Optimal Sightings Safari
13 night/ 14 day Safari, with extensive exploration of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi
Day 1 Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa
After clearing customs and purchasing a visa for Zambia ourrepresentative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. They will escort you to the check in counters for your flight to Mfuwe Airport. Arrive at Mfuwe Airport, where a representative of Mfuwe Lodge will meet you, drive you into the Park and on to Mfuwe Lodge (+/- 45 minutes).
Mfuwe Lodge is the place to encounter the freedom and spirit of the real Africa. The Lodge allows the visitor a special glimpse of Africa, as she was untouched, unspoilt, and unforgettable. During your stay, all meals, activities are included, although drinks should be settled directly.
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?
In between game drives, walks and mouth-watering meals, retire to the tranquillity of your deck, with its amazing views of wildlife. 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 Kapamba Camp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, and a morning activity, you will be transferred to Kapamba Camp, 3 hours away. Kapamba Camp is situated on a prime stretch of the Kapamba River, in an untouched corner of the South Luangwa National 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.
Day 3 Kapamba Camp
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 and night, scenic sun downers and exceptional bird watching are all on offer at Kapamba.
Day 4 Chamilandu Camp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, you will take a slow drive to Chamilandu Camp, approximately 2.5 hours away. Chamilandu Camp offers comfort, class and beauty in one of the Luangwa Valleys prime remote river locations. The decor of the 2-meter high tree house chalets is a tasteful blend of wrought iron and brass.
Open to a 180 vista, the front of each tree house chalet provides the exciting frame for all of Luangwa Valley's wildlife. The four poster double or twin beds enjoy a bird’s eye view over the waters of the Luangwa River with the magnificent Nchindeni Hills as the backdrop. A series of seven ox-bow lagoons around Chamilandu yield diverse habitats and attracts abundant wildlife. Specializing in guided walking safaris.
Day 6 Chindeni Camp, South Luangwa
Today you will transfer to Chindeni Camp. Chindeni has an altogether different character from the other bush camps. The camp nestles on the apex of a permanent ox bow lagoon, offset by the magnificent Chindeni Hills.
Raised on wooden decking, Chindeni's 4 en-suite luxury tents have private decks from which you can view the resident big game or simply enjoy the serenity of the lagoon. Each tent has 2 queen-sized beds, hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, double vanities and polished floors.
Ancient ebony trees with their sweet fruit shade the bar and dining area and an adjacent, gently sloping walkway provides access to a lagoon-side retreat. From here, guests can enjoy an open air dining experience or the spectacular sundown as it reflects from the still waters of the lagoon.
Chindeni is primarily a walking camp, though night drives are always available. Regular sightings of wild dog in the Kapamba River area have been documented.
After clearing customs and purchasing a visa for Zambia ourrepresentative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. They will escort you to the check in counters for your flight to Mfuwe Airport. Arrive at Mfuwe Airport, where a representative of Mfuwe Lodge will meet you, drive you into the Park and on to Mfuwe Lodge (+/- 45 minutes).
Mfuwe Lodge is the place to encounter the freedom and spirit of the real Africa. The Lodge allows the visitor a special glimpse of Africa, as she was untouched, unspoilt, and unforgettable. During your stay, all meals, activities are included, although drinks should be settled directly.
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?
In between game drives, walks and mouth-watering meals, retire to the tranquillity of your deck, with its amazing views of wildlife. 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 Kapamba Camp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, and a morning activity, you will be transferred to Kapamba Camp, 3 hours away. Kapamba Camp is situated on a prime stretch of the Kapamba River, in an untouched corner of the South Luangwa National 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.
Day 3 Kapamba Camp
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 and night, scenic sun downers and exceptional bird watching are all on offer at Kapamba.
Day 4 Chamilandu Camp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, you will take a slow drive to Chamilandu Camp, approximately 2.5 hours away. Chamilandu Camp offers comfort, class and beauty in one of the Luangwa Valleys prime remote river locations. The decor of the 2-meter high tree house chalets is a tasteful blend of wrought iron and brass.
Open to a 180 vista, the front of each tree house chalet provides the exciting frame for all of Luangwa Valley's wildlife. The four poster double or twin beds enjoy a bird’s eye view over the waters of the Luangwa River with the magnificent Nchindeni Hills as the backdrop. A series of seven ox-bow lagoons around Chamilandu yield diverse habitats and attracts abundant wildlife. Specializing in guided walking safaris.
Day 6 Chindeni Camp, South Luangwa
Today you will transfer to Chindeni Camp. Chindeni has an altogether different character from the other bush camps. The camp nestles on the apex of a permanent ox bow lagoon, offset by the magnificent Chindeni Hills.
