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It’s that time of year again; the heavens open and rain descends on Zambia, transforming the once dry plains into an oasis of lush green vegetation. The waters rise, the wildlife appears more distinctive than ever and the birding thrives. Here’s what’s happening this Emerald Season in Zambia :
'ALL WEATHER ACCESS' IN SOUTH LUANGWA
Due to their ‘all weather access’ airstrip and roads leading to their camps, The Bushcamp Company boasts the only bush camps open during peak rains. The ‘nature lovers’ paradise Bilimungwe Bushcamp is open until 28th December and both river camps Kapamba Bushcamp and Zunguila Bushcamp are now open until 6th January 2018. All activities are on offer including game drives, night drives and walking safaris with already great spotting’s of a large Wild Dog pack and the Africa Pitta.
Mfuwe Lodge is open and as usual at this time of year their famous elephant regulars are wandering through the lobby to indulge on the wild mango trees.
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FLATDOGS CAMP
Flatdogs Camp is open this year until their annual closing on 15th Jan 2018, re-opening on 15th March. Activities on offer remain the same but due to level of rains, walking may be limited. A great time of year to take advantage of the views from the Jackalberry Treehouse!
KAFUNTA SAFARIS
Kafunta River Lodge, situated on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, is open through to January 5th 2018, re-opening on 29th March 2018. They offer low rates throughout December, April and May. Their viewing deck situated across the riverbed provides a beautiful birds eye view of the newly lush green plains with thriving birdlife at this time of year. Their bush camps, however, stay closed until May 25th.
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THORNICROFT LODGE
The truly authentic Zambian owner-run lodge is open until February 2018 when it is closed for the month, re-opening promptly again in March 2018. Their ‘24 hour wide-screen experience’ on the riverbank is heightened during this season with the abundance of hippos and elephants in the river combined with beautiful scenery.
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LOWER ZAMBEZI'S SECRET SEASON
Royal Zambezi Lodge is the only lodge in the Lower Zambezi open all year round meaning guests quite literally have the entire park to themselves for, what they have dubbed, the ‘Secret Season’ (Dec-Mar). It’s location on the Zambezi River and the merging of land and water lends itself to an array of activities such as fishing, river safaris and canoeing safaris.
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BAINES RIVER CAMP
Baines River Camp, also located in the Lower Zambezi, re-opens on 1st March annually for the traditional green operating season. Their specialised photographic workshops means guests can make the most of the vibrancy and abundant wildlife sightings which come with the rainfall, offering a true photographers paradise.
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THE UNRECOGNISABLE UNEXPLORED
Set upon small islands amongst narrow channels of the Kafue River, KaingU Safari Lodge offers true unspoilt Africa especially in the Emerald season when the surrounding waters rise,
swamping over the once visible rocks and changing the landscape entirely. All water activities are in full swing as expected and the land greens up beautifully. Closing from 1st January 2018, reopening the following March.
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LIVINGSTONE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Victoria Falls and the Emerald season go hand in hand in order to experience the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at full force and all of its adrenalin fuelled activities.
Victoria Falls Waterfront’s renown as the adventure hub of Livingstone, perfect for adrenalin junkies on a budget. For more rustic safari feel, Toka Leya Camp offers all the usual water activities combined with good game viewing within the national park. For tranquillity on or within the banks of the Zambezi, River Club, Waterberry and Islands of Siankaba all offer their own twist on a peaceful setting near the falls, including all the popular activities.
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Tim Henshall, MD of Kamageo on Zambia's best kept secret,
“Having only visited during the dry, I was truly astounded by the beauty of the Emerald Season”
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For more information on Zambia during Green Season and those lodges and camps making the most of it, please contact izzie@kamageo.com or visit our website
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