zambia // africa
ABOVE : The stunning Jackalberry Treehouse at Flatdogs Camp is rustic , romantic and right on the edge of a lagoon , offering a front-row seat to incredible wildlife from its beautiful deck . OPPOSITE [ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP ] The luxury safari tents at Time + Tide Chinzombo are located on the banks of the Luangwa River , where honking hippos provide the glorious soundtrack ; Boating safaris let you view wildlife from a totally different perspective ; Zambia is a paradise for birdwatchers .
mammals call this 9,000-square-kilometre park home , located in the eastern part of Zambia . This is the birthplace of the walking safari : according to the pioneer of the concept , Norman Carr , “ You do not know a place , until you have walked it ”. Lower Zambezi National Park , located in southeastern Zambia , is less than half the size of South Luangwa , but just as jaw-dropping . The magnificent Zambezi River , the fourthlongest river in Africa , is the defining feature here and you ’ ll definitely want to spend a lot of time on and near the water : fishing for the mighty tiger fish and getting a unique perspective on the wildlife and landscapes on a canoeing safari or boat cruise . Both of these national parks combine effortlessly to create an unforgettable safari holiday , as we can attest after an incredible week in each . You can do an early morning walking safari in South Luangwa , and be enjoying a boating safari in Lower Zambezi by late afternoon on the very same day , gliding downstream on a canoe while elephants look on from the riverbanks , hippos peek above the water to peer at you , and huge sunbathing crocs slide into the water as you pass by .
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
First stop for us in South Luangwa was the relaxed , friendly and fantastic value-formoney , Flatdogs Camp . There are loads of brilliant accommodation options here , including our home for two nights : the delightful Jackalberry Tree House . Wrapped around enormous jackalberry trees , with sweeping wooden decks that sit about two metres off the ground , the entire front of the treehouse is open . You sleep , eat , shower and relax overlooking a private lagoon that attracts an endless procession of animals . Flatdogs ’ communal area features a fab bar , restaurant and pool area , but we also took the opportunity to enjoy
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