Lower Zambezi National Park

This Park is still relatively undeveloped, it’s beauty lying in it’s wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The Park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

The River’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and huge acacias. The hills which form the backdrop to the Park are covered in broadleaf woodland.

Even though the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the Park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The Park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard, and listen too for the ubiquitous cry of the fish eagle.

WHEN TO VISIT 

The best time is mid season from June to September, but all lodges and canoeing operators are open from April to November. Royal Zambezi Lodge and Kayila Lodge is open all year. Fishing is at its best in September / October.

Getting There 

The existing lodges and canoeing operators provide the best access to the Park. They all offer pick-ups from either Lusaka or Chirundu (where there is a small motel) or Kariba in Zimbabwe. The Chongwe River demarcates the western boundary of the Park and can be accessed from Chirundu along a rough road (4x4 recommended), crossing the Kafue River by pontoon just beyond Gwabi Lodge. From April is a pontoon that crosses the Zambezi from Luangwa Town to Kanyemba in Zimbabwe and to Zumbo in Mozambique. All at the Zambezi/Luangwa confluence.

 Wildlife

The ecological unit of LZNP and the Chiawa Game Management Area support a relatively large population of mammals. The escarpment and plateau regions are largely inaccessible and have not been formally surveyed. A small area on the valley floor is host to many of the bigger mammals, elephant, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, and crocodiles, and occasionally, roan, eland and the Samango monkey. Nocturnal animals here are hyaena, porcupine, civet, genet and honeybadger.

The birdlife along the riverbanks is exceptional. Many a fish eagle can be seen and heard for miles around. Nesting along the cliffs are white-fronted and carmine bee eaters. Other unusual species are the red-winged pratincole, the elegant crested guinea fowl, black eagle, and vast swarms of quelea. In summer the stunning narina trogon makes its home here. Other specialities are the trumpeter hornbill, Meyers parrot and Lilian’s lovebird.

The vegetation in the area is predominated by Acacia albida trees, called the winterthorn, growing 10 to 30 meters high, with the classical shady umbrella canopy. It is able to tolerate sandier soils than other woodland species and serves to stabilize infertile sandbanks and reduce erosion. Winterthorn pods are also remarkably nutritious to elephants who digest it leaving about 40% 

Article taken from the Zambia Tourism website 

Beyond Our Borders: Okavango Delta

Beyond Our Borders is a weekly segment that will highlight places of interest around the globe. We sincerely hope you will equally enjoy this segment.

First Stop, Maun

Technically still regarded as an African village, Maun is an entrée to the Okavango Delta. It is a popular starting point for many Botswanan tours and safaris: Chartered flights and ground transportation arrive and depart from here, creating somewhat of a travel hub of en route travelers.

Must See:

Red Lechwe (antelope) grazing amongst cattle and livestock along the banks of the Thamalakane River.

Moremi Wildlife Reserve: home to the greatest concentration of wildlife in Africa

One-third of the Delta lies within the Moremi Reserve. A conservation area, which is abundant with wildlife, birdlife, and diverse habitats. Game-viewing by means of water and land are a must and very accessible.

Must See:

Home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos) and the greatest population of the endangered African Wild Dog.

Chief's Island: the largest island of the Delta

Protected within the sanctuary of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve lies the largest island of the Delta; raised above the water level due to tectonic activity and bustling with incredible and diverse wildlife and habitats.

Must See:

As well as being home to a large and diverse group of wildlife, Chief’s Island is a mecca for any avid bird watchers.

Off the beaten track: Private Concessions

Private Concessions within the Moremi Wildlife Reserve offer travelers exclusive tours and game viewing experiences, within small groups and off the main routes and peak hours. These are ideal for any adventurer wanting a more private and exclusive tour of the Delta.

Must See:

Night time and off-road game viewing.

On dry land

Outside of the flood season land-based camps may not be able to offer water-based activities, however, the game-viewing is spectacular and the experience is well worth it.

The Wetlands

Water-based camps, situated along the rivers and lagoons of the Delta, emphasize a more wetland experience. In conjunction with offering game drives, travelers are treated to exploring the islands of the Delta in a Mokoro (traditional canoe) or motorboat.

The Selinda Spillway: a link between the wetlands

A remote river joining the Okavango Delta with the Linyanti and Kwando wetlands is enclaved within the Selinda Game Reserve. The Selinda Spillway goes through periods of dryness and erupts into life when the waters connect.

