Lower Zambezi Safari Camp Fact Sheet
The Lower Zambezi National Park (4092km²) is the most recent of Zambia’s National Parks and was for many years a forgotten wilderness. This extraordinarily beautiful reserve lies between the rolling hills of the Zambezi Escarpment and the Zambezi River, opposite Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
The park is totally underdeveloped with only one track accessible during the dry season. The park has a river frontage of 120km starting at the Chongwe River mouth and ending at the Mpata Gorge. The waters of the Zambezi are a focal point for the wildlife, which includes elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, various antelope species, baboon and vervet monkey, together with a great variety of birds.
It is a truly stunning location with a perfect combination of open plains, dense palm groves, thickly wooded clusters and deep sandy riverbanks. The wildlife in all its splendid forms punctuates this landscape perfectly, leaving the visitor often at a loss as to which to admire more, the scenery or the animals.
Bar accounts – will be tallied up at the bar on the morning of departure, and sent through to reception for you to check out.
Check-in and check-out – Check in is normally after 13h00. Checkout is normally at 10h00 and is done at reception. We are negotiable on these times, should your room not be needed for arriving guests, or should previous guests have departed early.
Children – Are always welcome at Kiambi, but for their safety and for the enjoyment of all our guests, we ask you please to supervise them.
Climate – Zambia’s elevation (1300m above sea level) on a plateau gives it a moderate climate, despite the fact that it is within tropical latitudes. There are 3 seasons:
Warm and wet from December to April: The first rains begin late December and last until mid-March. During this time, rain lasts one to two hours, mainly at night. Only during the wet season is there noticeable humidity. After the first rains the weather becomes warm and pleasant.
Cool and dry from May to August: The winter nights – July and August – are cold, with warm, pleasant days.
Hot and dry from September to November: September to December brings hot days and warm nights. October is hot both during the day and night, and is the best game viewing period.
Communication – The Lodge has a radio communication system and also mobile phone coverage. Kiambi also has a v-sat installed to provide twenty four hour internet access.
Dress Code – We are a very informal lodge. We believe our guests come here to relax, enjoy the scenery and for the fishing, so please feel free to pack shorts and T-shirts, which are most acceptable at any time of the day or night at Kiambi.
Electricity – We are on ZESCO power and therefore have 24 hour electricity at 220 volts and do not have any problems with charging equipment. In your chalet, you will find adaptor plugs for your use.
Fire – in the unlikely event of fire, please leave your room immediately and congregate in the parking area outside reception.
Health – We strongly suggest that malaria prophylactics be taken. Please ask your GP before your departure for Kiambi. Kiambi is the fortunate position to be only 20kms from Chirundu with two excellent hospital facilities, Mtendere Mission Hospital and Chirundu Hospital.
Housekeeping – We would appreciate your help in notifying us of any problems you may encounter in your chalet.
Insect control – The camp is sprayed regularly against mosquitoes, with an environmentally friendly agent. Please ensure that your chalet doors are closed and that all lights are switched off when you leave the chalet, to avoid attracting insects. An insecticide is available at reception should insects be a problem.
Malaria – is a serious problem in Africa. Take your tablets as recommended by your General Practitioner. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn. The best prevention is avoidance:- Keep your chalets doors closed. Cover up by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed shoes. Wear mosquito repellant.
Mini Bars in rooms – This bar will be restocked every morning. If you need this bar restocked again in the afternoon, please ask the barman at the lodge bar.
Payments – KKiambi Lodge accepts US$ and Zambian Kwacha cash , local cheque as well as credit cards payments.
Security – Kiambi Lodge has not experienced any crime in the past. At night, in the event of any emergency occurrence, please contact any security person patrolling the grounds, who will in turn contact management.
Septic tanks – Water disposal is via septic tanks. Please do not dispose of anything other than toilet paper in the toilets to avoid the natural process of biodegradation from taking place.
Smoking – For the comfort and safety of all clients, we have a “no smoking” policy in all of our chalets, vehicles, boats and canoes. Please note that it is extremely dangerous to smoke or light any mosquito coil inside your chalet. Please do not dispose of your cigarette butts in the camp gardens, the bush or in the river. Dispose of butts in the fire, ashtrays provided or in the 3 legged cast iron pots positioned on the verandah of the chalets.
Tipping of staff – Tipping is entirely voluntary and at your own discretion. If you wish to leave a gratuity for the staff, please remember that all the staff at Kiambi work to make your stay enjoyable, therefore we ask that if you wish to leave a tip, you do so in the general tip box on check out at the reception desk. This tip is divided equally amongst all staff once a month. If you wish to tip a particular staff member for excellent service, please do so at your own discretion.
Valuables – If staying in our Luxury Tented Chalets, we recommend that you store your passport, air tickets, money and jewelry in the reception safe at Kiambi Lodge. Please do not leave valuables or money in your chalet. Our air-conditioned chalets 9, 10 and 11 have built in safes. Please remember to retrieve your belongings from the safes, before check-out.
Water – Our water is filtered borehole water, and fit for consumption. It is safe to brush your teeth with and to drink. However if you feel that you may suffer from a sensitive stomach, please drink only bottled water. Even though we are situated on the Zambezi River, water is a precious commodity in Africa, so please do not waste water.
