Busanga Safaris are ATOL bonded, that means complete financial security.

We are an ATOL approved agent and that means the cost of your safari is protected and you have complete peace of mind.
We can also arrange all of your international flights to co incide with your safari, at very competitive rates.

A great Green Season safari idea, for when costs are low, and the bush is full of life.

This 7 day safari combines Luangwa River Camp, Nsefu and Nkwali, and Camps.

"The Luangwa Valley is at its most dramatic in the Emerald Season, with the Luangwa River now flowing over into the brimming lagoons. Boating into these lagoons, flooded ebony groves and flowing channels gives you a view of the Valley which is normally inaccessible during this season". Take a look at further photos and details.

The Luangwa River is one of the last remaining major rivers in Africa, and even in the world, that has not been damned for hydropower. This vast river still annually rises, floods into lagoons and channels, changes course and resulting in new lagoons and in so doing creates an rich flood plain river system. To be in the heart of the park, at peak flood time, staying at the first camp built in Zambia (1951) with the river being your only access, is quite an experience.

At Luangwa River Camp and Nkwali you will drive, walk and boat. Most of the game in this area remains resident all year and so the game viewing is always excellent and hopefully you will see wild dog as it is the season for our top viewing season for the dogs. A relaxed boat up or down the Luangwa River will be your transfer to and from Nsefu, bird watching and game viewing on the way.

At Nsefu the emphasis will be on exploring the flooded ebony groves and lagoon systems, flowing channels and tributaries by boat. There will also be excellent walking, including a boat and walking combination to reach one of southern Africa's largest yellow billed stork colonies in full action.



Itinerary Luangwa River Camp 2 nights, Nsefu 3 nights and Nkwali 2 nights
Transfers By boat Luangwa River Camp/Nkwali/Nsefu - Mon, Thurs and Sat only
IncludedAll safari costs (activities, national park fees, bar and laundry),
airport transfer from Mfuwe Airport.
Not IncludedFlights, airport taxes and visa.
Rate $3250 per person sharing
Single supplement US$1046 per night

Valid Between 22 Jan – 31 March 2012

Call or email for more details or click the link to see photos

HELLO FROM THE BUSH . OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER

Hello from the bush ...... Zambia feature

Interesting, varied, dramatic, exciting, beautiful, all words which describe the wildlife of Zambia, but all can also be applied to the landscape and it's people.

No wonder that Zambia remains our most popular safari destination.
It is a simple fact that no other UK safari company has such a personal hands on link with Zambian safaris, not just offering a large but also carefully thought out choice of safari ideas across all of Zambia's key destinations, but also personally managing two really special safari camps in the vast and dramatic Kafue national park where Tyrone is managing the beautiful Plains camp, and the simply wonderful South Luangwa, where in the shade of a Rain tree overlooking a river heaving with hippo, I am writing this newsletter.

We at Busanga Safaris are uniquely placed to offer the best advice to our clients travelling to Zambia on safari and provide on the ground travel assistance if required. Also to arrange safari itineraries not just at the camps we manage, but also we offer completely unbiased advice and ideas which include all of the best safari camps across Zambia (and beyond) ensuring that visitors get a safari which will best suit them.

It's not all bush life for us though and at our office in the UK we have been investing in some very clever computer equipment to improve communications and booking systems that help insure no hiccups.

We have also been listening to our clients who have been increasingly asking us to assist in arranging their safaris from start to finish including flights and so are investing a great deal of time and money to be able to provide our guests with a one stop for all of your fully bonded flights and travel arrangements, giving complete financial security, we will tell you ore about that when everything is in place around October.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and are inspired to visit Zambia soon.

Please drop me a line with any questions or ideas you may have, or just to hear about what is happening here in the bush, it is always nice to hear from you.

Tony..

Unexpected Wildlife Encounters

Leopards leopards everywhere. Well that what it feels like this year, sightings are very common and always exciting. Guests have enjoyed record numbers of sightings including 11 different Leopards spotted (excuse pun) in just 8 days in the Valley.
With this many cat sightings guests have witnessed some unexpected behaviour.