Must See:

Untouched and protected wilderness that offers a vast array of wildlife and superb game-viewing experiences.

Why Go

A jewel embedded in the heart of the Kalahari Desert

The Okavango delta is a lush oasis that offers travellers an immersion into  a world of wetland islands and waterways, which are teeming with wildlife and emerald vegetation.

One of the largest inland deltas in Africa and named one of the seven world wonders of Africa, the delta is both a permanent and seasonal home to an abundance of wildlife, which can be seen both on dry land and wallowing in wetlands.

WHEN TO GO 

September - October

A high concentration of wildlife gather along the diminishing waters of the delta during the warmer months, which makes for excellent game-viewing.

November - April

The hot, rainy weather of the summer months brings the delta to life with a wide variety of bird species. Rain of this region is more sporadic than constant, which will ensure dry periods through your days and allow for plenty of outdoor activities.

May - August

Waters rise from the rains of the summer months making this an ideal time for water based activities. The mild weather paired with the abundance of wildlife that migrate to the delta during this period, makes for a great safari experience  - especially for those averse to extreme heat.

Article Taken From Krugerpark.com 

Liuwa Plains National Park

This remote park in the far west is pristine wilderness, which, to the ardent bush-lover, is its biggest attraction, and the rewards are great indeed.

The  game is spread out across the plains and takes some driving around to find, but to come upon a vast herd of blue wildebeest, a prowling wild dog, or a pride of dozing lions in this forgotten piece of Africa is especially fitting because of its completely natural and uncommercialised state.

The birdlife is abundant and the very dramatic storms and lightning rising up on the horizon, contrasting with the green and gold grasslands, create spectacular views and fantastic photographic opportunities.

What to do in Liuwa Plains National Park

It is advisable to get a local guide if you are driving through this park. It is vast and easy to get lost. But the rewards are great. Huge herds of wildebeest can be seen, over 43 000 traverse the park. Also herds of Zebra, Tsessebe, Roan and Red Lechwe. Predators are primarily wild dog, cheetah and at the moment one pride of lion. Hyaena are also common. Buffalo and Eland have been recently re-introduced to the park.

Liuwa also has extraordinarily diverse birdlife which includes many rare and migratory species. A total of 334 bird species have been recorded so be sure to bring those binoculars. Liuwa is considered to be the fourth most important breeding site for wattled cranes. The arrival of the annual floods marks the arrival of a wealth of water birds and the spectacle of massive migrating flocks is not uncommon in Liuwa.

When visiting Liuwa ask the local people about cultural dancing, traditional fishing and boating activities on offer from the community camp sites. This is a dimension of Liuwa well worth experiencing, especially after the great effort it takes to reach the plain!

Article taken from the Zambia Tourism website

Arts and crafts markets

Zambia’s diverse cultures bring with them a wide variety of traditional skills. Crafts can be found in great variety if not in abundance and among them is some of the finest basketry in Africa.

The economy of most of the crafts people is based on fishing, cattle or the cultivation of crops. Craftwork is often done seasonally to supplement the incomes of many families. It was originally intended for barter and made according to the needs of other villagers. To many, especially the subsistence farmers, craftwork is their only means of earning cash.

Traditionally made pots and baskets in the more populated areas however, are being replaced by commercially manufactured utility items made of plastic or tin. A large part of the new generation are losing these traditional skills because of a lessening demand and others have begun to make more modern items like lampshades, shopping and laundry baskets and furniture.

Fortunately there are organisations such as Zintu Handicrafts in Lusaka, the Nayuma Museum in Mongu, the Tonga Museum in Choma and the Moto Moto Museum in Mbala, which aim to stimulate the production of quality craftwork both in traditional forms and where craftwork is a contemporary expression of art.

Basketry, practised by both the men and the women is widespread. The many forms and raw materials used reflect the environment in which they are made: bamboo, liana vines, roots, reeds, grasses, rushes, papyrus palm leaves, bark and sisal. They are decorated with symbolic designs using traditional dyes made from different coloured soils, roots, bark and leaves. The variety of uses for basketry is wide; carrying and storage, fishing traps, beer strainers, flour sieves, sleeping and eating mats and a variety of tableware. The Lozi and Mbunda people in the Western Province are particularly skilled in this field.

