BEHIND THE FRAME: GIRAFFE IN HIGH KEY
19 September 2025
GETTING STARTED WITH BIRDING
22 September 2025BEHIND THE FRAME: GIRAFFE IN HIGH KEY
19 September 2025GETTING STARTED WITH BIRDING
22 September 2025ADVENTURE STORIES
TRIP REPORT: LOWER ZAMBEZI PHOTO SAFARI
The Lower Zambezi has truly become one of my favourite safari destinations, and this recent trip only confirmed why. Some places just have a way of connecting with you—where every drive feels magical and you can’t help but smile as you take it all in.
For me, it’s a mix of things that make the Lower Zambezi so special. The landscape is breathtaking: golden winter thorn forests, sweeping floodplains, the mighty Zambezi River, and sunsets that melt behind the escarpment in shades you’ll never forget. Then there’s the wildlife—on this trip alone we had countless leopard encounters, unforgettable lion sightings, more elephants than I could possibly count, and even a glimpse of a smaller pack of African wild dogs.
The Lower Zambezi really is the full package, and every visit just deepens my love for it.
Another standout feature of the Lower Zambezi—and perhaps one of the most important—is the exclusivity of the safari experience. Unlike some destinations that have come under scrutiny for overcrowding, sightings here feel wonderfully personal. During our trip, we enjoyed multiple leopard and lion encounters with no more than two or three vehicles present at any time.
This sense of space makes a world of difference. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment, without the pressure of a ticking clock or the distraction of too many vehicles. With no time limits at sightings, you can watch natural behaviour unfold at its own pace and capture those unforgettable moments without interruption. It’s an authenticity that elevates the entire safari, making each encounter feel all the more special.
One of the key ingredients to a truly memorable safari is the location of your camp. The last thing you want is to spend hours driving long distances to reach prime game areas, only to arrive when the best light has faded or the wildlife activity has passed. This is especially true for big cats, whose active periods are often short and concentrated. Being close to the action is essential.
That’s why the Classic Zambia camps—Kutali and Chula—stand out. Perfectly positioned in the heart of rich game-viewing areas and right beside the magnificent winter thorn forests, they offer unbeatable access to both wildlife and scenery. These forests, bathed in golden light at sunrise and sunset, are nothing short of magical. Whether it’s elephants, baboons, or even the smallest creatures, everything looks extraordinary against this fairytale backdrop.
One afternoon, we were treated to an unforgettable moment. A female leopard strolled gracefully along one of the channels before leaping onto the most picture-perfect leopard tree imaginable. The light was flawless, the setting spectacular, and she posed as if the scene had been designed just for us. It was a reminder of why location is everything on safari.
DID YOU KNOW
We have an extensive calendar of scheduled photo safaris?
The Lower Zambezi once again showed why it is one of the top safari destinations, whether you are a wildlife photographer of a wildlife enthusiast.
If you haven't yet been to the Lower Zambezi, trust me it's incredible!
Until next time,
Nature and the outdoors is something was instilled in me from a very young age, having grown up close the Kruger National Park. Most weekends were spent either visiting this iconic park looking for certain bird and mammal species or fishing at any given opportunity.
EXPERIENCE THE LOWER ZAMBEZI
The Treasures of the Lower Zambezi is a thrilling wildlife photography safari in one Africa's hottest current safari destinations. Explore the winter thorn forest in search of incredible photographic opportunities with leopards, lion, elephants and so much more.