DAY ONE – ARRIVAL DAY

Airport pick-up. Welcome to Zambia! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport with a #JWP04 signboard. You will be whisked away to your B&B in Lusaka to meet the rest of the group. Later that evening Carla Geyser will do a brief introduction and talk about the trip/itinerary. We will also meet Quentin Allen.

Quentin was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, moving to Zambia at the age of two years. He is an avid hiker, explorer and artist, filling numerous diaries with watercolour sketches which he then converts to large paintings in his Lusaka studio.  He has Illustrated books on trees, one for Kew gardens. He is also a co-author of several books on Zambia’s amazing waterfalls. He is known as Zambia’s waterfall expert. His paintings are in private collections worldwide.

Accommodation: Hanlo Estate B&B or similar
Type: Room (Sharing)
Meals: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

DAY TWO/THREE/FOUR – Lusaka to Kasanka National Park

We head out early on the Great North Road (T2), a major route linking Lusaka to Tanzania. We will stop for coffee & cake at Fig Tree Café in Kabwe.  It’s a long day’s drive but we will eventually get to Kasanka National Park (KNP). KNP is located in the Serenje District of Zambia’s Central Province. At roughly 390 km2 (150 sq mi), Kasanka is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks and the first to be managed by a private-public partnership.

We will spend two full days in the park. One of the mornings we will have an early morning wake-up (5.30am), coffee & rusks, then drive to tree hide to see sitatunga (a type of antelope), then go on a game drive before heading back to camp for brunch . We will spend our third night at Luombwa camp – and that afternoon we will canoe on the river and/or yoga beside the river. There are limited canoes, but we will try fit everyone in.

Accommodation: Wasa Lodge x 2 nights + Luombwa Camp Lodge x 1 night
Type: Chalets (Sharing)
Meals: Full Board
Activities: Game Drive (s)/ Walk   + Canoeing; Visit the Kasanka Conservation Centre; Yoga

DAY FIVE – Kasanka NP – Samfya

Our final game drive and/or canoeing at Kasanka National Park in the morning. After breakfast, we head out for the town of Samfya. Afternoon yoga beside the pool overlooking the lake. The lodge bar is well located for sun-downers and overlooks Lake Bangweulu. Bangweulu means ‘where the water meets the sky’ and you will find out that it is very aptly named! Indeed, when you look at the lake it is hard to tell where the water ends, and the sky begins.

Accommodation: Chita Lodge
Type: Rooms (sharing)
Meals: Brunch, Dinner & Breakfast

DAY SIX/SEVEN  – Samfya to Lumangwe Falls

Lunch at Ntumbachushi Falls, and short hike to see ancient rock paintings that date back 10 000 years. Ntumbachushi Falls are a series of pools flowing off the Ng’onga River in Luapula province. As with many bodies of water in Zambia, communities living in the area believe that the falls are sacred. In the case of Ntumbachushi, local chiefs bathe in the water to rid themselves of bad luck. We will be staying at Lumangwe Falls.

Known as a smaller version of Victoria Falls, Lumangwe Falls can be found in the Northern Province off the main road from Kawambwa and Mporokoso, by the Kalungwishi river. For an impressive view of Lumangwe Falls, we will go down the steps in the small rainforest which is sustained by the water.

As we are camping at Lumangwe Falls for two nights,  we will also explore and walk to Kabwelume Falls (5km) and then walk/drive to Chimpembe Falls (5km). The local myth surrounding the falls is that it was the residence of a “great snake spirit” of the same name that stretched itself to the neighbouring Kabwelume waterfall. Kabwelume Falls is made up of three cascading falls. At the base of the falls is a forested ravine with pre-historic rock art and rainbows in the spray. This place is sacred to the local people, filled with frogs that represent physical forms of snake spirits. No homes can be built here.

Accommodation: Lumangwe Falls camping
Type: Camping in Dome tents (Sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (**Self-catering)

DAY EIGHT – Lumangwe Falls to Kasama

After breaking down camp we head to Kasama. Be prepared for bumpy roads!

Accommodation: Thorntree Lodge or similar
Type: rooms (sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Self-catering)

DAY NINE/ TEN/ELEVEN – Kasama to Mpulungu to Isanga Bay

Leaving Kasama we head via Mbala (where incidentally the Germans surrendered to the British at the end of WWI, three days after the armistice in Europe) , we hope to visit the German Museum if there is time and then head to Mpulungu. Mpulungu, the town on the southernmost tip of Lake Tanganyika, 203 kms or a 3 hour drive. We need to leave Kasama early in order to meet the boat to Mishembe Bay on Lake Tanganyika.

Here we board a small boat to our final destination. Isanga Bay Covers 80,389.03 m² of beach front property and has its own private beech of 110 m long. The closest town to Isanga Bay is Mpulungu, an hour’s boat ride away, and is a busy hub of trade on Lake Tanganyika between the countries of Zambia, Tanzania, DRC and Burundi… Being so close to the equator, the lodge has an island paradise feel to it with great weather all year round and a view that will leave you mesmerized.

