My Unforgettable Adventure Through Zambia’s Wild Wonders
Published: 4 December 2024
Exploring the heart of Zambia's wilderness is always a privilege, and my recent journey, starting at Matetsi River Lodge and spanning African Bush Camps, Time + Tide, and Sungani Lodge, was nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve traveled to Zambia many times, but writing this blog in particular had me feeling like I was living the travel influencer hashtag life! So here’s a glimpse into my adventure - cue the #wanderlust and #travelinspiration:
Matetsi River Lodge – Serenity on the Zambezi
Before the official agent educational trip began, I spent two blissful nights at Matetsi River Lodge. Perched along the upper Zambezi River, this haven offered luxurious rooms with air-conditioning—a welcome respite from the heat as the September month can be particularly hot while everyone waits for the first summer rains to cool things down.
A walking safari with an expert guide brought me face-to-face with a herd of elephants, while game drives revealed lions feasting on a buffalo kill and elephants crossing the river - you honestly cannot script these sightings. True magic! A standout was a memorable lunch in the wine cellar and a lively Boma dinner under the stars.
Thorntree River Lodge – Tranquility Meets Adventure
My first stop after joining the fellow travel designers was with African Bush Camps at their Thorntree River Lodge. Set serenely on the river, this property stole my heart with its stunning location and exceptional service.
From the private pools to the Instagram-worthy main pool area, every detail exuded elegance. Highlights included a magical sundowner cruise and an exhilarating rhino trekking experience nearby where I got within a few metres of a rhino on foot (yes, you read that correctly). The food was impeccable—who says you can’t have true fine dining in the bush?
Time + Tide Nsolo & Kakuli – A True Bush Camp Experience
From there, I ventured into South Luangwa, spending a night each at Nsolo and Kakuli.
Nsolo: A classic bush camp with a rustic charm. The open-plan dining and main area created a warm, communal atmosphere. The rooms were simple yet comfortable—perfect for immersing in the wild.
Kakuli: Perched overlooking the river, Kakuli was an actual dream! A guided walk through forests and along the river led to breathtaking wildlife encounters: think along the lines of hyenas scavenging a hippo carcass, leopards, lions, and abundant game, I realized once again why so many people dream of coming to Africa for a safari - there’s nothing that can match her beauty. Dinner under the stars capped off an unforgettable day.
Lolobezi – Luxury in the Lower Zambezi
Next, African Bush Camps - Lolobezi Lodge redefined luxury. Nestled along the Zambezi River, this lodge boasted air-conditioned suites, jaw-dropping river views, and an ethereal walk through Winter Thorn forests.
The highlight? Catching (and releasing) a 16-pound tiger fish—the largest ever caught there! I must just say that my husband, Roddy, is an avid fisherman, traveling to Namibia and throughout South Africa in pursuit of catches like these. Needless to say, when I showed him a photo of my catch, he was inconsolable! This moment was so big, he even got this photo framed for me (that’s after the jealousy subsided…).
As if this catch wasn’t truly spectacular enough - the team at Lolobezi arranged a brunch - and not just any brunch - on a sand back in the middle of the Lower Zambezi. We were taken upstream only to discover a table and chairs set up on the water (ankle deep) where there was an umbrella for shade, champagne to cool us down and the most delicious food station setup. I felt like an actual celebrity (and that’s how I want every client of mine to feel too).
Sungani Lodge – A Hidden Gem in South Luangwa
After the agent trip, I flew toSungani Lodge, a secluded paradise overlooking a bustling lagoon. Game drives offered unique photography opportunities, especially from the underground and Bee-Eater hides - you can read more about these kinds of experiences in this blog I wrote. Sundowners amidst the wilderness and guided walks revealed the park’s rich wildlife and pristine beauty.
Not only is Sungani a hidden gem, it’s also home to one of the most fascinating sightings I have ever seen through the years (pity I didn’t manage any photos as it was dusk). During our night time game drive we came across a leopard stalking a porcupine, now instead of running away at the sheer size of this feline interrupting its evening, the porcupine started to rattle its quills. I’m not entirely sure what exactly I was expecting it to sound like, but I definitely would not have associated banging pots with the sound of rattling quills! It made such a loud thunderous noise that the leopard thought, “I’ve got bigger prey to catch, let me now waste my time with this annoying noisy thing.”
Thank You Zambia!
This trip reminded me why Zambia is a bucket-list destination: its untamed beauty, incredible wildlife, and world-class hospitality. Whether it’s the thrill of a walking safari, the serenity of a sunset cruise, or the luxury of riverside lodges, Zambia offers something for every traveler. I also understand that for many of you reading this, perhaps you’ve never visited Africa before and you’d much prefer to experience the more frequented or ‘known’ destinations like Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana?
The beauty of Zambia’s location and travel within Africa is that it is very easy to cross borders and include different destinations. Each one may offer a safari, but I can tell you now that they each have their own feeling, own biospheres, and own unique sightings. Adding Zambia to your vacation is something I’d strongly suggest!
Reach out to me, Kirsty Gordon, for an obligation-free call to discuss your needs and bucket lists. I tailor every itinerary to each client and I like to offer each future friend of Anywhere in Africa Safaris the chance to feel like a person and not a reference number. Therefore, you will deal with me directly from start to finish and if you’d like to understand this process better, here’s a useful page on the safari booking process with me.
I’d like to say a very big thank you to Sungani Lodge, African Bush Camps Thorntree Lodge & Lolobezi, Time + Tide Nsolo & Kakuli, and the incredible ground handlers, Bush Track Africa who arranged this all. You are the reason why so many people return to Africa and choose it as their bucket list destination. Thank you for all that you do in promoting sustainable tourism and improving the surrounding communities and wildlife you serve.