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Email Lorraine | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Who needs to be done to be competitive in the world of safari travel.
My overall trip was very good. However, the distances that we covered on the ground were long and tiring. I would also have enjoyed activities other than Safari. Perhaps visits to some tribes, or other cultural events. I would not recommend Zambia in general for a first time Safari Planner.
That being said, working with Christa at Bundu Safari’s was very good. She was a good communicator. Likewise, our guide and driver, Andrew did an excellent job throughout the entire trip. He was knowledgeable, patient, and did his best to find animals. I highly recommend him.
Email Stanley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Hustlers thieves, officials,police,ruin what would otherwise be a wonderful tourist destination
Zambia is a beautiful country with so much to offer, but traveling up from Botswana, there is a stark difference -the official's police and the Botswana people are friendly and efficient, (been several times) , have never been hustled in Botswana -the moment you arrive in Zambia there will be a hustler at your door -the Botswana officials expedite you quickly and efficiently -The Zambian side will keep you for hours -But that we can deal with.Livingstone(Vic Falls,) was empty this year of tourists, one would think they would welcome the ones who do come,but there we felt immediately like we were a mark, and constantly harassed and hustled, beware of the money exchangers and hustlers, do NOT deal with them,even if it costs a bit more, use a bank or ATM, where you are nor surrounded -they will come at you in gangs and try to distract you as others steal from you -this happened to us with our international guests who had money stolen, the police are no help,so don't expect any help there, we did go to the Livingstone police but they laughed at us and said we most probably dropped the money ourselves -so they find it a joke and obviously are not there to help tourists -our guests said it spoilt their experience there, and I doubt will recommend anyone else to go there
NL
Email Karel Stein | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not as good as Botswana
I was at the Croc Valley Camp at south Luangwa NP.
Good accomodation, most lousy Safari vehicles ever seen. Never felt safe or Comfortable.
Park and accomadations are great, but the animals have been greatly reduced over the years. My wife grew up in Zambia and recalls a much more populated national park.
The wildlife watching was poor becasue the animals ran when they saw the vehicle and it was hard to get to, but it was memorable. To be fair, we didnt drive deep into the park, partly because the roads weren't signposted and we got a bit lost. If the infrastructure was improved and poaching stopped, it would be a wonderful destination. We visited in 2004.