  It is the men that usually do the woodwork and carving and produce canoes, furniture, walking sticks, utensils and food bowls as well as masks, drums and a variety of animal forms. The potters are usually, though not always women who work the clay and then fire them on open fires or pits.

Zambian Curios Highlights Zambian' Skill In Arts And Crafts

Zambian curios are a display of the skill and workmanship that goes into the making of arts and crafts by Zambian craftsmen from all corners of the country. Zambian handicrafts includes pottery, metalworking, sleeping mats (reed mats), basketry, jewellery, African printed fabrics and African batiks (also known as chitenge).

Materials

Materials used in crafting Zambian Curios include hard wood, semi-precious stones, gold, ornamental malachite, copper, fibre, animal skin, paints and reed mats.

Markets

Art and craft items are sold at specialised areas like the Kabwata cultural village and at shops like the Zintu handicrafts both in Lusaka.

Located on Burma Road, Kabwata Cultural Village has on offer art crafts and curios made right at the village itself. And a lot of other street artists and artisans display their wares along major roads of the country. Road side stalls are popular and they offer the best bargains for Zambian curios. The following are but some of the places where you can get your souvenirs and mementos.

Kabwata Cultural Village (Lusaka)

If you are looking for a souvenir, one place within the limits of Lusaka city is the Kabwata Cultural village in the working class residential area of Lusaka. Established in 1974, the Kabwata cultural village is home to woodcarvers, basket weavers and artists who sell their products right at the cultural village. It is popular with foreign tourists and Zambians alike. 

The cultural village is a congregation of woodcarvers and craftsmen from all the ten provinces of Zambia who have made Kabwata Cultural Village their home.

Kabwata Cultural Village is open daily from 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs. It is found in Kabwata Estates in Lusaka along Burma Road. It is one place you will buy your souvenir from the craftsman himself, with plenty of room to negotiate!

Pakati Sunday Market (Lusaka)

Try out the Pakati Sunday market which is organised by the Arcades Shopping Centre right at the shopping centre itself. The market is a congregation of the locals within Lusaka and from neighbouring areas who gather to sell their wares which include carvings, fabrics, artworks and jewellery. The Arcades Shopping Centre is along the Great East road.

Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre (Lusaka)

The Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre is the headquarters of the Zambia National Visual Arts Council (ZNVAC). The centre, which officially opened in 1991, is said to be the largest gallery in Lusaka. It has a collection of authentic and contemporary art works by Zambians. On average, the centre has a minimum of 10 exhibitions a year. The Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre is located on lion lane within the show grounds. It’s open from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs during weekdays and from 10:00hrs to 16:30hrs on weekends.

Chisokone Crafts Market (Kitwe)

Established in 1973 at Kitwe’s Chisokone market is the Kitwe curio market which is managed by Kitwe Curio Traders Association. Products include items such as woven bags, ash trays, traditional stools, miniature Elephants, Rhinos, and Zebras carved out of hard wood.

Mukuni Park Market (Livingstone)

Mukuni Park Curio Market is located in the centre of Livingstone town. In existence since 1905, Mukuni Park is the oldest garden park in Zambia. Crafts on offer are indigenous artefacts, carvings of human figurines, animals, leather goods, bead works, drums, spears and walking sticks. The market offers the best price and the best quality for your gifts from Zambia. It is open daily from 06:00hrs to 20:00hrs.

Articles compiled from Tourism Zambia and Zambia-advi

Luxury Africa Safari Experience

Sausage Tree Camp

Sausage Tree camp is the epitome of bush chic offering a civilized approach to a true bush experience with lavish attention to detail. This exclusive safari camp, voted number one on the BBC Holiday Programme's 'Ten Best Luxury Destinations', specializes in the very best game viewing with the highest international standards in luxury and service.

If you are visiting Zambia, then the Lower Zambezi National Park is a must and only Sausage Tree Camp will show you the very best of what the park has

for your Perfect Luxury African Safari Holiday
Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic, set in a stunning location along the Zambezi River at the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The pristine location and Sausage Tree Camp offer all the game, all the luxury without all the people!

Sleeping only 16 guests, Sausage Tree Camp offers a civilized approach to a true bush experience with lavish attention to detail. The central dining and bar area is fronted by an enormous teak deck overlooking the Zambezi River and low set reed islands teeming with game. The 25m Lap-pool is idyllically situated right on the edge of the riverbank, under shading Mahogany trees with outstanding views.