One of the days for those that are energetic – there is a hike to Kalambo Falls, Africa’s second highest single-drop waterfall and the 12th highest in the world. With a 221m single drop into the gorge below, Kalambo Falls is twice the height of Victoria Falls. The climb from the lake is steep, but so rewarding, with spectacular views from the escarpment. From viewpoints near the top of the falls you can see the Kalambo River plummeting over the cliffs and into the deep gorge below, before winding its way 5km to Lake Tanganyika. The area around Kalambo Falls is considered an important archaeological site, with continuous human occupation spanning over 250,000 years. Kalambo Falls is on the list to be recognised as a protected World Heritage site. We should be back by lunch and can then enjoy a relaxing afternoon of swimming or yoga.

Accommodation: Isanga Bay
Type: Chalets (Sharing)
Meals: Full Board

DAY TWELVE/THIRTEEN – Lake Tanganyika to Kapishya Hot Springs

Leaving Lake Tanganyika, we stop at Kasama for supplies, then on to Kapishya hot springs. Kapishya is a serene oasis with quiet and restorative hot springs that will leave you rested and enriched thanks to the area’s natural beauty. Situated on the Estate of Shiwa Ng’andu (The Africa House) and along the banks of the Mansha River, these springs offer a welcomed rest on an adventurous journey.

Accommodation: Kapishya Hot Springs
Type: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (**at the lodge)
Activities: Visit the Hot Springs + Yoga

DAY FOURTEEN/FIFTEEN/SIXTEEN– Kapishya hot springs to Bengweulu Wetlands

Leaving Kapishya hot springs, we stop at Africa House for tea and a tour. A visit to Shiwa Ng’andu estate is a unique and fascinating step into history. The ancient structure and stunning estate transport guests of both ancient and colonial times. The estate combines this rich and varied history with a world-class private game reserve that is home to over 30 species of wildlife and over 200 species of birds.  “In a remote corner of Africa stands a magnificent three story pink bricked mansion, with a tower in the centre, a red tiled roof, and a line of elegant arches supporting a first floor terrace from which a Union Jack fluttered… Part Tuscan Manor, part English Ancestral Home… Something one might find in Surrey or Hampshire belonging to a Duke or a Lord.” Christina Lamb, The Africa House **We need to confirm early 2021 if Africa House is still open.

We arrive at Bangweulu Wetlands, where we will stay for the next three nights. Bangweulu, meaning ‘where water meets the sky’ is a perfect description for these globally important and stunning wetlands in Zambia. Bangweulu is unique in that it is a community-owned protected wetland, home to 50,000 people who retain the right to sustainably harvest its natural resources and who depend entirely on the richness the park provides. But due to human needs and lack of alternatives, Bangweulu has suffered for decades from rampant poaching of wildlife and fish stocks. But this began to change when African Parks signed a long-term agreement in 2008 with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to work with the communities to sustainably manage the wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Twelve years later, Bangweulu is delicately balancing the needs of the people with the preservation of wildlife. Fish stocks have significantly increased due to a well-supported three-month fishing ban that resulted in improved catch rates and sales which economically benefits the communities. Poaching has been contained and black lechwe increased from 35,000 to over 50,000 in the past five years. The globally significant shoebill stork population continues to grow, with 10 nests protected by community guards and at least six chicks successfully fledged in 2017. A significant wildlife translocation occurred in 2017, with 250 animals including zebra and impala brought in to bolster remnant populations. Healthcare is being delivered across all six Chiefdoms and the park supports 60 schools. Bangweulu Wetlands is the largest employer in the region and is positioned to become a leading example of community-driven conservation on the continent. We will search for Shoebill storks and black lechwe.

Our accommodation is located in the beautiful Miombo woodlands. Powered by solar electricity, this camp consists of six safari-style tents each with an en-suite bathroom. The camp is catered and the communal area includes a shared kitchen and dining room.

Accommodation: Nkondo Tented Camp (sharing)
Type: Safari Tents
Meals: Dinner, Lunch & Breakfast included
Activities: Walking, Driving (**Depending on water levels) and boats

DAY SEVENTEEN – Bangweulu Wetlands to Mkushi or Kabwe.

After our last mornings activity we will depart for Kabwe or Mkushi for our last night together.

Accommodation: Luangwe Safari Lodge or Forest Inn (TBC)
Type: Rooms (sharing)
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

DAY EIGHTEEN –  Lusaka

Early breakfast and then final drive to Lusaka International Airport for our final farewells. You depart with a lifetime of memories, new, meaningful connections with like-minded women from around the world, and of course, packed lunches from Forest Inn.
** PLEASE arrange your flights in the late afternoon or early evening is even better.

You are among friends when you are with us. Together, we are in a safe space and you have the freedom to be yourself and to explore. Whether you have never left your home country or are a seasoned solo traveller, this trip is guaranteed to offer you adventure, friends, and breathless beauty.

*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability.