Day 1   Arrive in Zambia
 
Today we arrive in Livingstone, Zambia, once an important town in southern Africa during the first days of European settlement and the beginnings of Colonial rule. We transfer the short distance to our hotel next to one of the world's most spectacular natural sights, Victoria Falls. This area has been inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years. The first known name of the falls was "Shongwe," and the current name did not come into being until the Scottish missionary David Livingstone was brought to the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria. The falls and the nearby town of Livingstone are on the mighty Zambezi River, the fourth longest in Africa, and forming the border with neighbouring Zimbabwe. NOTE: Due to variable flight schedules and weather considerations, the order of Victoria Falls area sightseeing activities may vary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Overnight at Victoria Falls. Dinner if required. 
  
Day 2   Victoria Falls Area
 
This morning we visit an authentic Zambian village. The chief has invited visitors into his village to get a glimpse of how his people have lived for generations, and to learn a little about their traditional customs and beliefs. The Chief's guides and the people of the village are more than happy to show visitors their huts and take you inside, explain how they are built and decorated, introduce you to various craftsmen and women at work and ask you to taste some traditional foods and beer. This is a working village, not a purpose-built tourist attraction, and it is a privilege to be welcomed in. We will pass through the town of Livingstone, named for missionary and explorer David Livingstone. The main street of this sleepy colonial town is the important Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, sections of which are lined with colonial buildings. These Victorian tin roofed houses with wooden verandas, many of which are decaying, are a typical example of the English settler architecture. In 1905 settlers moved in to the higher ground at Livingstone to try and escape Malaria. Livingstone became the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911, but the capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935. This afternoon we will have a leisurely walking tour of the Zambian side of the falls. Though water levels may be low at this end of the falls from August to January, there are still some incredible views down the gorge. One special vantage point is the Knife Edge Bridge, which affords views of the eastern cataract, the main falls, and Boiling Pot, where the river turns into the Batoka Gorge, and of the famous 2km (10 mile) Zambezi River Bridge, commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes. The bridge was completed by 1905, but Rhodes never lived to see it completed. Those wanting to visit the Zimbabwe side of the falls can book an optional excursion (water always flows at this end of the falls regardless of seasonality). The bridge provides easy access between Zambia and Zimbabwe and normal form-filling (visa fees applicable: approx 30 USD for US citizens, 65 USD for Canadians, 55 USD for Britons. You must also purchase a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa on arrival in Zambia which allows you to leave Zambia and return - ask your Tour Leader about current rates). The bridge itself has an amazing view of the falls and the black shiny basalt rocks opposite on which sits a lush green mist-soaked rain forest. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zambia. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 3   Victoria Falls - Livingstone - Lusaka
 
Today we fly from Livingstone to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Lusaka is part traditional Africa and part modern; this mix of new and old allows African markets and modern buildings to coexist. This is the central province of Zambia, which makes it naturally the most densely populated and the most tribally-diverse region. The city ends abruptly as the magnificent Zambezi valley drops away from the edges of the eastern suburbs. Overnight Lusaka. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 4   Lusaka - Kafue National Park
 
Today we drive from Lusaka to the vicinity of Kafue National Park and our lodge. The Kafue River and its tributaries contribute to the diversity of landscapes making this one of the most interesting and rewarding African parks. This park situated in central-western Zambia, is the size of Wales in Britain and twice the size of Yellowstone National Park in the USA. The park spills into three of Zambia's provinces and has an impressive range of over 400 species of birds and abundant wildlife. The only visible absentee being the giraffe. Kafue River and its tributaries help the great diversity of this landscape of rolling grass plains and forests. Much of the park is wooded but opens up at intervals to wide grassy clearings known as dambos', where antelopes are attracted to the good grazing. These are punctuated with termite mounds, spouting fig trees and phoenix palms. Predators such as leopard and lion are found here. A dominant feature of the park is the Busanga Plains--a vast floodplain fed by the Lufupa River system. This floodplain has been known to recede in the dry season, often trapping hippo in shallow pools. ** It is important to note that the nature of our activities over the next few days could be significantly affected by seasonal variations in preciptation. This itinerary should give a very accurate sense of what will happen over these days, but passengers are urged to be flexible and be prepared for changes at the discretion of Adventures Abroad, your Tour Leader and guides. Overnight in Kafue. Lodge accommodations. All meals. 
  
