17 DAYS – USUALLY TAKEN IN MAY AND NOVEMBER
Day 1 - LUSAKA
Arrive in Lusaka and transfer to Lilayi Lodge. Lilayi Lodge is situated on the outskirts of Lusaka on a 7000 hectare private game reserve. Activities include game drives, leisure stroll or relaxing by the poolside.
Day 2 & 3 -
KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS & SHIWA N’GANDU
Travel by road from Lusaka along the Great North Road to Shiwa N’gandu for a 2 nights stay at the Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge. Treat yourself to views of the flowing river and a dip in some of the world’s finest natural hot springs. Accommodation is on a full board basis.
A day will be spent on the estate, indulging in any of the following activities;
A visit to Shiwa N’gandu – a 42 roomed mansion built by Sir Stewart Gore-Brown in 1925. The house has an incredible history with original furniture and artefacts. The full history of this house can be found in the book “The Africa House” by Christine Lamb.
Next we climb the bare back rock hill, a famous hill from where Dr Livingstone took his bearings. From the top of the hill you will see Lake Shiwa where Dr Livingstone lost his dog. We end this day with a float downstream to Kapishya Hot Spring.
Day 4 - MBATI VILLAGE
An early morning start from Kapishya to Manshya Falls for breakfast before transferring to the village of Mbati. On arrival in the Village you will visit the local people, tour the local school and the clinic. Enjoy the evening when the real adventure begins with a full board camping set up.
Day 5 & 6 - SAMATA AND KABINGA VILLAGES
Travel in dug out canoes on the Chambeshi River from Mbati to Samata Village on a journey taking approximately 5 to 6 hours. En route, just relax or try and catch the local fish. On arrival at Samata’s Village, visit the local people before being transferred by the support staff in vehicles to Kabinga Village. Dr Livingtsone also stayed in this village over 100 years ago.
Spend the whole day at Kabinga’s Village visiting the local school and the local market. You will also have the opportunity to meet the local chief and his elders and learn about the local history. Travel back to the campsite for an overnight stay.
Day 7 & 8 - KOPA MISSION AND KATUBALA
After breakfast, take a short boat trip and set off on foot across a dry floodplain – approximately 23km, to the shores of Munakashi River. This is the exact route Dr Livingstone took. After crossing the river there will be a vehicle pick-up for transfers to Kopa mission.
A vehicle transfer will take you to Katubala where local porters will accompany you as you set off on a 16km walk on the wild side through the African bush.
Day 9 - LUMBATWA RIVER
Leave the bush and leisurely travel through the beautiful Zambian countryside in Dr Livingstone’s footsteps for 16km, whilst listening and watching nature in its totality. End the day at the campsite set on the Lumbatwa River for the night.
Day 10 & 11 - SHOEBILL ISLAND CAMP
You will be driven to Shoebill Island Camp in the Bangwelu Swamps. For the next 2 days you will take a much deserved break from all the walking and relax on Shoebill Island at the Shoebill Island Tented Camp.
Spend the next day exploring the area with activities ranging from, boating, birding and tracking down the endangered Shoebill Stork – a very rare bird with only about 3000 remaining in the world. The majority of these birds are actually found in this area.
Thereafter you can set off to track down the Black Lechwe, a rare antelope which is indigenous to this area. Overnight stay is at the Shoebill Island Camp.
Day 12 - LULIMALA RIVER
Depart Shoebill Island Camp in the Bangwelu Swamps and drive to Lulimala River for an 18km walk and camp in the African bush.
Day 13 - CHITAMBO VILLAGE
After leaving the bush camp you will take a 15 km walk to visit the Livingstone memorial just outside Chief Chitambo’s Village. This spot commemorates where Dr Livingstone died. You will then visit Chief Chitambo who is the grand nephew of Chief Chitambo who met Dr Livingtsone over 128 years ago. The Chief will share stories with you that have been passed down through generations. Campsites will be set up nearby.
Day 14 & 15 - KASANKA NATIONAL PARK
Depart Chief Chitambo’s Village for a short drive to Kasanka National Park. This is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks and is yet very beautiful. Overnight stay will be in the lodge.
The entire day is spent in and around the park, incorporating morning game drives and canoeing on the Luwombwa River in the afternoon. This is the last day in the bush so a grand meal and celebration befitting the occasion is laid out with an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 16 - LUSAKA
Drive back to Lusaka with an overnight stay in one of our featured hotels or lodges. The next day a conducted tour of Lusaka is arranged. If you still have the energy a visit can be arranged to one of the local nightclubs later in the evening. Over night stay at Lilayi Lodge.
Day 17
Depart to Lusaka International Airport for your flight home.
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