This tour, timed to coincide with the start of the rainy season, offers a chance to see some of Zambia’s 400 species of birds at a relaxed pace from an excellent camp.
South Luangwa National Park is an outstanding destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to a superb range of birds and mammals, it also offers visitors the chance to experience southern Africa’s great wild landscapes.
Its eastern boundary is the mighty Luangwa River which, each rainy season, changes course, creating oxbow lakes which are both scenic and vital to wildlife. With some 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds recorded here, including 39 birds of prey, there could hardly be a better base for learning about the country's wonderful biodiversity, at a relaxed pace, returning each night to the comfort of an excellent camp.
The lush green season begins with the arrival of the first rains in early November, wiping away the drought and dust of the end of the dry season. Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, birds sing and nest, and many mammals – including African wild dogs – give birth. This is, with no exaggeration, a magical time to visit this magnificent park.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Day2: Arrive Lusaka; onward flight to South Luangwa
On arrival at Lusaka we transfer to a light aircraft that takes us to Mfuwe, gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Our guide will meet us at Mfuwe airstrip for the transfer to our delightful lodge situated on the bank of the Luangwa River, with a prime view of wildlife-rich Luangwa Wafwa. Following afternoon tea, there should be time for a late afternoon game drive that merges seamlessly into a night
Over these five days we explore South Luangwa’s best birding spots in the company of our friendly and knowledgeable local naturalist guide, in search of migratory species as they arrive in the region.
Being the start of the so-called green season, this is also the prime time to see newborn mammals. We head out twice a day either by 4WD or on foot to explore the national park and seek out all forms of life. As you might expect of a fertile valley, the Luangwa’s rich birdlife includes species from both dry country and water-based habitats. Of the 400 or so species that have been recorded here, many are typical of southern Africa, while others are more commonly associated with East Africa – as a result of Zambia’s position between the two regions.
Activities at this time of year might include sitting at a waterhole watching waders, waterfowl, and birds and mammals as they come to drink. Safaris are conducted both in open 4WDs or on foot (depending on the weather), accompanied by an armed scout and your fully qualified safari guide. On night drives – which are a particular highlight of this trip – powerful spotlights are used to illuminate nocturnal species.
Day9: Depart Zambia
This morning we transfer back to Mfuwe airstrip and board a domestic flight to Lusaka to connect with our international flights to London.
Day10: Arrive UK
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 daysfrom £4,295 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £3,195 pp
Born in Mfuwe, Geoffrey spent every spare moment of his schooling here learning to become a safari guide. His hard work paid off and he passed his guiding exams in 2010, later gaining the additional qualifications needed to lead walking safaris in Zambia.
Geoffrey is an outstanding naturalist, who spends his time in South Luangwa keenly observing both bird and animal behaviour. He has an excellent eye and a great ear for calls, helping him find the park's spectacular diversity of mammals and birds. In his own words, 'there is never a chance to get bored in the bush'. Always keen to encourage his guests' interest in wildlife, his ambition is to write a book about the birds and mammals of South Luangwa.
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.
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Situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, Flatdogs Camp offers a good range of accommodation from safari tents with en suite facilities to luxurious chalet rooms. It is the closest camp to the Mfuwe main gate, providing easy access to South Luangwa National Park and its abundant wildlife.
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