Accommodation is in luxurious white Bedouin style tents, completely rebuilt in 2008 to the highest of standards. Tents are generously spaced along the Zambezi River bank allowing the elephants to amble in between. Local materials create a minimalist style in which the teak furniture, including sumptuous four-poster beds, contrasts with pure white fabrics and flowing mosquito nets. Nearly hidden from one another, and shaded by mature Sausage and Mahogany trees, the tents are cool, private sanctuaries to return to for an afternoon siesta or good nights rest.


Signature Tents

Each of the five 'Signature Tents' has a unique open-air en-suite bathroom, a distinct Sausage Tree Camp trademark, and sliding teak doors opening onto private decks with Zambezi River views.



Honeymoon Suites

The two enormous 'Honeymoon Suites' each boast indoor and outdoor bathrooms, dining area, bar and a king size bed overlooking the private pool set into the expansive teak deck.



Kigelia House

'Kigelia House' is the perfect choice for small groups or families, with two en-suite bedrooms separated by an open plan living area leading onto the private deck and pool.

Each tent has its own personal Muchinda (butler) to attend to your every whim. All tents have 24 hour power and plentiful hot and cold treated water

Perhaps the best African Safari Game Viewing
Sausage Tree Camp offers some of the finest game viewing in natural habitats anywhere in Africa. It's location within the Lower Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River means that game viewing activities take place both on the water, by boat and canoes, and on the land by four-wheel drive game viewing vehicles or on foot (bush walks). The camp is well equipped with game viewing vehicles, boats and canoes allowing us to easily cater to the personal and individual needs of all our guests.

Sausage Tree Camp employs the most knowledgeable and experienced guides. All of our guides are fully trained, licensed and have many years of experience, ensuring that the highest quality of guiding and safety standards are achieved. We pride ourselves on our development programme for our junior guides.

Safety is our very first concern during all our activities. All of the boats and vehicles are fitted with VHF radios, for direct communications back to camp and carry a first-aid kit. All guides have first aid training and camp has direct communications back to our head office in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia).


Game Drives

Game drives are the most succesful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those ‘up close and personal’ experiences - our team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close!

Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopard, genet, civet, porcupine and giant eagle owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky.

Sausage Tree Camp operates a fleet of new Toyota Landcruiser game viewing vehicles to ensure reliability and comfort.



Walking

Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. Walking was pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly enjoyed.

Led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware -not only do you see the smaller things on foot, it is also not uncommon for us to see lion on our bush walks.



Canoeing

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi, “The Chifungulu Channel”.

Led by one of our highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective - looking UP rather than down!

Canoe trips vary in length (from one to seven hours) however a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive.

No experience or particular strength is required - it is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes along.

Rather than a work out, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of bird-life and admire their sheer beauty.

A full day canoe trip, stopping for a picnic lunch en-route is an unbeatable safari experience.



Boat Cruises

Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe, whilst also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippopotami pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests have experienced the truly memorable sight of elephant crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi is a must! This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset.

Sausage Tree Camp operates scenic boat trips using 7metre aluminium river cruisers. Designed for the Okavango Delta, they are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.

Zambezi Fishing - Tigerfish, Vundu & Bream

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.

The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg / 33lb (the camp record 11.3kg) and are renowned for their strength and spectacular "leaping out of the water" fighting performance.

Fishing is succesful all year round, however the warmer months (September - December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.

Tackle

Sausage Tree Camp provides fishing tackle for spinning and lure (artificial) fishing, this includes a large assortment of spinners, rods and reels, wire leaders and swivels. However, anglers are welcome to bring their own preferred tackle and rods with them. The camp also offers basic fly fishing equipment, although most fly fishers bring their own tiger specific equipment with them.

Spinning for tigerfish requires a medium action rod, something around 7ft is recommended and if bringing your own then a 2-piece is best for traveling with. Reels can be either good quality spinning reels or a good baitcaster / multiplier type. Line should be good quality monofilament, flourocarbon or braid of at least 15lb (7kg) breaking strain. For chessa, nkupe and tilapia fishing a softer rod of 6ft to 7ft wth a spinning reel and at least 10lb (4.5kg) line is preferred. Piano wire steel trace is best when fishing for tigerfish and hooks should be sharp and strong #3 to #5 size.

Birding

Weather you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive Ground Hornbill or watching the flittering of tiny Redbilled Firefinches there is something for the novice and experience bird watcher alike.

