return to zambia or try another part of Africa
Aug 31st, 2006, 03:00 PM
#21
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We just realized what you said...another $500 per person...meaning $1000 more a night to go to Botswana....I can't imagine it could be that much better!!!! That $1000 would go a long way in Zambia!!!!
Aug 31st, 2006, 03:50 PM
#22
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stru_lgr,
I have always found liquor stores and check cashing stores a bit easier to take down!
Well, you would be surprised at how affordable a longer safari is once you are willing to sacrifice a bit of luxury. Let me show you a 21 night Zambian safari that would knock your socks off:
Kafunta Safaris 10 night North Luangwa / South Luangwa Safari $2895 per person
Additional 2 nights with Kafunta $330 per person
Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi, 4 nights = $1920 per person
Kulefu, Lower Zambezi, 4 nights = $1805 per person
(This allows you to see the Lower Zambezi from one side to the other)
Lusaka InterContinental Hotel $150 pp (includes transfers)
Air = $750 pp
GRAND TOTAL = $6900 pp RACK RATE for 21 night HIGH SEASON Zambian Safari
Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa (3)
Kafunta Island Bush Camp, South Luangwa (2)
Wilderness Camp, Luambe NP (1)
Buffalo Camp, North Luangwa (4)
Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa (2)
Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi (4)
Kulefu, Lower Zambezi (4)
Lusaka Taj Pamodzi (1)
Now watch how affordable a 9 night safari to the best properties can be in late May. This would be for a Thursday arrival and a Saturday departure, if flying in and out of Lusaka direct from London:
Puku Ridge (4) $1325 pps
Chongwe River Camp (4) $1700 pps
Air - Lusaka to South Luangwa to Lower Zambezi $725 pps
$3750 per person sharing rack rate
I have always found liquor stores and check cashing stores a bit easier to take down!
Well, you would be surprised at how affordable a longer safari is once you are willing to sacrifice a bit of luxury. Let me show you a 21 night Zambian safari that would knock your socks off:
Kafunta Safaris 10 night North Luangwa / South Luangwa Safari $2895 per person
Additional 2 nights with Kafunta $330 per person
Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi, 4 nights = $1920 per person
Kulefu, Lower Zambezi, 4 nights = $1805 per person
(This allows you to see the Lower Zambezi from one side to the other)
Lusaka InterContinental Hotel $150 pp (includes transfers)
Air = $750 pp
GRAND TOTAL = $6900 pp RACK RATE for 21 night HIGH SEASON Zambian Safari
Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa (3)
Kafunta Island Bush Camp, South Luangwa (2)
Wilderness Camp, Luambe NP (1)
Buffalo Camp, North Luangwa (4)
Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa (2)
Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi (4)
Kulefu, Lower Zambezi (4)
Lusaka Taj Pamodzi (1)
Now watch how affordable a 9 night safari to the best properties can be in late May. This would be for a Thursday arrival and a Saturday departure, if flying in and out of Lusaka direct from London:
Puku Ridge (4) $1325 pps
Chongwe River Camp (4) $1700 pps
Air - Lusaka to South Luangwa to Lower Zambezi $725 pps
$3750 per person sharing rack rate
Sep 1st, 2006, 06:58 AM
#23
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Hi Rocco,
Okay....sounding good. But two questions....What would a date after June 10th do to the prices...we are teachers and can't skip finals unfortunately? Second, It sounds like the 21 day trip spends alot of time in transfers. One of the things Bob and I liked was staying in place and enjoying not only the wildlike and safaris but sitting and "taking it all in". We found pictures do none of Zambia justice. It is the sounds....and the pure air....and the ease of the people...sleeping and napping to the music of hippos and lions...boy, am I getting sappy. I hope other people that have visited Zambia understand what I am trying to say. People that only see this on TV or in a magazine or on the net won't. So with that in mind would the 21 day one be too hectic? I can see the price advantage but sometimes more isn't better!!!
Okay....sounding good. But two questions....What would a date after June 10th do to the prices...we are teachers and can't skip finals unfortunately? Second, It sounds like the 21 day trip spends alot of time in transfers. One of the things Bob and I liked was staying in place and enjoying not only the wildlike and safaris but sitting and "taking it all in". We found pictures do none of Zambia justice. It is the sounds....and the pure air....and the ease of the people...sleeping and napping to the music of hippos and lions...boy, am I getting sappy. I hope other people that have visited Zambia understand what I am trying to say. People that only see this on TV or in a magazine or on the net won't. So with that in mind would the 21 day one be too hectic? I can see the price advantage but sometimes more isn't better!!!
