Sanctuary Lodges & Camps is expanding into Zambia with the purchase of a circuit of five safari camps and lodges in the country’s most outstanding wildlife parks.  Founded by Abercrombie & Kent to operate on an environmentally sustainable basis, Sanctuary Lodges & Camps include Olonana in Kenya’s Masai Mara; Swala in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and Kusini in the Serengeti; Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; and four properties in Botswana…Chief’s Camp, Chobe Chilwero, Stanley’s Camp and Baines’ Camp.
“Though relatively unknown outside Africa, Zambia offers a diverse range of environments with prolific wildlife,” said Abercrombie & Kent Group Chairman and CEO Geoffrey Kent. “Walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley; if you have only seen animals from inside a vehicle, you will find walking with big game a thrilling experience. Night drives are also a specialty and the best means of seeing some of the more elusive nocturnal species, including leopard.”
The Sanctuary portfolio in Zambia includes:
? Romantic Sussi Lodge is built among huge ebony trees, just upstream from Victoria Falls in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.  The 10 luxury tree houses have private views of the Zambezi River. Chuma House is an exclusive two bedroom villa located near the lodge.
? Lechwe Plains Tented Camp in the Lochinvar National Park, north of Lusaka, is a photographer’s paradise.  Located on the Chunga Lagoon, this World Heritage Wetland offers incredible birdlife and tens of thousands of Kafue Lechwe (antelope), an aquatic antelope of exceptional grace.
? Kulefu Tented Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park is on the wildest stretch of the Zambezi. Eight spacious tents are set on platforms at the river’s edge.
? Puku Ridge Tented Camp in the South Luangwa National Park is a real wilderness experience under canvas with exciting wildlife opportunities. This superb property is located on a ridge overlooking game rich floodplains.
? Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built by President Kaunda and refurbished as an early colonial “Gentleman’s Lodge”. The hilltop setting in South Luangwa National Park overlooks plains teeming with wildlife.
“In order to bring these properties up to the required level of comfort and service, we are closing all but Sussi and Chuma for renovation,” announced Kent.  “We plan to re-open the refurbished properties as Sanctuary Lodges & Camps in 2008.” 
Described by the Los Angeles Times as “a highly respected company dedicated to conservation and environmentally intelligent tourism in Africa,” Abercrombie & Kent reinvented the concept of safari lodging in 2000 with the introduction of Sanctuary Lodges & Camps.  Sanctuary shares the economic benefits from upscale tourism with the indigenous population, to encourage the preservation and protection of natural habitats. 
“We believe responsible tourism is the answer to conserving our world’s natural resources. It is the experience of a place that makes us want to preserve it for others to enjoy,” explains Kent.  “Our philosophy is that travel should be an adventure without sacrificing the comforts of home—responsible tourism need not be equated with ‘roughing it.’ ” 
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