This bespoke itinerary takes in and focusses on the essence of both Zambia and Zimbabwe – neighbouring countries that boast some of the greatest

nature areas in Africa. Mana Pools National Park, a recognised World Heritage Site, protects one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent. The expansive Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park retains the charm of Africa undiscovered – a timeless sense of remoteness. The trip’s grand finale is the impressive and mesmerising Victoria Falls. Undertaking this safari will leave one with a yearning for more and ensure some phenomenalsafari memories!
BRIEF ITINERARY
This fantastic safari includes a free night at Busanga Bush Camp

•  Days 1, 2, 3: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
   Days 4, 5, 6: Fly via Lusaka to Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia.
   Days 7: Fly to Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone, Zambia
   Day 8: Road transfer to Livingstone International Airport

DAYS 1, 2 & 3 - Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pool s National Park , Zimbabwe - Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, connect by private charter onto Ruckomechi Camp. This camp is idyllically located, overlooking the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park and the imposing Great African Rift Valley. Comprising 14,6002 km (5,600 sq. miles) this park is located in the heart of the Zambezi Valley and is famed for the rich and varied mammal life.
Area and Location: Ruckomechi Camp is situated in an exclusive concession of Mana Pools, nestled amongst a large grove of acacia and ebony trees. This wondrous setting in allows for exploration of the National Park in total seclusion.

The Camp: Ruckomechi Camp accommodates up to 22 guests in ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon suite and family room. All of these units maximise views of the Zambezi River and the escarpment beyond. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts an outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’ in a secluded, scenic spot. A central dining, bar, library and main area completes the camp

DAYS 4, 5 & 6 - Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia -  Boat transfer to Chirundu, followed by road transfer to Lusaka Airport to connect with flight onto the Busanga Plains in northern Kafue National Park.
At 22,500km2 (8 600 sq. miles), Kafue National Park is one of the largest protected expanses in Africa. The Busanga Plains is one of Zambia’s most important wetland and grassland resources and is untouched by development and human activity – the jewel in the Kafue crown. The landscape here is in complete contrast to that of Mana Pools, thereby providing a complementary experience.
Area and Location : The amazing landscapes of the Busanga Plains comprise a web of estuaries, enormous grassy plains and island thickets. Comprising 750km2 (290 sq miles) of untouched Africa, our exclusive concession is centrally located on the Plains – ensuring optimal wildlife viewing in a truly remote and exciting wildlife setting.
Wildlife : Owing to the diverse ecology of the area, this portion area of the Kafue offers fantastic opportunities to see plains game, predators and water-loving animals. This camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of puku and red lechwe as well as herds of buffalo and wildebeest. The most notable predators in the area are lions, with up to four prides moving around the Busanga area. Their tree-climbing antics are quite unique and allow for amazing photographic opportunities. Cheetah and side-striped jackal also roam the grassy areas as do the uncommon rare roan antelope which are locally common. For birders, Busanga boasts over 400 species, with notable species including Black-backed Barbet, Wattled Crane, Rosy-throated Longclaw and Red-throated Twinspot.
Activities : Morning and afternoon-into-evening game drives as well as early season (June and July) boat trips. Magnificent hot air balloon rides (August through October at additional discounted cost) provide a very different perspective of the Plains. The giant 8-person balloon floats above this unique landscape with uninterrupted views of the floodplains and its game.
The Camp : Busanga Bush Camp lies hidden in an island thicket. This camp can accommodate eight guests in four comfortable tents. The main and bar area of the camp is under a large canopy canvas and has a sweeping view out over the plains and its dramatic sunrises. The dining area is further shaded by under the canopy leafy branches of a sycamore fig tree from which a unusual lantern chandelier hangs, romantically lighting up dinner. An optional upgrade to Kapinga or Shumba is available at an additional cost.

Area and Location : Mosi-Oa-Tunya is directly translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’, the local name for the Victoria Falls which is found 12km (7.5 Miles) from camp and forms one of the main activities. This small but very important national park of the same name is 63km2 (24 sq. miles) and is host to a wonderful variety of habitat types from mopane woodland to a rich riverine fringe.
Wildlife : The Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is home to a variety of herbivores such as impala, giraffe, white rhino and buffalo. In the drier season, herds of elephant come down through the camp to drink from the river and even swim across to the other side. The camp dawn chorus includes the comical ‘laughter’ of hippo which are often seen from the various camp vantages. The bird life along the Zambezi is just wonderful – African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher and Schalow’s Turaco are some special finds.
Activities : Guided tours of Victoria Falls, cultural, museum and market tours, morning or evening game drives in Mosi-Oa-Tunya Park and morning or evening boat cruises on the Zambezi River. Livingstone is rated as one of the world’s top destinations for adrenaline and river activities. The most popular of these include (at additional cost) seasonal white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing, microlighting over the Falls, brunch and breakfast canoe trips on the Zambezi and Fallsedge dining.
The Camp : This contemporary but warm camp consists of 12 climate-controlled units on elevated wooden decks. Each unit has inside and outside showers as well as sweeping views of the Zambezi River from a comfortable balcony. Extending out onto the Zambezi River is the main area with novel pizza oven, bar and infinity pool and spa area. The camp also has a well-stocked curio shop selling arts and crafts made by local villagers.

Safari Tip: Due to the range and variety of activities, we recommend additional nights at this camp.

DAY 8 - Transfer to Livingstone Airport