We have approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miambo woodland in the escarpment. Some of the special and more interesting birds that can be found in the area are Sadelbilled Stork, African Skimmer, Roufous Bellied Heron, Bee Eaters, Black Crowned Night Heron, Amathest Sunbird and Jamsons Firefinch just to name a few.

Fly Fishing

For most fly fishing we recomend a #8 or #9 rod of a faster type action and a fast sinking shooting-head or sink-tip type line. Normaly a short (5ft) non-tapered tippet of 15lb or 20lb mono or flourocarbon is best. On the end a 8 inch length of piano wire trace is recommended to connect fly to tippet.

In the Lower Zambezi successful flies are generally quite heavily dressed clousers or deceiver type flies in size #1-0 to #5-0. Colour combinations that work well are white & blue, white & silver and for early and late in the day black and black & red or black & grey work well.

Article and information taken from Sausage Tree Camp Website

Boiling Pot Victoria Falls Zambia

While the Victoria Falls is so majestic in its splender at to its beauty is not only at the top. There is more to it and we are certain you awe struck by the Boiling Pot.
Take an awesome picturesque hike in the morning or afternoon down the gorge, under the Victoria Falls Bridge, and experience the splendour of the Victoria Falls from down below. Then take a swim in the pools at the base of the falls.

Seeing the Victoria Falls from its base is a breathtaking experience, but there is a rather strenuous hike involved. You have to walk down the Batoka Gorge, go under the Victoria Falls Bridge and take a raft to the base of the Falls. Sounds simple enough, but you do have to be reasonably fit in order to complete this rather physical activity. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the bottom of the gorge which is almost 110m high (360 feet), with steep steps, rocks, some rafting and swimming. Then there is the preparation time and rafting across to the other side of the gorge which takes about 30 minutes. After spending about an hour at the base of the Falls, it takes roughly another hour to get back out of the gorge. The experience though is very enjoyable and worth the time and effort!

Best Time for the Hike

The Boiling Pot Hike is a seasonal activity, and is available the same time with the low water rafting, which is offered during the months of August through to December when the water level of the Zambezi River is at the right height in order to make access possible. Outside of these months the shear volume of water makes it dangerous and access impossible. The Boiling Pot Hike starts off at 7:30AM.

The Start
Pick-up and drop off from your hotel is included in the price, but you will need to bring a $10 National Park fee with you which is paid when you check-in for your

Boiling Pot Hike.
It is a short drive from town to the top of the gorge. There, you will receive instructions and safety briefing from the seasoned guides, gear up with a helmet and the decent down the gorge begins. Safety is always first, so take your time walking in single file down the gorge.

When you get to the bottom of the gorge, you will be met with a life jacket and a raft which will take you against the current and across to the base of the Falls. You don't need to be a pro-rafter to take the oars, just listen to the guides' instructions to either paddle forwards, backwards or stop.

Once you get to the Falls side, you can take off the life-jackets and enjoy a hike across the rocks. You will be amazed by the scenery at the bottom of the gorge and coming around the bend to see the Victoria Falls and the spray from down below will blow your mind. Take your time and walk carefully getting to the waterfalls because the rocks are very slippery. This is the best part of the Boiling Pot hike so feel free to strip down to your swimming gear and jump into the pools below the Falls. Don't forget to take lots of pictures while you are down there.

The Ending

The guides will give you fair warning before its time to leave and go back up the gorge. The cruise back is a short one as you will be going with the current. The hike back up the gorge will be followed by refreshments (provided) at the top of the gorge.
What you will need for the trip

So what do you need to take with you for this incredible Boiling Pot hike?
• Comfortable shoes that are suitable for hiking - try not to use brand new shoes, and make sure that they have a good sturdy sole as some of the rocks may be too sharp for thin soles.
• Waterproofing for your cameras/phones
• Swimming attire underneath your t-shirt and shorts
• Don't forget the $10 National Park fee which is required at check-in!
Points to Note
You will be provided with nice cold water by the guys from Shearwater, but if you want to bring your own, you are welcome to do so. The gorge hike is scheduled for 3.5 hours in total, so be sure to eat well before you go on your gorge hike and swim.
Unfortunately, children under 15 are not allowed for the Boiling Pot Hike. Children under 18 need to have signed authorisation by their parents/guardians. Please note that a reasonable level of fitness is required for hiking the gorge! It involves a 110m steep decent and also ascend via high steps as well as sharp and sometimes slippery rocks. There is no mechanical assistance for going into and coming out of the gorge

