Where did the weekend go?! Some of us might be reminiscing about a lazy Sunday in the sunshine, and some of us might have no idea what day of the week it is and is starting their day with mimosas by the pool! Those people are obviously on holiday, and you know what? We’re happy for them. It’s our job to bring vacay fantasies to life and to take people to the places their dreams are made of. One of those places is Zambia. A country full of wonder and wildlife, vastly untamed and possessing some of the most celebrated wetlands in Africa. The beauty of this country is that one can go from the excitement and luxury of Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi to the enormously unoccupied reaches of northern Kafue and Liuwa Plain and North Luangwa where it feels wonderfully wild. This is where our safari #goals lie right now this travel season.
Poolside with a glass of wine and the calm waters of the Zambezi drifting by, or being massaged in the dappled shade of jackalberry trees lulled by the sound of the waterside birds; Sussi & Chuma safari lodge knows how to soothe those holiday feels.
Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park 12km upstream from Victoria Falls, this Zambian luxury location has safari appeal and riverside relaxation waxed. Surrounded by African wonder and wildlife, and furnished with superior quality in accommodation and service, there’s nothing not to love. This is the fantasy we are sewing together on a Monday morning, it’s the next best thing to being there ourselves!
Where we could take our breakfast every day if we had the choice: Sausage Tree Camp‘s beautiful deck on a quiet stretch of the Zambezi River. Starting off each day with a view onto this hippo hub is bound to set your frequency for the day, and no one would judge you if you rolled out your yoga mat for a little sun salutation before settling down to freshly plunged coffee and a bowl of homemade muesli. The waters in the Zambia Lower Zambezi National Park may look serene, but the animal activity these banks have seen over the years must have created chaos right at this very spot. Sausage Tree Camp completes this magnificent safari experience with – of course – canoeing, 4×4, fishing, and walking safaris. Zambian gold!
Wherever you are at The River Club, the view of the Zambezi is in sight. This historic Edwardian house and its 11 luxury rooms are located on the west-facing Zambian banks of this great river and from elevated positions amongst the rich, indigenous foliage, the views are nothing less than breathtaking. Located just outside the town of Livingstone, where local culture and the memory of the explorer era are preserved in delightful style, The River Club is the most gorgeous retreat. One can soak in a bathtub and see the river through the trees, or relax poolside and gaze at the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank, or take evening cocktails on the sandbank below and feel connected with this part of Africa through the soles of your feet.
This Liquorice All Sort coloured sunset is the view from the seasonal Busanga Bush Camp, which operates for 5 months of the year from 1 June to 31 October each year. This remote piece of Zambian paradise is a protected and precious environment quite unique to any other place in the country. The sunset is only the start of what the Busanga adventure is about, and is right on point with what a secluded Kafue experience should be.
Kaingo Camp is nestled deep in the heart of South Luangwa National Park – perhaps Zambia’s most renowned game viewing destination. The Wildlife density is world famous, and leopard sightings are spoken of as some of the best in the world. And right on the banks of the winding Luangwa River is exactly where we want to be to make sure we don’t miss out on any of the action! Kaingo’s six luxury thatched chalets are doused in a natural pattern of sun and shadows as the leafy overhangs provide beautiful green canopies to the open-air en suite bathrooms. Then there is the sleepout treehouse, which is located at the camp’s elephant hide and offers guests the most incredible star bed experience. Watch wildlife ambling by from just about anywhere in the camp. We’re officially never leaving.
Another Zambian paradise! There is no reason not to love the stuff out of this southern African country. In fact, it should be high up on your travel priority list, and if you’re a safari lover (obvs), you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more. This shining example of supreme riverside, forested luxury is Tongabezi, tucked into the riverine greenery on the elevated banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Just the right amount of classic, natural appeal blended seamlessly with luxurious elements. We’re feasting on Zambia right now and Tongabezi is the entree.
If seclusion is what you seek, this is where you will find it. Peace and quiet (except for welcome sounds of chattering birds and honking hippos) envelop you at Chamilandu Bushcamp, which offers space for a maximum of 6 guests, only between June and November each year. This seasonal South Luangwa camp is pure bliss, looking down onto the wide Luangwa River from its thatched location on the elevated banks under huge, old ebony trees. Everything you could possibly want in an intimate, luxurious bush location is provided, from excellent sleeping comfort, views from everywhere (including your en suite bathroom), convivial fireside relaxation, and phenomenal walking trails and game drive activities in some of Zambia’s most pristine wildlife areas.
Simplicity and abundance are two words that are seemingly opposite but in fact, perfectly describe the magic of Bilimungwe Bushcamp in South Luangwa National Park. A small 4-tented camp in a tangle of mahogany trees with classic, thatched chalets and warm, Zambian charm with natural materials and textures that reflect the outdoors. There’s nothing you don’t need and everything you didn’t know you needed at Bilimungwe, and the guiding is superior. The abundance of South Luangwa meets the simplicity of Bilimungwe and we have a winning recipe.
A private piece of wild African paradise: Katombora Island is the location of Royal Chundu Island Lodge is exactly this. Eclectic accents add unusual style to the classic local textiles and exceptional luxury in the four private suites which peek over the riverbank and onto the watercourse that has carved its way through the southern continent. This is how you relax, surrounded by chattering birds and fragrant trees, with a glass of chilled champagne in hand.