Raised on wooden decking, Chindeni's 4 en-suite luxury tents have private decks from which you can view the resident big game or simply enjoy the serenity of the lagoon. Each tent has 2 queen-sized beds, hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, double vanities and polished floors.
Ancient ebony trees with their sweet fruit shade the bar and dining area and an adjacent, gently sloping walkway provides access to a lagoon-side retreat. From here, guests can enjoy an open air dining experience or the spectacular sundown as it reflects from the still waters of the lagoon.
Chindeni is primarily a walking camp, though night drives are always available. Regular sightings of wild dog in the Kapamba River area have been documented.
Day 8 Old Mondoro, Lower Zambezi
After breakfast at Chindeni Camp, your Guide will transfer you back to Mfuwe Airport for your Proflight Charter to Jeki Airstrip, Lower Zambezi.
The Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area. Although the old white lion has long gone, Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit that lives on in his descendants that still roam free in this unique part of Africa.
Accommodating only eight guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is somewhat reminiscent of the mobile camps of East Africa, rebuilt from scratch and then dismantled each safari season. The tents, resting on temporary slabs, have en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins.
Paraffin lanterns provide natural lighting. The tents are left with open views during the day, and at night canvas drop-down blinds with windows are lowered to provide more privacy and security. Furniture in the tents is simple, with rustic shelving throughout, a coffee table and chairs in each. All tents have outstanding views of the Zambezi. The Main Tent, which serves as a lounge and dining area, rests under a Winter Thorn tree and next to a Sausage Tree overlooking the Zambezi.
Days 9 and 10 Old Mondoro
The Park offers excellent game viewing throughout, with there being more elephant, lion and buffalo activity west of Jeki, and Old Mindoro’s area to the east which seems to deliver more frequent leopard and serval sightings, and more plains game such as Zebra and Kudu. Whilst Sausage Tree Camp is more luxurious and sophisticated, guests will also enjoy the very different and back to the bush atmosphere of Old Mondoro. Old Mondoro is also noted for its wild dog sightings as the dogs often den in the vicinity, and was the base for the African Wild Dog Conservation researcher for two years.
Day 11 Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi
Chiawa Camp is located right on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park and with the mountains of the Zambian Escarpment as backdrop; it is difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting for a safari camp. The Zambezi River, in some places 2kms wide, is 2,700kms long and meanders through the Park, attracting loads of wildlife to its banks.
Chiawa Camp is situated in an exquisite location under a shady grove of mahogany trees, in the heart of big game country, with expansive views of the mighty Zambezi River. The Camp consists of 8 spacious, well-ventilated safari tents, each set on its own elevated wooden platform under shady tress and with a panoramic view of the Zambezi. The secure tents are insect-proof, have twin or double beds with spring mattresses, solar lighting, solar/electric fans and battery charging, and en-suite flushing loos with hot and cold showers. Chiawa's chefs take immense pride in preparing their renowned cuisine, be it a scrumptious bush breakfast, a secluded picnic lunch, or a romantic dinner under a full moon on an island in the Zambezi. An unsurpassed level of care and attention is experienced during all aspects of a guests stay at Chiawa.
The entire fleet of well equipped, modern boats and 4x4 game-viewing vehicles are linked with Chiawa camp by our extensive VHF radio network, while camp is linked to our Lusaka H.Q. with satellite telephone, HF and VHF radio.
Days 12 and 13 Chiawa Camp
Chiawa specializes in providing tailor-made safaris to best suit each group or guest. With 4 pro-guides, 4 vehicles, and 3 boats, guests are offered a maximum of choice. Chiawa’s guiding has become renowned - its guides are qualified, experienced and inspired. Activities include game viewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, bush walks with an armed guide, night drives (usually after sun downers in the bush or on the river to see the nocturnal creatures), canoeing (half and one-day trips), bird safaris, bush breakfasts, visits to iron age sites, angling for the infamous Tigerfish, and more.
The Chiawa guides are excellent fishermen. World record class Tigerfish are regularly caught at Chiawa Camp, leading to frequent visits from renowned anglers. Most types of fishermen are catered for including fly, bait, and spin. Chiawa is currently engaged in a record program to accumulate data on Tigerfish and the giant Vundu catfish (average size 10kg, camp record 38kg). The best angling months are September, October, and November. Catch and Release policy strictly adhered to
Day 14
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Royal airstrip, in time to connect with your flight back to Lusaka Airport.
After breakfast at Chindeni Camp, your Guide will transfer you back to Mfuwe Airport for your Proflight Charter to Jeki Airstrip, Lower Zambezi.
The Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area. Although the old white lion has long gone, Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit that lives on in his descendants that still roam free in this unique part of Africa.
Accommodating only eight guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is somewhat reminiscent of the mobile camps of East Africa, rebuilt from scratch and then dismantled each safari season. The tents, resting on temporary slabs, have en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins.