A female leopard was seen successfully hunting a Puku fawn which instead of killing she carried in to a thicket and began to tease the baby in to making a distress call which attracted an adult close to investigate which she then tried unsuccessfully to hunt, we were surprised then when the Leopard returned to the young puku and carried it still alive to another bush and attempted the same thing again! again missing but clearly showing it was no fluke, she did eventually kill and eat the young puku.
Early morning game drive found a male Leopard being courted by not one but two beautiful females both in season and flirting like mad, doing his best to keep everyone happy he went from one to the other mating with both for some time before having to climb a tree to get any peace, leaving the two females to briefly fight it out before slipping away, no doubt not far.
Another pair were seen mating obligingly close to our vehicle giving clients great photo opportunities when we noticed three Lions stalking the pre occupied pair, fortunately and typically for cats the mating is brief, exactly for this reason, and they noticed just in time to both bolt up a tree just far enough to avoid the Lions.
Some of the lesser predators like Genets can provide interesting sightings but don't have it all their own way, a Gennet was being watched recently foraging in the early evening, when in the blink of an eye a giant Eagle owl swooped down and took the unsuspecting creature in to a tree, and well you can imagine the rest.
Marshal eagles always generate a lot of reaction from other birds, squirrels, monkeys and baboons. The presence of a juvenile eagle was loudly announced by a large male baboon, as it landed in a small old tree adjacent to the dining deck at Kafunta during lunch. The baboon ran, barking loudly, across a 100 mtrs of open plain intent on the eagle as it neared the eagle took off and so did the baboon who leapt up to grab it just brushing it's tail feathers, the eagle landed on another tree and the baboon continued his chase this time the eagle did not wait and glided away across the plain scattering a heard of Puku.

Elephants of course always provide interest and action. A great bull elephant who we meet often at Island Bush Camp was encountered on a narrow track in a mopane woodland, standing, but fast asleep with his trunk resting on the ground as we approached he woke just long enough to shake his head at us and then we noticed as he stood just a few mtrs from the car we noticed that his eyes became heavy and his trunk relaxed and he went back to sleep, leaving us stranded and whispering so as not to wake him, we took the chance to break out a flask of coffee and enjoy the sound of the bush and the gentle rumbling of the elephant.

Every day creates just such unexpected and magical encounters, why not come and have some of your own.


Safari Ideas - Guided trips & Costs

Although clients are already booking to safari in 2012 it is not too late to escape to Africa this year, so why not have a look at some of our suggested Zambia safari ideas and maybe take advantage of our 10% discount on our Bush Experience safaris for late bookings (booked 40 days prior to travel, subject to availability), which always generate great feed back from our clients.

2012 is very exciting for us at Busanga with many exciting plans. We continue offering our selection of small group escorted safaris, designed to get the very best from a safari to Zambia.

Guests will be able to visit the Kafue, the Luangwa or a combination of both. We will also be offering safaris to the Kasanka national park and Bangweulu for the more adventourus birders ! and some fantastic award winning mobile safari options.
We will be updating our website with the dates and plans for our set date safaris for next year, if you would like to hear first please just drop us a line and we will get back as the information becomes availabile.

You will be able to meet us at the Destinations Travel Show at Londons Earls Court in early Febuary 2012 and also at The Adventure Travel Live show in London where Tyrone will also be giving an interesting, lighthearted and inspiring talk on the Kafue and in particular his home in the Bush the Busanga Plains.

