Beth brings over twenty-five years’ experience in the tourism industry, of which the past twenty was spent living and working in Southern Africa. Her inquiring, adventurous spirit led her into many of the game rich safari areas and tourist areas in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Her life in the bush, working in these three countries, has left her with extensive knowledge, experience and intimate insight in organizing custom safaris for her clients.

When we sat down to chat with Beth, these were her answers:

Q:  What is your favorite African Destination and why?

A:  Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Luiwa Plains, and many of the places in Zambia.  Why? The peaceful, friendly people, and it’s remote, old-style Africa. I also love the night drives and walking safaris.

Q:  What itinerary in African Travel’s new 2013 brochure is selling well and why? (Read More…)

One of the highlights from all my trips to Africa was swimming in the “Devil’s Pool.”   This is done as part of an excursion to Livingstone Island on the Zambia side of the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River and is only possible in the dry season (September-December usually) when the water is low and the current is not as strong as usual.

We took off by boat to Livingstone Island from right behind the Royal Livingstone Hotel.  On arrival at the island, we found a beautiful table set under a canopy tent and had a lunch of salads, couscous, cold chicken, cold beef, scotch eggs, sausages and plenty of drinks! (Read More…)

It was sheer excitement to plan another trip to Africa this past November.   However, I was unfamiliar with my destination, Zambia, which borders Zimbabwe, Kenya and Botswana (three countries I have already visited).  After a stopover in Johannesburg, we flew to Lusaka International Airport to connect to a charter flight on a Piper aircraft to our accommodations at the Royal Zambezi Lodge. 

The private airstrip at the Lodge was newly paved with asphalt which is very rare.  Most of the airstrips that border lodges are just a field of dirt and dust.  The Royal Zambezi Lodge does charge other lodges for the use of the airstrip, as it is perfectly paved.  The rangers patrol the airstrip for stray wildlife so as not to cause an incident while the aircraft is landing. (Read More…)

In October, 2011, I was quite fortunate to be able to take a safari to Zambia and Malawi with African Travel, Inc. This entry is one of several that I will post about that unforgettable trip.

Friday, 21 October – Chongwe River Camp, Zambia

At 5am the camp staff woke everyone for the first morning game drive.  Following the continental breakfast our group was assisted into the covered boat for a morning cruise down the Zambezi River to Tsika River Camp.  This small camp located on the shores of the Zambezi has 3 chalets and a main lodge.  In July 2010, Chongwe River Camp opened a purpose-built exclusive bush camp on the incredibly beautiful Tsika Island, allowing guests the option of a two- to five-day canoe safari along the lower Zambezi.

Located about 35 kilometers upstream from Chongwe, close to the village of Mugurumeno, Tsika Island Bush Camp can accommodate six guests in three bush rooms, each with en-suite facilities. (Read More…)