Question 1

Can the trip be shorter or longer?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Why choose a luxury trip through Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

For us, luxury is not just about a five-star lodge. It is about the combination of a special location, personal service, an excellent safari experience and the time to truly enjoy it. We have personally visited almost every lodge, safari experience and accommodation we recommend. We have stayed overnight, eaten there or returned several times. This means we know not only what a place looks like, but above all what it feels like to be there. We combine this personal knowledge with our experience in Southern Africa and our network of local partners, so that your luxury trip is not only comfortable, but above all special and personal.

Question 3

Why have Beyond Routes tailor-make a trip to Zambia for you?

Accepted Answer

Zambia is enormous. The distances between the different nature reserves are considerable, and the best way to travel depends greatly on the season, the time you have available and what you would like 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 can 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 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, helping to strengthen the positive impact of tourism. Trips covered by the package travel regulations are protected by the VZR Garantiefonds.

Question 4

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 5

What is the story of 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 quickly become fertile again 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 assumes that the cubs are his. As a result, they leave the young 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 6

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 plains are flooded and the roads are impassable.

Question 7

Why is Liuwa Plain National Park so special?

Accepted Answer

Liuwa is one of Africa's quietest national parks and one of the few parks where people and wildlife still genuinely live alongside one another. The wildebeest migration in October/November is the second-largest in Africa. The combination of encountering hardly any other vehicles, the sense of emptiness, the vast open plains and the expansive horizon makes Liuwa very special. It feels more like an expedition than a traditional safari.  The fact that you encounter hardly any other vehicles, combined with the sense of emptiness, the vast open plains and the expansive horizon, makes Liuwa very special. It feels more like an expedition than a traditional safari.

Question 8

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 recommend thinking carefully about whether the long and demanding approach journey fits into your travel plans.

Question 9

Which animals can you see in Liuwa?

Accepted Answer

Liuwa is best known for: the wildebeest migration; large numbers of hyenas; lions; cheetahs; jackals; various antelope species; many bird species. Liuwa's spotted hyenas are famous. With an abundant food supply during the migration, they often look remarkably well-fed and are among the park's most impressive animals.

Zambia's Ultimate Southwest Wilderness Safari Deluxe