5 days around Lusaka
Hi all, apologies if this has already been discussed but I am looking for tips for 5 days in Zambia, around Lusaka.I will be taking the Tazara railway from Dar to Kapiri Moshi at the beginning of August with 2 friends. We'll get to KM on Sunday afternoon I believe and will then head to Lusaka. We only have that week off work - we all live in Dar - and would like to know how best to spend our time in Zambia. From what I gather, it is not worth spending 5 days in Lusaka. Would love to go to Livingstone and Victoria Falls but don't know if it is too far to go in such a short time. We'd be flying back to Dar from Lusaka on the Saturday or Sunday which leaves about 5 days of free time. Is there anything around Lusaka we shouldn't miss? Would Lake Kariba be an option? Or is it really worth spending a few days travelling to get to Victoria Falls?
Any tips appreciated!
1
1) Go to South Luangwa, but with only 5 days realistically you'd need to fly and Proflight isn't cheap (around $500 pp return- you can get cheaper non flexible fares but you'd have to snap them up as Aug is peak season).2) Go to Kafue. I know Mukambi safari lodge does road transfers from Lusaka, and they also have a bushcamp on the Busanga Plains- I have looked at doing 5 day packages with them split between their main lodge and the bush camp. I've also heard of Bongwe safaris doing good budget trips to Kafue.
3) Livingstone is only 6 hours by bus so it's not an unreasonable idea, but after 2 days on a train another 6 hours might be the straw that breaks the camel's back so to speak.
Personally I think 5 days at Victoria Falls would be too much- my choice would be option 2, but then I like safari.
With any safari options, do contact the camps for their "local rates". Most camps offer reduced rates to Zambian residents and residents of neighbouring countries.
2
As Stokey Girl says :SLNP is a draw but without flying it's a long bus trip to Chipata and then a local minibus to Mfuwe the 'gateway' to SLNp.
Livingstone : 2 days would be enough. However, there are good trips across the border into Botswana to Chobe NP. These can certainly be organised via Jolly Boys Hostel.
3
another vote for south luangwa national parknot the cheapest 5 day trip from lusaka, but in my opinion the best. stokeygirl and john-in-brum have said it all
4
I'd also suggest South Luangwa...Also remember that Proflight have standby fares available - if you pitch up at the airport and there's seats available (either to Mfuwe for South Luangwa or to Livingstone), you can get seats for around US$ 60 each way (plus a few dollars in taxes). Obviously you don't have a guarantee of a seat, but it's a much more affordable way to fly!
While in Lusaka, try to get out to the Elephant Orphanage Project's Baby Elephant Nursery in Lilayi (south of Lusaka). They have a daily feeding of their baby orphaned eles, around 1130 from memory... check out Game Rangers International for more information.
5
If you haven't already seen Victoria Falls, a trip to Livingstone is a must. It's only 6 hours ride from Lusaka, but well worth it.Lusaka is a boring city so no reason to spend any additional time there.
6
Thanks all for the tips.I have one more question - looks like we'll have to spend one night in Kapiri Moshi once we get off the train. Will head for Lusaka if it is early enough but, just in case, has anyone stayed in Kapiri Moshi that can recommend a hotel or guesthouse? Finding it very difficult to get contact details for any hotels there. Any recommendations appreciated!
Thank you.
