Walking Safaris In Zambia

NORTH LUANGWA WALKING TRAIL
5 days & 4 nights in remote africa

safari cost  ·  best season  ·  activities  ·  map of safari

This largely undeveloped 1780 miles² park are situated north of South Luangwa National Park in the upper Luangwa Valley. Vegetation includes miombo woodland, scrubland and riverine forest. The primary activity in this park is walking, as there are few roads and the chances of you seeing other tourists are very unlikely as it is not visited by many tourist. This unspoilt wilderness is best visited from July to October.

DAY 1: FLY TO MWALESHI AIRSTRIP - MWALESHI CAMP
7.00 am - early start.
The walk begins from the Mwaleshi airstrip via the lagoon where we stop for tea. It will take about four hours. After tea we walk to camp to arrive in time for lunch. In the early afternoon we have a choice of a relaxing siesta or an enjoyable swim in the river followed by an afternoon walk. Back in camp a rewarding sundowner awaits, followed by dinner.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE AREA ON FOOT
Start the day off with a wholesome breakfast before walking upstream along the Mwaleshi River. The surrounding that awaits us is a mosaic habitat of Cathedral Mopani trees, riverine forests, open plains and sandy beaches. Tea is served in the bush with a walk back to the camp for a leisurely lunch. This mornings’ walk will take about 5 hours.
After lunch we drive out to the open plains where we walk around the lagoon and back to the sunset plains to watch the sun setting over the escarpment. It will be a night drive back into camp for a hearty dinner before turning in after a long but adventurous day.

DAY 3: FURTHER INTO THE NORTH LUANGWA - A WATERFALL AND A CHIEF’S GRAVES
Early breakfast before heading off on a 2-hour game drive for the majestic escarpment. Along the way we are sure to see herds of buffalo, Cooksens Wildebeest, zebra, impala and much more. While heading for the escarpment we pass through a habitat change from low lying Mopani trees through a transitional woodland to a riverine forest much higher up where we will find big lush trees such as the great Ebony tress.
Once we reach the escarpment we walk to a waterfall in a terminalia woodland lasting for 2 ½ hours. On the way up we pass the grave of Chief Mukungule, chief of the Bisa people who lived in the Valley. He is buried under a large Sausage Tree in a beautiful area of the forest where we can hear the falls in the distance. There is an annual ceremony where the Bisa elders visit the grave bringing offerings to the chief of food and tobacco. These offerings are in return for safe passage through the area and to prevent “bad things” from happening to the locals.
The remainder of the walk to the waterfall is through a dense forest under a huge canopy of trees entangled with Monkey vines. Along the way we pass a gorge with a large pool at the bottom where we definitely see huge pods of hippos and plenty of crocodiles.
Further up towards the falls are rock pools surrounded by white sandy beach areas where we can swim and relax safely and enjoy lunch that will be cooked over an open fire under the shade of a large tree. At about 3.00pm we walk back to the vehicle. Back at the vehicle we enjoy a few sundowners before heading back for camp and a well-deserved dinner.

DAY 4: WALKING WITH AFRICA’S WILDLIFE
Early breakfast. Today we walk downstream of the Mwaleshi River, to the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi rivers about 7 or 8 kilometres from camp. We stop along the way to have tea. The area features Gardinia, Winter thorns and Accacia Groves where it is said, that on 60% of the walks lion are sighted! Dorian, the guide, is an expert in lion behaviour (after many years of research experience), and reveals the secrets of the African bush in safety.
Across the Mwaleshi River a full bush lunch cooked over open flames are served under Natal Mahogany trees while enjoying a cold refreshment and observing the pods of over 200 hippo in the water. Tea and coffee are enjoyed after lunch and then we have a game drive back to the camp, which takes about 45 minutes. We have the afternoon to relax. Later we have the choice of an easy walk or a game drive to the Luangwa River for sundowners. This will be followed by a night drive back to camp for dinner.

DAY 5: THE SAFARI ENDS
Early breakfast before packing up and departing. We leave by vehicle.

Costs:
Please contact us for a quote.

Included:
4 nights at Mwaleshi Camp in North Luangwa National Park, all meals, all drinks, laundry, game drives, night drives, park fees, services of professional walking guide, flights 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:
South Luangwa National Park
to Tafika Camp in the South Luangwa National Park (sister camp of Mwaleshi) for game viewing by vehicle and microlight aircraft.

Cost of extension:
Please contact us for a quote.

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.

Extend your stay:
to an idyllic island on  Lake Malawi - stay at Kaya Mawa
Fly from Mfuwe to Lilongwe in Malawi, clear customs and fly to Kaya Mawa, situated on an island on Lake Malawi. Spend the days relaxing after the walking safari sun bathing, diving, sailing and kayaking. Each room overlooks the ‘lake of stars’ and ultimate relaxation…

Cost of extension:
The cost of the extension to Kaya Mawa depends on 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.

Book this safari: click here >>>

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