The Safari Co. offers in-depth wildlife safaris for the traveler in search of a 'learning experience' while on holiday in Africa. These safaris are tailor made and we plan these unique educational wildlife experiences on a tailor made basis to suit your specific requirements. We offer a wide range of wildlife focussed safaris. One exceptional wildlife experience is our Bush Skills Safari that will introduce you to skills such as animal tracking, animal identification, the uses of trees and plants, 4x4 driving tips, bush cooking and game spotting at night. This Bush Skills Safari is conducted in the South Luangwa National Park (see below). or ranger course in the Kruger area of South Africa.

Please contact us for a wildlife in-depth learning safari of a lifetime! Our learning safaris combine well with other safaris to any southern and east African destination.

Also use our safari planner to assist you in deciding what to combine with your wildlife safari to Africa, where to go, when to go there and what to do while you're there.

This page is constantly being updated. If you need a quote or detailed itineraries for a learning experience in Africa, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to be of assistance to you.

Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, lying at the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa River, forming the eastern boundary to the National Park, meanders past oxbow lagoons, vast woodlands and open grassy plains that provide rich habitat for huge concentrations of wildlife - including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and hippo – a host of different antelope species and over 470 species of birds.

In addition to giving participants an amazing wildlife experience, Bush Skills also gives everyone an insight into the training that a professional safari guide undergoes. Participants will learn about identification and behaviour of the various mammals and common birds in the Park as well as the common trees and their uses, and insects, amphibians and reptiles seen along the way whilst walking and driving won’t be forgotten. How to approach dangerous game on foot or in a safari vehicle, proper use of firearms, and hints on 4x4 driving are all part of the experience. There is a big focus on tracks and tracking as well as identification of other ‘signs’ such as dung. When staying at the bush camps we go into the back to meet the chef and learn about bush cooking (and maybe help prepare a meal or bake the bread!). Everyone will have the opportunity to be “spotter for the night”, taking the front seat and searching for nocturnal creatures with the powerful spotlight. There will be wonderful opportunities for photography and having fun with like-minded people.

The first venue is the spectacular Mfuwe Lodge set within the National Park. Thatched chalets overlook two oxbow lagoons that attract a host of animals by day and night. All chalets have en suite facilities and a private deck. A large swimming pool is built into the main deck overlooking one of the lagoons and the reference library provides a wide range of books and wildlife videos and Derek will give several short lectures and slide shows during the two-night stay here.

Then we move south to the bush camps and this is when the walking experience begins. The drive to the first camp takes several hours and we stop along the way to look at the wildlife, arriving at the first camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon we take our first walk followed by a night drive.
Each day starts with a light breakfast on the deck at daybreak, and then we walk to the next camp to arrive in time for brunch. Then there will be time for discussions on the mornings sightings followed by a short rest before tea and the afternoon/evening activity. We generally return to the camp around 8pm in time for dinner under the stars.

Our last evening is back at Mfuwe Lodge and a wrap-up session in the Library before dinner.
Derek Solomon in one of Zambia’s leading professional guides with over 15 years of safari experience. He is recognized as one of the top ornithologists in the region and has published several books on bird behaviour and identification. He is currently working on a book on behaviour of the mammals of South Luangwa National Park, and is responsible for the training of many of the Valley’s safari guides.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1.
Arrive Lusaka International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the local departure lounge to fly to Mfuwe Airport on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park (1.5 hours). Your guide and host, Derek Solomon, will meet you on arrival in Mfuwe Airport and transfer you to the lodge, some 3km inside the National Park. The 45-minute journey will take you past local villages and schools, traditional markets and friendly people, something that Zambia is renowned for. You have the opportunity to relax and get to know the lodge and its facilities and then take a short evening drive before dinner.
Day 2.
The day starts with a 05h30 wake-up call and everyone meets on the deck for a tea/coffee and a light breakfast before the first activity. The focus will be on identification of the wildlife and certain trees that are common around the lodge and we return to the lodge late morning in time for a shower before brunch. Then there will time for a rest or a swim in the lodge pool. We meet in the library at 15h00 for a short discussion with afternoon tea at 16h00 before departing on the afternoon/evening drive. The drive returns to the lodge at about 19h30 and dinner is usually served at around 20h00-20h30.
Day 3.
Once again an early start and then we start the journey to Bilimungwe Bush Camp about three hours drive away. There will be plenty of opportunities to view and photograph wildlife as we travel. We arrive in time for brunch followed by a short rest. We then meet for tea on the deck to discuss some of the sightings of the morning, and then set off on our first walk. These are not marathon walking sessions - the object is to see and learn as much as possible whilst we walk. An armed Wildlife Department scout accompanies all walks. Accommodation at Bilimungwe is in thatched chalets with en suite facilities. The lounge, dining and bar area are located on a large deck that overlooks a waterhole that attracts a wide variety of wildlife and this is where we take our meals as well.
Day 4.
Today we walk in the area around Bilimungwe. The route follows the Luangwa River, occasionally meandering deeper into the bush to look for unusual vegetation, or maybe follow tracks of a lion or learn about bird calls. We should walk for about four hours, stopping along the way for tea and biscuits, and return to the camp in time for brunch. In the afternoon we go to the river to learn about hippo behaviour whilst enjoying a sundowner, and then take our next night drive with one of the participants acting as spotter.
Days 5 & 6.
Today our destination is the Kapamba Trail following the Kapamba River as we walk. This area is particularly good for lions and hopefully we will be able to find tracks and follow them for some time, maybe even locating some of them. The camp sites are a little more basic but still very comfortable. Bucket showers and long drop toilets are provided at each site and once again the supply vehicle takes our luggage to the next site. This is the real Africa with dinner under the stars listening to the sounds of the bush after a satisfying days walking.
Day 7.
Today we have a morning activity and brunch and then drive back to Mfuwe Lodge for a wrap-up session followed by sundowners in the bush.
Day 8.
Fly to Lusaka to connect with flights home.

Costs
Please contact us for a detailed quote.

Includes:
7 nights accommodation, return flights from Lusaka, comprehensive manual, all activities and learning.
Excludes:
B bar at Mfuwe Lodge, imported wine in bushcamps, airport departure taxes, items of a personal nature.

Max 6 pax per course. Minimum age is 12 years.

We look forward to sending you on an African Safari Experience with a difference.