This holiday really delivered beyond our expectations in every respect. The itinerary is packed and varied; culture, wildlife, scenery, exciting activities and enlightening experiences. We climbed Lions Rock; biked alongside rivers, lakes, fields and forest; walked to World End and Horton Plain; explored jungle villages, ancient temples and botanic gardens; rafted across rivers and over rapids; swam in the ocean and gorgeous hotel pools, rode the gloriously scenic train from Pattipola to Ella and even braved tuk tuk rides amidst the mad chaos of The Sri Lankan roads. We jiggled around in jeeps, seeking elephant and leopard and enjoying everything else our excellent guides spotted on two very special safaris. Sounds exhausting doesn’t it but with a very comfortable air conditioned bus to transport us between beautiful hotels in superb situations, and delicious multicultural buffets and wonderful Sri Lankan curries and Lion Beer to reenergise us at the end of each day we were always ready and eager for the next early start. Longer trips were broken up with lovely lunch stops and there were interesting visits to spice gardens, a gem museum, a folk museum and a tea factory. We went from busy towns and hot, humid forests to cooler high country and finished at refreshing beaches, journeying via temples, lakes, paddy fields and the gorgeous contours of tea plantations. We saw traditional dancing and fire eaters in Kandy and had time off to wander the markets and soak up the vibes. There were plenty of spontaneous surprises to add a little extra. We felt safe and welcome, the hospitality was genuine, everyone was so friendly, the children are delightful, and although there is some obvious poverty the people seem happy at heart and very keen to share their love of their country with us visitors. The wildlife in this fabulous country is all around you, flora and fauna in abundance and breathtakingly beautiful.
Zambia Safari Holidays
Our Zambia Safaris
Top 5 Wild Animals to Spot on a Zambia Safari
African Elephant: This majestic animal is the largest that you’ll see on Zambia safari holidays and is often spotted drinking from the waters of the Zambezi River. Although this huge beast can weight up to seven tonnes, it has an elegance that makes it one of the favourites of the Big Five. The Zambezi River is the fourth longest in Africa, flowing for 2,200 miles before reaching the Indian Ocean so it’s no surprise it’s one of the best places to see the African elephant. The best months to see them at the Zambezi is during the dry season between July and October when they come down to river to drink.
African Lion: When you think about Zambia safari tours, they most likely conjure up images of the African lion. Arguably the most awesome wild species on the continent, this big cat is revered yet feared at the same time. Lions are extremely social creatures within their prides and it’s not unusual for the lionesses to stay with the same pride for their entire lives. These fascinating beasts are often seen playing in Lower Zambezi National Park until the temperatures begin to soar and then they tend to sleep in the shade. Dusk is one of the best times to observe the lions as they set off on their evening hunt for prey.
Leopard: Renowned for being the most elusive of Africa’s Big Five, the leopard can lead you on a wild chase when trying to catch sight of it. They tend to hunt alone, hiding in the forest or deserts. The leopard mainly feasts on larger prey such as antelope and deer and are feared by many of the wild animals you’ll find in Zambia. While it is an intimidating species and one with incredible power, it also exudes an air of grace that is captivating to watch. The leopard is classed as a big cat but it’s the smallest compared to the lion, tiger, jaguar and cheetah and is extremely agile with an amazing talent for climbing trees.
Rhino: The rhino is often considered as a lolloping animal because of its size and sturdy build yet surprisingly it can run at speeds of up to 30-40mph. Imagine listening to the thunderous sound as herds of these hefty creatures speed across the wilderness. The average rhino can weigh up to almost 8,000 pounds with their horns protruding up to 5ft, making it one of the largest of the animals found in Africa. Downstream from the famous Victoria Falls, the rare white rhino can be seen along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Hippo: Cruising along the Zambezi River as if they haven’t a care in the world, the hippo is a water-loving ‘river horse’ that is often seen on trips to Zambia. While their pace is slow and they don’t particularly look terrifying, they are one of the most dangerous species in Africa. That said, they are still magnificent creatures to watch with fascinating personalities. At any one time you might see a huge herd of more than 60 hippos swimming along the river.
Ruth Clarke Discover Sri Lanka
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