Summary
Short description
Explore Zambia's South Luangwa & Mupamadzi River
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | Natural world | Safari | Small group | Wildlife
Camps differ, but as a general rule you'll start your day with a campfire breakfast, then set out on foot for four to six hours with an experienced and knowledgeable guide, an armed scout and perhaps even a tea-bearer carrying refreshments. The terrain is wild and varied, the game shy and unused to man, making creeping up on a pride of lion or lying by a riverbank watching buffalo come to drink all the more exciting. Afternoon walks are gentler, often culminating with sundowners brought to you by vehicles offering lifts back to camp.
We recommend going in the 'Emerald Season' from November to May. This is Zambia's summer when the rains come. The bush is green and the skies are clear, animals are giving birth and rates are at their lowest.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
London to Mfuwe
Days
2-3
Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Arrive in Mfuwe International Airport, and transfer to Nkwali Camp, which comprises just six luxurious chalets, each with a thatched roof, bamboo walls, either twin or king beds and an en suite, open-sided bathroom. A large bar has been built around an ebony tree and dinner is often taken beneath the tree boughs or even on a sandbank in the middle of the river. Overlooking the Luangwa River in an area of ebony woodland and open grass plains, elephants often cross the river near to the lodge and crocodiles can be seen lazing on the sandbanks. The South Luangwa National Park is tropical, wild and beautiful, and home to a profusion of wildlife, from buffalo and hippo, impala and puku to wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, lion, leopard and spotted hyena.
You’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive on day one, while day two has the option of a morning walk or game drive followed by lunch back at camp and time to relax before the afternoon drive.
Stay: Nkwali Camp
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Days
4-8
Walking safari
Drive north to start your walking safari, picnicking en route. The first camp will be ready for your arrival, complete with walk-in-tents with camp beds, sheets and blankets. A hot bucket shower is under a tree and the loo is a long drop with a wooden throne. Dining is under the shadiest tree; food is first class and drinks are kept cool by a gas-powered fridge.
For the next five days you will follow the Mupamadzi River, a major tributary of the Luangwa, staying at three different locations.
Stay: Wilderness camps
Meals: B L D
Days
9-11
Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Journey further north for three nights at one of Robin Pope's remote camps. Nsefu is Luangwa’s oldest camp. Extensively refurbished a few years ago, it offers six rondavels with shady verandas, en suite bathrooms and spectacular views. As well as walks and game drives, there’s a chance to visit Kawaza village and meet local people well off the tourist trail.
Stay: Nsefu Camp
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Departure
Get your final fill of game as you transfer to Mfuwe International Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B
Day
13
Arrive in London
Arrive in London, and continue your onward journey home.
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
13-day tailor-made holiday
from £9,110 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £9,110 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £10,740 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between the UK and Mfuwe
- Shared transfers
- 10 nights accommodation in a mix of 3* (Standard) and 4* (Superior) (mobile) camps on a full-board basis
- Walking safari on a shared basis and national park costs
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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