We continue to try to avoid charging no single supplement on our guided safaris and on very nearly all of our tailored itineraries in Zambia, which means although travelling alone you are taken care of from start to finish and are not paying any more than you should.

visit our website : www.Busangasafaris.com

Email: Info@busangasafari.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1628 621685


This email was sent by Busanga Safaris Ltd, 6 Reeve Road, Holyport, Berkshire, SL6 2LS

Odzala, Congo - New safari ideas from Busanga

As one of only a very few safari campanies in the world to have real hands on experience on safaris in the Congo region we are very pleased to be able to be able to offer what we think will be the next step forward in tourist activity to the . Working in hand with a new an eco-project in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) our aim will be to soon announce set date departures for shorter 6 night safaris with the aim of introducing our guests to tracking of the Western Lowland Gorilla. We will operate in and near the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo, where we will also be able to enjoy seeing forest elephant, forest buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, red river hog, slender snouted crocodiles and other primate species, to name but a few .. and what a few they are…
Odzala-Kokoua National Park lies is the remote north of the country - in the heart of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest. Aside from a host of forest biodiversity, it holds Africa’s densest population of Western Lowland Gorillas. It is also renowned as the richest forest block in central Africa for primates species with eleven diurnal species recorded.

Activities range from gorilla tracking (habituated groups), pirogue rides along lush river systems, night drives in the savannah, walks along lush forest streams and salines, and of course time spent at the productive forest bais.
The camps are already being built at Odzala. and the design philosophy is one of a green, sustainable, earth-friendly nature, where we will reduce the building impact on human health and the environment

In terms of the actual programe, we are working on a “set departure” style itinerary, coinciding with the current flight schedule of inbound flights to Brazzaville.
In essence we are looking at a Thursday departure from Brazzaville to the camps – staying 3 nights at each of the 2 camp before returning to Brazzaville.

The itinerary as well as the costings are being finalised and we hope to have
more information on the camps and itineraries in the next couple of weeks.

If You would like to receive info on this exciting new safari by email please drop us an email and we will keep you uptodate

A true walking mobile safari - special offer

A true mobile safari with the award winning team at Robin Pope safaris .
7 nights Combining some of the best safari camps in Zambia with a five day walking safari which is backed up by a totally mobile camp - a winning combination for those looking to be totally immersed in the bush.
"When I tell guests about this safari I always I just want to book myself on " Tony - Busanga Safaris

The safari begins with a flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe, where you will meet your guide and drive to Nkwali, staying for the first 2 nights, you will have had chance to explore on game drives and night drives (and of course walks), with good photographic opportunities. The safari then heads up to the remote north of the park. This takes you through different country and woodland , passing through a petrified forest and large open pans which attract some unusual species of both birds and antelope (Lichenstien's hartebeest). The party will picnic on the way making the journey very much part of the safari.

For the next 5 days the safari follows the Mupamadzi River - a clear water, major tributary of the Luangwa. The tents are "walk in" that open both ends for good ventilation with camp beds, mattress, sheets and blankets. The shower is under a tree and the loo is a short drop with a wooden throne. The dinning table is under the shadiest tree and the bar is a small table with the glasses and drinks, next to a small gas fridge to keep the beers and wine chilled.

The day starts before dawn, getting up for a quick breakfast around the camp fire. Setting off for the morning walk around six, the morning walk will be from 4 to 6 hours depending on sightings and enthusiasm.
After lunch there is a chance for a rest, read or snooze before afternoon tea. The afternoon walk is gentle, short and often sundowners will be brought to a meeting spot in the bush by vehicle and so there is a short spotlight drive back to camp. Then in the evening a shower and a welcome dinner, Then if you wish drinks around the fire before before heading to your very comfortable bed - weary and happy usually serenaded by the local lion pride or hyena.
The camp is very simple, a row of tents "walk in" that open both ends for good ventilation with camp beds, mattress, sheets and blankets), a shared large bucket shower and two "bush loos". The dinning table is under the shadiest tree and the bar is a small table with the glasses and drinks, next to a small gas fridge to keep the beers and wine chilled. The food is first class and the same standard as the safari camps.
On day that camp moves, the team will break camp, pack the truck and headed off to the next camp site. They arrive, set up camp, cook lunch, If a little late on departure the chef may end up chopping onions on top of the "kitundu" (safari kit)!, and as you walk in hot and no doubt a little tired from your walk - you will be greeted with cold drinks and lunch will be ready.
The walking is varied in difficulty as the terrain changes and the morning walks are from 6 to 10 kilometers. The timing, distance and toughness of the walks is determined by the group but you do need to be "walking fit" and we say that as a guide you should be able to run at least 50 meters (not from an animal of course ).

