Great Adventure Trips

Zambia

Robin Pope's Luangwa / Zambian Spice / Tongabezi and Sausage Tree / Victoria Falls
South Luangwa Walking Safari / Real Zambia / African Expedition / Capricorn Safari

South Luangwa Walking Safari

This South Luangwa safari in Zambia aims to offer the best of all worlds with a mix of staying in one of the central lodges which focuses on game drives, followed by the bushcamps which focus more on walking safaris. You fly from Lusaka on a scheduled flight to Mfuwe Airport where you are met and transferred to Nkwali Lodge for 2 nights. From here you are transferred to Chamilandu Camp for 2 nights and then end at Chindeni or Bilimungwe Camp for 2 nights before transferring back to Mfuwe and flying back to Lusaka.

Instead of the conventional experience of yet another exhilarating Game Drive, our Game Guides and Game Scouts will take you on an unforgettable journey, on FOOT, through the Magnificent Wonders of the Untouched African Bush.We offer you the opportunity not only to see the wonder of the African bush, but to feel and smell and hear and touch the ancient continent at its most unspoilt. African Walking Safaris were pioneered right here in the magnificent splendor of the Sanctuary of the Luangwa Valley.If you are looking for the trip of your lifetime and the memories that go with it, You really can do no better than to visit the Luangwa Valley.

It combines well with all other areas of Zambia such as the Lower Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls and even Kafue National Park. This six night fly-in safari departs from Lusaka but you can also connect here from the Lower Zambezi or Victoria Falls for an additional cost. If you choose to come during May or November to December, you will stay at Bilimungwe and Kapamba Camps as these are the only camps which remain open during that period due to their sandy locations (meaning that they don’t get water-logged).

Day 1 Fly to Mfuwe for 2 nights central South Luangwa Park
This morning you take a scheduled flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe close to the South Luangwa. National Park. On arrival at Mfuwe airport, you are transferred to the lodge (40 minute drive). This is quite a busy road and you travel through villages, so your drive is punctuated by the opportunistic greetings of savvy youngsters, who wave madly in the hope of sweets!

On arrival at your camp you enjoy some lunch and settle into your room. Nkwali Camp is on the banks of the Luangwa river overlooking the South Luangwa National Park,. This is superb game-viewing country, famous for leopard and giraffe sightings. This charming small camp of six thatched en suite chalets has an unusual bar encircling an enormous ebony tree. Elephants often cross the Luangwa river to frequent the waterhole near the thatched dining room.

Later on, after some afternoon tea, you enjoy the first of your game drives. This drive will introduce you to some of the nocturnal animals and their predators as they become active and begin to hunt. You stop for drinks at sunset to enjoy the sounds and smells of the bush before continuing with the night drive. Afterwards you return for an atmospheric dinner back at the lodge.
Full Board & Game Activities. Accommodation: Nkwali Camp

Day 2 On Safari in the South Luangwa
The brooding Luangwa River meanders through the luxuriant valley, supporting thousands of hippo and crocodile and sustaining the park. Elephant, a wide variety of antelope, buffalo, kudu, zebra, Thornycroft’s giraffe and wildebeest occur in great numbers, as well as over 400 bird species. Lion, wild dog and hyena are also common and the park is famed for its excellent leopard sightings.

You enjoy an early morning game drive immediately after early morning tea and coffee, as the animals rise early to hunt in the cool of the day. The three hour game drive finishes in time for brunch, which will be keenly appreciated after your early morning start! After brunch, you can simply relax around the lodge or at the swimming pool during the heat of the day. Afternoon tea is served just prior to your late afternoon game drive. Nkwali offers a choice of game drives or game walks.
Full Board & Game Activities Accommodation: Nkwali Camp

Day 3 Transfer to Bush Camp for 2 nights
Today you are transferred to one of thefive bush camps, Chamilandu, Chindeni, Kuyenda, Bilimungwe or the more luxurious Kapamba. The six camps all vary in character and location and we recommend different lodges depending on whether you wish to walk from one camp to another, what time of year you are coming, and your specific safari interests. For example, Chamilandu Camp offers comfort, class and beauty in one of the South Luangwa’s prime river locations. Chamilandu has three reed and thatch tree house chalets, each two metres high, with wrought iron four poster beds and mosquito nets.
Full Board & Game Activities. Accommodation: Chamilandu Camp

Day 4 Your safari activities will revolve around walking safaris. The day begins with tea/coffee and light snacks prior to setting off on your walking safari. Typically the game walk focuses on the smaller wildlife, the birds, the plants and their local medicinal uses and you’ll find yourself tracking spoor to identify different animals. Sometimes you’ll also encounter larger wildlife so your guide is always alert and ready. However the attraction of a walking safari lies in the overwhelming sense of being an active part of the bush.

You return to camp in time to freshen up before a sumptuous brunch. Afterwards there’ll be some time to relax in your room, or in the sitting area overlooking the river. Why not enjoy an afternoon siesta before meeting again for afternoon tea. Typically the afternoon game walk is shorter and then after drinks, you continue by vehicle on a night drive before returning to camp for dinner.
Full Board & Game Activities. ccommodation: Chamilandu Camp

Day 5 & 6 Transfer to second Bushcamp for 2 nights
Today you transfer to a second bushcamp. You may like to walk from one camp to the next, with your luggage being portered separately so that it is waiting for you on arrival. The pattern of activities is similar with a morning bush walk and an afternoon bush walk/night drive.

For example Chindeni Camp is situated on the edge of a permanent lagoon within the South Luangwa National Park, with the Nchindeni Hills as a magnificent backdrop. The lagoon offers the opportunity of bird-watching and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your private deck.
Full Board & Game Activities. Accommodation: Chindeni Camp

Day 7 Transfer to Mfuwe for flight to Lusaka
Today you are transferred back to Mfuwe Airport by road in time for your scheduled flight back to Lusaka.

Note: It is possible to link this safari with other Zambian destinations such as Victoria Falls or the Lower Zambezi by paying a supplement for the additional flight.

2009 Price per person, double occupancy: 01 Apr 2009 - 20 May 2009 = US$2650, 21 May 2009 - 30 Jun 2009 = US$3574, 01 Jul 2009 - 31 Oct 2009 = US$3719

Includes: All meals and accommodation, morning and afternoon game activities with experienced guides, return charter flights from Lusaka, National Park fees, local drinks

Excludes: International flights, Premium drinks, visas, items of a personal nature

Best time to go: Suitable in the dry season only from May to October (Possibly to Late December depending on the camps chosen). Note that some camps are only open from June to October

Minimum number: None however the price listed is based on two people travelling

Health requirements: Malaria area so anti-malarial precautions are essential

Climate: Sub-tropical climate with hot & humid summers, warm, dry and sunny winters

Notes: 15kg luggage restriction