GETTING THERE

British Airways provide three direct flights weekly between London and Lusaka. Once in Lusaka there are direct connecting flights with Zambian Airways to Mfuwe after arrival with British Airways. There are numerous options for travel via Johannesburg or Nairobi. South African Airways Airways flies via Johannesburg to Lusaka/Lilongwe from London. Mfuwe Airport recently achieved international status and domestic flights operate about ten times a week in peak season (June-Oct) from Lusaka. Check with any travel agent for schedules.

Charter planes from outside the country can now fly direct without clearing customs at Lusaka and there are a number of charter companies in Zambia, that can fly to and from Zambia's top destinations. We will organise transfers to and from the airport. Zambian Airways has scheduled flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe. Air Malawi has scheduled flights from Lilongwe to Mfuwe. While you await your flight or before you head off to the bush, don't miss a visit to Jake's Moondog Cafe just outside the airport. An excellent bush bar with ice cold beers and great food. Next door is the famous Magenge Crafts Shop with an impressive collection of fine arts and crafts made by the local artists and craftsmen in the valley.

DRIVING

You can approach from three sides. You can drive from Lusaka to Chipata. This will take approximately 6 hours. Then from Chipata to Mfuwe, just outside the Park, it will take you 3 hours. This road is quite rough and it is not a wise idea to drive on this road after sunset. If travelling in a robust 4x4 from Lusaka, it is possible to take a short cut from the Great East Road at Petauke, up alongside the Luangwa River to Mfuwe. Only to be attempted well into the dry season. A good overnight stop along the way is at the Luangwa River Bridge at Bridge Camp.

The Northern access is from Mpika on the Great North Road or Lundazi, near Zambia’s eastern border with Malawi. Just below Mpika, there is a road running down the Munyamadzi Corridor between North and South Luangwa Parks. It is passable but only in 4WD and preferably with two vehicles as help is a long way away. The mountain pass down the escarpment is quite formidable, very rocky and bumpy but the view over this, the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, is quite spectacular.


WHEN TO GO

Zambia has three distinct seasons: December to April ~ Warm and wet ~ min 18°C max 35°C The most underrated and beautiful time of the year being the 'emerald season' with the Luangwa in full flow and a fantastic time for photography, birding as well as great game viewing and River safaris. May to August ~ Cool and dry ~ min 6°C max 25°C Crystal clear skies coupled with cool evenings make this an astronomers dream as the stars are at there most magnificent and game is plentiful as ever. September to November ~ hot and dry with creeping humidity as we close in on December ~ min 20°C max 38°C The warmest time of the year where most animals are drawn to the Luangwa as other water sources have been exhausted. Wonderful sunsets due to the atmospheric dust build up as the dry season wears on. Also the calving time for impala, bush buck and Puku in readiness for the imminent arrival of the rains and fresh vegetation it will bring with it.


WHAT TO BRING AND PACK

1. Soft bag rather than a suitcase
2. Casual, comfortable, lightweight clothing is best. Our list of suitable items would include:

• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers / shorts in summer. Those trousers with legs that zip off are very useful.
• Long-sleeved blouses / shirts for game drives or safaris (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
• T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days. Khaki, brown, and beige colours - for game hikes and safaris. White is not a suitable colour for most game viewing or hiking safaris. Firstly it increases your visibility quotient to the animals you are wanting to get a closer look at and secondly, it will get dirty very quickly.
• Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chill evening on your return. Some areas have a steep temperature gradient. ie: Hot days and very cool nights.
• Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day / night temperatures of Africa. Dull and / or neutral colours are more suitable for safari.
• Cotton clothing is recommended for summer. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy hiking boots. Trainer type footwear is not suitable for game or safari hikes, especially white footwear.
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser, lip salve and a torch for bush camps - these are essentials. The African sun is harsh most of the year.
• Swimsuit, towel
• Light, compact raincoat during the rainy months
• Binoculars. A good quality pair of 8x40 or 8x42 will be perfect for most use.
• Camera and Film. Lots of film, or extra memory/storage for digital cameras.
• Anti-histamine cream and tablets
• Usual travel medicine kit. The lodge has a medicine kit of course but you may prefer your own.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Africa is an extremely photo-opportunistic continent. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Whilst on safari, you will be afforded with material to photograph that is unequalled on earth! Rich colour and good low lighting conditions abound. Always carry enough film as it is difficult to get in places like Mfuwe.Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200 / 300mm telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari.

CURRENCY

US dollars are accepted in most places, though they must be after year 2000, and are required for visas and other taxes. At our lodge you can pay in US dollars, but you can also bring Zambian Kwacha. Zambians can pay by cheque. Credit cards are not accepted yet, but will be soon, so please check with us.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover all eventualities, as you can never be over-insured! It is imperative that you accomplish this prior to your arrival in Africa, since you will be unable to participate in any travelling activities without it.

MALARIA

Malaria is a serious risk in Africa. It can be minimized if you take the necessary precautions, like prevention tablets, such as lariam or malarone. You should also use mosquito repellent and wear long shirts/ trousers in the evening. Our guests' safety is of the utmost importance here at Chimfule Lodge. All guides have advanced first aid training and the camp has a full medical kit on hand. Please visit the website traveldoctor.co.uk or reisdokter.nl for information on precautionary measures or contact your doctor.