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July 23, 2009

Victoria Falls I am going to be honest with you - one of the things that drives me absolutely crazy (and I apologize if you have done this to me), is when a client or travel agent comes to me with an itinerary request and says, "I want to stay at such and such place because I read a great review in Travel & Leisure Magazine." No offense to Travel & Leisure Magazine, nor any other well published travel magazine. They do a great job and I love reading them all myself. However, property selection for our clients has so much more to do with whether or not a property appears in a high end, glossy travel magazine.

Maybe it's that I tend to root for the underdog. There are so many fantastic properties in Africa that don't make the magazines. It gets a little tiring when clients always request the same handful of properties because they have read about them. In my personal opinion, the best properties tend to be the ones that are small and run by the owners, not a large, management company. Our clients will get more attentive service, find that the staff is usually much happier, because they are working directly for the owners, and it's usually a fascinating story as to how the owners began their business.

tent Obviously, location is important, as well as the quality of the game viewing, food, accommodation and wildlife guides, not to mention rates. All of these play into our selection process for our clients. We also take into consideration the personality and travel tastes of our clients and try to match it nicely with the character of the property. We have visited many places ourselves and have first hand experience. If we don't, our offices in Cape Town have recently sent someone for a site inspection. There really is so much more to selecting a property for a client than if they like the sound of a nice review. So please trust me and my team at Hills of Africa, when we recommend a property that may not be gracing the cover of Conde Nast Traveler.

This week, we have listed a few of the properties we like that are located in one of the 3 destinations in Zambia that we have discussed in the past few weeks. I hope you enjoy!

Meredith Hill

Hills of Africa Travel's Most Highly Recommended Properties in Zambia

Zambia Famous for its fantastic walking safaris, highly experienced guides, stunning backdrops, and rich cultural heritage, Zambia has positioned itself as a prime destination for travelers looking for a unique experience like no other. Making Zambia even more attractive to travelers is its extensive list of spectacular accommodations.

In order to have the best experience possible while visiting Zambia, it's important to stay at properties that fit your individual preferences. Since Zambia has some of the most exceptional accommodations to choose from, it's crucial to take the time to become familiar with the activities, and types of accommodations offered by each camp and lodge.

Below is a list of equally wonderful properties that boast their own individual characteristics, ambiance, location, and accommodation form.

Properties to Consider In Victoria Falls or Livingstone

Toka Leya Camp: Nestled on the western bank of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and bordering one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World—Victoria Falls, Toka Leya Camp's prime location allows visitors to enjoy a network of diverse eco-systems. Rainforests, riverine forests, mopane and teak woodlands, and the Zambezi River system are home to thousands upon thousands of varying species, making Toka Leya Camp an ideal place to enjoy fantastic game-viewing, outstanding walking safaris, birding, fishing, and much more.

The Camp's premier location allows you to observe a wide spectrum of large game from the comfort of Toka Leya's sprawling deck. View giant herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and impala or enjoy sightings of the Zambezi River's most spectacular creatures including the Nile crocodile and hippo. A bird lover's haven, the Livingstone area also boasts trumpeter hornbills, Schalow's turaco, African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, African skimmer, and rock pratincole.

At Toka Leya Camp, activities on the fully inclusive rate include river cruises, game drives, fishing excursions, guided walks, and tours of Livingstone town and museum.
Toka Leya Camp offers twelve roomy tents with African safari décor that relaxes and stimulates the senses, a sprawling deck with one of Africa's most pristine and stunning backdrops, an infinity pool, and dining, lounge, and bar areas perfect for relaxing, socializing, and sipping cocktails.

Sussi Lodge: Become closer with nature than ever before at Zambia's Sussi Lodge, located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Just how close to nature is the Sussi Lodge? Built into living ebony trees situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Sussi Lodge's twelve lavish tree houses make it one of the most unique places to stay in the entire world.

The Sussi Lodge does an excellent job of fusing luxury with an authentic African experience. Since many of the Sussi Lodge's amenities are open-air, you have the freedom to completely immerse yourself in the surrounding African bush and soak in the pleasures of Africa's natural world. The lodge's ideal location in the middle of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park provides constant opportunities for guests to observe indigenous birds, wild-game, and stunning scenery. With private decks for each tree house, guests can relax with a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise over the Zambezi River, or sip a cocktail in the evening while watching a breath-taking sunset.

The main lodge contains an exquisite bar and lounge deck, outdoor dining area, and pool—all open to the outdoors. When the weather permits, fine dining is outdoors beneath the stars and around a crackling campfire. The exquisite cuisine offered by the Sussi Lodge combines fresh, local and international flavors that delight every palate. One of the main lodge's newest additions is a lavish spa, offering top-of-the-line pampering services and revolutionary treatments.

In addition to the spectacular accommodations celebrated by the Sussi Lodge, there are a variety of activities guests can relish in during their stay in Zambia. Activities include bushwalks through Victoria Falls, trips to nearby villages for a cultural learning experience, canoe safaris, boat cruises, fishing excursions, and so much more.

Hills of Africa Travel also recommends: Islands of Siankaba

Properties to Consider In South Luangwa

Puku Ridge Camp: Overlooking South Luangwa National Park's Kakumbi Dambo floodplain, Puku Ridge Camp was fittingly named after one of the floodplain's primary residents, the puku antelope. In addition to the puku antelope, the camp's ideal location boasts stunning scenic views, and the opportunity to constantly observe a wide spectrum of wild game and migratory birds.

