This safari visits three of northern Zambia's wildlife areas, seeking the rarer species like the swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope in Kasanka and the prehistoric shoebill in the Bangweulu Wetlands before a brief stop ion South Luangwa ; these 10 nights in Zambia are really designed for 'Old Africa hands' and serious bird-watchers – it is not a suitable safari for most first-time visitors.

Both Kasaka and Bangweulu can be visited earlier in the year – when shoebill sightings are often better - making this a perfect trip to experience Zambia's Emerald Season.

Day 1

Starting from London Heathrow, your scheduled British Airways overnight flight will take you to Zambia's capital, Lusaka.

Days 2-3 Northern Zambia, Zambia

On arrival in Lusaka you are met and flown by light aircraft for about 2 hours to Kasanka National Park. There you are met by a guide and open 4WD at the airstrip, and driven the short distance through the park for 2 nights on the edge of Lake Wasa. Here your simple lodge is –

Wasa Lodge (full board & activities)

Days 4-5 Northern Zambia, Zambia

Spent a morning visiting Fibwe Hide, which affords Africa's best chance of observing sitatunga feeding in the wild. After a delicious brunch, a game drive will take you deeper into the park, further west, to a small camp beside the perennial Luwombwa River. The simple chalets nestling on the riverbanks are a great base for canoeing, walking and 4WD safaris in this remote park. Spend 2 nights at –

Luwombwa Lodge (full board & activities)

Days 6-8 Northern Zambia, Zambia

Enjoy the thrill of a small plane flight from Kasanka and over the mighty Bangweulu Floodplains. On a seasonal island in the Bangweulu Wetlands, Shoebill Camp is a very simple tented camp from where you can explore on foot and by dug-out canoe – watching for the amazing birdlife, including the rare and remarkable Shoebill Stork. Stay for 3 nights to explore from –

Shoebill Island Camp (full board & activities)

Days 9-10 South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

After breakfast and a morning activity, you fly by light aircraft to the famed South Luangwa National Park. Landing in Mfuwe Airport, you will be met and taken to Kapani Lodge, one of the Valley's longest-established lodges. It's the perfect base for drives and walks amongst the relaxed game at the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Stay here for 2 nights at –

Kapani Lodge (full board & activities)

Day 11 Lusaka area, Zambia

After a relaxed day at Kapani you'll be driven to Mfuwe Airport, for a 60-minute flight back to Lusaka. There you'll be met by a representative of the Taj Pamodzi hotel, who will drive you through Lusaka to -

Taj Pamodzi Hotel (bed & breakfast)

Day 12

Getting up very early in the morning, you will be driven to Lusaka Airport as the city wakes up, arriving in time to connect with your direct flight back to London Heathrow with British Airways. You arrive back into Heathrow in the late afternoon – refreshed after a superb trip to Zambia.

Cost of this trip
From	To	Cost
1-Jan-2008	31-Mar-2008	£3,209
1-Apr-2008	31-May-2008	£3,209
1-Jun-2008	30-Jun-2008	£3,299
1-Jul-2008	31-Jul-2008	£3,366
1-Aug-2008	31-Oct-2008	£3,366
1-Nov-2008	30-Nov-2008	£3,209
Notes: • The prices shown are per person sharing; call us for single person supplements. • It is very easy to change the duration of this trip by a few days, either staying longer, or shortening it by one or two days. Just discuss what you want with us.

This itinerary includes:
• Economy flights, as above, plus UK airport departure taxes.
• All internal transfers and flights in Zambia
• All meals and most drinks whilst on safari (including all house wines, soft drinks and local beers & spirits)
• All safari activities, including 4WD safaris in open safari vehicles and walking safaris where conditions allow
• Park fees at all the safari camps
• A comprehensive pack of maps and information covering the places that you'll be visiting, including the a copy of Zambia: the Bradt Travel Guide, written by Expert Africa's Chris McIntyre

This itinerary excludes:
Excludes:
• Champagne, specially imported spirits, fine vintage wines and similarly exotic alcoholic drinks (for which all safari camps & hotels will charge extra)
• Tips and gratuities (which are optional)
• Zambian visa fees (at present these are £75 / $140 per person for a single entry and £240 / $442 per person for a multiple entry)


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