Luangwa, Lower Zambezi Encounter Safari
14 night/ 15 day Safari exploring the South Luangwa on foot and by vehicle, before enjoying the contrast of the Lower Zambezi National Park
Day 1 Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa
After clearing customs you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by our representative, and assisted with formalities for your flight to Mfuwe Airport. A representative of Mfuwe Lodge will meet you in the Arrivals Hall, and will drive you to the Lodge, 45 minutes away. South Luangwa is one of the few parks in Africa that allows night driving with high-powered spot beams to glimpse the fascinating nocturnal creatures otherwise not visible or active during the day. Lions hunting, hyena, civets, honey badgers and porcupines are commonly seen at night. Most notable however, are the leopards, which are frequently observed stalking and hunting their prey. At Mfuwe Lodge, exciting wilderness adventures are matched by the enchantment of the lodge, the warm welcome from the staff and the courtesy and efficiency of service. Each of Mfuwe’s luxury chalets is decorated with superb attention to detail and is equipped with everything from a refrigerator to shampoo and mosquito repellent. Each sunken bath has its own private view of the lagoon. What better way to relax and forget the pressures of city life than to soak in the sights and sounds of the African bush? Game activity at the lagoon continues day and night as breeding herds in abundance come to quench their thirst. For quieter moments the nature conservation library with its own deck shaded by giant ebony trees, offers a unique collection of antiquarian books and modern reference material. Day 2 Bilimungwe Bushcamp, South Luangwa After breakfast, and a morning activity, you will be transferred to Bilimungwe Camp. Here, the traditions of the African bush camp meet elegance and style to create a stunning camp that feels like it has grown organically out of the surrounding landscape. Set beneath a huge mahogany tree, the heart of Bilimungwe is the cool, shady lounge area that looks out over one of the camps three water holes. Bilimungwe is the southernmost camp in the South Luangwa and is just a short road transfer from Mfuwe Airport. Set on the banks of the Luangwa River, nestled into the forest, Bilimungwe has a peaceful outlook over the permanent water hole in front of the main dining and lounge area. The Camp is linked up by a series of raised wooden walkways and kept cool by the shade of the magnificent mahogany trees that provide the backdrop for this idyllic spot. Each of the four reed and thatch chalets has 2 double beds, en-suite showers, toilets, double vanities and an individual rechargeable lighting system. Bilimungwe Bushcamp concentrates on walking safaris as its main activity. Day safari drives and spot-lit night drives are also offered. Two activities a day are the norm and we recommend an afternoon walk combined with a night game-drive at least once during your stay. Day 5 Chamilandu Bushcamp, South Luangwa After breakfast, and a morning activity, you will be transferred to Chamilandu Camp. There’s nothing quite like waking up at Chamilandu. Early morning views don't get much better than the rippling waters of the Luangwa River, the gentle rise of the Chindeni Hills and a vast African sky especially when you’re lying in a four poster bed in a handsome stilted tree-house. You don't even need to leave your bed to see the wildlife from your unique vantage point you can watch as animals roam across the landscape, or swing through the trees above your head. Chamilandu's three exquisite tree-houses perch right on the edge of the Luangwa River. Each has its own raised veranda to loll on during the heat of the day, and an open-fronted en-suite bathroom with the same magnificent views over the tranquil waters. Two of the tree-houses have twin beds (queen-sized beds) and one has a double (king-sized bed). With capacity for just six guests, this is the perfect camp for small groups. Chamilandu is open from July to November. Days 6 and 7 Chamilandu Bushcamp Walking safaris and game drives around Chamilandu explore the impressive range of habitats in the area. With no fewer than seven oxbow lagoons behind camp, there are always thirsty animals around seeking refreshment. The hide looks out over one of these lagoons and is the perfect place to take lunch, tea or to while away an afternoon in a hammock to the soundtrack of bathing elephant. Vertical Divider