The area is very different from the Luangwa River. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The Mupamadzi is clear and shallow. A tributary of the Luangwa, it rises in the mountainous escarpment within sight. We crossed the river many times - the ritual of taking of the boots and cooling the feet became second nature! There are foothills, open plains, thickets, wooded parklands, reedbeds, forest - amazing how many terrains and habitats you can walk through in one day.

The safari ends with 2 nights at the beautiful Nsefu Camp, where you will stay in a super cottage and enjoy the veryu high standards of care and quality wildlife viewing that the Luanagw and Robin Pope safaris are so well known for.
Contact us now for availability : 01628 621685 or click here for full details

11 Leopards in one week A guests eye view.

The Leopards of South Luangwa

For the 5 years, since I was bitten by the African Safari bug, a leopard sighting has evaded me. Last year in Northern Kafue, a brief glimpse at sunset was exciting but ultimately unsatisfying. South Luangwa is famous for its leopard population so I was filled with high hopes for the trip to Kafunta Lodge at Mfuwe, but previous disappointments had left me cautious.

I needn’t have worried. On my return home, I was asked at work what the highlight of the trip was…. I said, with typical English diffidence, the 11 leopard sightings!

Here are the leopards….

Day Two PM - Leopard 1
A great night sighting for our first leopard was this male stalking a group of impala. We went over to watch and he settled down to wait. I could hardly believe how slight and beautiful he was and it was brilliant to see him skilful manoeuvring ever closer to the prey. We left her patiently watching them in the moonlight.

Day Three AM - Leopard 2
Morning plans had changed suddenly as we left the camp when we saw a group of elephants moving across the plain in front of us to go to the river. Whilst we watched them drinking, baboons were making alarm calls in the trees on the opposite bank. We raced across the river by pontoon and immediately came across a herd of puku, alert and alarm calling. Josephat, our guide (and who was later christened the Leopard King) told us to start scanning the tree line. I am rather proud to say I spotted our second leopard yards from the landcruiser. The leopard was moving quickly and soon disappeared into the trees but was a brilliant sight for the sheer proximity and clarity of viewing in daylight.

Day Three PM - Leopards 3-7


Our first spot came soon in the afternoon with a leopard moving quickly in the undergrowth. We watched in awe as he walked in front of the car and was gone in the flash of an eye.

The others came at the end of the evening but were all the more interesting as we spotted 2 mating pairs. The first was a male, climbing the rocks to a female waiting high up for him. The second came shortly after when we turned a corner and saw a male with a small, very shy female, just walking down the road towards us.

Back at camp for drinks and dinner and we can’t help a small amount of celebrating – 5 leopards in one evening drive – 6 in total for the day!


Day Four PM – Leopard 8
The briefest but most exciting sighting came tonight. We were tracking a small group of lions (2 female and 1 male) when in the sweep of the night light, we saw a leopard in the middle of the plain drinking from a stream. The 2 lionesses walked towards the leopard, who, with a certain amount of arrogance, casually walked away. Suddenly the lionesses started hunting and the leopard was running for its life. In a moment of almost comic action, the leopard leapt down a gully and then came back up running around a tree, followed quickly by each lioness in turn. After 2 circuits, the leopard shot straight up the tree and left the lionesses watching thoughtfully below. I sat with my heart pounding, willing the leopard to get away – I thought with horror that after 5 years of waiting to see leopards, I was about to watch one being killed!