Paraffin lanterns provide natural lighting. The tents are left with open views during the day, and at night canvas drop-down blinds with windows are lowered to provide more privacy and security. Furniture in the tents is simple, with rustic shelving throughout, a coffee table and chairs in each. All tents have outstanding views of the Zambezi. The Main Tent, which serves as a lounge and dining area, rests under a Winter Thorn tree and next to a Sausage Tree overlooking the Zambezi.
Days 9 and 10 Old Mondoro
The Park offers excellent game viewing throughout, with there being more elephant, lion and buffalo activity west of Jeki, and Old Mindoro’s area to the east which seems to deliver more frequent leopard and serval sightings, and more plains game such as Zebra and Kudu. Whilst Sausage Tree Camp is more luxurious and sophisticated, guests will also enjoy the very different and back to the bush atmosphere of Old Mondoro. Old Mondoro is also noted for its wild dog sightings as the dogs often den in the vicinity, and was the base for the African Wild Dog Conservation researcher for two years.
Day 11 Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi
Chiawa Camp is located right on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park and with the mountains of the Zambian Escarpment as backdrop; it is difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting for a safari camp. The Zambezi River, in some places 2kms wide, is 2,700kms long and meanders through the Park, attracting loads of wildlife to its banks.
Chiawa Camp is situated in an exquisite location under a shady grove of mahogany trees, in the heart of big game country, with expansive views of the mighty Zambezi River. The Camp consists of 8 spacious, well-ventilated safari tents, each set on its own elevated wooden platform under shady tress and with a panoramic view of the Zambezi. The secure tents are insect-proof, have twin or double beds with spring mattresses, solar lighting, solar/electric fans and battery charging, and en-suite flushing loos with hot and cold showers. Chiawa's chefs take immense pride in preparing their renowned cuisine, be it a scrumptious bush breakfast, a secluded picnic lunch, or a romantic dinner under a full moon on an island in the Zambezi. An unsurpassed level of care and attention is experienced during all aspects of a guests stay at Chiawa.
The entire fleet of well equipped, modern boats and 4x4 game-viewing vehicles are linked with Chiawa camp by our extensive VHF radio network, while camp is linked to our Lusaka H.Q. with satellite telephone, HF and VHF radio.
Days 12 and 13 Chiawa Camp
Chiawa specializes in providing tailor-made safaris to best suit each group or guest. With 4 pro-guides, 4 vehicles, and 3 boats, guests are offered a maximum of choice. Chiawa’s guiding has become renowned - its guides are qualified, experienced and inspired. Activities include game viewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, bush walks with an armed guide, night drives (usually after sun downers in the bush or on the river to see the nocturnal creatures), canoeing (half and one-day trips), bird safaris, bush breakfasts, visits to iron age sites, angling for the infamous Tigerfish, and more.
The Chiawa guides are excellent fishermen. World record class Tigerfish are regularly caught at Chiawa Camp, leading to frequent visits from renowned anglers. Most types of fishermen are catered for including fly, bait, and spin. Chiawa is currently engaged in a record program to accumulate data on Tigerfish and the giant Vundu catfish (average size 10kg, camp record 38kg). The best angling months are September, October, and November. Catch and Release policy strictly adhered to
Day 14
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Royal airstrip, in time to connect with your flight back to Lusaka Airport.
Included in this Safari:
Lusaka Airport meet and greet service
Proflight charter from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport
Road transfer to Mfuwe Lodge
Accommodation, all meals, activities, park fees
Road transfers between South Luangwa Camps, and Mfuwe Airport
Pro Flight Mfuwe to Jeki Airstrip, Lower Zambezi
Park Fees; transfers between Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro and Jeki/Royal airstrips,
Accommodation, meals, beverages, professionally-guided game viewing drives (day and night), canoe trips, bush walks, boat
trips, angling and daily laundry.
Pro Flight Royal Airstrip to Lusaka Airport
Not included:
Visas/ related costs
Domestic and international departure taxes
Premium drinks
Gratuities and items of a personal nature
Lusaka Airport meet and greet service
Proflight charter from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport
Road transfer to Mfuwe Lodge
Accommodation, all meals, activities, park fees
Road transfers between South Luangwa Camps, and Mfuwe Airport
Pro Flight Mfuwe to Jeki Airstrip, Lower Zambezi
Park Fees; transfers between Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro and Jeki/Royal airstrips,
Accommodation, meals, beverages, professionally-guided game viewing drives (day and night), canoe trips, bush walks, boat
trips, angling and daily laundry.
Pro Flight Royal Airstrip to Lusaka Airport
Not included:
Visas/ related costs
Domestic and international departure taxes
Premium drinks
Gratuities and items of a personal nature