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Day 8 Kapamba Bushcamp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, you Guide will transfer you to Kapamba Camp, situated on a prime stretch of the Kapamba River, in an untouched corner of the Park. The focal point of the camp is the bar and lounge area, overlooking the river and allowing close-up game viewing opportunities as the animals come to water. Four en-suite chalets are designed individually, to make the most of a stunning view of the Kapamba River, with open front design to ensure that guests can enjoy game viewing from the privacy of their room. Bathrooms have double sized sunken baths and a spacious shower that are both open fronted with views down to the hippos wallowing in the water below. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River is among the highest in the Africa. The clear, picturesque Kapamba River is one of the main tributaries of the Luangwa River and is the perfect spot to enjoy this untouched area of South Luangwa. It was here, in South Luangwa, Zambia, that walking safaris originated and still remain an exciting feature of your stay in this area. Days 9 and 10 Kapamba Bushcamp Walking safaris from the Kapamba are exceptional with numerous trails following the course of the river. Unrivalled walking safaris with superb game-viewing by day & night, scenic sun downers and exceptional bird watching are all on offer at Kapamba. Day 11 Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi You will be transferred from Kapamba to Mfuwe Airport, in time to connect with Proflight, who will fly you to Lusaka, and then on to Royal airstrip, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, for your stay at Chongwe. The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the two rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. Chongwe River Camp is a family owned and run business dedicated not only to providing your dream safari experience but also hospitality that can only be found in a home. Under a complete canopy of huge Winterthorn Acacias, the camp occupies an unrivalled location, used twice by David Livingstone on his travels, as did Courtney Selous, when he hunted in this, his favourite wilderness! Chongwe River Camp has eight safari tents with en-suite bathrooms set along the river bank. Each tent is on a polished concrete base and covered by a separate canvas roof to help keep it cool during the hot summer months. Chongwe River Camp's main area is covered by two large canvas marquee-style roofs suspended from the trees above. The bar here is a popular gathering spot for lively conversation before dinner and the comfortable lounge with its colourful cushions and small library is a cool place to relax during the day. In front of this, overlooking the camp's jetty is the outdoor dining area and campfire, which is surrounded by comfortable wooden armchairs. Days 12, 13 and 14 Chongwe River Camp Numerous activities are on offer from Chongwe River Camp. Boat trips and canoeing can be done on the Zambezi River, whilst only canoeing is offered on the slower moving Chongwe River. Fishing is possible on a strictly 'catch and release' basis: the local specialty is the fighting tiger fish. Sizeable catfish and bream are also caught, and the best months for fishing are April, September and October. Day and night safari drives both in the park and in the game management area are offered. If staying for a few days, opt for a full-day excursion into the Lower Zambezi National Park; this encompasses a variety of terrains and includes a sumptuous and lengthy picnic lunch. Walking safaris are recommended, especially to the north where the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment form the Chongwe Falls. In this area you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive Samango or Blue monkey. Although not rare, as these monkeys prefer humid, forested areas making this one of the few more accessible pockets in southern Africa where they can be seen. Other species usually only found in this little-visited area of the Lower Zambezi valley is the diminutive klipspringer, which prefer the rocky outcrops found in these foothills, and bush pigs which prefer the forested areas. The bird life is also particularly good around Chongwe River Lodge. Day 15 You will return to Royal Airport, in time to connect with Proflight back to Lusaka Airport. |
Included in this itinerary:
Lusaka Airport meet and greet service
Proflight charter Lusaka - Mfuwe Airport
All accommodation, All meals; bar at The Bushcamps; all game activities; inter-camp transfers; laundry (this is quite limited in the Bushcamps)
Park fees
Road transfer from Kapamba Camp to Mfuwe Airport
Proflight charter: Mfuwe - Lusaka - Royal airstrip
Chongwe Activities, Laundry, Local drinks and House Wine, Local transfers, Meals, National Park Fees, Community
Development Levy (day and night game drives; canoeing; walking safaris; boat cruises; fishing)
Proflight charter from Royal back to Lusaka Airport
Not included:
Travel and medical insurance
Visas/ related costs
Drinks at Mfuwe Lodge, bottled wines
Domestic airport departure taxes
Gratuities and items of a personal nature
Lusaka Airport meet and greet service
Proflight charter Lusaka - Mfuwe Airport
All accommodation, All meals; bar at The Bushcamps; all game activities; inter-camp transfers; laundry (this is quite limited in the Bushcamps)
Park fees
Road transfer from Kapamba Camp to Mfuwe Airport
Proflight charter: Mfuwe - Lusaka - Royal airstrip
Chongwe Activities, Laundry, Local drinks and House Wine, Local transfers, Meals, National Park Fees, Community
Development Levy (day and night game drives; canoeing; walking safaris; boat cruises; fishing)
Proflight charter from Royal back to Lusaka Airport
Not included:
Travel and medical insurance
Visas/ related costs
Drinks at Mfuwe Lodge, bottled wines
Domestic airport departure taxes
Gratuities and items of a personal nature