Cultural Visits

Although we've rather grandiosely titled this section "Cultural Visits" what we really mean is getting out of the Parks and lodges and meeting some of the local people in their villages and towns. For many, a safari is all about seeing the wildlife and scenery, but to be honest that is a shame, as there is a wealth of beauty and marvel to be found in the local populations and the way they live their lives. We guarantee that if you have not visited a genuine African village in some of the more rural, poorer areas of Zambia or elsewhere in Africa, you will be in for an eye-opening but hopefully also joyful time.

The people in these parts of the world are poor, and live on what we in the West would consider impossibly small means. They are also trying to improve things, and, in Zambia particularly, the benefit of a benign government and lack of tribal or regional conflict means that, although poor, these people are welcoming towards visitors and truly hospitable. The children in particular will make you feel like a hero, especially if you [cont.]

bring along a football or something for their under-supplied schools.

Visits to villages or schools can be arranged at many of the lodges in Zambia - just ask your host while on safari if you are interested.

A few of the larger safari companies have sponsored local villages and can arrange dedicated visits with accommodation for those that wish to immerse themselves in the local way of life. Be advised though that some of these schemes are so successful that they have transformed the recipient schools or villages hugely beyond the norm for the local area and what you see bears only small resemblance to the level of poverty faced by the majority.

For those of you wishing to dedicate more time than an afternoon visit or overnight stay to seeing the real Africa, do let us know your requirements and we will do our best to come up with an itinerary that focuses on this, rather than a traditional safari. There are also a number of aid agencies who send many volunteers to this part of Africa, and which may be worth contacting.

Safaris can be a rather insulated affair, with safari-goers seeing little more than the bush and the inside of their chalet accommodation. If you would like to step outside this (admittedly comfortable) world while in Africa do let us know and we will tailor your itinerary accordingly.