Zambia

The mighty Zambezi River forms part of the Zambian border and is at its best when it reaches Victoria Falls at Livingstone. The water plunges about 100 metres into a narrow gorge before flowing down a series of rapids – ideal for white water rafting.

The Falls offer a host of activities, including sundowner boat trips, lunch on Livingstone Island, game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, white water rafting, canoeing, scenic flights and angling for tiger fish. Further downstream, past the Kariba Dam, is one of the best areas to explore the Zambezi on a combined river and land safari.

The Lower Zambezi National Park is a haven for wildlife, particularly elephants and wild dogs. With the Mana Pools Game Reserve on the Zimbabwean side, the traffic of animals, particularly elephants, is a sight to behold. Game drives here are excellent with experienced local guides, superb accommodation and a true sense of wilderness. Walking and canoeing are part of the daily activities here, but arguably the best option is game viewing on board a pontoon whilst you are tucking into a superbly cooked hot breakfast!

South Luangwa National Park is in east Zambia’s Luangwa River valley. It’s known for its abundant wildlife. Inside the Mfuwe Gate entrance, the river is often crowded with hippos. The woodland savannah is home to hundreds of bird species. Trails from the park’s lodges wander past baobab trees, herds of elephants and rare Thornicroft’s giraffes.

Please note this country is malarial.