SPECIAL FEATURE: KALIMBA FARM AND REPTILE PARK

At Kalimba Reptile Park you’ll experience giant Nile crocodiles, as well as indigenous snakes, tortoises and other reptiles. It's also one of the few places left in the world where you can see the rare and shy slender-nosed crocodile. There are also plenty of other activities to fill your time, or to entertain the kids if you’d rather relax by the pool. Well displayed information about the reptiles. Trained guides are also available

There is well displayed information about the reptiles in the park. Visitors will go away having had a real life experience with these potentially deadly creatures – creatures you really wouldn’t want to encounter in their natural habitat!

Challenge your friends to a round of crazy golf or to reeling in the biggest fish. There’s also a volleyball court, a trampoline, a pool table and table tennis facilities. The grounds are well laid out with many beautiful spots in the sun or shade.

Refreshments, braiis (BBQs) and picnics
Ever sampled a Croc burger? Well, now’s your chance! It’s very popular served piping hot, irresistible to those with an adventurous palate – though they say it tastes just like chicken! Other tasty grilled food is available such as beef, pork and fish, all of which are farm-reared right next door. Ice creams are sold at reception, together with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Food and snacks are produced from the farm ensuring freshness and quality.

The Kalimba Farm has a farm shop offering a range of products at farm prices. Products include bream, croc tail, chops and sausages in your braai or take them home with you!

Kalimba Croc burger

Braai ingredients are on offer as well as charcoal. Braai stands are free of charge.

Full bar facilities are available (personal drinks are not permitted).

Entry charges
Entry charges are ZMW30 for adults and ZMW20 for children aged 14 and below. Entry is free for children below the age of 2.

Large groups of over 20 are given a discount. Rates are ZMW25 per adult and ZMW15 for children.

For school visits and educational trips, children above the age of 14 are charged ZMW25 and children below 14 pay ZMW15. For every 10 children in the group, one teacher gets a free entry. (Discounts are not available on Sundays or public holidays.)

How to get to Kalimba Farms
Kalimba is 20km north east of Lusaka. There are two possible points of access:

From Great East Road head towards the airport and turn left immediately after the Engen Filling Station just before Chelston water tower. Carry on straight till you cross a small stream and at the T Junction just up the hill, turn right. Kalimba is 800m on the right
From the Great North Road heading towards Kabwe there is a permanent Police Road Block at Kabangwe, just out of Lusaka. About 1km past this just before the crest of a hill there is a right turn at Ngwerere. Take third turn and carry on straight for 10km and you will find Kalimba on the right just after Ellensdale School
Crocodile breeding
The laying season is temperature determined and usually takes place in September and October. The larger crocodiles are the breeders. The eggs are removed to be incubated and hatch in December each year.

One of the most popular activities at Kalimba Reptile Park is a full day of fishing in the ponds that are open to the public. Visitors can hire fishing tackle including rod, line, hooks and bait, and then braai (bbq) their catch for a picnic in the park. Individuals and groups are more than welcome to fish all year round.
 Healthy fishing, competition and a relaxing day of fun
 All catches need to be weighed and paid for at reception
 Farm shop available on the premises

The farm operates a mono-sex culture, which means that they only keep male fish since they grow faster than the females. The small female fish are fed to the hatchling crocodiles on the crocodile farm.

What you’ll see and things to do

Giant crocodiles
Deadly snakes
Tortoises
Fishing
Crazy golf
Volley ball
Swimming pool
Trampolines
Food and refreshments
Picnic sites

People Of Zambia

With a population of less than 15 million, Zambia comprises an amazing 72 ethnic groups, most of which are bantu-speaking. About 90% of the population fall into 9 major ethnolinguistic groups: the Nyanja-Chewa; Bemba; Tonga; Tumbuka; Lunda; Luvale; Kaonde; Nkoya; and Lozi.
Zambia is also home to a thriving Asian community, predominantly of Indian and Chinese origin, numbering around 100,000, as well as a number of European expatriates, some of whom were invited to settle in Zambia by the local government having been cast off their farms in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

All this makes Zambia home to a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and peoples, and Zambia is also widely-considered to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world.

