NTANDA VENTURES KIDS SAFARI CLUB – WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY

In Zambia, wildlife conservation projects are a part of our ethos and the reason that the animals — elephants, leopards, lions, wild dog, giraffe, antelope, cheetah - continue to thrive in their natural surroundings.

For first-timers hoping to explore Africa’s wild country, Zambia is the perfect one-stop African safari destination. We recommend you stop and explore the hidden gems, secrets of the bush and the friendly Zambian people instead of rushing from one place to another, just to tick an “I’ve been there box”.

Finding the right family safari lodge is the best reason to use a local operator, who specialises in Zambia - it costs you the same price if not less with our negotiated rates and often less than a DIY Safari, which may come with unexpected extras.

There are many options to choose from camping, en-suite tents, chalets, luxury family suites and luxury hideaways.  Zambia doesn’t have large bustling resorts in the bush and this is why Zambia is known as the authentic African safari destination.

In South Luangwa national Park the Bushcamp Company has a two-bedroom Directors House at Mfuwe Lodge or why not book one of their intimate, remote and rustic Bushcamps which are perfect for a family of four or less. Our favorites include Bilimungwe, Chamilandu and Kapamba.

Family safari travel provides endless opportunities to inspire and bond with your children, whether it is on a day or night game drive with excellent game viewing, African tales around a campfire or family SPA day with a mini gym. On a cultural local communities visit you can get involved in preparing the local dish of the day, learn about local traditions and local secrets about the fauna and flora from local people. Alternatively, how about a photography course, horse riding, basic birding for beginners, fishing, an Art safari, dining under the stars or a bush breakfast? For the more adventurous family, how about an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls, canoeing and/or walking safaris (age 12 and over)? You may like to simply bask in the bush, next to your own private pool or a pool with a view over the river, watching elephant splash in the mud from a hide.

For the little ones, safari activities in Kafue National Park at Kaingu Safari Lodge can include wildlife tracking, spoor identification, bow and arrow making, archery, stargazing, fishing, entomology, boating, bread- making with the chef, African storytelling and drumming, rope making and bush skills and excursions to the local school. All activities have a focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and sustainable use of natural resources.

Every lodge has its own unique facilities and pricing which www.ntandaventures.com knows due to our frequent trips within Zambia, as this is where we work and holiday. Ntanda Ventures Ltd is a Zambian safari tour operator company that book family, individual, small group and customised safaris.

Safari lodges now welcome children more than ever with great options for family safari houses, family suites or book out one of our selected small intimate safari camps.

Why should you consider using a local tour operator to book an African safari with family?

At no extra cost your trip is planned by an experienced local tour company with in country support. Just to know you will be met upon arrival, helped with luggage, driven to your lodge or camp and to have help with visas, customs and local currency.

Do game lodges and safari camps cater for all budgets for African family safaris in Zambia?

Yes, everyone can afford a family safari in Zambia. Those that charge over a thousand dollars per person per night have all the little luxuries with fine dining and excellent wines. Private vehicles maybe subject to additional costs at certain camps. If you don’t need all the extras but still want your comforts, Zambia offers this and more. Zambian guides are rated as some of the best in Africa. We have done all the research for you on the owner-managed camps and the guides. Bear in mind the price tag does not guarantee the best animal spotting and we have found affordable safari options for you.

South Luangwa National Park – Track and Trail Camp has family river chalets with a loft for the kids overlooking the Luangwa River.

What about Malaria on a family Safari?

Your personal safety and wellbeing is our priority and we always recommend a course of prophylactic drugs (consult your local GP). Malaria is rarely a threat during Zambia’s dry months but it’s always a good idea to protect yourselves by covering up in light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and long pants and applying insect repellent. We also recommend Travel and medical insurance to give you peace of mind when travelling with your family.

When is the best time to book a Zambia safari?

June through August (winter) are dry, high months, with cool to cold nights and mild, sunny days. June to November are the best months and not as green so animals are much easier to see in the bush or at the waterholes.

Of course, Zambians love to dance in the occasional rain showers of late October and November but the best is the Petrichor (African earth’s perfume) - the earthy smell after a long dry spell. This is a memory you will hold forever.

January to March are the wettest months in Zambia and not always the best time for a family safari.

In Kafue National Park we Love the kids safari option at Kaingu Camp and the Finfoot Family House consists of two en-suite bedrooms (each with an outside shower) and a central living area opening onto a private deck overlooking the river. It’s a perfect spot for a couple with children with the most amazing activities for Kids on safari.

South Luangwa National Park – Track and Trail Camp has family river chalets with a loft for the kids overlooking the Luangwa River.

Our special place in Victoria Falls Livingstone is Chundukwa River Lodge and their Chundu Cottage which sleeps up to 6 people with 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and a loft for the kids. The open-plan lounge/ kitchen area opens onto a covered veranda and adjoining deck, extending to a plunge pool. The deck is fenced so little ones can’t wander into the swimming pool or down to the river. There are fireside chairs and a picnic table on the bank of the river for dining under the stars.

South Luangwa National Park - Flatdogs Camp have the amazing two en-suite bedroom Croc's Nest which is a large tented “house” with views onto the Luangwa River and offers exclusive safari accommodation with private guide and vehicle for added value.

Lower Zambezi National Park – At Baines River Camp, The Jackalberry family suite has 2 bedrooms and for those who don’t want to rough it too much there is air conditioning, Ceiling fans, Consistent power source, Walk in showers, Private dressing areas and bug-free rooms!

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Lower Zambezi National Park – Wildtracks Lodge: Set in a riverine forest 15 km downstream from the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers, Wildtracks Lodge is situated on the doorstep of one of Africa’s great wilderness areas, the Lower Zambezi and the best place for bush adventures and unique self-catering house. An easy three-hour drive from Lusaka, flexible self-catering and affordable accommodation and camping. The lodge sleeps 16 people comfortably in 8 ensuite rooms and perfectly setup for a family safari holiday with children. There is also a more secluded furnished, self-catering en-suite safari tent with own kitchen. The large boma and swimming pool overlook the river and the kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to prepare meals. Wildtracks operates throughout the year. Booking is essential. Whether you bring your own boat, or use one of the lodge boats, Wildtracks is the ideal base to explore the lower Zambezi. Relax, set your own pace and go with the flow of the Zambezi!

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Lower Zambezi National Park – Chongwe House is perfect for a big family gathering or a group of friends. This two-storey en-suite four-bedroom private house blends effortlessly into the landscape around it, with river pebble accents and furniture carved from a fallen winterthorn tree. The house features private open-air bathtubs and waterfall showers, a large pool, and spacious indoor and outdoor lounges and dining areas perfect for family gathering.

Victoria Falls – Tangala Private House in Livingstone is a luxury family home on the banks of the Zambezi River that has been tastefully designed and furnished in true Tongabezi style.  Tangala sleeps six people in four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms and raised king-sized beds, along with a lovely children's playroom.

South Luangwa National Park - Robin Pope Safaris has the awesome Luangwa Safari House. This magnificent private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families (children over seven) or small groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.

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