Game drives, night drives and walking safaris - or just sitting on the balcony drinking wine watching elephants
There's something quite appealing about the idea of occupying your own house while on safari; having the privacy of your own pad, the flexibility of a dedicated guide and vehicle and a team of lively and welcoming staff to look after you.
Of course, this is just not any old house. How many people can look out their bedroom window and see puku, giraffe and warthogs on the lawn? Or have to delay lunch on the wooden deck because the elephant are a tad close? Luangwa Safari House was carefully positioned where the wildlife is, and has quickly become just part of the surroundings. The animals are extraordinarily comfortable and come within metres of the verandah.
Walks, day and night drives take place in the South Luangwa National Park which is reached via a short boat ride across the river. This is a prolific wildlife area, and as a result, quite popular so be prepared to see other vehicles around.
Built of stone and thatch with immaculate but muted styling, you enter the house through a giant pivoted door...rather like a hobbit-hole. The house has four huge open-fronted bedrooms that look out over the bush. The double-storey lounge and dining room is ideal for the middle of the day or cooler evenings...perfect if you want to take time out from frenetically rushing around in search of wildlife. Afterall, why go out when the game will come to you?
The house really suits groups travelling together who would like to call the shots as far as the structure of their days are concerned. You have your own guide and can decide how much or little you want to do. You can also avoid the communal meal thing which doesn't suit everyone. It goes without saying that this is also the perfect place to come as a family, where the needs of youngsters can be more easily catered for.
If the idea of a safari house appeals, there are others around Zambia, including the Chongwe River House on the Lower Zambezi.
A private house with four en-suite bedrooms
Game drives, night drives and walking safaris - or just sitting on the balcony drinking wine watching elephants
Includes full board accommodation, scheduled activities, soft drinks, beer, house wines and local spirits, park fees where applicable. Does not include special activities, premium wines, champagne and spirits, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
The Luangwa Valley is probably Zambia's best known wildlife area. As well as having very good all-round game, Luangwa is somewhere that has gained a well deserved reputation for walking safaris, though there is a great deal more to do above and beyond. The park consists of large amounts of woodland; miombo interspersed with grass lands in the north of the park and large stands of mature ebony forming deep shade along the banks of the river. Read more?
Zambia has made a name for itself in the last ten years, as a high quality wildlife destination and one that is particularly good for walking safaris. Intimate (and often rustic) bushcamps, excellent local guides, beautiful riverine scenery and varied game and birdlife are the trademarks of a safari in Zambia. Jump straight to our favourite Zambia experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
