Week on the Wildside

Day 1: Depart UK

Fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to Lusaka (1915-0615*) in economy class. ** denotes arrival the next day

Days 2 - 8: South Luangwa National Park

On arrival you will be met and assisted with catching your flight by light aircraft to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park. Your week in South Luangwa will be spent in a combination of the following lodges and bush camps:

Kapani Lodge

Kapani is a small, privately owned lodge situated on a quiet lagoon beside the Luangwa River, accommodating up to 20 guests. The stone built rooms are designed for the warmer weather with tiled roofs, high ceiling, overhead fan and large gauze-covered windows. Each bedroom has en-suite facilities and a private verandah with a bar fridge. A thatched, openplan bar and dining area is locating on the viewing deck. The meals and service are to an excellent standard. There is also a secluded swimming pool.

Luwi Bush Camp

Luwi is a superb camp in a wild and remote part of the Luangwa Valley. It is as close to the perfect 'bush camp' as it is possible to get - remote but comfortable. In fact, the camp is constructed in the place which the legendary Norman Carr always said was his favourite camping site when he brought his anti-poaching patrols, and the first ever walking safaris into the park in the mid-1950's. The camp consists of four reed-and-thatch chalets set in a beautiful shady grove and accommodates a maximum of six guests. There is solar-powered lighting and an al-fresco dining area and each of the rooms has en-suite facilities consisting of hot showers and flush toilets. The evenings at Luwi will be spent under the stars, absorbing the sounds of the night or chatting about the bush around the camp fire. Game-viewing here is conducted principally foot and offers excellent opportunities for mammal-watching at close quarters and bird-watching alike.

Nsolo Bush Camp

Nsolo Camp is a romantic, thatched camp, situated on a waterhole in the shade of a large grove of trees, just three hours' safari walk from Luwi Bushcamp. Accommodation consists of four open-fronted rooms, built on raised wooden platforms under a thatched roof. Where possible, the natural features have been incorporated into the structure. At night, the canvas curtains can be drawn for added security. The bathrooms, as with all of the bushcamps, are open to the trees and stars above. The main chitenje hosts the bar and a small library of books. This is an excellent place to relax during the heat of the day and watch the constant activity at the waterhole in front of the camp. Game-viewing here is also conducted principally on foot, but game drives can also be arranged.

Kakuli Bush Camp

Kakuli is a seasonal camp on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers.There are five spacious tents under shady thatched roofs, each with an open-air bathroom. All of the tents overlook the river with stunning views up and down this hippo-packed stretch of river. There is a lovely chitenge overlooking the grazing lawn that leads down to the rivers. This area of the park is renowned for its great game viewing and guests will usually split their time between walking and driving.

Mchenja Bush Camp

Mchenja, meaning "the ebony tree", is set beneath a magnificent grove of these trees on the banks of the Luangwa river. Although this camp takes luxury in the bush to a level not previously seen in Zambia, it is designed to combine excellently with the other more rustic bushcamps. The camp comprises five stylishly designed tents each under its own thatched roof, and each with private en-suite shower and bathroom facilities and inside bath. There is a small pool alongside the bar within the thatched main chitenje, allowing guests to seek cool refuge during the heat of the day. (Please note - a supplement applies if you stay at Mchenja).

Safaris from all the camps and lodges are conducted on foot (in the dry months of mid-May to early November), with armed scouts and fully qualified safari guides, and throughout the year in open 4-wheel drives both during the day, and at night-time making use of powerful spotlights. The Valley offers a magnificent experience year-round. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Homeward

Transfer to Mfuwe and fly by light aircraft to Lusaka. Connect with your flight with British Airways to London Heathrow (0850-1805) in economy class. (B)