Day Five AM – Leopard 9
Our fifth day brought us to Alice. A leopard well-known in the area and perhaps the best sighting I will ever have in my life. We came across her sitting in the sunshine, pregnant and resting quietly. She was very calm as we watched her from close by.
The nights had brought full moonlight and therefore poor hunting and while we were watching, Alice clearly decided to take advantage of the relaxed state of the impala and puku nearby.

We followed in fascination as she stalked down a gully through the middle of the herds, moving so carefully and purposefully.

As she rolled in the dust, Josephat explained she was disguising her scent to allow her to get closer to her prey. We stayed for an hour with her and left her hiding in the gully, yards from an impala that was completely oblivious to her presence.







The following days brought a break from our routine as we moved to the Island Bush Camp, a four-hour drive from Kafunta, where the days are spent on walking safari and learning bush craft in a beautiful, remote and rustic environment.

Day Nine PM – Leopards 10 - 11
Our last evening drive with Andrew (we’d left Josephat behind in the Bush Camp) did not disappoint and our luck continued with a brilliant sighting of a leopard sleeping up a tree. I’d seen this in other people’s photos and had always thought it was a great sight to see them totally relaxed, flopped across a branch, legs dangling freely.
Our last sighting came as we were tracking two lionesses and an old male. It was a very dark night and perfect for hunting. We drove ahead of the lions to park on the side of the plain in the direction they were heading in the hope of catching them hunting. As we waited for the lions, we saw a leopard stalking impala down the side of the plain. Suddenly the impala took fright and ran off, calling. The leopard found a spot on a hill nearby and settled down to wait.

For a while we turned the lights off and sat in perfect darkness beside the leopard, waiting for the lions and listening to the sounds of night. I will never forget the feeling of the bush, so alive with the sense of anticipation of something waiting to happen. Of course, for humans, the park closes at night so, too soon, we had to leave, and with a deep pang of regret that this was my last night… until next year and another adventure.

Selinda Canoe Trail Botswana. No single supps !

A magical experience, the Selinda Canoe Trail is a canoeing and walking adventure safari, replicating the safari experiences of old as it navigates along the Selinda Spillway. The area evokes remoteness and solitude, combined with excellent wildlife viewing.

Great news, for all new bookings on the Selinda Canoe Trail from now until the end of October 2011, all single supplements will be waived (subject to availability).The three-night/four-day safari covers approximately 45km while the nights are spent in fly camps along the way, set up wherever the canoeists end up. Camps are set in prime, shady sites from whhich to explore remote and secret corners of the bush. The days are spent paddling eastwards along the Spillway, stopping whenever there is something of interest to be seen along the banks, such as the many wildlife and bird species found in the area.

The area is well known for elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, roan antelope and wild dog, while cheetah, lion, leopard and variety of other species are also found. The Selinda is also a birding paradise with some 300 species or more to be seen. With many males trying to claim the territory around the Tshwene area, lions are often seen and are very vocal at night.

Each canoeing day begins at first light when the Spillway is at its most peaceful. After an early coffee and snack, we set off for the day's adventure. Walking is part of the experience. If there happens to be activity that warrants investigation, the guide will stop on the banks and take a short walk into the bush. A brunch will be taken around mid-morning and light snacks will be available throughout the day for sustenance until dinner.

We have a number of great ideas to explore Botswana from luxury mobile camps to award wining camps in the Okavango, Moremi, the north and the arid Kalahari. Get in touch for help and advise.

Yellow Fever - do I need it?

Passengers travelling between Europe and Zambia will not be required to have a Yellow Fever certificate.

South African Department of Health has decided Zambian travelers will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Please be urgently advised that all passengers traveling between South Africa and Zambia (both directions) with effect from 1st July 2011 will be required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is due to the World Health Organizations recent revision of the Yellow Fever recommendations for Africa. This includes all transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.
NOTE: A yellow fever vaccination needs to be done no less than 10 days prior to travelling.

Please also be aware that

The list countries for which a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into South Africa are as below: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan ,Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Zambia.

