When I went to Botswana and Zambia in 2006 there were numerous posts about Zambia at that time, but very little in recent years. I am thinking of a return trip to Zambia only. Last time I spent 5 days in South Luangwe and I now want to visit SL, Kafue and Lower Zambezi. I know I will fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe, but I would like to know if anyone has done a road transfer from Lusaka to Kafue and Lower Zambezi. According to Bradt's guide one can drive to Gwabi Lodge in LZ and then get a boat transfer eastward to your camp. Also one can drive to Kafue and stay at somewhere like Hippo Lodge or Mukambi Safari Lodge for a couple of nights and then drive further north to the Busanga Plains area. Would these drives be similar to driving from Arusha to Lake Manyara to Lake Eyasi to the Crater to Ndutu to Loliondo as I did in 2008? If anyone can comment on their game viewing experience in Kafue and Lower Zambezi I'd really appreciate it.

I like Zambia but haven't been there. I'm considering going to Sao Tome but didn't know much anout it either.




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Well, I hope it is possible, because my DH and I will be self-driving in Zambia in October 2011, and we are driving into both SLNP, LZNP and Kasanka.

Our itinerary is posted here (although we have since added on a week in Kasanka NP at the end)
:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ive-zambia.cfm

Have a look at this trip report from a recent Zambia self-drive, which includes SLNP and LZNP:

http://www.safaridrive.com/diaries_a...yatt/index.htm

Here is an excellent 3-part trip report (and photos) from a 2010 self-drive through Kafue.

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?act=...pe=post&id=656

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?act=...pe=post&id=657

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?act=...pe=post&id=658

We have self-driven around Tanzania, and expect the driving in Zambia in October (the end of the dry season) to be similar. The trickiest drive (we anticipate) will be into LZNP. Robin

I don't plan to drive myself, but was wondering if one could hire a guide to drive to these parks rather than flying.

Many of the 4x4s that you can hire in Zambia come with a driver.

raelond - can't help you there, I'm afraid. I have no experience hiring a vehicle with a driver/guide.

luangwablondes - what is your impression of voyagerszambia.com? - we are debating renting a 4x4 from them. CR

I understand a lot of people hire 4x4s from Voyagers. Sorry, nothing beyond that.

Have you checked with Bushlore? They have a very good reputation. They have very good- newer models and well maintained vehicles with good service. I know a lot of people that have used them- triple digits, without complaints.

I thought Bushlore only rented fully equipped vehicles. I will have a look at their website again. We are debating staying in a rondavel in Kasanka and, if we do, we will only need a basic 4x4 - no roof-top tent or camping equipment. We are thinking we may not wish to camp in November (1st 2 weeks), when it may rain a fair amount. Would you camp in Kasanka in November? CR

Never had the need to check on a vehicle with driver, so can't say. I the few times I have stayed in Zambia through November, there was little rain fall at that time. So I would have no problem camping there at that time.

The is good news - I would much prefer to camp. Thanks! CR

As I am now considering adding some time in Zimbabwe I think I will start another thread.

I've never considered self-driving, so I'm interested in this information too.

tinydancer - have a look at the three-part report of the Kafue self-drive (I provide the links above) - it is an excellent report (I can say that because it isn't mine ), with lots of photos. It would certainly give you a very good idea of what a self-drive holiday is all about (the pros and cons). CR