kimwhits

Hello all: Just returned from South AFrica, Zambia and Namibia.
A few short recollections:
For those who want a cheaper Zambia experience in the bush, Bushcamps of Zambia is superb. Their "lodge" (Mfuwe) is just OK, too many families but a good place to recover from the trip. Their bushcaps are great. We were at Bilamungwe with a ranger, Manda, who has won all sorts of awards and we did walking in the am and driving at night. Amazing meals cooked on an iron stove with wood. (how do they bake such great cakes?) No electricity. They are opeing other camps and everyone loved them.

I loved Kasaka River Lodge. I have never seen anyone on the Board go there. Great staff, food and service. Again, half the price of Sausage Tree and the SAME drives and boats! I wish it were closer, as would just like to go and camp out for a week!

Cape Town was great as usual. The prices have doubled since I was there 3 years ago. No problem with the xenophobic rioting. I think the sign of things to come with Zuma however. The nicest people who ever worked for me were from Mozambique and Zim. Too bad the Zulus are hunting them down. Green Point Stadium market was great and packed a whole other suitcase with crafts at great prices. But know how much things would cost before going and don't believe anyone makes their own crafts! Eat at Primi Piatti: dinner for 2 with schrimp and beers and great pasta and pizza for about $25.

Finally my big blowout in Namibia where I spent the last of my rand. Dora Nawas, Sera Cafema (not to be missed if you can afford it!) and Soussevlei Mountain Lodge. In retrospect, I should have gone to Etosha instead of Dora Nawas but thought I'd be wild lifed out. Dora Nawas was nice but a bit boring. Did milk a goat however! All lodges with great staff, rooms, etc. Food at Dora Nawas not up to Wilderness standards! Saw my first aardwolf at the desert. Loved the quad bikes at my advanceing age.

ANy questions, email!

Kim

matnikstym

Thanks for your review on cheaper lodging in Zambia. How was the weather in June? Between seasons I think. Glad you had a good time, please post a link to your photos!

atravelynn

Aardwolf and goat milking, a good way to end. Thanks for the Kasaka River Lodge hint. Bilamungwe has not gotten a lot of comment either. Thanks for checking them out.

Half the price and they are opening some other camps? We'll have to keep that in mind!

kimwhits

Yes, Zambia was still low season and weather was great. Not too cold yet.
You can book directly , I think, with Bushcamps, although I arranged through a London agent who did a great job with great transfers.

Sorry, but my pictures are not of the usual Fodors quality. I seem to be getting to be a worse photographer with age. My first trip to Africa in 2000 had perfect pictures suitable for framing but now mostly just snaps.

Kim

barnetda

Hi Kim,

I am so pleaed you enjoyed your visit to kasaka River Lodge.

I hear you sent some nice comments to the staff. It is very much appreciated.

I was there 2 weeks before you and we stumbled on the pride of 14 lions. Fantastic viewing as the cubs were very active.

I know how you feel about just chilling out for a week. I try and do exactly that annually and always want to do it again a few weeks later!!

Take care.

David