There are two ideal properties, Sausage Tree Camp and Old Mondoro, both set in Lower Zambezi National Park and close to Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The Lower Zambezi National Park, comprised of a million acres, has a river frontage of about 72 miles with magnificent picturesque scenery.
Two experiences
The two camps are four hours apart, but a world apart in the experience each offers. Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic while Old Mondoro is rustic, 19th century and a real African bush camp experience. There is a canoe safari between the two camps.
Sausage Tree Camp
Personalized guiding is a mainstay of all activities, which include:
- Game drives, both day and night
- Walking safaris
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Fishing for tiger fish, fly-fishing, bait and spinning
The early season is April and May – after the rains, when skies are clear, the migratory birds remain in plumage, the dense vegetation forces the lions to use the roads and the wild dog are seen in the open plains.
Mid season is June, July and August. The vegetation is dying off and thinning out, the elephant and buffalo herds are gathering and the night weather is chilly. (Daytime weather is perfect.)
Late season is September, October and November. The weather heats up and game viewing and fishing are at their peak, although waterholes have dried up and game is more often seen on the river banks and islands. Bird watching is spectacular.
October is hot and then the first rains come.
Cuisine
You will be spoiled by the camp’s French-trained chef who creates meals from his bush kitchen that are enjoyed under the African sky, with white linen and candlelight. An open bar invites guests to indulge, if they choose.
Accommodation
You have a suite styled like an oversize Bedouin-style tent. The tent has its own butler to spoil you. There are no fences and elephant and other game can stroll through the camp and be viewed from the comfort of the tents. Each has a four-poster bed, covered at night in mosquito nets. The beds are placed so you can view the scenery. Oversize bathtubs accommodate two and a plunge pool is surrounded by a large deck. If you choose, your butler will serve you breakfast on your own deck.
Rates start at US$565 per person per night and include meals, beverages, accommodation, laundry, park fees, internal park transfers and a private butler.
Old Mondoro
Activities include:
- Best walking in the Lower Zambezi
- Game drives (day and night)
- Scenic boat cruises
- Canoeing, including multi-day canoe trips
- Game viewing; elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and zebra
- Maximum number is eight guests
Cuisine
Dine in the main tent, where fresh bread is baked daily for unpretentious meals.
Accommodation
The tents have open views during the day but canvas blinds at night. Each tent has a flush toilet and canvas bucket shower and washbasin. Furniture is rustic with a coffee table and chairs in each tent and paraffin lanterns for natural lighting. All tents have outstanding views of the Zambezi.
Fact & figures (Republic of Zambia)
- Population: 11.5 million
- GDP per capita: $800 US
- Life expectancy: 40 years
- Language: English
- Currency: Kwacha
- Main exports: copper, minerals, tobacco
- Capital city: Lusaka
- Provinces/districts: 9 provinces (Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern, and Western)
* WHO 2006 figures
