Looking for another off the beaten track location in Africa to travel to? Look no further than the beautiful Zambia. This ‘unpopular’ country is by far one of our favourite locations to travel to. Yes, travelling to get there may be a bit arduous (you are likely to take at least 3 flights until you arrive at your destination), but once you arrive, you will see why, it is truly a magical place. We thought we would take you to two of our favourite destinations in Zambia with some ideas of where to stay.

On arrival into Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city and where most international flights land, you will be met by one of our wonderfully friendly reps who will assist you through customs and take you straight to where you will catch your connecting flight down to the Lower Zambezi. This flight is not at all long, around 30 minutes to 45 minutes and as you begin your decent to the dusty airstrip, you will get your first view of the Lower Zambezi River, as you bank left or right on your approach to landing. You will be met by your safari guide and depending on where you are staying, you are likely to be taken on your first game drive, meandering back through the bush towards your destination. If you are thinking of staying at Chiawa, then it might be worth taking a small drive and then hopping onto a small boat to transfer you down the river, passing grazing herds of elephants, dugaboys and pods of laughing hippos, before you pull up to Chiawa’s jetty. Chiawa is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, each room spaced apart to provide ample privacy for anyone staying there. Chiawa is also fabulous to combine with their smaller sister camp, their bush camp, Old Mondoro – a little more rustic, with outside baths and showers and often elephants make their presence known, wandering through camp during the cool mornings and hot afternoons, taking refuge beneath the shade of the huge trees dotted around Old Mondoro.

(one of the rooms from Chiawa)

(A cheeky elephant taking a sip from one of the baths at Old Mondoro)

An alternative property, and one of our favourite places throughout Africa as a whole, is Sausage Tree. Recently refurbished with open and spacious tented suites, each with their own plunge pool, private butler, and private guide during your stay, you can expect nothing but luxury when staying at Sausage Tree. The food and wine pairings are some of the best throughout Zambia too.

(Rooms at Sausage Tree)

(The views from the main deck at Sausage Tree)

After your stay on the Lower Zambezi, you will be taken back to the airstrip to catch your connecting flight up to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa. A very different experience to that of the Lower Zambezi, but the properties we recommend when staying here are Mchenja and Chinzombo. Mchenja is in a forest of dark leadwood and ebony trees, along the banks of the Luangwa River (which is a tributary of the Zambezi River). Each room is elegant and in keeping with the surrounding feel and vibe of the location. If you’re looking for a level up in luxury, then look no further than Chinzombo. This lodge is luxury personified. The rooms are very private and spacious and the food to die for. One of our favourite views is the fire pit, looking out onto the Luangwa River where you can watch the world go by whilst sitting in pure bliss, sipping on a gin and tonic.

(Views from one of the rooms at Mchenja)

(The views from the fire pit deck at Chinzombo)

If you would like to start planning your trip to Zambia, then get in touch so we can put together something fabulous!