Zambia 18 South Luangwa is the jewel of the country's national parks and comprises 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave characteristically scenic ox- bow lagoons. Set amongst beautiful riverine vegetation of evergreen mahogany and ebony trees, these lagoons and the ' grazing lawns' around them are a magnet to the park's outstanding wildlife. You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here - elephant, buffalo, hippo, Thornicroft's giraffe, lion, crocodile, warthog, puku, Crawshay's zebra, Cookson's wildebeest and eland are all common, and the Luangwa has the world's highest naturally occurring population of leopard. For the birdwatcher too, Luangwa could hardly be better. The sun- scorched riverbanks play host to vast colonies of carmine bee- eaters, which together with lovebirds and kingfi shers lend more than a splash of colour to this beautiful destination. Norman Carr Safaris HIGH OUR CHOICE Norman Carr was the pioneer of safaris in Zambia and his lodge and bush camps remain amongst the very best in Luangwa. Kapani Lodge is the main property sited just outside the park on a beautiful lagoon over which is a shady viewing platform and al- fresco dining area. Each of the four bush camps is inside the park but two of them ( Luwi and Nsolo) are located along the dry Luwi River, Norman's favourite game- viewing and walking safari area in the whole of Zambia. The camps vary from the simple ( and arguably perfect) Luwi, to the luxurious Kakuli and Mchenja which are located on the bank of the Luangwa itself. Kakuli is the only bushcamp in Luangwa which is open in the green season from January to March. At this time of year it is accessed by an exciting 2- hour river journey from the park entrance. Zambia is the place we know best; this is where we grew up, and the place that draws us back time and time again. Our founder and director, Chris Breen, lived and worked here, and ran walking safaris from two beautiful bushcamps in the heart of the Luangwa Valley. It is against the standards of accommodation and guiding in Zambia that we compare everything else in the world that we offer. Zambia holds our heart. It is a country with warm, welcoming people and smiling faces. It also has fantastic accommodation and good transport links. However, it is Zambia's staggering diversity that really makes it our number one destination. From the verdant grassy plains and fi rst- class walking trails in the Luangwa, to the tree- climbing lions of Kafue's Busanga Plains, and the canoeing and boating opportunities on the Lower Zambezi, this is ' safari par excellence'. In some places, you won't see another tourist. It is the way they ' safari' in Zambia that makes it all so special. Try it - we have lots of interesting suggestions over the next few pages, carved from our years of experience. In fact, we think that if you travel to Zambia, you will want to return again and again.. as so many of our safari- goers do. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 South Luangwa National Park

Flatdogs Camp MID OUR CHOICE Flatdogs has one of the most wonderful sites in the Luangwa, with probably the longest river frontage of all the valley's lodges. It is a medium- sized camp with a varied range of accommodation from en- suite safari tents to the beautiful Jackalberry Tree House. Kafunta River Lodge MID Kafunta, which accommodates 20 people, is built around a wild mango tree and thatched in traditional style. It offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the usual range of safari activities but is unique in having both a swimming pool and a spring- fed hot tub. This lovely addition to a safari lodge is naturally kept at a constant 38 degrees! Island Bush Camp MID This bush camp is small ( it only accommodates ten people) and personalized. It is set in a mahogany grove on the bank of the Luangwa. It offers rustic accommodation in grass and reed huts ( each with a verandah overlooking the river), but with the modern comforts of hot showers and running water. North Luangwa North Luangwa National Park is separated from its southern cousin by the Munyamadzi Corridor. It is a virtually unexplored wilderness in safari terms with no permanent lodges. Its 6,000 square kilometres support a substantial wildlife population with lion, leopard, elephant being here in good numbers. It combines really well with South Luangwa ( generally accessed by light aircraft from the south) and the emphasis here in the north is on vehicle- free safaris. Mwaleshi MID Mwaleshi is constructed in a traditional grass and pole fashion on a beautiful stretch of the perennially fl owing Mwaleshi River. The camp is in the heart of an area legendary for its abundant wildlife and in particular lion. Kutandala MID Kutandala on the banks of the Mwaleshi River offers simple thatched chalets for only six guests. The dining area, bar and library are arranged under the shade of a huge Natal Mahogany Tree and with there being no generator, the true sounds of bush life can be heard. The food and quality of service here are exceptional. AFRICA | ZAMBIA 19 Fact! Fact! To date 20 black rhinos have been trans- located to North Luangwa with a view to re- establishing a viable breeding population here after they were decimated by poachers in the 1980s. Five rhinos were brought here in 2003, ten in 2006 and another fi ve in 2008. SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe ( via Lusaka) Day 2 South Luangwa National Park, 7- nights, Flat Dogs Camp. Located on the banks of the Luangwa River, the safari tents have great views of the valley, and you'll have wonderful game-viewing opportunities ( BLD) Day 9 Lusaka, 1- night, Pioneer Camp. Spend the night in Lusaka ( BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK ( B) Day 11 Arrive UK LUANGWA SAFARI ADVENTURE Get up close and personal with lion, leopard, elephant and much more on this amazing Zambian safari. We've got together with a fantastic camp in South Luangwa National Park to offer you an unrivalled safari deal. You can experience Zambia in style but without the high price tag! TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 2195 ( Mar - Jun, Nov - Dec), £ 2495 ( July - Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights tented camp, guided activities Norman Carr ( who our founder and director Chris Breen worked for in the mid- 1980s) was an eco- tourism pioneer when in the 1950s he asked the local chief if he could bring tourists into the area to see wildlife - and pay the Chief a small ' fee' for his permission. The Chief thought Norman was mad ( but agreed), and wildlife tourism and conservation in partnership in Zambia was born. It has set the standard for the rest of Africa to follow.