Staying in two delightful camps, we explore the photographic opportunities along the full length of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi floodplain with Zambia expert and wildlife photographer Bret Charman.
Having led photographic safaris in Zambia for many years, we're delighted that Bret is leading this dedicated photo safari in one of the country’s premier wildlife destinations, Lower Zambezi National Park. Although there are many similarities between here and South Luangwa National Park, the varying landscapes and habitats of Lower Zambezi are ideal for wildlife photography. The valley has become synonymous with its relaxed population of leopard, large prides of lion and a thriving population of African wild dog.
The number and size of the elephants here's equally impressive, while photographing them in the winterthorn forests and ebony groves makes for memorable photography opportunities. On top of that, the birdlife within the park is exceptional, with a wide array of species easily photographed.
We're splitting our time in Lower Zambezi across two different camps, one towards the western end and the other over on the east of the floodplain. This provides us with opportunities to focus on different animals and habitats throughout. By going slow, and being able to enjoy the wildlife on the flood plain around each camp, we're able to maximise the fantastic light after dawn and before dusk, while also spending a prolonged time observing and photographing unique behaviours. These small, intimate camps are equally rewarding, with plenty of wildlife being observed without the needing to step in a vehicle.
There's also the opportunity to head out on the water and enjoy boat trips. Providing further opportunities to photograph elephant and hippo, these boat trips can be particularly rewarding and allow us to add broader appeal to our growing portfolios.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
Depart the UK for an overnight flight to Lusaka, Zambia.
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Day 2:
Arrive Lusaka & fly to Jeki, Lower Zambezi
Today, we arrive in Lusaka and catch an afternoon flight to Jeki airstrip in Lower Zambezi. On arrival, we're met and transferred the short distance to Chula Island. We then take a pontoon across the Discovery Channel, before another short drive to Chula Island Camp, where we enjoy our first meal together.
Accommodation: Chula Island Camp, 4-nights
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Days 3-5
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Photographic safaris in western Lower Zambezi
Each morning for the next three days, we have an early wake-up call and head out on a morning safari. The length of the game drives depends on what we may see and the light conditions, but they typically last for between three and four hours. This allows plenty of time to find and photograph our target species such as lion and leopard.
Bret Charman is on hand throughout our safaris to offer guidance and help position the vehicle to maximise our photographic opportunities by working with our expert local guides. The open-sided vehicles are perfect for all-round visibility and photography.
During the middle of the day there's plenty of time to sit and enjoy the comforts of camp or utilise the experience and knowledge of Bret. As the heat of the day starts to fade away, it's time to head out again for our afternoon safari. With an idea of what has been seen in the day, we can make a plan and position ourselves to be able to photograph in the best of the golden light. Our safaris in the Lower Zambezi also offer the chance to enjoy a night drive, therefore allowing us to see a host of other species that are often out of reach.
Alternatively, there's the opportunity to head out on the water one afternoon, allowing us to see the park from an entirely new perspective.
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Day 6:
Transfer to Kutali Camp
This morning we enjoy a last game drive in the western reaches of Lower Zambezi National Park, before returning to Chula Island Camp and vacating our tents. We head on a game drive transfer to Kutali Camp either before or after lunch.
We're able to enjoy a full game drive this afternoon, starting to explore the eastern side of the park, before returning to the camp for dinner.
Accommodation: Kutali Camp, 4-nights
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Days 7-9
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Photographic safaris in eastern Lower Zambezi
We continue as we did during our time at Chula, with early morning safaris and afternoon activities, with an opportunity to enjoy a night drive on our way back to camp. There may well be further opportunities to enjoy boat safaris on a different stretch of the river, as and when.
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Day 10:
Morning safari; fly back to Lusaka & onward flight to the UK
This morning, we enjoy our last safari in Lower Zambezi National Park, before returning to camp and having to pack our things before our flight back to Lusaka this afternoon. Upon arrival in Lusaka, we head across to the international terminal and continue on our overnight flight back to the UK.
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Day 11:
Arrive UK
