Walking in Zambia

The South Luangwa is regarded as the home of walking safaris, certainly they were commonplace in this Park long before anywhere else and with the high quality of guiding found at most of the safari operations there are few places better suited to this most exciting way of experiencing the African bush. Night drives are another popular activity offered by all camps giving guests the chance to see nocturnal species that will not be seen by day and of course the early evening hours are best for watching predators hunting. The South Luangwa provides an excellent habitat for leopards leading to higher than usual concentrations, although they very often seem on night-drives it is not at all uncommon to see them in daylight hours as well.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Lusaka Arrival - South Luangwa

Lusaka Arrival - South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Accommodation: Luwi Camp
Domestic Flight
Lusaka - Mfuwe
Flight #: TBA
Departs: TBA
Arrives: TBA

Welcome to Zambia! Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport you will be met by our representative and assisted with immigration and customs procedures. You will then be directed to the domestic check-in counters for your flight to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa. The flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe will take 1hr 10 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred directly to Luwi Camp. This evening, make sure to enjoy a short night drive in the park for a chance to see some of the most breathtaking wildlife!

South Luangwa National Park

Considered as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa is the best park in Zambia and one of the most majestic in Africa. The 9,050-sq km park is centered around the Luangwa River and is home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife from herds of buffaloes, pride of lions and the highest density of leopards in the world. The animals may be less used to vehicles and slightly harder to find, but there are fewer visitors in these areas and watching the wildlife is immensely rewarding.

Day 2: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Luwi Camp Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Luwi Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Luwi Camp Lodge Activities

Luwi is set inside the National Park, 2 hours’ drive from Mfuwe Airport. It is a remote and what we would term ‘traditional’ bush-camp with only 4 rooms, each made of reed and thatch. Remoteness is the order of the day at this camp as no other tourists will be encountered in this area of the Park. Luwi is predominantly a walking camp with short night drives complimenting morning and afternoon walks.

Luwi surroundings are famous for lions and wild dogs. The thrill of tracking them on a walking safari is an experience not to be missed. This is also a wonderful way to gain a more in-depth perspective of the bush. Combine walks with game drives and ventures upriver to find elusive roan antelope, eland and hartebeest. Next to the camp, a permanent oxbow lagoon attracts wildlife from far and wide, especially during the dry winter months. A wildlife hide overlooks the resident hippos and offers superb sightings of the lagoon’s many visitors - perfect for photography. Take advantage of all the activities the camp has to offer from a day/night game drives, walking safaris, wildlife hide photography or sleepout under the stars!

Aside from incredible activities, enjoy fine dining and refreshments! Amid the wild bush setting, the award-winning culinary team creates an extraordinary dining experience that blends expert culinary skills, impeccable service, and artful plating. The dishes draw from the rich cultural and natural heritage of Zambia by featuring our vibrant flavors, produce, and traditions. At the end of a lively day on safari, enjoy a sundowner, a cherished African tradition. Whether you prefer a crisp gin and tonic or a local beer, the excellent bar staff have got you covered!

Day 3: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Transfer & Safari Walk
  • Accommodation: Nsolo Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

It is time for a new adventure! Transfers from Luwi to Nsolo Bush Camp are usually done on foot as a morning walking safaris. Nsolo Camp is set away from the permanent waters of the Luangwa River and has a limited network of roads, therefore it is a walking camp. Your guide will teach you about the place and the wildlife that inhabits this beautiful land. Upon arrival at the camp, enjoy the many camp activities and sundowners at your leisure!

Walking time: 2hrs and 30min
Walking distance: 12.5 KM

Day 4: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Nsolo Camp Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Nsolo Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Nsolo Camp Lodge Activities

The Luwi River region is renowned for its lion and wild dog population. Various lion prides use the dry riverbed as a thoroughfare and a means not only of locating their prey, but also their rivals who must be warned to stay away. In the South Luangwa, expect large herds of elephants, rivers packed with hippos and crocs and spectacular sightings of elusive leopards. The diverse habitat supports a wide variety of plains game and birdlife alongside the predators attracted to the abundance. During your stay, you can take advantage of game drives (day and night), walking safaris, and sleeping under the stars*!

*Please Note: Supplement charges apply fo Sleepout Under the Stars experience. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 5: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Transfer & Safari Walk
  • Accommodation: Kakuli Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

This morning, you will have the choice to walk with the wild or drive alongside it in order to reach Kakuli. It is also very common to do a combination of both. You will be driving out of camp after dawn to a spot further down the Luwi River from where you can start your walk. Your bags are driven to Kakuli and will be awaiting your arrival as will a cool drink and a hearty brunch.