Sep 1st, 2006, 07:10 AM
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Me again Rocco,
As to booking, last year Barry helped us....is it significantly more to have a specialist book it for us? Thinking the 9 day one. Is it important to an Kulefu as you say we would see Lower Zambezi from on side to the other? We avoid a stay in Lusaka last year and would like to repeat that.
As to booking, last year Barry helped us....is it significantly more to have a specialist book it for us? Thinking the 9 day one. Is it important to an Kulefu as you say we would see Lower Zambezi from on side to the other? We avoid a stay in Lusaka last year and would like to repeat that.
Sep 1st, 2006, 08:42 AM
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In high season there is now an early flight out of South Luangwa to Lusaka to make the BA flight back to London.
Kulefu (4) $1805 (long stay discount)
Puku Ridge (5) $2255 (long stay discount)
Air $740
TOTAL = $4800 RACK RATE
I would suggest mid August.
Kulefu (4) $1805 (long stay discount)
Puku Ridge (5) $2255 (long stay discount)
Air $740
TOTAL = $4800 RACK RATE
I would suggest mid August.
Sep 1st, 2006, 09:27 AM
#31
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cooncat3, We flew out of Pittsburgh to SC (Charlotte I think) in the morning. Flew with one stop in JNB and got there before noon. We then flew to Lusaka and flew out of there around 1:30 pm to Mufwe and Barry met us and we were having sundowner at LRL by 6. Dinner and bed...up to Lions and hippos....yeaaaa. It really wasn't as bad as I thought. Coming home we did the same thing.
Sep 1st, 2006, 09:30 AM
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stu-I can vouch for Chongwe, LOVED IT! Beautiful location, elephants in camp every day, varied activities (walking, canoeing, fishing, game drives) saw more lions here than in South Luangwa. The managers are outstanding, really take care of you, guides were top rate, food isn't quite gourmet yet tasty (best lasagna I've ever eaten) Larger camp than i'm used to, but even when full it wasn't a bother and enough different things to do so it didn't seem crowded. I was there last October and would highly recommend Chongwe, I'd like to return someday.
Dennis
Dennis
Sep 1st, 2006, 10:25 AM
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stu~I think Chongwe now has 9 tents, last year they had 7 or 8. Only at dinner do you really notice the other guests, one night there were 22 at the dinner table, including 4-5 of the managers. If you want to see my pics from there, www.kodakgallery.com/dennisinzambia
the "Zambia 2005" towards the end are from Chongwe. Don't know anything about Kulefu, have only stayed at LRL, Chongwe, Tafika and Puku Ridge.
the "Zambia 2005" towards the end are from Chongwe. Don't know anything about Kulefu, have only stayed at LRL, Chongwe, Tafika and Puku Ridge.
Sep 1st, 2006, 10:54 AM
#35
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Chongwe is a great camp. The reason I also mention Kulefu, however, is that it is deep within the park (even further east than Old Mondoro) and the prices at $475 pppns in high season are very good. There are some wonderful channels to canoe in the Kulefu area.
A good compromise would be 3 nights at Chongwe and 3 nights at Kulefu.
A good compromise would be 3 nights at Chongwe and 3 nights at Kulefu.
Sep 1st, 2006, 12:42 PM
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LRL is my all time favorite, been there twice now. since you stayed there you know why.
Puku Ridge was excellent, nice views, nice "tents", good food, nice hosts, staff and guides, good animal viewing. Was there in March and would like to stay there in the warmer months when the pan is dry. It was like a lake when we were there, but the hippo action was cool!
Chongwe would probably be my second favorite as it was so different than LRL and Puku, with the water activities and elephants next to the tent every day...nothing better than waking up to an elephant watching you shower!
Tafika was just o.k., but mainly because of the time of year I was there (March) and all activities were by boat or canoe and didn't really see any wildlife other than birds, which were fantastic. There were hippos eating each night behind the camp and was fun to watch them. I would give Tafika another chance at another time of the year as their drives are in a different part of the park. The camp is in a beautiful location and the "tents" are more rustic but quite nice. Food was so/so but the microlight flight made up for all it's shortcomings.
