Late last year in London, Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia was named by The Safari Awards as the Best Safari Experience in Africa, 2015.  A further 14 safari lodges, houses and mobile organisations were honoured for their achievements in areas such as contribution to local communities, ecological sensitivity, safari guiding and cuisine, along with 3 individuals for their achievements in safari tourism, guiding and conservation and 2 charitable organisations.

Safari tourism and conservation veterans joined the Safari Awards Nominees to see winners in 20 safari categories named during the evening, culminating in the long-awaited crowning of the ‘Best Safari Experience in Africa, 2015’.

In its 8th year, the 2015 Safari Awards reveal the very best safari lodges, camps and houses alongside the most outstanding safari guides and operators in Africa – the ‘who’s who’ of the safari community.

Sponsored by the independent Good Safari Guide and led by a team of 13 highly respected independent safari specialists from Australia, Germany, USA and the UK, the Safari Awards saw over 15,000 public and travel trade nominations for over 365 safari properties, guides and operators have been whittled down to 20 award winners representing the future of wildlife tourism and conservation of wildlife in Africa.

Norman Carr Safaris offers walking safaris throughout the South Luangwa, Zambia, including their ‘Return to the Wild’the wildest experience the South Luangwa has to offer: guests sleep out under the stars in the spectacular and extremely remote Luwi dry river bed with just a bed roll and a mossie net, not even a tent. It’s all about the thrill of the first safari pioneers, including Norman Carr himself, as they discovered the wonders of the South Luangwa.

Runner Up Best Safari Experience in Africa was taken by the authentic Old Mondoro Lodge in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, with third place returning to safari roots again with Karisia Walking Safaris in Northern Kenya.

The ‘Best New Safari Camp’ is always an much-anticipated category, unearthing the safari properties of the future. This year’s title was taken by the fabulous Chinzombo in Zambia – another excellent Norman Carr Safaris offering, with a close second of newcomer Bale Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia.

Overall, Zambian companies won or came second in 9 categories, a great return.

With an increased government focus on tourism in 2015 and a raft of new measures and initiatives looking to drive both domestic and ionternational tourism markets ever onwards and upwards, this year could be even more successful for Zambia at the next Safari Awards. The sky is the limit.