Walking Safaris In Zambia
SOUTH LUANGWA WALKING TRAIL
10 days & 9 nights in wild africa
safari cost · best season · activities · map of safari
The
LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift
Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly
the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an
area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa
River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of
the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant,
buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species
of birds. WALKING is the only way to really discover
the secrets of the bush. Walks are led by an experienced naturalist
and accompanied by an armed game scout.
Combining
Nkwali Camp for 2 nights, Walking Mobile Camp for 4 nights and
Nsefu Camp for 3 nights.
DAY
1: MFUWE TO NKWALI CAMP
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a representative of
The Safari Company will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp
takes 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture
as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa
River. Overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, the camp
is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms
all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending
on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking
out over the lagoon to the back of the camp or if in the afternoon
for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
DAY
2: EXPLORING SOUTH LUANGWA
At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge
is heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning
walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat
from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area
is excellent - and includes many family herds of elephants and
the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid
morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic
point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch
around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming
pool or siesta. Tea will be served in the afternoon and then
off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early
night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually
one returns to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at
20.30.
DAY
3: WALKING SAFARI
After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start
your walking mobile which has become known as THE wilderness
experience of the South Luangwa. Your drive is some 90kms to
the Mupamadzi River along a bush road, through remote parts
of the park. You arrive in camp for lunch around mid day. The
mobile camp is already set up for your arrival with well-equipped
walk-in tents. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is
a long drop with a wooden throne. Enjoy a relaxing siesta after
lunch before tea and going for a walk around camp in the afternoon
to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars!
DAY
4: WALKING SAFARI
Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild,
the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused
to man. From ant’s to buffalo, a bird’s nest to
tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush.
Lunch, siesta and afternoon walk.
DAY
5: WALKING SAFARI
The mobile camp will be packed and moved to another remote
location as you walk further down the river. Lunch will be ready
as the guests arrive late morning. Lunch, siesta and afternoon
walk.
DAY
6: WALKING SAFARI
The final day of exploring the area on foot. The clear
watered Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa
and all walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied
by an armed game scout. The terrain is varied, with foothills
of the escarpment covers with low mopane, open grass land plains
with kopjes as well as the riverine woodland and scrub.
DAY
7: NSEFU CAMP
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing
point. This is a 4 to 5 hour drive. Nsefu staff will meet and
boat the party across the river, and then a 45 minute drive
to Nsefu Camp. The camp is on a sweeping bend of the
river. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back
to the early fifties. This area was recognized then as a phenomenal
area and it still is. There are only two camps in this sector
of the Park. The camp consists of six round rondavals with luxurious
ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river
through large windows and from the wooden verandahs. On arrival
you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served
followed by a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and
evening game drive. Time to rest those weary legs!!
DAY
8: NSEFU CAMP
Today is a chance to drive or walk through the ebony groves.
Or you may decide this is an ideal day depending on the heat
and time of year to explore the Nsefu Sector of the National
Park possibly with an all day picnic drive to the salt pans
that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional days
safari.
DAY
9: NSEFU CAMP
Being the last whole day at Nsefu you resume game activities
in the morning and evening with the possibility of visiting
Kawaza village as an option to meet local people and experience
life in a real non tourist village. If you wish to visit this
village please mention this at the time of booking or on arrival
at camp on day 1.
DAY
10: THE SAFARI ENDS
Depending on your flight time you will be transferred by vehicle
to Mfuwe Airport which is approximately 1.5 hrs drive from camp.
Where possible we would incorporate a game drive.
Costs:
Jun - Oct 2003: Approx. USD 3475.00 per person sharing.
Included:
2 nights at Nkwali Camp, 4 nights at bush camps in the national
park, 3 nights at Nsefu Camp, all meals, all drinks, laundry,
all game viewing (day & night drives), park fees, services
of professional walking guide, transfers from Mfuwe Airport.
Excluded:
International flights, personal expenses, airport and departure
taxes, visa costs, comprehensive travel insurance.
Activities:
Several hours walking per day in one of the most remote
wilderness areas in Africa, game drives, night drives, sundowners.
Best
season:
June to October is dry season in southern Africa when foliage
has thinned out enough for safe walking. It is also cooler during
the winter months (Jun - Sept). This time of the year is the
best for game viewing.
Map
of safari route:
Extend
your stay:
to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Visit the famous Victoria Falls
- one of the natural wonders of the world. Stay at the lodge
of your choice (River
Club, Islands of Siankaba, Royal
Livingstone (excl. dinner) or Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge) situated on the banks of the
upper Zambezi. Fly from Mfuwe to Livingstone.
Cost
of extension:
The cost of the extensions to Victoria Falls depends
on the choice of accommodation and the length of stay. Please
contact us for a detailed quote.
Extend
your stay:
to the Lower Zambezi Valley
Fly from Mfuwe to Jeki airstrip
in the Lower Zambezi National Park, located along the Zambezi
River across from Mana Pools. The major attraction is canoe
safaris, combined with walks, game drives, night drives and
boat cruises while staying at comfortable permanent camps situated
on the banks of the Zambezi River. Choose between Chiawa
Camp, Sausage
Tree Camp, Kiubo
River Camp (just outside the park) and Kulefu
Camp.
Cost
of extension:
The cost of the extensions to the Lower Zambezi Valley
depends on the choice of accommodation and the length of stay.
Please contact us for a detailed quote.
Term and conditions: Please read our terms and conditions
for more information on how to book, travel insurance, cancellation
fees, baggage and other important issues.
