This 7 night safari is one of those bucket list trips between February and March! It is a chance to explore the South Luangwa National Park during the most vibrant time of the year – the Emerald Season, taking you on an off the beaten track journey. River Journeys in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia are magical. These safaris take place when the Luangwa River is at its fullest, thus giving rise to some exceptional boating and wild life experiences!
From US$3955 pp sharing.
Includes all safari activities, meals, bar, laundry, transfers to/from Mfuwe airport.
Excludes flights (domestic flights Lusaka/Mfuwe/Lusaka is approx US$640 per person), airport taxes, visa fees, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Itinerary – (NOTE: Camp order in South Luangwa is flexible depending on availability. Minimum of 2 people is required).
- Luangwa River Camp 2 nights
- Tena Tena 1 night
- Luangwa Bush Camping 2 nights
- Nsefu Camp 2 nights
- Valid: February to March
The LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000sq. km. Through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game-including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo-and over 400species of birds.
Day 1:
On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a Robin Pope Safaris’ representative who will have a name board with your names. He / She will assist you with immigration and customs clearing then check-in for your flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. The flight is on average one hour. At Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you and transfer you by vehicle to Luangwa River Camp, through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. The camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking a very game rich area of the South Luangwa National Park and is ideally situated for the start of your safari. All rooms have a view of the river. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a scrumptious lunch followed by siesta before heading off to the park for your first game activity which you may opt to extend into a night drive.
LUANGWA RIVER CAMP Day 2:
You will arise before dawn so you’re in the park in time for the fantastic dawn light-the camp ideally has access to the park across the river, so it takes only a few swift minutes. You’ll maximise your time in the park finding many subjects to photograph from the very small to the very big. After enjoying a delicious lunch, you can choose to relax during siesta, read a good book or simply lounge and enjoy your surroundings. After a refreshing cup of tea or coffee and scrumptious cake you go back to the park to find even more in the afternoon and evening, returning to camp for dinner around 20h30.
LUANGWA RIVER CAMP Day 3:
Up for an early breakfast and then game drive through the park to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 3 hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river,
and then a 20 minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 tents, each with a dressing room, open air bathroom and private veranda that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge Mahogany tree in the centre of the camp. On arrival you will be shown to your tent and then lunch will be served followed by a siesta and then tea before the afternoon and evening game drive.
TENA TENA Day 4:
Up at sunrise for breakfast and then the morning walk to the first bush camp. Situated in a secluded area of the Nsefu sector the camp is simple and “bush”. Arriving in time for a leisurely lunch followed by a siesta and an afternoon walk will follow tea and then back to camp for sundowners and dinner around the camp fire.
LUANGWA BUSH CAMP Day 5:
The day is spent walking in the game rich area of the Luangwa riverine habitat, with ebony groves, many lagoons and of course the Luangwa River itself. During your morning walk the camp will be moved to a second site and lunch will be waiting for you on arrival, alternatively you and your guide may decide to have a picnic lunch en route. This is a very flexible day and your guide will discuss options to suit you and any other guests.
LUANGWA BUSH CAMP Day 6:
Following a relaxed breakfast you will walk out of camp and head towards Nsefu Camp, stopping for tea and cake along the way and arriving in time for lunch. The camp is on a sweeping bend of the river. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognized then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris own the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavels each with luxurious en-suite facilities and a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandas. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
NSEFU CAMP Day 7:
Being the last whole day in the Nsefu sector you may decide to drive or walk through the ebony groves or take the opportunity of visiting Kawaza village as an option to meet local people and experience life in an African village. If you wish to visit then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.