Built purposefully to blend into South Luangwa's riveting natural surroundings, the Puku Ridge Camp's six elegantly decorated and intimate canvas safari tents each overlook brilliant views of the floodplains, consist of en-suite facilities including indoor and outdoor showers and bath, and three-quarter or king size beds. Each spacious tent also includes a private deck where tea and coffee is served each morning.

Puku Ridge Camp celebrates excellent rates with a variety of all-inclusive elements. Rates include two game-viewing activities per day, (choose from game drives, night drives, and walking safaris), park entry fees, three meals a day and beverages, complimentary laundry service, and airport transfers.

When choosing between which game-viewing activities to do each day, remember that each excursion boasts different characteristics than the others. Game drives are an excellent way to experience the varying terrains of South Luangwa while viewing exceptional game up close, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and zebra. During night drives you get the chance to observe nocturnal animals, and view the different behavior patterns of animals you spot during the day.

Although game drives and night drives are a wonderful way to become familiarized with South Luangwa's natural surroundings, walking safaris are arguably the most popular activity to enjoy while on a Zambia safari trip. Walking safaris allow you to truly immerse yourself into Zambia's nature and learn about the rich fauna and flora of the area. Expert, licensed guides bring you into an exciting realm of discovery and mystery. You work side by side with the expert to uncover hidden creatures and search for wild game, including lions and cheetahs. Learn about the various animal prints, and callings that will help you find large game. Along the way, you'll discover a side to nature you've never seen before.

Hills of Africa Travel also recommends: Robin Pope Safaris' Nkwali Camp, Nsefu, and Tena Tena Camp, Norman Carr Safaris' Kapani Lodge, and Shenton Safaris' Kaingo Bush Camp, and Mwamba Bush Camp.

Properties to Consider In the Lower Zambezi National Park

Old Mondoro: Old Mondoro is famous for its authenticity and ability to bring visitors closer to the bush than ever before. The Old Mondoro prides itself on its remote setting and extraordinary ability to provide guests with an authentic safari experience. The Old Mondoro's primary focus is on the bush experience and the surrounding wildlife in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

With accommodations for up to eight guests, Old Mondoro celebrates an intimate and relaxed setting. Built from natural materials and canvas, Old Mondoro's spacious tents are open during the day and closed with canvas drop-down blinds at night. The tents' open air feel allows you to truly immerse yourself in the African bush and soak in Zambia's radiating spirit.

Each tent has en-suite facilities including flushing toilets, showers, and washbasins, and is lit by the soft glow of lanterns.

Unlike all of the other camps in the Lower Zambezi, the Old Mondoro is located on lower grounds where vast floodplains and woodlands surround the camp. Its primary location overlooking winding channels and speckled islands that are highly populated with hippos are some of Zambia's most stunning views.

Old Mondoro primarily focuses on non-motorized safari activities, including canoe safaris and walking safaris, which allow you to completely connect with nature, without the sound of an engine.

Sausage Tree Camp: Boasting highly luxurious accommodations, Sausage Tree Camp is the premier place to stay if you're looking for the most lavish experience in Zambia. Nestled in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree Camp provides you with stunning backdrops and fantastic bird and game-viewing.

Accommodating up to 16 guests, Sausage Tree's spacious, Bedouin style tents are perfectly situated along the banks of the Zambezi River, allowing elephants and other large game to pass through at leisure.

The Camp's intimate ambiance enhances your experience in the African bush and allows you to receive the attention you deserve. Each tent is tended to by your very own personal butler who is readily available to ensure your every need is met.

In addition to fantastic accommodations, the Sausage Tree Camp provides you with a long list of safari excursions to choose from. Boasting some of the best guides in all of Africa, Sausage Tree Camp's extremely knowledgeable staff ensures you have the most exceptional bush experience possible. Sausage Tree's highly experienced guides are with you every step of the way to ensure you have a private and enjoyable experience.

After a long day of excursions, retreat to your private tent, canopied by Sausage and Mahogany trees. Once you've relaxed on your private deck overlooking the Zambezi, enjoy delightful cuisine in the dining and bar area surrounded by spectacular views of speckled islands and the rumbling Zambezi.

Hills of Africa Travel also recommends: Chiawa Camp, and Kulefu Camp

Soul Safari - October 19-27, 2009

Experience this once-in-this-lifetime journey to South Africa where you will uncover the innermost secrets of your life's purpose and discover the spiritual pathway to Living the Life Your Soul Intended.

Join author and psychic Ainslie MacLeod on an expedition to uncover your soul's unique purpose in this life. On this 9-day Soul Safari, you'll explore the mysteries of the life plan your soul created before you were even born, and learn to harness your own spirituality to create a happier and more fulfilling future-one of total self-acceptance and endless potential.

Go to www.hillsofafrica.com/Soul_Safari/Soul_Safari.html to learn more.

Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.

We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Hills of Africa Travel is a team of extraordinary travel agents and tour operators who are passionate about sharing the magic of Africa through first-hand knowledge and exemplary customer service. Our expert knowledge, experience, and passion for our customers allow us to create a personalized safari adventure of a lifetime for all travelers.

Whether you're taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

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The Hills of Africa Travel Newsletter is written by Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle and Hillsofafrica.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com