General information

The Landrover has a double battery system (car battery and replacement battery for the fridge) with a port (cigarette charging plug) for 12 volt devices. In addition, an inverter is fitted to ensure charging for devices with 220 volt (European plugs). The Landrover is equipped with a fixed roof (two of our Landrovers are fitted with detachable  roofs).

The conditions of the roads vary every year depending on rainfall. The tracks are often only patched up after the rainy season, and occasionally we have to pave a short road section, or remove a tree that has been pushed across the road by an elephant. River crossing on the way, are rarely a serious obstacle as our Landrovers are well equipped to deal with these circumstances: elevated air intake for the engine (‘snorkel’) and modified ventilation for the gearbox and axles to prevent water entering into the drive train.

The trailer is fitted with a mobile kitchen. The luggage, tents and camping equipment is also packed in here. Two large (2 meters long) collapsible tables are carried with us on safari. Camping chairs (collapsible), grill, dishes, pots, tablecloths, coffee mugs, glasses (for wine and juice) etc. are part of the campsite inventory and are all packed away in the trailer. The lighting in the evening consists of camping lamps (connected to the car battery) and lanterns (candles) on the tables.

Our tents are large dome type tents (3,5 x 2.5 m and 2 meters high), and a maximum of 2 guests are accommodated in each. The tents are spacious and provide ample room for camping beds and luggage.  The camping beds (ca. 2 meters long, 60 cm wide and 50 cm high) are fitted with 50 mm high density foam mattresses. Mattresses are covered with linen.

A small freezer is built into the Landrover to keep perishables (meat, cheese etc.) fresh. We also offer cold drinks to our guests.  For this purpose we use a cooler box  filled with ice.

Fruit juice (mostly fresh fruit juice from South Africa, occasionally we offer fruit juice concentrate) and drinking water (groundwater or filtered water) is available throughout the journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included and can be purchased en route. (Approximate prices of alcoholic beverages: beer (330 ml): approx. € 1 00, wine: approx. € 8 00 per liter (depending on the quality)). We purchase canned beer and, preferably, wine in  boxes . Bottles are always at risk on the bad roads.

The crew consists of a local driver/guide and a trained cook who also acts as a general camp helper. The crew will do most of the work involved in a mobile safari, however clients on the camping safari are requested to put up and fold their tents on their own. Our crew will gladly assist them (and of course will help single travelers). With the occasional assistance (e.g. packing the trailer etc ) of the participants things get done quicker.

The meals are prepared from fresh and healthy ingredients. Canned foods are avoided where possible and only offered occasionally where fresh food is not available. Fresh meat and vegetables are an important part of the menu. Vegetarian cooking is offered, depending on the preference of participants. A full vegetarian menu can be organized with prior notice.

Meat is purchased in modern supermarkets (Lusaka) and in clean, modern butcheries on the way. The quality of meat in Zambia is very good. Vegetables and fruit are purchased in the towns and villages, sometimes fresh from small, private vegetable gardens.

Almost during the whole trip we will have cell phone network, the  use of European mobile phones is often possible near cities or populated areas.

Since June 2014 the US$ is accepted again as legal tender. The actual rate of exchange to the local currency (Zambian Kwacha, ZMW) 1 US$ = 11 ZMW.  Banks in Zambia don’t accept U$ dollar notes which were printed before 2006 - please ensure that all notes are not older than 2006 (the date is indicated on the bill).

On our journey we are often at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level. Mornings in winter (June, July and August) can be very cold (around zero Degree Celsius). Daytime temperatures in winter usually rise above 20 degrees. The climate can be cool also in lower altitude areas (in the Luangwa – and Zambezi valley). Some warm clothing is essential when traveling during these months.

October is very warm in the Luangwa and Zambezi valley: midday temperatures reach 35 to 40 Degrees Celsius. Considerable temperature fluctuations can occur during any season.

We may visit a local school during our journey. The schools are often of a poor standard and basic school material is needed urgently.  Students and teachers are grateful for any support in the form of pens, pencils, paper etc.

A Visa fee is payable for all tourists from Europe entering Zambia. Currently a fee of U$ 50-00 is charged for a single entry into Zambia. Visas can be paid at the port of entry and don’t have to be applied for in advance.

Since end of 2015 Malawi also requires visas from tourist coming from Europe (U$ 50-00 pp for a transit visa, valid for 7 days, normal single entry visa U$ 75-00 pp). Visas should be applied for at the relevant embassy abroad.

Our journeys in Zambia lead us to remote and wild areas. Because of the conditions prevailing here we expect some degree of flexibility and patience from our guests. Reasonable health and physical fitness is a precondition for enjoying our tours.

Zambia is an ideal combination of spectacular wildlife, beautiful African landscapes and a varied culture of the indigenous people.

We hope you join us on an exciting and memorable journey in Africa!