Day 5   Kafue National Park
 
Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in the world. The park's vegetation types include riverine forest, mixed woodland, vast grassland plains, and bushland swamps. Classic wildlife include lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo; plus hyena, crocodile and hippo. Antelope species include impala, roan, kudu, sable and red lechwe. Birdlife is also predominant throughout the park. At 22400 sq km (8,603 sq miles,) Kafue covers a vast, gently undulating plateau with expanses of Kalahari sand in the west and south. It is watered by the huge Kafue River and its tributaries, and is home to many crocodiles and hippos. It boasts all of the large predators and the greatest variety of antelope of any African park. Wild dog and cheetah are found on the Busanga Plains, whereas dense leopard populations inhabit the riverine woodlands, where magnificent raintrees, knobthornes, jackalberries, leadwoods and sausage trees can be found. Fig trees occur on the plains while teak grows throughout. Today we enjoy a guided safari through the park. Overnight in Kafue. Lodge accommodations. All meals. 
  
Day 6   Kafue - Lusaka - South Luangwa National Park
 
Today we travel back to the capital and connect with our flight to South Luangwa National Park, near the eastern border with Malawi. The park is rich in fauna and flora, and is relatively unspoiled--some rate this park as the best in Africa. We transfer to our lodge. In 1904 a Luangwa Game Park was declared on the eastern bank of the river, but this was not maintained. Then in May 1938 three parks were defined in the valley: the North Luangwa Game Reserve; the Lukusuzi Game Reserve; and the South Luangwa Game Reserve. In 1949 Senior Chief Nsefu established a private game reserve on the Luangwa's eastern bank, between the Mwasauke and Kauluzi Rivers. This became the Nsefu Sector, which was absorbed into the boundaries of the present park when new legislation turned all game reserves into national parks in February 1972. Nesting at the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, in the Luangwa Valley, the South Luangwa National Park is wild and remote. It has an abundance of wildlife that is rarely seen in other game reserves and is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This huge area of pristine wilderness is home to a large variety of game and birds, as well as the bigger predators. The survival of the valley depends on the winding Luangwa River, crowded with hippos, crocodiles and wading waterfowl. Few parks can match this phenomenally high game density nor do they have the ability to show visitors such remarkable wildlife in such remote and isolated wilderness. Overnight South Luangwa National Park. Lodge accommodation. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 7   South Luangwa National Park
 
Today we enjoy a safari through the park. Because of its phenomenal richness of fauna and flora and its unspoiled nature, the game park is considered the best in Africa. It lies in the 700 km (435 mile) long gently sloping rift valley through which the Luangwa River periodically inundates its alluvial flood plains, leaving oxbow inlets and lagoons along its old channel. The rich volcanic soils support large grass plains and miombo and mopane woodlands that allow high densities of game. Huge herds of elephant, hippo, buffalo, impala and puku are commonly encountered. There are big prides of lions, a very high density of leopards and the largest number of crocodiles on any river in Africa. Specialties include the striking Thorneycroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest. Bird lovers revel in the mixture of over 400 species of birds from across eastern and southern Africa. Overnight South Luangwa National Park. Lodge accommodation. All meals. 
  
Day 8   South Luangwa National Park - Lusaka
 
The Luangwa Valley forms part of the Great Rift Valley. The scenery is dramatic; the valley floor nestles some 800 metres below the surrounding plateau, with the river carving its tortuous course through the centre. The Luangwa and its tributaries are the lifeblood of the region. These waters account for the great profusion of wildlife, which we will able to view as we enjoy a boat trip on the river this morning before returning by air to Lusaka. Overnight in Lusaka. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 9   Departure
 
Departure from Lusaka. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE!

10/09