With the perfect combination of secluded, exclusive bush camps, warm hospitality and a private guide, get the best out of South Luangwa National Park’s wildlife on this fabulous safari led by tour leader and team member, Helen Bryon.
Travelling at the tail end of the dry season when migrant birds arrive and carmine bee-eaters are nesting along the meandering Luangwa River, game viewing is considered at its best, and Luangwa life shall be fully embraced during this visit to Zambia’s premier national park.
With the focus on exploring the far southern section of the park, morning, afternoon and night drives, all conducted by a private guide, are further enhanced by walks. Zambia is the home of walking safaris, after all.
Accommodation wise, a twin-centre approach is adopted across two secluded and peaceful bush camps, booked out in their entirety, thus ensuring a quiet and immersive experience. In addition, this is bookmarked by two nights at the wonderful Mfuwe Lodge, where the grounds overlook two lagoons that positively teem with hippos, elephants and other wildlife. At this time of year, elephants have the right of way through Reception (of course!) as they feast on wild mangos in the courtyard.
From big cats to wild dogs and much more besides, South Luangwa National Park really is the perfect place from which to experience excellent wildlife viewing under the vast African sky.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Lusaka, Zambia.
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Day 2:
Arrive Lusaka & fly to Mfuwe
Our connecting flight sees us arrive into Mfuwe airport late in the afternoon and a short drive later, after dark, we reach Mfuwe Lodge located within the boundaries of South Luangwa National Park. Dinner and cold beer is served under the stars before we retire to bed, serenaded by honking hippos and a symphony of nocturnal sounds.
Accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge, 1-night
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Day 3:
Transfer to Kapamba
Awakened by the dawn chorus, we may either embark on an early morning safari or, alternatively, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before readying ourselves for departure south. With a journey time of around three hours, our pace is leisurely and very much determined by what we see along the way as wildlife viewing, quite rightly, will always come first.
From the comfort of our private vehicle, our guide will not only point out animals, birds and all manner of creatures in-between, but will impart their encyclopaedic knowledge of the Luangwa Valley and its inhabitants.
Upon arrival at the riverside haven that is Kapamba, warm hospitality is a given and there's time to settle in to our private enclave before heading out on our very first afternoon safari. With the roads in the immediate area reserved for us only, we're unlikely to come across other vehicles in the vicinity of camp.
Accommodation: Kapamba Bush Camp, 3-nights
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Days 4-5
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Explore the area around Kapamba
Over the next few days, we relax into the rhythm of the bush where early starts are the norm followed by a morning safari which may be offered by vehicle or, excitingly, on foot. Searching for the myriad of species that call this area home, we may come across some of the largest concentrations of hippos, Cape buffalos, antelope and elephants that we’ve ever seen, while always searching for highly sought-after big cat and wild dog sightings.
Returning to camp during the heat of the day, the wildlife action won’t stop. Being unfenced and by the Kapamba River, animals continually pass through, and many delightful hours can be spent watching the antics of primates and birds in the canopies of surrounding matumi and sausage trees.
As the heat of the day dissipates, we venture out again late afternoon, enjoying the softening golden light and stopping for sundowners in a suitably scenic spot. After dark, a spotlight is used to search for and illuminate creatures of the night, especially big cats and spotted hyena that often become more active at this time. Porcupine, honey badger, civet, genet and mongoose however also delight alongside stunning Pennant-winged nightjar and numerous owl species.
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Day 6:
Transfer to Chindeni
After our morning safari, we say goodbye to riverine Kapamba and hello to charming Chindeni, built overlooking an oxbow lagoon and the hills beyond, after which the camp is named. Although our transfer won’t cover a lengthy distance, we take our time, stopping to appreciate all sightings along the way.
Our new location finds us closer to the mighty Luangwa River, and we drive its banks regularly, no doubt coming across elephants crossing as we continue our game viewing extravaganza.
Accommodation: Chindeni, 3-nights
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Days 7-8
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Explore the area around Chindeni
Once again, our days take on the by now familiar (but never any less exhilarating) pattern of morning and afternoon excursions, returning to camp for lunch. This is our opportunity to settle into armchair safaris on the multi-tiered deck, hoping to be captivated by the bird and wildlife frequenting the lagoon directly below us. Chindeni is also unfenced, so keep your wits about you, as all four-legged visitors are welcome!
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Day 9:
Transfer to Mfuwe Lodge
Following our morning outing, we bid a fond farewell to the wonderful staff at Chindeni and safari slowly the three hours or so north, returning to Mfuwe Lodge, where it all began. We can look forward to exploring the wildlife rich area around the lodge on what will be our final night in Zambia for this trip.
Accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge, 1-night
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Day 10:
Morning safari & departure
Armed with memories of our sightings and experiences thus far, we can savour the sights and sounds of the bush this morning before returning to the lodge to prepare for departure.
Mid-afternoon, we're transferred to Mfuwe airport in order to commence our journey home.
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Day 11:
Arrive UK