ETHIOPIA added to our portfolio

We are really happy to be able to offer safaris / cultural journeys to stunning Ethiopia. The inspiration to offer Ethiopia came in the most classic of way, through black & white photos and stories told by Tony's great aunt who travelled extensively here in the late 1940's/50's.
The interesting and endemic wildlife of the region combined with an amazingly long and varied history make Ethiopia a classic destination for the keen traveller.
We have carefully chosen a partner in Ethiopia who can help us to create and provide outstanding journeys of discovery supported and who can provide us with expert guides, to unlock the whole picture for our clients.
Please visit our suggested Ethiopian safaris or call to discuss your own ideas that we can help you turn in to the idea safari.

Wildeye Photographic Safari

I am always excited about new safari ideas and this time especially so as we have joined up with an award winning wildlife photographer Drew Burnett to create two guided photography safaris to suit all abilities. These are small group safaris with just a maximum of 6 guests, Drew will help to build on your photographic knowledge and in getting those perfect wildlife shots. Sept & Oct 2012 are the height of the dry season in Zambia when Hippo fight for space and the time that the strikingly beautiful Carmine Bee eaters return to breed in colonies on the sandy river banks. These trips cost little more than an un guided safari and make for a very different experience. Click here to visit Drews safari.

Busanga Safaris promotes the Kafue

When other safari companies are thinking of nothing but selling more safaris we are thinking just as hard about first promoting those special places where rare or interesting wildlife occurs in the hope to inspire visitors to safari with us to see for themselves.
No more so than in Zambia's Kafue. Inspired by it's remoteness and varied wildlife we arranged our first safaris to there about a decade ago, it was good then but how it has changed. The wildlife numbers are greater and we know lots more about the diversity and distribution. There are still few safari camps in what after all is Africa's 2nd largest national park and those that are there are sensitivly managed and contribute to the welfare of the park and it's wildlife. Yet although visitor numbers have increased a little, and in truth we don't want too many ! the Kafue remains under promoted, and so when ever we get a chance to help it's profile we are happy to step up. Our Tyrone, who you may know lives in the Kafue and manages the wonderful little Busanga Plains Camp, has recently been contributing his words and experience to write and update the pages dedicated to the Kafue on the official Zambia Tourisum website and has also features about the Kafue to Wildlife extra the highly regarded wildlife magazine, including an article on the return of the Elephants , and giving a talk about the Kafue in London at the Adventure Travel Live show, which was very well received and led to experienced safari goers choosing to visit, and further offers to talk, which will have to wait for another time. Back in Zambia Tyrone has found time to compile a comprehensive wildlife guide to the Kafue which is being contributed to produce a guide book for sale to visitors, the revenue will be ploughed back in to managment and wildlife protection in the Kafue. Although his exploits at the jaws of a crocodile, looking after the first Lady, swimming across the Busanga plains and encounters with lions in the office would probably also sell well but that's also for another time.

We would love to show you the Kafue why not this year?

New photographic safari with Patrick Bentley, award winning wildlife photographer.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI WITH PATRICK BENTLEY

In August 2011, award winning wildlife photographer Patrick Bentley (www.patrickbentley.com) will lead an intimate photographic safari deep into the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.


PATRICK BENTLEY
Patrick began guiding in the South Luangwa in 1994 and has extensive experience of the area and its wildlife as well as in-depth knowledge of the African bush and animal behavior. He photographs the area regularly and knows its inhabitants and their haunts well.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS:
Experience and photograph some of the most intense concentrations of wildlife in Africa around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons.
Be guided by a professional wildlife photographer and accredited safari guide in areas of the South Luangwa that he photographs regularly, where he knows its inhabitants and is involved in their conservation.
Stay at a lodge with wildlife and photographic opportunities just outside your chalet door.
Spend quality photographic time with wildlife - leaving the lodge before sunrise to catch the best light in the morning and staying out after dark to take advantage of night drives.
Meet and spend time with people of similar wildlife and photographic interests who are as keen as you are to make the most of every photographic opportunity.