I prefer the hot months but it may be hard to resist another trip in the Emerald season.
Puku Ridge was excellent, nice views, nice "tents", good food, nice hosts, staff and guides, good animal viewing. Was there in March and would like to stay there in the warmer months when the pan is dry. It was like a lake when we were there, but the hippo action was cool!
Chongwe would probably be my second favorite as it was so different than LRL and Puku, with the water activities and elephants next to the tent every day...nothing better than waking up to an elephant watching you shower!
Tafika was just o.k., but mainly because of the time of year I was there (March) and all activities were by boat or canoe and didn't really see any wildlife other than birds, which were fantastic. There were hippos eating each night behind the camp and was fun to watch them. I would give Tafika another chance at another time of the year as their drives are in a different part of the park. The camp is in a beautiful location and the "tents" are more rustic but quite nice. Food was so/so but the microlight flight made up for all it's shortcomings.
I prefer the hot months but it may be hard to resist another trip in the Emerald season.
Sep 2nd, 2006, 08:52 PM
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Hi,
Okay, I have to ask. Why is LRL your alltime favorite? We are going to Chiawa, Sausage Tree, Old Mondoro, and LwR the end of Sept., early Oct. and are really excited about the trip. But, saw the comments regarding LWR's lack of remoteness. Your thoughts would be appreciated, because we also were looking for remoteness, and LRL does not appear to be that place. I'm sure we will have a great time, and will love to travel to the village and school along with the game viewing, but are a bit confused by the contrast in opinions re. LRL. Thanks,
Ruth and Jim
Okay, I have to ask. Why is LRL your alltime favorite? We are going to Chiawa, Sausage Tree, Old Mondoro, and LwR the end of Sept., early Oct. and are really excited about the trip. But, saw the comments regarding LWR's lack of remoteness. Your thoughts would be appreciated, because we also were looking for remoteness, and LRL does not appear to be that place. I'm sure we will have a great time, and will love to travel to the village and school along with the game viewing, but are a bit confused by the contrast in opinions re. LRL. Thanks,
Ruth and Jim
Sep 3rd, 2006, 07:55 AM
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Ruth and Jim - I am not Dennis, but I, too, am a big fan of LRL. The lodge has a certain vibe to it that just makes it seem very homelike. It is very relaxed, despite being very beautiful, the owners are so friendly and accommodating, and the game is great in that area. (For instance, my guide Victor and I too a longer than normal drive to a more remote area of the park, which meant paking more food than normal, etc.. Also, another group went on an all day drive and took a large picnic lunch with them.) They are just very laid back - whatever you want to do, if they can, they will accommodate you.
True, it not the most remote camp in the park, but it has a lovely location right on the river - and there is a beautiful plain right across where zebra often graze, and baboons cavort. You don't know it's not remote when you're there. I personally think they have a great location - its not a three hour drive from the airport. More like 45 minutes. And convenient to Tribal Textiles!!!
Yes, the food is fabulous, even though that would not make or break a camp for me.
As far as lots of vehicles, I didn't find that to be an issue at all. Usually I didn't see any. At LRL you do see another vehicle or two in some areas, because that is where the game is. You can't fault anyone for that!
I truly loved all of my camps. You will love Chiawa and Old Mondoro. I just had to sahre my expeiences about LRL. I will def. return.
Have a great trip! And sorry to the OP for this hijack!
True, it not the most remote camp in the park, but it has a lovely location right on the river - and there is a beautiful plain right across where zebra often graze, and baboons cavort. You don't know it's not remote when you're there. I personally think they have a great location - its not a three hour drive from the airport. More like 45 minutes. And convenient to Tribal Textiles!!!
Yes, the food is fabulous, even though that would not make or break a camp for me.
As far as lots of vehicles, I didn't find that to be an issue at all. Usually I didn't see any. At LRL you do see another vehicle or two in some areas, because that is where the game is. You can't fault anyone for that!
I truly loved all of my camps. You will love Chiawa and Old Mondoro. I just had to sahre my expeiences about LRL. I will def. return.
Have a great trip! And sorry to the OP for this hijack!
