Zambia is the ‘real’ Africa and, despite its growing popularity, remains a true wilderness. The country’s sheer size, 750,000 sq km (the size of France, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary put together), the basic infrastructure and the diversity of cultures will prove a challenge for the teams. Its population includes 35 different ethnic groups all with their own language. However English is widely spoken enabling the team to communicate with local people and experience village life.

Zambia’s attraction lies in its remote trekking areas, prestigious National Parks and fulfilling project sites. Vast expanses of flat plains, rolling hills and open bush are broken up by a network of rivers that dominate much of the country. These rivers create extensive flood plains which attract a great variety of wildlife, providing excellent game viewing areas. Lastly there is David Livingstone’s greatest discovery, Victoria Falls. Referred to locally as “the smoke that thunders” these falls straddling the mighty Zambezi River are a truly remarkable sight.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Programme Manager for Zambia will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Acclimatisation
Mt Mumpu - Mkushi
This is a 3 day circular trek in the hills to the north of Mkushi (about 5hrs north-west of Lusaka) which includes climbing Mt Mumpu (c.2000m), and camping near some rarely visited waterfalls.

Mutinondo Wilderness
This 10,000 hectare conservancy is a perfect environment for acclimatisation and home to some amazing birdlife. The wilderness area includes several majestic granite inselbergs, huge domes that dominate the landscape, surrounded by beautiful woodland and open plains.

Main trekking phase
Batoka Gorge
This dramatic 300ft gorge runs along the Zambezi River to the west of Livingstone beyond the famous Victoria Falls and marks the beginning of the great Zambezi Valley. Treks (from 3-6 days duration) can include a few days in the Gorge along the shores of the Zambezi and some days exploring the open bush and villages above.

Lusemfwa Gorge Trek
The Luangwa River, a tributary of the Zambezi, provides the focal point for the wildlife in this region. As well as being an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is rich with traditional customs in the local villages that can be visited. Treks in this area are based along the Lusemfwa and Luangwa rivers with opportunities for day treks as well as longer more challenging treks of up to 5 days duration.

Projects
This is a fantastic country for really rewarding community projects providing an opportunity to learn about the Zambian way of life, living and working with local people. These projects provide Challengers with the chance to interact with local children and make a genuine contribution in remote areas.

Rest and relaxation
A visit to Victoria Falls and safari, possibly in South Luangwa National Park or Chobe National Park, are not to be missed. Depending on the itinerary these can be woven into the expedition or form part of the wind down time at the end.