River Journeys South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
This safari takes you to South Luangwa, one of Zambia’s most famous parks. The Luangwa Valley, at the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of Africa’s few pristine wilderness areas and perhaps the most stunning wildlife sanctuary. “During the Emerald Season, the Luangwa Valley is at its most tension, with the Luangwa River currently gushing over into the filling lagoons. Boating into these flooded lagoons, ebony trees, and running currents allows you to see parts of the Valley that are generally inaccessible during this time of year.”
The Luangwa River is one of the few major rivers in Africa, if not the globe, that has not been developed into a hydropower dam. This river continues to increase each year, flooding into lagoons and channels, changing course and creating new pools, and thus creating a rich floodplain river system. Staying at the first camping site, Nsefu, founded in the 1950s, is a terrific opportunity for getting to the heart of the park during the flood. Luangwa River Camp, Nsefu & Nkwali Camps are the three sites from which you can access numerous Luangwa locations. Making your safari even more unforgettable and one-of-a-kind.
Highlights
- River Safari in South Luangwa National Park
- Day and Night Game Drive Safari
- Walking Safari & Kawaza Village Tour
- Tribal Textiles tour (for souvenirs) & Chipembele Wildlife Orphanage visit.
Inclusions
- 7 Nights’ Accommodation as per Itinerary
- All safari activities
- Meals, Bar & Laundry
- Transfers to/from Mfuwe airport
- Local Flights (Lusaka – Mfuwe – Lusaka)
The Itinerary
Day 1
Luangwa River Camp
You will arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka (LUN), where our representative will greet you and assist you in checking in for your local flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa.
When you arrive at Mfuwe International Airport, a guide from Robin Pope will greet you and bring you to Luangwa River Camp, where you will be shown to your bush suite and given time to relax.
Luangwa River Camp is a small camp with only five chalets located in the Upper Lupande GMA, opposite the Luangwa Wafwa. All the amenities of a five-star camp, but with the intimacy, specialized activities, and flexible mealtimes that you’ve come to expect from a bush camp. The décor of the camp is primarily up of locally manufactured handmade accessories.
The main area is elevated between 1-3 meters above ground on wooden platforms with spectacular views of the park and river. The swimming pool is buried into the floor on two levels, with a spill over between the two pools. All of the seating sections are high and open concept, with a bar, dining, and reading area
Day 2
Luangwa River Camp
The second day is spent exploring the South Luangwa National Park with a variety of activities such as game drives, walking, and boating.
Day 3 – 5
Nsefu Camp
Taking the boat up to Nsefu Camp, which can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what you see along the way. The Luangwa River will be at its peak, and many of the lagoons will be overflowing. Along the river, the birdlife is spectacular. On the riverbanks, you’ll frequently spot a bull elephant or a lion. Six round rondavels with luxury en-suite facilities are available at Nsefu Camp. Through large windows and new wooden decks, every room has a clear view of the river. When you arrive in Nsefu, you will be brought to your accommodations and offered lunch, followed by a well-deserved rest before embarking on an afternoon adventure.
As the week progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area by boat and on foot, taking in the sights of ebony forests, lagoons, and flooded waterways. A guide will drive you to more remote areas of the park to explore the park in a more exclusive way while enjoying an all-day picnic. This involves eating lunch under a tree or next to a lagoon, resting for a couple of hours while reading a book or watching the animals and scenery. Returning to camp when you’re ready — you might elect to skip the afternoon boat cruise and return to camp at sunset.
Day 6
Nkwali Camp
Early morning boat ride back to Nkwali, with a panoramic view of the Luangwa River and the Park. Nkwali features six rooms, each with a view of the river and a large bathroom. You can enjoy lunch looking out over the lagoon into the back of Nkwali, or afternoon tea, as well as an afternoon and night wildlife drive, depending on your arrival time.
Day 7
Nkwali Camp
Breakfast is served around the campfire in the morning, with porridge prepared over the fire and toast roasted over coals. After breakfast, go for a morning walk or drive with an opportunity to go on a natural light photography trip, accessing the park by boat from the camp to a nearby pontoon.
The game in this area is superb, with elephants and giraffes such as the Thornicroft Giraffe among them. Mid-morning break with tea, cake, and coffee while admiring the lagoon and the Luangwa River.
After that, it’s back to camp for lunch at 12 p.m. After lunch, take a dip in the pool to chill off. Afternoon tea will be served later, followed by a game drive that will last into the early hours of the night for an opportunity to spot nocturnal species. The trip usually concludes about 20.00 hrs, and dinner is served at 20.30 hrs.
Day 8
Departure
Breakfast I served in the morning then you will be transferred to mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka and onwards connection. When you arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International in Lusaka our representative will welcome you then assist you to check in onto your outbound flight.
Where You'll Be Staying
Luangwa River Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Nsefu Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Nkwali Camp
South Luangwa National ParkWhat's not included
Visa Fees - Person Travel Insurance - International Flight - Anything of personal nature
Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?
Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.
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