Zambia > Safaris > South Luangwa Beetle Trails
Trip Summary | Nkwali Camp | Tena Tena Camp | Luangwa Bush Camp | Nsefu Camp | Location
This short safari utilises the popular Robin Pope Safari camps in the game-rich South Luangwa National Park, staying in both the Mfuwe and Nsefu sectors, and includes a couple of days bush-camping. While the usual day and night game drives are available from the main camps, this trip is predominantly designed for guests who want to enjoy walking in this vast unspoilt wilderness.
Days 1-2: You will be met at Lusaka International Airport for a flight to South Luangwa National Park, where you will spend two nights at Nkwali Camp, located on private land overlooking the Park. The area is superb for game, and includes many herds of elephants and the endemic Thornicroft giraffe. Activities include walks led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout, and day and night game drives.
Days 3-4: A three hour game drive through the Park takes you to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena Camp. You will be boated across the river to the camp, where you will spend two nights. Tena Tena is widely acknowledged as one of the Park’s best camps. Positioned in a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, guests can relax and enjoy watching the elephant, hippo and antelope on the riverbank from the comfort of the camp itself. Activities concentrate on morning and afternoon walks and day and night game drives.
Days 5-6: Today you set off on your two night walking safari - the only way to really discover the secrets of the bush. An experienced naturalist leads the walking trip and an armed game scout accompanies you.
You are up at sunrise for breakfast on the first day, before setting off on foot with your guide and an armed scout to Luangwa Bush Camp, situated in a secluded area of the bush, arriving in time for lunch. An afternoon walk follows tea, arriving back at camp for sundowners and dinner around the campfire.
During your morning walk the following day, the fly camp will be moved to a different area of the Park and lunch will be waiting for you on arrival. Alternatively you may decide to have a picnic lunch en-route. This is a flexible day and your guide will discuss options to suit you and any other guests.
Days 7-8: Following a relaxed breakfast you depart your fly camp and walk to Nsefu Camp, arriving in time for lunch. Set on a sweeping bend of the river in the heart of the Nsefu sector, the views from camp are superb. The bar, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. Activities from the camp include walking and day and night game drives. You will spend two nights at Nsefu.
With prior notice, the final day can incorporate a visit to the award-winning Kawaza Village to meet the local community (overnight visits can also be arranged). The Kawaza Village Project is self-run by a committee of villagers and is a great example of how tourism can improve the local community. The income from the project not only supports the village and the project members, but also helps run the school.
Images supplied courtesy of Robin Pope Safaris
Day 9: Today you will transfer by light aircraft to Lusaka International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may require an additional night in Lusaka prior to your international flight.
Please note that all of our itineraries are tailor-made to suit the particular interests and requirements of our guests. The itinerary shown above is just one recommended combination of camps. Please contact us for a bespoke proposal.
A highly recommended option for guests considering this safari is one of the Robin Pope Walking Mobile Safaris, which have come to be known as the ultimate wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. These small group trips depart on set dates between mid-June to September for a minimum of nine nights. After two nights at Nkwali, the party walks for five days covering approximately ten kilometres a day, following the Mupamadzi River. This clear river is a major tributary of the Luangwa. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The fully serviced mobile camp is extremely comfortable and well equipped with walk-in tents and full bedding. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a long drop with a wooden throne. Meals of a high standard are served under the open sky. A final two or three nights at Tena Tena completes the safari.
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