SAFARI FOCUS
The focus of this photographic safari will be on intensive photography in the field. We will leave the lodge before sunrise each day (around 5am) to catch the best light and return for a delicious brunch in the late morning. The heat of he afternoon can be spent relaxing in the shade of the lodge or simply downloading photographs, charging batteries and cleaning equipment ready for the afternoon drive. There will be plenty opportunity to review images and discuss photographic techniques.

We will leave the lodge again at mid-afternoon and stay out until 8pm to photograph nocturnal activity. When we return to the lodge we will be welcomed with drinks at the bar, a 4-course meal, coffee around the fire and, inevitably, much photographic conversation! The drives will be in an open-top Land Cruiser with plenty of space for equipment and moving around. "Prime seats" will be rotated on a regular basis

NEW SEPTEMBER DATE FOR OUR POPULAR KAFUE SAFARIS

We have just added a new date in September for our popular set date safaris to the wonderful Kafue in Zambia. The safari visits varied habitats from the permanent rivers and woodland to the wide Busanga Plains. Staying in three great camps including "The Plains camp".

£2,691 9 nights
£2,444 8 nights
No Single Supplements
19th Sept 2011 9 nights 6 spaces available (Guided by Linda Lee )
29th Sept 2011 8 nights 6 spaces available (Guided by Linda Lee )

Congo Gorilla Safari. Oct 2011. The ultimate wildlife adventure.

Fifteen days of adventure on a journey into the remote tropical rainforests of central Africa is a trip definitely not for the faint-hearted, where undoubtedly, the most spectacular animal is the barrel-chested Lowland Gorilla with a distinct crown of reddish-chestnut hair. Large areas of these forests are undisturbed with Forest Elephant, monkeys in the canopy, antelope, birdlife and are sparcely populated with Bantu and Ba Aka Pygmy tribes
The recent discovery of clearings (known as Bais) far away from areas ever explored by white men has proved to be one of, if not the greatest, wild discoveries for decades. Here in the marshy clearings where sunlight has been able to reach the forest floor and where grasses and Papyrus can grow, forest Elephants gather to feed and socialize and in doing so keep these oasis of light open as lush feeding grounds for previously unstudied groups of remarkable Lowland Gorillas.

This trip includes Nouabale-Ndoki and Dzanga-Sangha National Parks at the famous Mbeli and Dzanga bais. We enter a pristine region full of wildlife. Here we spend time watching Lowland Gorillas and forest Elephants amongst a myriad of other rarely seen and quite beautiful forest wildlife and birds from the comfort of miradors [Large covered viewing platforms]. We also spend time tracking gorillas on foot with Ba-aka Pygmy trackers. A highlight of the trip is an uncontrived day spent with the Ba-aka, joining them on a traditional net hunt, and gaining an insight into the medicinal and food plants of the forest and perhaps food preparation and shelter building.

This is an adventurous safari and a basic level of fitness is required as you will be climbing in and out of Pirogues (dugout canoes) and walking in forest trails, you will at times be hot, uncomfortable (numb bums in canoes) and probably wet, you will also probably be bitten by the odd mozi, but this is the Congo. We will travel in 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicles, motorised pirogues, small pirogues powered by Pygmy and Bantu tribesmen, and on foot into the remotest parts of the jungle, and yet your accommodation will be surprisingly comfortable with private bathroom facilities and cold drinks.

Liuwa Plain , guided by Robin Pope - A short on video

Just a few times each year Robin Pope the legendary guide takes small groups of
visitors to the achingly remote and untouched Liuwa Plains in the far west of Zambia.
Here Hyena are the apex predators and it is the home of the largest wildebeest migration second only to the Serengeti. So often parts of Africa are described as wild and remote and untouched but this really is all of those things. Not for your first safari but certainly a must if you want unusual and dramatic. If course all done with a good degree of comfort!
Click the link to enjoy a short video on Liuwa. Any feel free to contact us for more information on joining a safari with Robin.