$3000                  7 Nights.     2012

A safari that includes as much as possible. Staying at  Hippo Lodge in Luxury Tents (en-suite). A full week of game viewing on day & night drives, or maybe a walking safari in an area that has an excellent diversity of game & birds. Spend time just watching or try a bit of fishing or simply relax with a beer and a dip in the pool or the hot spring. You will be guided by some of the Kafue's best guides. Nothing is to much trouble for the Hippo team. This is a very relaxed and informal camp where friends are made and many clients revisit.

On arrival at Hippo you will immediately be struck by the warm welcome and friendliness of the staff. The atmosphere here is completely relaxed and informal and you are encouraged to feel completely at home. Next to the seperate bar / lounge ls a small swimming pool in which to cool off and get a tan whilst keeping your binos close at hand. Trained staff create some great meals from the camp kitchen and even here clients are welcome to join in for a lesson in safari cooking on wood stoves. Although dinner can be interrupted by an impromptu drive out if a Lion is calling near to camp. Just a km from camp is a naturally occurring hot spring and which is sometimes the venue for an evening Braai and swim. In true safari style Hippo Lodge does not have electric lights and you will depend on paraffin lanterns and torches.
Hippo is full of character and has a formula which works as clients always seem to come back. Aiming to be flexible and professional while at the same time providing a gateway to a unique wildlife experience.

Game viewing by open 4x4 vehicles, on extensive loops of bush tracks east of the river are arranged in the early morning before the heat sucks the wildlife into the shade, or late afternoon/night. As dusk falls the hunt is on to track down the elusive cats: Lions, Leopard and African Wild Cat, as well as lumbering Hippo hauling out to feed and many other small and not so small creatures. It is not uncommon for impromptu evening drive-outs to be made, following the sound of a nearby Lion’s roar. Walking safaris are arranged at the clients request (and are subject to there being a national park scout available to accompany), the length of a walk is judged on the clients fitness and may vary from 5km to 15 km, in areas of complete wilderness, you will experience many fascinating aspects of the bush from The chance to see are  antelope species that the Kafue is famed for, to visiting the remains of a Lions last kill, . Situated as it is on the Kafue river and with so many kms to explore game viewing from boat can be spectacular, and as Hippo Lodge has always had a tradition of fishing (angling is by no means compulsory,) but there is tackle available for guest to hire and always a willing hand to thread a worm and later serve your catch to you for dinner.

Island Excursions -
Trips to these small idyllic wooded islands within the Kafue River can be arranged in camp for the adventurous guest. These trips are entirely different bush experiences that never fail to excite.

Hot Springs -
A natural hot spring, situated about a kilometer from the lodge, provides guests with a perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate in a unique sand bottomed natural Jacuzzi – bathing at the spring is one of our most popular activities. A BBQ dinner alongside the spring, under the starry African sky, makes for an unforgettable evening.

Notes

• NO Single Supplements
• Includes transfers between Lusaka and Hippo, but can be adjusted to pick up or drop off at other camps in the Kafue .
• Length of stay 6 nights Hippo + 1 night Lusaka Hotel to suit your flights.
• Includes: **all meals and local drinks / Bed tax - park fees / Activities (2 per day at lodge)