Description
In the centre of Zambia lies Lower Zambezi National Park, sandwiched between the towering Zambezi Escarpment and the mighty Zambezi River. Channels and waterways stretch from the river towards the escarpment, attracting a huge diversity of game. Large herds of plains game and buffalo gather round the water, attracting predators such as leopard and lion. Flying over the Zambezi Escarpment, you will see the valley floor spread out below, before landing and being escorted to your luxury lodge.
The Royal Zambezi Lodge is situated on a beautiful bend of the Zambezi River, overlooking pods of hippos. It's a peaceful spot, and an ideal base from which to explore the park. Activities include day and night game drives in open 4X4 vehicles and walks. Or choose to take to the water - the lodge has a large motorboat perfect for sunset cruises and to drift slowly up to game for perfect photographs. The Lower Zambezi is known for its large population of elephants – and these very relaxed bulls can often be seen feeding at the edge of the river, or wading through to the semi-permanent islands. Often they are seen very close to camp meaning you can game-view from your very own deck! The lodge has its own spa and a beautiful deck where you can relax during the day and watch the wildlife.
Leaving Lower Zambezi, you will travel via Lusaka to Johannesburg, where you will overnight at an Airport hotel. Early the following morning you will connect with a flight up to Vilanculos, and then a wonderfully thrilling helicopter ride takes you across to Azura, where you will stay for seven nights.
Azura, on the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, is the country’s first luxury “eco” retreat. With just 15 villas, each with its own infinity pool, it is an intimate and exclusive spot to end your African sojourn.
Although the emphasis is on relaxation, Azura offers many activities – choose to snorkel, fish or dive in the crystal clear waters which contain an abundance of marine life including turtles which nest on the island’s outer shores. Or choose to spend a day at a deserted beach with a picnic, take a trip on the dhow at sunset, or go dolphin-watching or, at certain times of the year, take a whalewatching trip to see the humpback whales as they pass by on their migration.
In the evenings, gather in the wonderfully quirky Star Bar for cocktails before a delicious evening meal using fresh ingredients and locally caught fish. Meals are often served on the beach under a dazzling array of stars.
Guide price
£5,499 per person sharing
£5,499 per person for 3 nights at Royal Zambezi Lodge on a full board and activities basis, overnight in Johannesburg, and 7 nights in a villa at Azura on a full board basis including most drinks and some activities. International and internal flights included.
Itinerary
| Stay | Location / Route | Overnight |
|---|
| 1 night
| Fly to Lower Zambezi (via Lusaka) | Overnight flight |
| 3 nights
| Lower Zambezi, Zambia | Royal Zambezi Lodge |
| 1 night
| Johannesburg Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa | Airport Sun Intercontinental |
| 7 nights
| Benguerra Island, Mozambique | Azura |
| 1 night
| Fly from Mozambique (via Johannesburg) | Overnight flight |
When to travel
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Lower Zambezi, Zambia and Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Royal Zambezi Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River with over 3 kilometres of river frontage and lies on the edge of the Lower Zambezi National Park. It is situated on the Zambezi River at one of its broadest points and lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe. From there to Johannesburg, where you'll spend one night in the Airport Sun Intercontinental before heading to Azura, which is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Marine National Park. Benguerra Island lies 14km north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town and site of the international airport.
How to get there
10-hour international flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka, followed by a 25-minute flight by light aircraft and 10-minutes by road (game drive) to the camp.
