Common FAQ's you may like to know!
1. What are your credentials as a specialist safari outfitter?
The Vintage Camp is the only specialist walking safari outfit in the Lower Zambezi area. We have been accredited tour operators for many years and have gained a reputation for providing an authentic and uniquely personalised safari. All our professional guides are fully qualified and have years of experience guiding within wildlife rich areas of the region. Our safari itineraries include some of the finest onward destinations in the region and we work closely with other operators to ensure an outstanding quality of experience throughout your holiday.
2. Is it safe?
Safety is our principal concern whilst on safari and every activity is planned in detail. However, wild animals can be unpredictable and therefore any activity associated with them carries an element of risk. Walking in the bush and canoeing on rivers is a specialist exercise and guides are trained and licensed specifically for these activities. Firearms are carried as a precaution when walking. We remind visitors that the essence of every activity is to provide a thrilling experience and never fear or discomfort.
3. How does your organization affect the local wildlife and indigenous cultures that we are to encounter on the Safari?
The continued existence of wild areas in Africa relies heavily on their sustainable commercial value. The Lower Zambezi conservation areas generate revenue from tourism to maintain their very existence and therefore tourism is essential for its survival for the generations to come. The Vintage Camps is the embodiment of eco tourism with its emphasis on walking and the low impact nature of camping in the bush. During our walking safari there is no need for vehicles. Our interaction with animals is intimate and our respect for them paramount throughout a safari. Never do we intend stressing an animal or negatively impacting on the environment.
To the West of the area set aside for wildlife, there is a local community that lives primarily along the Zambezi river, mostly comprising people from the Gova tribe. Theirs is still largely a traditional way of life, fishing and farming along its banks. Almost every member of staff employed by The Vintage Camps and the safari industry as a whole, is from the local villages. The impact of this employment on the local economy is huge and the industry indirectly sustains a great number of families. Local education programs are in place to promote environmental awareness which is so important for the co existence of wildlife and human settlement in the future. 4. Do you employ local staff?
Yes. A typical team comprises between 6 and 10 local staff depending on group size. A ZAWA (Zambia Wildlife Authority) game scout will also accompany us during parts of a safari. You will have time to talk with members of the team throughout your journey with us - on our longer trips you will visit the local community, its schools and villages.
5. How do I get there?
The Zambezi Camp
International flights to Lusaka from London or Johannesburg are most popular. From Lusaka a short flight by private plane (30 mins) brings you to the Lower Zambezi bush airstrips for our walking safari. For our other personally designed tours we will discuss with you the best destination to join us at.
NB Please note that flights into Lower Zambezi are not included in our tours. Transfers by light aircraft from Lusaka to a bush airstrip are recommended (a half hour flight).
Regional Air and Shuttles operated by Proflight booked by us at your request - Lusaka-Lower Zambezi rtn usually runs at $US300.00pp and other Charter companies offer this same service at similar prices.
Access by road involves one and a half to two hours drive from Chirundu on a dirt road east along the Zambezi.
(Chirundu is one and a half hours drive from Lusaka on a tar road).
6. Payment
- 30% deposit secures a booking.
- Balance to be paid 60 days prior to safari.
- Customized safari itineraries require a 50% deposit
- On booking, account details will be provided for a direct deposit or wire transfer.
- All prices are listed in US$ as this is the most universally accepted currency within Africa.
Note - all bank charges are the sole responsibility of the payee not The Vintage Camps.
7. Cancellation penalties
Cancellation penalties
Written cancellation
• 90 plus days prior to safari – 50% refund of Total Safari
• 60 - 89 days - 25% refund of Total Safari
• Within 0 - 59 days prior to safari – no refund.
NB We therefore strongly recommend that adequate travel insurance be taken out at time of booking.
8. Tipping
Tipping is hugely varied of course, but the standard scenario is to leave a tip for staff at a Lodge or Camp. You might want to tip seperately a guide assigned to you whilst on safari, but when asked (which I am often) I suggest between $5 and $10 per day of your stay for the combined staff tip.
9. How do you know we are a reputable company?
The Vintage Camps is affiliated with and has to be certified by the following organizations to operate on an annual basis; Zambian Wildlife Authority, Conservation Lower Zambezi and the Zambia National Tourist Board.
Zambia Wildlife Authority - Known as ZAWA, this is the government department that controls protection and commercial development of wildlife within Zambia. All Tour operators pay fees both directly and indirectly to ZAWA.
Zambia National Tourism Board - Having fulfilled the legal criteria, every tour operator must be licensed annually by this government body.
Conservation Lower Zambezi - CLZ is an NGO focusing solely on the conservation of the Lower Zambezi area. In conjunction with ZAWA, CLZ is the examining body through which all professional safari guides must be licensed. Detailed exams, specific to the Lower Zambezi, are taken by trainee guides at stages over a period of years to ensure a high standard of guiding once fully qualified.
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