Sausage Tree Camp: Information from the owner

Kigelia House

Kigelia House is the perfect choice for small groups or families wanting a truly exclusive safari experience in one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Kigelia’s two en-suite bedrooms are connected by an open-plan living area which leads directly onto an extensive private deck and plunge pool. One room has a lush king-sized bed, the other has two twin beds with delicate wooden princess frames. The central lounge space is designed for maximum comfort, with sumptuous sofas and a large dining table overlooking the Zambezi River.

Luxury Suite

Sausage Tree’s Luxury Tented Suites have each been lovingly designed to bring your most elegant safari dreams to life. Whatever your room doesn’t already provide, your private ‘Muchinda’ (or butler) will be sure to arrange. Imagine a spacious island of cool minimalist style, with a hint of old-school safari glimpsed in the little details and endless views of the Zambezi River stretching out before you. Then add a private plunge pool and a lounge space with a minibar, a king-size or twin bed, a smooth stone tub and an outdoor shower… and perhaps a buffalo grazing peacefully less than ten steps from your room.

Birding

Weather you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive Ground Hornbill or watching the flittering of tiny Redbilled Firefinches there is something for the novice and experience bird watcher alike. We have approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miambo woodland in the escarpment. Some of the special and more interesting birds that can be found in the area are Sadelbilled Stork, African Skimmer, Roufous Bellied Heron, Bee Eaters, Black Crowned Night Heron, Amathest Sunbird and Jamsons Firefinch just to name a few.

Boat Cruises

Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe, whilst also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippopotami pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests have experienced the truly memorable sight of elephant crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi is a must! This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset. Sausage Tree Camp operates scenic boat trips using 7metre aluminium river cruisers. Designed for the Okavango Delta, they are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.

Canoeing

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi, “The Chifungulu Channel”. Led by one of our highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective - looking UP rather than down! Canoe trips vary in length, however a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive. No experience or particular strength is required - it is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes along.Rather than a work out, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of bird-life and admire their sheer beauty

Fishing

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park. The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg / 33lb (the camp record 11.3kg) and are renowned for their strength and spectacular "leaping out of the water" fighting performance. Fishing is succesful all year round, however the warmer months (September - December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.

Game Drives Day & Night

Game drives are the most succesful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those ‘up close and personal’ experiences - our team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close! Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopard, genet, civet, porcupine and giant eagle owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky. Sausage Tree Camp operates a fleet of new Toyota Landcruiser game viewing vehicles to ensure reliability and comfort.

Walking Safaris

Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. Walking was pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly enjoyed. Led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware -not only do you see the smaller things on foot, it is also not uncommon for us to see lion on our bush walks.