Question 1

Why have Beyond Routes put together your trip to Zambia?

Accepted Answer

Zambia is enormous. The distances between the various wildlife areas are considerable, and the best way to travel depends greatly on the season, the time you have available and what you want to experience during your trip. A self-drive gives you plenty of freedom, but long overland journeys are not the best choice for everyone. Sometimes a local driver or guide is a better option, while in other cases you save time with a fly-in safari. Thanks to our own travel experience, we know which national parks work well together, when it is best to visit each place and which small-scale lodges are truly special. That is why we help you choose not only  where  you want to go, but also  how  best to travel there. Wherever possible, we work with local accommodation providers, guides and partners who share our vision and help strengthen the positive impact of tourism. Trips covered by the Package Travel Act are protected by the VZR Guarantee Fund.

Question 2

What is the best time to visit Zambia?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to travel varies by region. For safaris in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue, the dry months from May to October are most suitable. The famous bat migration in Kasanka National Park takes place in October, while the spectacular wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain National Park can mainly be experienced in October and November. Birdwatchers can admire colourful Carmine Bee-eaters in South Luangwa between August and November, while the chances of spotting the rare Shoebill are greatest in the Bangweulu Wetlands between May and September.

Question 3

What are the most beautiful national parks in Zambia?

Accepted Answer

South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are among Zambia's best-known and most beautiful safari destinations. Kafue National Park, Liuwa Plain National Park, Kasanka National Park and the Bangweulu Wetlands are also absolutely worth visiting. Which park suits you best depends largely on the season and your interests, such as safari, photography or birdwatching.

Question 4

Are journeys where you can spot birds only for keen birdwatchers?

Accepted Answer

Certainly not. We have indicated which journeys take you to areas where you can spot plenty of birds. It is up to you to tell us how you would like to combine your interest in birds with safari, photography, nature or other activities. Birding can make a journey even more special. We tailor the route to your interests as well as those of the rest of your travelling party. Does your entire travelling party consist of enthusiastic birdwatchers? Then we can of course take this into account too. We select accommodation known for its abundance of birdlife, plan extra time in the best birding areas and can arrange specialist birding guides. This allows us to tailor the journey to your level and interests, whether you mainly want to enjoy the many species you encounter along the way or are specifically looking for a few special species.

Question 5

What is the difference between the Nsefu Sector and the Mfuwe Sector in South Luanga?

Accepted Answer

The  Nsefu Sector  is smaller-scale and quieter. You encounter considerably fewer safari vehicles here and experience the feeling that you almost have nature entirely to yourself. The  Mfuwe Sector  is the best-known part of the park. Here you will find more accommodation, more safaris and therefore also more vehicles. In both parts of the park, wildlife density is high and you have excellent chances of seeing predators. In our view, both areas complement each other perfectly.

Question 6

Why is South Luangwa known as the Home of the Leopard?

Accepted Answer

South Luangwa has one of the highest densities of leopards in Africa. During a safari, you therefore look not only ahead but also constantly upwards. Leopards spend much of the day resting in trees or hidden along the riverbanks. One of the park’s best-known residents is  Leopard Lucy , known among guides and photographers for her relaxed nature.

Question 7

Are walking safaris in South Luangwa worth it?

Accepted Answer

Without a doubt. South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of the walking safari.  For decades, experienced guides have taken travellers into the bush to experience nature in a completely different way. During a walking safari, it is not about ticking off as many animals as possible, but rather about the small details that are easily missed from a safari vehicle. You learn to recognise tracks, discover plants and insects, hear your guide's stories and experience how special it is to be part of nature, rather than simply looking at it. For many travellers, a walking safari is one of the most impressive experiences of their entire trip. In addition to traditional morning or afternoon walks, South Luangwa also offers  multi-day walking safaris These involve walking for several days from bush camp to bush camp, accompanied by a professional guide and an experienced support team. It is a unique way to experience the African bush in complete tranquillity and, for many safari enthusiasts, even the ultimate bucket-list experience.

Question 8

What are the Busanga Plains?

Accepted Answer

The Busanga Plains are among Zambia’s best-known safari areas. During the dry season, the vast grasslands become a paradise for predators and large herds of antelope. Lions, cheetahs and large groups of buffalo are particularly common sightings here. Busanga is  accessible for only a few months each year , as the area is largely flooded during the rainy season. In addition, there are  no campsites  on the Busanga Plains. The nearest campsite for self-drivers is more than an hour outside the Busanga Plains.

Question 9

When can you visit the Busanga Plains?

Accepted Answer

The Busanga Plains are generally accessible from around  July to October . The exact period depends on the water level. During and just after the rainy season, large parts of the plain are flooded and the roads are impassable.

Question 10

Yes, but only if you have experience with a 4x4.

Accepted Answer

October and November  .  During this period, the annual wildebeest migration takes place. Tens of thousands of wildebeest cross the plains, followed by predators such as lions and hyenas. This is without doubt the most spectacular time to visit Liuwa. Outside these months, the park is still beautiful, but we recommend carefully considering whether the long and demanding journey there fits into your travel plans. General

Question 11

What animals can you see in Liuwa?

Accepted Answer

the wildebeest migration; large numbers of hyenas; lions; cheetahs; jackals; various antelope species; many bird species. Liuwa’s spotted hyenas are famous. Thanks to the abundance of food during the migration, they often look remarkably well-fed and are among the most impressive animals in the park.

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