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Exploring Zambia – by Corlia Oosthuizen

Corlia, our sales consultant and Kruger Park resident, recently returned from a safari different to anything she has ever experienced. Hopping on a plane to Zambia, Corlia didn’t know what to expect from this wild destination, but in her own words, she was ‘blown away’. This is her feedback from a trip to the land of walking safaris, exploring Zambia in South Luangwa, and a trip down the river to the Lower Zambezi National Park.

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Recently I returned from an unforgettable trip to Zambia. I felt like a real tourist and experienced many touristy things, with my camera and binoculars kept close by. Being a bush-girl at heart and having experienced the bush on a daily basis, I must say it blew me away!

 

From the languages (they have 74 languages in Zambia), right through to the beautiful sunsets over the Zambezi, I could never get tired of this country and all its magic.

 

The whole trip went smoothly and without any hiccups…except maybe for a flat tyre along the way! But that’s the price you might pay for being able to experience such unprecedented beauty, driving deep into the bush to look at some lions on an elephant kill.

 

Fishing on the mighty Zambezi River is just one of the amazing water activities that Kasaka River Lodge has to offer. It was my first time fishing, so I had to learn the phrase ‘STRIKE’ quite quickly. Having said that, I caught a nice ‘chaser’ and our guide was very impressed with us girls catching 5 big ones in one day!

 

At Chongwe River Camp, you get to do 1 hour and 45 minutes of canoeing on the waters of the Zambezi. A wonderful experience for the adrenaline junkies who wish to get so close to hippos.  An awesome experience and definitely one to put on your bucket list.

 

Getting to see South Luangwa has been a dream of mine since I was a child, and it turns out the stories and tales are true. From its high density of wildlife, to beautiful views over both full rivers and dry riverbeds, South Luangwa delivers. True African cuisine is served, and of course, the experience of watching an African sunset with a gin and tonic in hand is not one to be missed.

 

Going on an authentic walking safariamong trees the size of buildings, and with only the ‘bush newspaper’ to read is the essence of Zambia. Sleeping out under the African stars with only a mosquito net between you and the endless universe is a must-do for honeymooners. Guides and scouts keep a watchful eye on the bush, while burning campfires keep the animals at bay as you drift off to sleep under the night skies.

 

For those seeking luxury, don’t think that South Luangwa is only for the true adventurers. One of Zambia’s best 5 star lodges is located in the South Luangwa. Chinzombo Camp has upgraded its standards from an authentic bush camp on the banks of the river, to a glamorous, secluded piece of heaven.

 

This was a blitz-trip and I wish I had time to see more, but luckily I have a reason to return. Africa is full of magical treasures waiting to be sought out every time you pay her a visit.

 

Enjoy!

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