Zambia: The Overlooked Gem for Self-Drive Adventures (original) (raw)
Zambia: The Overlooked Gem for Self-Drive Adventures
Zambia has long been on our radar, and 2024 is the year we embark on a much-anticipated reconnaissance trip. At Ultimate Routes, we take pride in building a rich, first-hand knowledge base that informs our route designs and bookings for self-drive clients. This commitment ensures that every journey we create is not only well-planned but also deeply enriched by our own experiences.
Positioned between Southern and Eastern Africa, Zambia stands out as an incredible self-drive destination. Its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife make it a must-visit for adventurous travellers.
Colourful and friendly, the people of Zambia embody warmth and resilience, making self-drive travellers feel at home. As we journey from south to east and north to west, we encounter vibrant street-side markets boasting fresh produce and beautiful chitenge fabric. Along the way, we explore nearly all of Zambia’s unique national parks, each offering its own distinct wonders.
Day 1-30 (of 60!) is complete! Here’s what we can share so far:
Camping gems we discovered
We particularly enjoyed a few special campsites along the route, receiving a stamp of approval by Ultimate Routes to include in our clients’ itineraries!
Campers are prioritised at this establishment, with prime sites along the Luangwa River, making for incredible game viewing from your camp chair. A swimming pool on the riverbank, neat ablutions and excellent site service! The drive to the park entry gates is a little long but game viewing en route is also possible.
2. Kamukonzo Community Camp
With kwachas paid directly to the community members managing the camp, the team got to work hand-pumping water and hoisting it into tree-mounted tanks for flush toilets. They also chopped wood on-site for camping guests. The grassy campsites feature neat bathroom enclosures made of grass, and sweeping views of the Luangwa River create a serene haven for travelers transitioning between South and North Luangwa.
3. North Luangwa Campsites
You could easily spend a week moving from one camp to the next. Ituba Camp offers three spacious sites along the banks of the Luangwa River, overlooking the national park just downstream from the thrilling pontoon crossing. Mushika Camp is the first campsite you’ll encounter, featuring a shaded shelter and a long-drop toilet, along with a large sandbank and grassy plain for stunning views of the wilderness. We were even welcomed by a pack of 18 wild dogs!
Next up is a birders haven, Muzungwe Camp is located on an oxbow lake with large trees spotted along the waters edge. Teeming with life and lush green even in the dry season, this campsite is a welcome space for immersing yourself in the wild. The long-drop toilet and bucket shower enclosure is a short walk from camp with yet another view over a small body of water, home to egrets, storks, lapwings and a few chancing raptors. The drive was a little thrilling thanks to the skittish elephants, best be cautious when driving here.
Nkholo Camp is the northern-most camp on the Luangwa River and was our chosen spot for the night, seeing as we planned a final night in the north of the park at Lufila Falls to follow. An epic campsite in an ebony grove, a shady camp with character and a fantastic sunset view. Carmine and white fronted eee-eaters frolic overhead, near their nests in the high riverbank opposite our camp. We eagerly await the night sounds to hear if the lions we saw en route here would be active.
4. Kapishya Hot Springs
A haven for the dusty, a paradise for bird enthusiasts, Kapishya is steeped in history, tropical vegetation and mineral springs! The campsites are grassed, shady and nestled around the forest with bird trails all leading to the warm natural pool, tranquil spa and welcoming lodge bar and restaurant. We’d recommend at least a two-night stay here to enjoy the amenities as well as activities like visiting Shiwa House, canoeing on the river or hiking to see rock art nearby.
After catching a convenient Proflight plane from Kasama back to Lusaka, Lea returned home to South Africa, leaving Francois to complete the recce trip for another 30 days. If you’re curious about Bangweulu, Kasanka, Kafue or Liuwa Plains National Parks, we’ll share our top camp recommendations and highlights of the incredible experiences waiting for you.
Ready to embark on a self-drive adventure in Zambia? Contact Ultimate Routes today to start planning your trip!
With extensive firsthand experience driving through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Ultimate Routes specializes in crafting sensible routes for the adventurous traveler. Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent service, from expert custom route design to seamless camp and accommodation bookings, ensuring hassle-free self-drive adventures.