Question 1

When are the Victoria Falls at their most beautiful?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you want to see. Shortly after the rainy season , usually between  April and June , the Victoria Falls carry the most water. The falls are at their most spectacular then, and the enormous clouds of spray make a great impression. Later in the dry season, the views of the rock faces improve, allowing you to appreciate the structure of the falls more clearly. Both periods therefore have their own charm.

Question 2

What activities are there in Livingstone besides visiting the Victoria Falls?

Accepted Answer

Much more than most travellers expect. You can, among other things: take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi; book a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls; go mountain biking through Livingstone; visit the Batoka Gorge; explore local markets and restaurants; or relax by the river. It is precisely this variety that makes Livingstone a wonderful destination for a stay of a few days.

Question 3

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 under water 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’s drive outside the Busanga Plains.

Question 4

What is the story of the Princess of Busanga?

Accepted Answer

Princess  is a famous lioness from the  Papyrus Pride  in the  Busanga Plains  (Kafue National Park, Zambia). Her behaviour is a perfect example of a clever survival strategy used by lionesses in the wild.  When a new coalition of male lions takes over a territory, they often kill all the cubs present (infanticide). They do this so that the lionesses become fertile again quickly and can give birth to their offspring.  Princess used an evolutionary survival trick to prevent this: Paternity confusion : She deliberately mated with several males from different coalitions that entered her territory. Protection : Because lions do not know who the biological father is, each male thinks that the cubs are his. As a result, they leave the cubs alive instead of biting them to death.   Thanks to this tactic, Princess successfully raised her cubs and protected them from the deadly instincts of new intruders. Her mother, the legendary lioness named  Killing Machine , often helped her hunt and protect the pride.

Question 5

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 shortly after the rainy season, large parts of the plain are flooded and the roads are impassable.

Question 6

How do I avoid Lusaka’s notorious traffic?

Accepted Answer

The best tactic is  choosing your location and timing . Plan your guesthouse on the side of the city from which you need to leave the following morning. Heading east (South Luangwa)? Then stay on the eastern side. Also make sure you either set off very early (before 06:30) or only after the morning rush hour (after 09:00). Sundays are generally quieter. If you are travelling to South Luanga or Lower Zambezi, we recommend allowing two days for the journey (unless you are travelling with a guide/driver). Large sections of the roads to the national parks have deep potholes, meaning you need to drive slowly.

Question 7

When is the best time to visit Liuwa?

Accepted Answer

We recommend  October and November  . The annual wildebeest migration takes place during this period. Tens of thousands of wildebeest cross the plains, followed by predators such as lions and hyenas. Without a doubt, this is the most spectacular time to visit Liuwa. Outside these months, the park is still beautiful, but we advise considering carefully whether the long and demanding approach journey fits within your travel plans.

Question 8

Is Liuwa suitable for a self-drive trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if you have experience driving a 4x4. The route to Liuwa consists largely of deep sand. Knowing how to adjust tyre pressure, maintain momentum and handle soft sand is essential. Without experience, the drive can be quite challenging.

Question 9

Where is the best place to stay in Liuwa?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your travel style. For self-drive travellers, there are simple, remote campsites in the middle of the park. Don't expect luxury; the campsites are sandy and suit Liuwa's adventurous character. If you're looking for more comfort,   King Lewanika Lodge  is an excellent choice. This small-scale lodge offers luxurious accommodation, excellent safaris and a unique location in the middle of the plains.

South-West Zambia self-drive safari