Walking – Kiambi is not situated in a game reserve, but within the Chiawa Game Management Area. Therefore we do have villages around us, as well as some wildlife. If you wish to walk outside of Kiambi’s property, although, we can safely say there is no risk, we are however not held responsible. We would suggest that if you do wish to walk outside of Kiambi’s property, that you leave all valuables at the camp.
What to pack – Hats, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, walking shoes and appropriate clothing should be packed. For those memorable moments, bring along your camera and binoculars.
Your safety – We are situated high above the river and do not get visited by hippo’s or crocodiles. However, we are still situated in a bush environment, so please take care of where you step. Be on the look out for snakes in the bush or gardens. Do not walk in the bush unaccompanied by a guide or tracker. Do not swim in the rivers, lakes, pools or lagoons- it is dangerous due to the presence of hippo’s and crocodiles.
Getting there
By Air Charter – flights can also be organized in conjunction with one of our local charter flight companies to our closest airstrip which is a mere 5kms away. For larger aircraft a further away airstrip is used. Kiambi Lower Zambezi’s closest airports are Lusaka or Royal airstrip, near the Lower Zambezi National Park. Cessna 210’s can land on the Mastock Farm 5kms from Kiambi Lower Zambezi, only by permission from the farm owner. Some of the scheduled and charter airlines that fly into Lusaka include British Airways, Kulula, Zambian Airways, South African Airways and Air Zimbabwe.
By Boat Transfers – Transport and transfers are available by boat and can be arranged, to and from most places, in the Lower Zambezi area. If flying into Royal airstrip, a boat transfer can be arranged by Kiambi Lower Zambezi. Transfers are not included in the fully inclusive and full board rates at Kiambi Lower Zambezi.
By Road Transfers – Kiambi Lower Zambezi is 160km/ two and a half hour drive, from Lusaka, on the main Lusaka- Chirundu road. Guests can be met at the airport, and transferred to the lodge by the lodge’s vehicle and driver. Kiambi Lower Zambezi’s transport and transfer service is not limited to guests staying at Kiambi Lower Zambezi. This service is extended to the surrounding camps and lodges as well as any passengers that are in need of transport to their desired destinations within and around Zambia. Transfers are not included in the fully inclusive and full board rates .
By Road (Self-drive)
Lower Zambezi is accessible by road all year round, a 4WD is not necessary, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. From Chirundu there is an 11km gravel road to the pontoon across the Kafue River, and thereafter, another 11km of gravel road to Kiambi Lower Zambezi. If traveling on your own, please take into consideration that there is a payment pontoon crossing over the Kafue River. The pontoon opens at 06h00 and closes at 18h00, so one has to ensure to arrive at the pontoon before the 18h00. Alternatively for the more adventurous, there is the Leopard Hills road from Lusaka to Lower Zambezi. This road is definitely for 4×4 only and if possible traveling in convoy. It is a spectacular and breathtaking road through the Zambezi Escarpment down to the Lower Zambezi Valley.
Directions to Lower Zambezi
From Lusaka on the main road:
Travel towards the Chirundu border post. At the border post, turn left onto a gravel road traveling towards the pontoon on the Kafue River. After the pontoon, take the 1st turn-off to the right and drive +- 12km to Lower Zambezi Safari Camp
From Lusaka on the secondary 4×4 road:
Travel out of Lusaka on the Leopard Hills Road, and continue where the road splits to the right. Continue straight down the escarpment. At the T junction on the Lower Zambezi Road, turn right and travel about 4 kilometers to the lodge
From Kariba:
Cross the border at Siavonga and travel towards the Lusaka / Chirundu road. Turn right at the T-junction towards the Chirundu border post. At the border post, turn left onto a gravel road traveling towards the pontoon on the Kafue River. After the pontoon, take the 1st turn-off to the right and drive +- 12km to the lodge
Activities
Tiger Fishing at Kiambi is fantastic! The ideal Tiger fishing period is from September to April, but hooking a tiger during the winter months is not impossible. Fish tend to feed more during the summer months rather than the winter months. Due to the ever conscious implications on the environment of the Zambezi River, fishing for Tiger Fish is strictly catch and release.
Canoeing from Kiambi is unbeatable and if you truly want to experience nature at its best, what better way to do it than from a canoe. Kiambi generally works on a 1 to 3 day canoeing safari, but tailor made trips can be arranged to suit your interests. Our canoe safaris include a visit to one of our local villages to exchange traditions and meet the friendly population of Zambia.
Birdlife is abundant around Kiambi with a variety of raptors, water birds, and smaller birds commonly sighted. Trumpeter hornbill, Meyer’s Parrots, Lilian’s Lovebirds and Narina Trogon are but a few of the bird species which can be observed in the Zambezi Valley. Bird watching is excellent from December to April, and good from May to November. Kiambi has a Roberts Multimedia Bird’s of Southern Africa program on computer in the office, as well as many birding books. Please feel free to use these at your leisure, although they remain the property of Kiambi.
Sunset cruises depart in the late afternoon, and are included in a 2 night stay in our
fully inclusive rates for our luxury tented chalets and our luxury air-conditioned tented chalets.
For those not on a fully inclusive rate, it is a small extra charge, but well worth it, as there is the possibility of seeing elephants, crocodiles, hippo, as well as many different bird species found in the Zambezi Valley. Drinks are served on board, often accompanied by spectacular African sunsets.