The Zambezi Valley

Day 1
There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive Lusaka at any time.

Day 2
After the arrival of the group flight, we transfer to Nyamomba. En route there will be a brief stop at a supermarket where there is the option to purchase drinks and snacks to take with you on the canoes. The final part of the journey is along a rough dirt track and so a change to a 4WD vehicle is necessary. On arrival at the Zambezi we will get our first experience of canoeing as we paddle the short distance across the river to the island which will be our home for the night. We are likely to encounter some of the local wildlife straight away and will fall asleep to the chirping of crickets and the snorting of hippos. Dinner is prepared by the guide.

Day 3 - 5
We have three days canoeing with early starts as it is often better to canoe in the early hours when it is not so hot, and more importantly, when the easterly head wind is at its weakest. The pace is gentle to allow us to make the most of wildlife viewing opportunities. We look out for elephant feeding on the banks, basking crocodiles and numerous colourful bird species including the magnificent African fish eagle. Lunches and breakfasts are either taken on islands or on the banks of the river. The list of species we spot may include buffalo, baboon, Vervet monkey, Pied kingfisher, Goliath heron, Carmine bee eaters and maybe even lion! We will frequently pass pods of hippo basking in the deeper water who will no doubt be keeping an eye on us! There are few signs of human habitation throughout our time on the river.

Day 6
We canoe to the Chiawa Game Management Area, which is situated 18 kms from the Lower Zambezi National Park just opposite the Mana Pool, where we spend the night. This is an area rich in wildlife and is renowned for the numerous elephant sightings. It is also home to warthog, waterbuck, impala and many bird species including the Lilac Breasted roller. We have an afternoon game walk or game drive through the reserve where we hope to spot species such as genet, civet, hyena, porcupine, aardvark and if really lucky, the elusive leopard.

Day 7
Today we canoe from the Chiawa Game Management Area into the Lower Zambezi National Park (approximately 8km downstream). We have a morning game walk with a guide, and then have lunch in the park under the shade of the trees or on the banks of the Zambezi River. After lunch we will be taken on a game drive through the park back to theChiawa Game Management Area.

Day 8
We are transferred by boat from the Chiawa Game Management Area to Zambezi Breezers stopping en-route where we will have the opportunity to visit a small primary school in Magurumeno village. The school has a high percentage of orphans and no means of funding; if you would like to help the children please bring along educational toys, reading books suitable for young children (aged 3 -7), games, and school supplies. You may wish to donate a few Kwacha if you have any left, but please do this collectively and keep the sums small. The money will be used to primarily fund teachers who are underpaid. We spend the night at Eureka campsite and there is a chance for a shower and goodbye dinner with drinks from the bar.

Day 9
End Lusaka.