I was fortunate recently to spend four nights on safari in Zambia, in the pristine splendour of the Lower Zambezi Valley. It’s an area I know well, and I was returning to a lodge I had fallen in love with some years previously. However the lodge had been recently taken over and completely upgraded into what I can now rank as one of the finest lodges I’ve ever experienced. My business is in tourism so I have travelled quite a lot in Africa and have been privileged to have a taste of some of the best accommodation on offer.
My destination – Royal Zambezi Lodge – lies perched on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi Valley, which is part of the Great Rift Valley of Africa. This stunning, unspoilt area is the perfect place to chill out yet it’s only 30 minutes by light aircraft from bustling Lusaka. And the lodge is only 3 km from the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is teaming with game. With the mighty river stretching out in front, the bush and the backdrop of the escarpment behind, the setting is perfect for a relaxing few days in the bush.
Accommodation is in super luxury “tents” on the banks of the river, where the dawn and the sunrise are your wake up call each morning. The 8 rooms and 4 suites are very private, being surrounded by bush, so there’s no need to use the blinds, and an uninterrupted picture of sunrise over the Zambezi greets you every morning.
The suites are the last word in ultra luxury. Here you get a private plunge pool, outdoor bath and shower (as well as an enormous indoor bathroom en suite) and a sala overlooking the river. A sala is a secluded “gazebo” with a day bed – perfect for afternoon naps.
This destination is miles from “civilisation” as we know it – there are no roads, cars, telephones, cellphones – nothing but the sheer beauty of the African bush. The silence is broken only by hippos grunting, birds singing and, if you are lucky, the sound of hyena and lion in the night.
Whilst this destination is the ultimate in luxury chill-outs, there are many activities from which to choose – game drives and walks, fishing for the fighting Tiger Fish, boating and canoeing. There’s also a wonderful spa where you can be spoilt rotten with massages and beauty treatments.
The staff are incredibly good – charming, friendly, experienced and willing. And the food is excellent too. All in all this very exclusive hideaway will introduce you in the nicest possible way to the “real” Africa. Such luxury comes at a price but, for a once in a lifetime experience of unspoilt Africa, this is definitely the place to indulge yourself.
British Airways conveniently fly from London direct to Lusaka three times a week, and Lusaka is also easily accessible from Johannesburg and Nairobi. So it’s very easy for you to experience a safari in Zambia for yourself!
Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife. She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa’s most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website – http://www.kunjani.co.za
Article Source: http://articlesabroad.com
