The Adventure
We meet at 8 am at the Sesheke border post to help you through the border procedures. Remember to buy 3rd Party Insurance and to exchange Pula or Rands for Kwacha. Do not exchange on the black market – besides being ripped off, it is illegal. Be patient – you are a guest! Dinner will be served at 19h00 at Sioma Ngonye Falls. There I will brief you on what to expect for the next 14 days.
You must be self sufficient in terms of fuel, water, tents, chairs, sleeping bags, etc. We will provide you with two meals per day and cutlery as well as the necessary radios for the duration of the trip. Please remember – this is an expedition and not a tour – so each person will be expected to pitch in and help when needed. Remember to stock up on fuel and anything else you think you might need because this is the last of civilization the way we know it!
Day 1:
Meet at the Katimo Mallilo border post where I will accompany you through the border procedures on both the Namibian and Zambian sides. From there we travel north past Kabula Tiger Lodge and on to the Sioma waterfalls about 132 km’s north of Katimo. Here we will spend the night around the camp fire. Those who are brave enough can cross the Zambezi for a better view of the falls by mokoro! Beware the crocs!
Day 2:
After an early morning breakfast, we hit the road and travel further north and head for the town of Sototi where there is a pontoon that takes you across the Zambezi to the town of Senanga. However, we are not crossing yet and head of on a track parallel to the Zambezi on the western side. Here we will camp wild along the way for a night before heading on to Kalabo.
Day 3 and Day 4:
After arriving in Kalabo, we pay our entrance fees and head off across the river either by pontoon or an exciting river crossing into Luiwa Plains national park. Here we spend two nights and take our time to observe the second biggest game migration in Africa of wildebeest and zebra and all the predators that are associated with them.
Day 5 and Day 6:
Once breakfast has been served and everybody has packed up, we head out of the park and back to Mongue via the pontoon to refuel and restock. We are not guaranteed of fuel in Mongue so do have a “plan b” in place in terms of fuel. After everybody has refueled and restocked we head off over the Barotse Flood Plains along the banks of the Zambezi. Rumor has it that some of the biggest tiger fish are caught in this area and we will make sure that we find a spot to try our luck! We will camp wild on this section because no one can give us an indication as to where we can stay along this section. Our target is Lukulu.
Day 7:
From Tiger Camp we head north to Lukulu and on to Mumbeji about 130km far. We will also have to cross the Kabompo River. There should be a pontoon, if not we will have to backtrack and head for Kaoma – but I believe there will be a pontoon by now, be positive! From Mumbeji we drive north east to Kabompo and on to Manyinga – about another 100km. Here we will camp on the banks of the Kabompo River.
Zambia Expedition Day 8 – Day 14
Day 8:
We head straight north after an early morning breakfast. We have 218 kms to cover to Mwinilunga which is said to take 7 hours! Time to set up camp and explore the origin of the Zambezi early morning.
Day 9:
The origin is about 50 kms away and we have to walk a short distance as well. After visiting the origin we can decide if we wish to head out again. From Mwinilunga we head to Solwezi about 300 kms further east, where it is said we will be able to find fuel again and restock. We will find accommodation in the area for the night.
Day 10 and Day 11:
From Solwezi it is south to Kafue National Park via Kasempaabout 250 kms away. We enter Kafue at the northern gate and head for Lufupa camp renowned for its big cats, especially leopards. Here we spend a well deserved rest day as well.
Day 12:
From Lufupa camp it is south to Itezi Thezi dam, 250 kms away to once again set up camp overlooking the 370 km² dam. Boat cruises offer a game viewing experience different from almost anywhere else in the country.
Day 13:
From Itezi Thezi it is via Ngoma to the south gate over the Nanzhila Plains known for its cheetahs. Livingstone is our aim for the last night in magical Zambia.
Day 14:
It is time to say our goodbyes and head home via Kazangula ferry and Botswana.
