2009 Departures: Jun 9, 14, 19, 24, 29; Jul 4, 9, 13, 18, 23, 27; Aug 1, 6, 11, 16, 20, 25, 30; Sep 4, 9, 13, 18, 23, 28
Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled 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 oxbow 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. A walking safari 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. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy both day and night game drives.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Mfuwe, Zambia - South Luangwa National Park
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport our local representative will meet you. (Note: M06667 will assist you with pre-night(s) in either Lusaka or Livingstone). The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colorful local scenes of villages and agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On 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, tea and the afternoon and night game drive. Nkwali Camp. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: South Luangwa National Park
At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire, the porridge heated 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 8:00 p.m. in time for dinner. Nkwali Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Mobile Walking Safari
After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile safari, which has become known as the wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Your drive is some 90kms to the Mupamadzi River, along a bush road through remote parts of the park. You arrive in camp for lunch around midday. The camp is already set up for your arrival with well-equipped walk-in tents. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a long drop with a wooden throne. Enjoy a relaxing siesta after lunch before tea and going for a walk around camp in the afternoon to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars! Mobile Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 4-5: Mobile Walking Safari
Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The mobile camp will be packed and moved to Camp 2 and lunch will be ready as the guests arrive late morning. Lunch, siesta and afternoon walk. Mobile Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 6-7: Mobile Walking Safari
The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning as you walk further down the river. The clear water Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa and all walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout. Mobile Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: South Luangwa National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5 hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river, and then a 20-minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the national park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 large custom-made tents, each with a dressing room and open air bathroom that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge mahogany tree in the center of the camp. On arrival you will be shown to your tent and then lunch will be served, followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. Time to rest those weary legs!! Tena Tena. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: South Luangwa National Park
Today is a chance to visit the spectacular lagoon, Buca Buca, where a whole morning can be spent quietly sitting while the game comes down to feed and drink. Being remote and so small, we have these scenes to ourselves. Or you may decide this is an ideal day, depending on the heat and time of year, to explore the Nsefu Sector of the national park, possibly with an all-day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional day’s safari. Tena Tena. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: South Luangwa National Park
Being the last whole day at Tena Tena, you resume game activities in the morning and evening with the possibility of visiting Kawaza village as an option to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village. Tena Tena. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Mfuwe Depart
After breakfast and depending on your flight time, you will be transferred by vehicle to Mfuwe Airport, which is approximately 1.5 hrs drive from Tena Tena, to connect with your onward arrangements. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Transport in 7-seat 4x4 vehicle
- Professional English speaking Driver/Guide
- Game drives and activities as specified
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Meals as noted (B-bkfst, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- Laundry and local wines/beers.
Price Excludes:
- Air transportation
- Travel insurance
- Tips, porterage, beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, phone etc.
- Fees for passport, visas
- Excess baggage charges
- Airport taxes
- Any other item not mentioned as being included.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Zambia
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Walking Tours
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