unpack and stay unpacked plan at Chiawa.

Mike14c

Good suggestions! I think we may on the right track with this idea. And, incidentally, my TA just got back to me and there are some very good rates and deal comes out of Chiawa and OM.

Greendrake: that's just what we're thinking. Never having have beem to Zambia is it smart to focus in on Lower Zambexi Park or would one of the Luangwas be better?

SV: thanks for the feedback. I worry a little tiny bit about OM being rustic. I find I love the IDEA of a rustic tent camp, but the prospect of the reality sometimes send shivers. But Be Brave!

Lynn: We're looking into the sausage tree option right now! That sounds like fun -- but, much as we love water activitie, Sharks are not on! Hey - did you do that trip to Phinda a couple of years back? This dreadful new search option is not letting me find out.

Thanks all for generous responses.

GreenDrake

Mike14c I can't comment on the Lower Zambezi as I have not been there. Although I would love to have canoeing options, it is not at that top of my list in deciding where I would go. You won't have the canoeing options in the Luangwas that you have in the Zambezi.

I ended up choosing the North and South Luangwa over the Zambezi because my preferences were:1) Wild remote location with good to excellent game viewing,2) Focus on walking and 3)Price (few lower cost options available in the Zambezi on the Zambian side that are in good locations)

As to rustic, in the U.S. rustic accomodations often is a euphemism for "down trodden flea trap". That has NOT been my experience in Zambia. In fact I tend to find camps with that description preferable.

atravelynn

I remember vowing not to use the term rustic anymore because of the connotations. Old Mondoro is just great.

atravelynn

And I did go to Phinda in June 2007. It was wonderful.

spassvogel

atravelynn

I should say OM is a nice camp with great staff und good walking opportunities. But the price tag is somewhat far over the top for what it is as a camp.

I like the camp - not its irrational rates (value for money wise) . What made me nervous was the fact that's a MUST you put even the soap into wooden boxes in the bathroom because mice are there en mass which go even for the soap. Not that I am afraid of mice! I am terrified by the snakes which follow their prey ..........quite easily into these huts.

SV

luangwablondes

Chikwenya across the river in Mana Pools.

atravelynn

Chikwenya because the mice cannot swim the Zambezi?

luangwablondes

Nah, because mice aren't considered as one of the "Big 5" in Mana Pools.

atravelynn

Luangwablondes!