African is the craddle of humanity and in some ways its still the same as millions of years back - rich in varied types of flora and fauna,pristine and achingly wide and beautiful.
Many of the East African and Southern African countries are famous for their tourist friendly national park.Tens of thousands of people gain employment from these national parks and millions experience the wonders on these parks.
Masai Mara,Serengeti,Kruger is on travelers lips as soon as a safari is mentoned but there are so many other more authentic,more involving safari trips to be experienced-the secret safari connoisseur know and guard.
The experience I will share here is of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.Known as the valley of leopard it is famous for its teeming wildlife.One is sure to spot the big five (lion,elephant,buffalo,rhino and leopard) which now is big four since the rhino was poached to extinction.Other than that one hopes to see the small 5(Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise) ,the seasonal visitiors like carmine bee eaters and the hippos ,crocodiles ,antelops,numerous species of birs and rarely the effusive snakes.
Luangwa river forms the Southern border of this fenceless National park.The river is dotted with lodges and villages .As animals know no boundary there is regular encounter with animals in the lovely villages and lodges.
Why chose Zambia as safari destination?
Hardcore safari enthusiast choose Zambia for safari as its less commercial,more pristine, offers authentic safari experiences like walking safari,night safari that can be couple of hours to few days.Children below 16 are not allowed in walking safari that last more than a day.Many of the lodges inside the park will only operate during 5-6 dry months of the year ,then dismantle for the rains ,set up the camp back again once the rains are over.
The all inclusive package of 2 game drives,walking safari ,full lodging,3 times meal ,airport pickup can be as high as $1500 pp per night.
But of course there are backpacker options,budget friendly options that do need little researching (half joy of travel is in researching)
Types of safari
There are many ways to experience this National park.
walking safari is one of the most popular and involving .The purpose is to experience the jungles first hand.Be part of the surroundings.Its is a memorable experience and something everyone should experience.The kids especially are awestuck and carry memories for life.
It can be for couple of hours to couple of days!Ofcourse you are well looked after and except for the aches in your legs your whole being sings with pleasure.
night safari -The jungle wakes up at night.There are something primitive about being in jungle at night-the deep darkeness,the creaks around you,the constant humming of cicadas ,the sudden flight of an owl,the ruslting behind you,the star studded sky-you are suddenly more alive than every.Your ears are alert and eyes try to make sense of the suroundings.My safari enthusiastic friends,you must make an effort to experience the night magic of a jungle.Its a once in life experience which will make life worth living.
game drives-The comfortable way of experiencing the jungle.Go for morning drives or the popular evening ones- you are sure to see countless animals.One may feel that animals will run away when they hear an vehicle approaching but actually its the opposite.They freeze or are totally unconcerned.If you like us end up with an experience scout/guide then you are in for a treat.Do check the reviews so that you pick up an experienced guide.
River safari-Take a kayak or be on yacht .You will sure see quite a lot on animals that come to the river to quench their thirst.The hippos and crocodule are your constant companions and you may even end up experiencing the mating dance or the fight to death rituals.
Other than the above mentioned major types of safari there are numerous others offered like bicycle safari,river safari,hot balloon safari,horse back safari depending on your choice.
Types of accomodations
Inside the game parks you will find mostly luxury tented accomodations .There tents are usually in best of the locations ,are set on wodden porch and have an indoor long drop toilets as well as showers.Lights are usually solar powered and rather dim enhancing the whole jungle experience.
Outside national parks you will find accomodation of all types-luxury suites,standard room,backpackers dorms as well as family chalets.The location again is fantastic and you have opportunity to enjoy surroundings as you have breakfast of enjoy lazy afternoon in pool or just a quick nap on a hammock.
Food
Being in national park does not mean that guest are not treated like kings.Many of the tented accomdations have trained chef who dish out food of choice.Of course if you have some specfic dietry needs, then do let the place of stay know about it.Do remember you are in a place where the grocery store is probably 100 km away.So better alert the lodge of any dietry restrictions well in time.Many lodges ,hotels will have a community kitchen meant for backpackers and everyone is welcome to use it.
Our lodge faced the mighty Luangwa river and it was a treat to observe hippos,elephants,green carmines,guinea fowls and occassionally crocodile as we had our meals.It gave an excellent opening to chat with fellow guests.
I, as an vegetraian never had problem getting a meatfree meal.
Clothing
Best safari activities are during the dry season when animals will come towards water holes to quench their thirst.But dry season can be quite hot.In South Luangwa the temperature during the morning walking safari went as high as 30 C .the African sun can be glaring and it was no exception that day.Avoid bright colour and try to wear clothes that cover both your arms and legs.Cotton clothese of course are the best choice.Comfortable shoes/sandals are advised as well as sunglasses and hats .Out on walking safari we carried a comfortable light rucksack to carry water bottles ,juice,binoculars ,sunscreen as well as spray for tsetse fly.
Appropriate behaviour out in the jungle.
As always one needs to follow the guide's instructions to the last dot especially on a walking safari.Normally you are accompanied by a guard and a scout on walking safari who will ensure your safety.Ofcourse you will never allowed to get upclose to any animal .Photos are encouraged but flash should be avoided.Our scout told us that the purpose of walking safari is to observe and learn about those sights and sounds of jungle that one misses during the dive in safari.
Cultural experience
Our scout and armed guard were both from adjoining village .As the park is fence less there is regular encounter of the villagers with the wild animals.They spoke about how the villagers are trained to stay calm under such confrontation.They also encouraged us to visit the craft shops outside the National park.Regular tours are organised into village as well into conservation projects currently organised around the national park.
