The Walking Mobile Safari, South Luangwa
Explore South Luangwa & Mupamadzi River
Zambia is renowned for its walking safaris, which were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley. Our sample safari combines luxury bush camps in Zambia’s premier national park, the South Luangwa, with a walking safari along the Mupamadzi River.
Walking with big game brings the African bush to life - a spine-tingling experience that’s exhilarating to the point of addiction. You cannot approach animals as closely or as easily as you can in a vehicle, but we guarantee you will feel closer to Africa than ever before. You don’t need to be especially fit either. Rather than some kind of an endurance test, a walking safari is about taking the time to pick up animals’ trails and to learn how the ecosystems work.
Camps differ, but as a general rule you’ll start your day with a campfire breakfast, then set out on foot for four to six hours with an experienced and knowledgeable guide, an armed scout and perhaps even a tea-bearer carrying refreshments.
The terrain is wild and varied, the game shy and unused to man, making creeping up on a pride of lion or lying by a riverbank watching buffalo come to drink all the more exciting. Afternoon walks are gentler, often culminating with sundowners brought to you by vehicles offering lifts back to camp.
We recommend going in the ‘Emerald Season’ from November to May. This is Zambia’s summer when the rains come. The bush is green and the skies are clear, animals are giving birth and rates are at their lowest.
Any aspect of this sample itinerary can be tailored to suit your individual requirements by talking to one of our Southern Africa experts.
Itinerary in brief: 4 nights South Luangwa, 5 nights walking safari along the Mupamadzi River.
Journey in detail:
Days 1-2 Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Transfer from Mfuwe International Airport to Nkwali Camp, overlooking the Luangwa River in an area of ebony woodland and open grass plains. Elephants often cross the river near to the lodge and crocodiles can be seen lazing on the sandbanks.
The South Luangwa National Park is tropical, wild and beautiful, and home to a profusion of wildlife, from buffalo and hippo, impala and puku to wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, lion, leopard and spotted hyena.
Nkwali Camp comprises just six luxurious chalets, each with a thatched roof, bamboo walls, either twin or king beds and an en suite, open-sided bathroom. A large bar has been built around an ebony tree and dinner is often taken beneath the tree boughs or even on a sandbank in the middle of the river.
You’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive on day one, while day two has the option of a morning walk or game drive followed by lunch back at camp and time to relax before the afternoon drive.
You’ll spend two nights full board at Nkwali Camp.
Days 3-7 Walking Mobile Safari
Drive north to start your walking safari, picnicking en route. The first camp will be ready for your arrival, complete with walk-in-tents with camp beds, sheets and blankets. A hot bucket shower is under a tree and the loo is a long drop with a wooden throne. Dining is under the shadiest tree; food is first class and drinks are kept cool by a gas-powered fridge.
For the next five days you will follow the Mupamadzi River, a major tributary of the Luangwa, staying at three different locations.
Days 8-10 Tena Tena / Nsefu Camps, South Luangwa National Park
Journey further north for three nights at one of two remote camps. Tena Tena enjoys a stunning location on a bend of the Luangwa. Its five tents have open-air bathrooms that overlook a waterhole and guests can watch game from the dining room and bar. Nsefu is Luangwa’s oldest camp. Extensively refurbished a few years ago, it offers six rondavels with shady verandas, en suite bathrooms and spectacular views. As well as walks and game drives, there’s a chance to visit Kawaza village and meet local people well off the tourist trail.
Spend two nights accommodation on a full-board basis at either Tena Tena Camp or Nsefu Camp.
Day 11
Get your final fill of game as you transfer to Mfuwe International Airport for your return flight home.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102068.
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