Walking time: up to 4 hours depending on where you start your walk
Walking distance: 12 KM

Day 6: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Kakuli Bush-Camp Activities
  • Accommodation: Kakuli Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Kakuli Bush-Camp Activities

The diverse habitat in Kakuli supports a wide variety of plains, big game, and birdlife which attracts many predators! The surroundings are renowned for leopard and lion sightings. It is also one of the best camps in the park to see the iconic carmine bee-eaters. In South Luangwa, you can expect large herds of elephants and rivers packed with hippos and crocs. Some of the activities you can take do are day and night game drives, walking safaris, sleeping under the stars, and boating safaris. You can sometimes explore the area by foot or by vehicle. You can sail the Luangan River by boat for a different view and connection to wildlife. Eat delicious food created by the experts and filled with Zambian authenticity and flavor! End the night with some sundowners as you relax by the fire and in good company.

Day 7: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Internal Transfer
  • Accommodation: Mchenja Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Rise and shine! It is time to take another stroll (or drive) side by side with African wildlife. Mchenja Camp is located a few kilometers upstream from Kakuli on the bank of the main Luangwa River. It is most common to walk from Kakuli to Mchenja as it is an easy, beautiful, and usually productive walk. Once you settle in, you can relax in the camp or do a night safari!

Walking time: 2 hrs
Walking distance: 8 KM

Day 8: South Luangwa

South Luangwa
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Mchenja Camp Activities
  • Accommodation: Mchenja Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Mchenja Camp Activities

Explore the region's diverse habitats with the camp's award-winning guiding team. The game viewing around Mchenja is superb, with leopards and lions sometimes wandering through the ebony grove in search of prey. Night drives are usually very rewarding, with the bush revealing a different nocturnal surprise surprise every time. In the South Luangwa, expect large herds of elephants and rivers packed with hippos and crocs. Diverse habitat supports a wide variety of plains game and birdlife alongside the predators attracted to the abundance. Time + Tide Mchenja is also one of the be also one of the best camps in the park for seeing the iconic carmine bee-eaters. During your stay, you can take advantage of game drives (day and night), walking safaris, wildlife hide for photography, and sleeping under the stars*!

*Please Note: Supplement charges apply fo Sleepout Under the Stars experience. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 9: South Luangwa - Lusaka Departure

South Luangwa - Lusaka Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Meals: B
Domestic Flight
Mfuwe - Lusaka
Flight #: TBA
Departs: TBA
Arrives: TBA

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. After checking out, you will drive back to Mfuwe Airport which will give you one last opportunity to see the best game views and say farewell to the animals. When you arrive at Mfuwe airport, you will take a domestic flight to the Lusaka International Airport. You will arrive in good time to board your international departure flight.

We wish you safe and happy travels home!

Accommodation

Luwi Camp

Luwi Camp

Situated deep in the national park on the ephemeral Luwi River, Luwi Camp is wonderfully remote, with no other camps or people for miles around. Tranquility envelops this camp, creating a wilderness haven that allows you to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way. Nestled in a grove of ancient mahogany trees, the tented suites are designed to fully immerse you into the bush experience. Set along the riverbed and overlooking the floodplains below, you can watch the abundant wildlife right from the privacy of your own suite. Feathertop beds, an open-air, en-suite bathroom, and peaceful seating area create a comfortable experience in this seasonal camp.

Nsolo Camp

Nsolo Camp

One of the more historical safari camps in Zambia, Nsolo Camp is the quintessential 'barefoot luxury' experience. Nsolo is nestled along the banks of the seasonal Luwi River. With a design inspired by its intimate riverside setting, Nsolo welcomes you into its comfortable suites, which sit on raised wooden platforms and embody a cozy ambiance. The 4 suites at Nsolo are very spacious, set on raised wooden decks with grass walls and thatch roofs. Each suite is designed differently and has its own veranda and private views across the Luwi sand river bed. The suites celebrate the beauty of the South Luangwa.

Kakuli Camp

Kakuli Camp

Perched high above the Luangwa River, Kakuli Camp offers impressive vistas of the river's many visitors below. Designed to celebrate the panoramic scenery, a stay at Kakuli is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Freshly redesigned in 2018, the suites offer comfort in all seasons, making it the hidden gem of our Secret Season. They are thoughtfully appointed to ensure you enjoy your experience. A two bedroom, two bathroom family suite is perfect for friends and families creating lifelong memories together.

Mchenja Camp

Mchenja Camp

Flanked by a grove of towering ebony trees on one side and the Luangwa River on the other, Mchenja Camp offers luxury in the heart of the national park. Overlooking a wide river expanse, Mchenja is wonderful for watching large herds of elephants crossing the Luangwa. The suites bring style, comfort, and luxury to an authentic safari experience. Each suite features soft beds, large picture windows and a clawfoot bath looking out onto the river. The two bedroom, two bathroom family suite is the perfect retreat for friends and families traveling together. A refreshing pool is ideal for relaxing between safari activities - just be ready to share with the thirsty elephants!

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 6,198 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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