Walking
Safaris In Zambia
SOUTH
LUANGWA WALKING TRAIL
8 days
& 7 nights in the african bush
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 3 nights and Nsefu Camp for 2 nights.
DAY 1: MFUWE TO NKWALI CAMP
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin's private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali 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 Nkwali 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 cooked 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 on a game viewing transfer of around 3 hours to the northern area of the Nsefu sector to begin the 3-day walking safari. On reaching the crossing point you will crossing the Luangwa River by boat and then there is a short walk and another boat crossing into Mumbulu Camp in time for lunch. Your luggage is portered. Mumbulu Camp nestles in a small ebony grove and overlooks a flowing channel of the Luangwa River and has four chalets of grass construction with ensuite facilities. After lunch you will enjoy a siesta and tea and an afternoon walk ending back at camp for sundowners and dinner.
DAY 4: WALKING SAFARI
Today is spent enjoying both morning and afternoon walking activities around camp. If you so desire there are a couple of interesting walks to Zebra Flats which is a wide open area with different habitat.
DAY 5: WALKING SAFARI
Up early for a walk to the next bushcamp Kasansanya which overlooks the Luangwa River. The camp is also in a small ebony grove and has four grass and reed chalets with ensuite facilities. Your luggage will be portered to camp for your arrival when lunch will be ready. After lunch and siesta tea and an afternoon walk around the camp and back in time for sundowners and dinner under the stars.
DAY 6: SOUTH LUANGWA
Up early for a walk to the Luangwa river crossing point for a boat crossing to a waiting vehicle that will then transfer you on a game drive to Nsefu Camp. The camp is on a sweeping bend of the river, 12 kilometers north of Tena Tena. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is and Robin Pope Safaris own the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavals with luxurious ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandahs. You will arrive in time for lunch followed by a siesta. Afternoon activities are by vehicle followed by a night drive to spot some of the nocturnal animals of the bush.
DAY 7: SOUTH LUANGWA
Today you can enjoy a full day in this luxurious camp with the option of morning walk/game drive and the afternoon activity. You may decide just to laze around camp which can also be very productive as the view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. Tonight we stay at Nsefu Camp.
DAY 8: THE SAFARI ENDS
Depending on your flight time you will be transferred by vehicle to Mfuwe Airport which is approximately 2.5 hrs drive from Nsefu Camp. Where possible we would incorporate a game drive.
Cost:
Jun - Oct 2003: Approx. USD 2270.00 per person sharing.
Included:
2 nights at Nkwali Camp, 3 nights at bush camps in the national park, 2 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.
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