Visit the home of the walking safari and experience a classic, small group safari along the Mupamadzi River; the quintessential and truly remarkable African bush experience.
Walking safaris originated in Zambia and this still remains one of the best walking safari destinations in the world. If you’re daunted by the prospect of walking, try it just once – the distances are short, the pace relaxed, the stops frequent and the wildlife simply unforgettable. You will never want to travel any other way!
Each of the three sites you'll visit on this trip is unique, and there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Your accommodation will be in comfortable walk-in tents with beds and linen, bush showers and toilets - all set up by experienced staff who will cater for your every need.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart the UK
Day2: Arrive Lusaka
Upon arrival at Lusaka, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of day to relax from the journey.
Days3-4: Fly to Mfuwe & transfer to South Luangwa National Park
Transfer back to the airport where you will take a light aircraft to Mfuwe, from where you will transfer to your accommodation. The drive to Nkwali Camp takes approximately one hour through colourful local villages and bush.
The next day is spent in South Luangwa National Park, with safaris by open 4-wheel drive vehicles and on foot, with expert guides. Night drives with powerful spotlights are also a highlight.
After an early breakfast, you will head north with a drive of approximately 90 kilometres to the Mupamadzi River, a major tributary of the Luangwa and a remote and wild place. The terrain and habitats are varied and the wildlife shy and unused to man.
On arrival, the camp will already be set up with well-equipped walk-in tents. Enjoy a relaxing siesta before tea, then a walk as the sun cools in the afternoon to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars!
Each day you will depart the camp before sunrise and, with the help of your guide and an armed game scout, try to track a pride of lion, or perhaps lie on the banks watching a herd of buffalo come to drink on the other side - quite an experience! The mobile camp will be packed and moved every day or two whilst you are viewing wildlife.
Accommodation: Mobile camping, 5-nights
Days10-12: South Luangwa National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point, approximately five hours' drive. After a boat across the river, it’s a short (20 minutes) drive to Tena Tena, or a little further (30 minutes) to Nsefu Camp.
On your last full day here there is an opportunity (in between morning and evening safari drives) to visit Kawaza village – a chance to meet local people and experience life in a real non tourist village. If you do wish to visit, then please mention this at the time of booking, or to your guide on arrival in Zambia.
Day13: Depart South Luangwa
Depart on a domestic flight back to Lusaka, to connect with an onward overnight flight to the UK.
Day14: Arrive UK
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 daysfrom £8,495 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 daysfrom £7,795 pp
Single supplement:
From £110
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
Group size: 6
When to go: Jun-Sep
Group Departures: We have a range of departure dates & itineraries available. Please contact us with your requirements.
Tailor-made Departures:
A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.
Comprising some 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness, South Luangwa is undoubtedly the jewel of Zambia’s national parks and a magnet to outstanding wildlife, particularly leopard. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave scenic oxbow lagoons.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located on private land just outside South Luangwa National Park, this lodge lies in an area of ebony woodland and open grassland that is superb for wildlife viewing. It consists of six cool and spacious chalets - including one for a family - built from woven bamboo with stone floors and thatched roofs.
Find Out More about Nkwali Camp
On a sweeping bend of the river, in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park, lies what was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia, dating back to the early 1950s. The dining room overlooks the river where elephants come to drink and cross, with the bar overlooking a busy waterhole.
Find Out More about Nsefu Camp
This conveniently located hotel is close to both the city centre and the airport in Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka – the perfect stop before or after your safari. It has 142 modern en suite rooms and suites, all with balcony and air conditioning, and a variety of leisure facilities are available.
Find Out More about Radisson Blu Lusaka
One of the most stunning sites in the Luangwa Valley, this remote, small camp stands in a grove of mahogany trees on a wide sweep of river. It consists of six beautifully designed safari tents, and a charming open-sided dining room and bar. Morning, evening and night drives and walking safaris are all offered.
Find Out More about Tena Tena
