Question 1

Can the trip be shorter or longer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every sample trip is a starting point. We adapt the route, trip length and pace to your wishes, available time and budget.

Question 2

How great are the distances in Zambia?

Accepted Answer

Zambia is one of Africa’s larger countries, and the enormous distances are precisely what make good planning important. Distances of  400 to 800 kilometres between destinations  are not unusual. Road conditions can also vary by season, and on some routes you should expect potholes and longer travel times. The question is therefore not only  where  you want to go, but also  how  you want to travel. A self-drive gives you freedom and adventure, but long overland distances are not always the most logical choice. Sometimes a local driver or guide is a better fit, while a fly-in safari can save valuable travel time. Thanks to our own travel experience, we know which national parks combine well, when it is best to visit each place and which small-scale lodges are truly special. We therefore help you find the right balance between  driving yourself, flying and travelling with a local guide or driver . Wherever possible, we work with local accommodation providers, guides and partners who share our vision, helping to  strengthen the positive impact of tourism . Trips covered by the Package Travel Regulations are protected by the  VZR Guarantee Fund .

Question 3

Is Zambia a safe country to travel through?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Zambia is a safe and welcoming destination for travellers who use common sense. The tourist areas are calm and easy to navigate. You will regularly encounter police checkpoints on the main roads. These are perfectly normal, but it is important always to observe the indicated speed limits and local traffic regulations. As with any long-haul destination, we also recommend following our practical travel tips and not carrying valuables unnecessarily in plain sight.

Question 4

Can birding be combined with a regular safari?

Accepted Answer

That is exactly what we like to do. Many of our routes combine classic wildlife experiences with excellent birding areas, so both birdwatchers and lovers of big game will find plenty to enjoy.

Question 5

Is a self-drive or a guided trip the best choice for us?

Accepted Answer

That depends entirely on your family and the destination. A self-drive offers plenty of freedom and is ideal for families who like to travel at their own pace. You decide where to stop and how long to stay somewhere, with complete flexibility along the way. A guided trip offers different advantages. You have a private vehicle exclusively for your family, while an experienced local guide knows the route, shares stories along the way and offers extensive knowledge of the nature, culture and wildlife. You also do not have to drive yourself and can fully enjoy the scenery along the way. During a consultation, we discuss together which type of trip best suits your family, the children’s ages, your preferred level of comfort and the destination. Sometimes a self-drive is the perfect choice; at other times, a local guide provides greater relaxation and a richer travel experience.

Question 6

Can you travel around Zambia independently?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your route and travel preferences. Distances in Zambia are vast and many national parks are remote. Road conditions also vary considerably, and a 4WD is essential for many routes. Depending on everything you want to see in one trip, you can combine camping, fly-ins and lodges. If you have the time, or do not need to see everything in one go, a complete self-drive is very much possible. We would be happy to advise which type of trip best suits the time you have available and the areas you want to visit.

Question 7

Can you arrange a guide who suits our interest in birds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During a personal Travel Consult, we discuss how important birds are to your trip. Based on this, we work with our local partners to find the guide who best matches your wishes. Sometimes this is a specialist birding guide who knows exactly where particular species can be found. In other cases, an experienced safari guide with extensive knowledge of birds is the perfect choice, especially when birding is combined with wildlife, photography or a classic safari. This ensures that the guiding suits your interests as well as the rest of the trip.

Question 8

Can you help if I want to see a specific bird species?

Accepted Answer

We can help you think this through. During a personal Travel Consult, we discuss which species you would like to see. We then advise which destinations, parks and travel periods offer the greatest chance. For example, the Shoebill, Pel's Fishing Owl, African Pitta, Southern Ground Hornbill, Narina Trogon or Böhm's Bee-eater.

Question 9

Why have Beyond Routes tailor-make a 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 distances 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 combine well, when it is best to visit each one 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  you can travel there best. Wherever possible, we work with local accommodation providers, guides and partners who share our vision, helping to strengthen the positive impact of tourism. Trips covered by the Package Travel Act are protected by the VZR Guarantee Fund.

Question 10

What happens if I break down on the way?

Accepted Answer

The rental companies we work with provide an excellent breakdown assistance service. You will also receive extensive practical information about the route in advance, and we are available throughout your journey whenever needed. You will never be left to manage things on your own. However, we do expect you to have some basic skills, especially when travelling by 4WD. For example, you should be able to change a tyre or adjust the tyre pressure when driving over sand or other unsealed roads. These are skills that can prove very useful when travelling through countries such as Botswana or remote parts of Namibia. Before you set off, the rental company will give you a comprehensive briefing on the vehicle and its equipment. This includes an explanation of how the 4WD works, how to adjust the tyre pressure and what to look out for along the way. During the Travel Consult, we are also happy to share practical tips so that you can begin your self-drive journey with peace of mind.

Question 11

What is the best time to visit Zambia?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time 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 in the Bangweulu Wetlands are greatest between May and September.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The  Nsefu Sector  is smaller and quieter. You encounter considerably fewer safari vehicles here and experience the feeling that you have the wilderness almost entirely to yourself. The  Mfuwe Sector  is the best-known part of the park. Here you will find more accommodation, more safaris and consequently more vehicles. In both parts of the park, wildlife density is high and you have excellent chances of seeing predators. As far as we’re concerned, both areas complement each other perfectly.

Zambia East to West adventure