Tribes in Zambia

With over 70 different tribes in Zambia, there is wide cultural diversity. Interestingly enough it is one of the few countries in Africa with very little tribal animosity; the existence of so many tribes has proved less of a political problem in Zambia than in many other African countries. The main tribes are the Lozi, the Bemba, the Ngoni, the Tonga, the Luvale, and the Kaonde.


The Luvale

Coming from the North of Lake Tanganyika, their first chief was a woman named Kenga Naweji. Descendants of these people are the Valuvale, Valuchase, Vambunda, Vachokwe and Vaviya Tribes living in the North Western provinces. The Luvale were for centuries great travellers and traders, much of their culture recalls their contact lwith the Portuguese on the Angolan coast, five hundred years ago.

The  Lozi

The Lozi migrated into Western Zambia from the Luba Lunda Kingdom of Mwata Yamvwa in Zaire, which was one of the greatest central African Chieftainships in the 17th and 18th Century. After some centuries they were conquered by the Makalolo from the South, fleeing themselves from the great Zulu conqueror, Shaka. They left their language, Sikololo as the lingua franca of the Barotse plains and imposed much of their cultural tradition on the area. The Lozi people eventually rose up against them in 1864 and all but annihilated them. Their Chief is called the Litunga and they are essentially cattlemen. Every year they migrate to higher ground above the barotse flodplains of the Zambezi in a grand ceremony called the Kuomboka.

The Ngoni

Originally from South Africa, also fleeing the Great Shaka Zulu, the Ngoni migrated into Eastern Zambia and adopted the fighting tactics of Shaka. They conquered indigenous tribes there with ease. The day they crossed over the Zambezi was a momentous occasion marked by an eclipse of the sun and ceremonial beer drinking, stories of which are still told to this day. They ruled this area in peace until they were conquered by colonial government in 1897 with troops coming in from Nyasaland (Malawi) Their warlike festival of Nc’wala was surpressed until independence and then revived. Now, with leopard skin, knobkerrie and shield, Paramount chief Mpezeni represents a tradition which has all but lost its language, except for Mpezeni’s praise singer. Today the Ngoni speak Chichewa, the language of the people they conquered. With the break up of their military system, the power of the Ngoni declined and in the East today, the traces of Ngoni ascendancy are few. Many of their cultures remain however and at the annual Independence celebrations every October, their dancers are well known. Ngoni's are a minority grouping which assimilated a portion of the nsenga women which now makes what is known as Ngoni. The predominant tribe in Eastern province is Chewa, whose kingdom goes beyond Zambia's boundaries. There are more Chewa speaking people in central Africa than any other tribe.

The Tonga

Among the most numerous in Zambia, archaeological evidence proves their existence for at least 900 years in the Southern province. Six centuries ago, one of the areas where they now live, the Zambezi Valley, was a flourishing trade centre. Here there was brisk trade between the valley people and the Arabs, Chinese and Indians on the East coast of Africa.. One form of currency used was a copper ingot cast in the form of a cross.

The Lunda

Now living in the Luapula area and North Western Provinces, the Lunda people are descendants of the original Mwata Yamvwa Chieftainship in Zaire.

The Bemba

Representing some 18% of the population, the Bemba, along with the Lunda recognise an almost legendary place called Kola as their land of origin. Historically they were nomadic hunter gatherers. Their paramount chief is called the Chitimukulu. When copper mining began in earnest on the Copperbelt, the Bemba speaking people came down for jobs in force.

The Kaonde

The Kaonde People can be found in Solwezi, Kasempa and Chizera districts of North Western Province and in Kaoma in the Western province. The Kaonde like the Lunda are the descendants of the famous Luba-Lunda Empire of Zaire. The Kaonde were among the first Zambian tribes to carry out the mining of copper and archaeological evidence at the Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi dating back to the iron age period proves this.

The Chewa

The Chewa tribe occupies six of the nine districts in Eastern Province and in fact there are over 12 million Chewa spread across Malawi Zambia and northern Mozambique. The language of the Chewa is Chi-Nyanja and is the second most widely spoken language in the country. In Zambia it is known as Nyanja. The traditional ceremony of the Chewa is the Kulamba Ceremony. It is the biggest in the country as the Chewa chiefs from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia go before the Gawa Undi to pay homage. It takes place at Mukayika in Katete, the home of the Paramount Chief of the Chewas usually takes place over a period of five days every August (usually in the last week).