Zambia Walking Safari

These days we will spend with game viewing inside the National Park. We will explore the area with our game viewing vehicle. Game drives along the Luangwa River often produces spectacular sightings. Hippo families occur in high numbers in the river, unequalled in Africa. 

During the dry season (July to October), many side channels of the river dry up, leaving the fish trapped. This attracts many different species of predators, such as the African fish eagle, jackal, and hyena, to mention but a few. The colourful Carmine bee-eaters are often seen perching in front of their nests in the river banks.

Camping on the banks of the Luangwa River at Croc Valley Camp or similar. (2x FB).  

Game drives in the Park, camping (FB)

Early in the morning we pack up our camp and drive via traditional villages to the Nsefu sector of the park.  South Luangwa NP is known for its abundance of African wildlife: Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s Gnu, Crawshay’s Zebra and big herds of buffalo and elephant. In the mornings we will do game walks along the Luangwa River, in the afternoon game drives with our 4x4 vehicle.

Camping on the banks of the Luangwa River at Kalovia Campsite, exclusively reserved for our group (2x FB). 

Game drives in the Park, camping (FB)

Packing up and drive via Luambe National Park to North Luangwa Park which is remote and wild. We will do a game walk along the Luangwa River with a scout. Big herds of hippos call this area their home; elephants, various species of antelopes as well as wild dogs and even lions can be seen from our camp. 

Camping at the campsite of North Luangwa River Camp inside the National Park. (2x FB)

Game walks along  the river, camping (FB)

Today’s stage takes us from the hot Luangwa Valley up the steep escarpment (altitude 1400 m). While we drive the temperature gets cooler and the dry savannah gives way to the Miombo forest.  In the northern area of the park, we set up our camp at an exclusive campsite near the Mano Gate. In the afternoon we will take a walk along the river, and it is possible to take a refreshing bath in the mountain stream.

Camping at the Samala Campsite at the park’s border (FB). 

Next stop over on our trip is Kapishya Hot Springs, which allows us to relax in the hot springs. Nearby situated is the historic house Shiwa N'Gandu (possible visit at own expense). In the afternoon we will take a walk to the Chusa water fall. Camping (FB) 

Early in the morning we drive to our next stop, Mutinondo Wilderness. Huge ‘whalebacks’ (granite boulders) scattered in between the Miombo forest create the unique landscape of Mutinondo. We have a full day to explore and enjoy the special atmosphere in this area.  

Camping (FB)

Hiking in the area. Camping (FB).

These remote swamps are unique in ecology, fauna and flora. The water covers huge areas of the swamps until about April each year, when the waterline slowly recedes, and water birds congregate to feed in the pools and channels. 

It is here that we will be looking for the elusive Shoebilled Stork. This interesting, strange looking bird has become very rare in most parts of Africa, but here in the Bangweulu they are fairly common.

We move on foot and with a boat (depending on the water level) to find the water birds, the huge herds of Lechwe antelope, and other animals like tsessebe (a species of antelope), zebra, buffalo and black backed jackal.

The herds of thousands of Lechwe in this seemingly endless landscape, is an unforgettable African experience!

Camping at Nsobe Campsite (2x VP)

 Change of itineray for the trip in October:  end of October millions of fruit bats arrive at Kasanka National Park, therefore we change the itinerary accordingly to be able to see the world’s biggest migration of mammals

Game walks or drives in the area, camping (FB): 

After a last game drive or walk in the morning we carryon to Lake Waka-Waka and arrive in the afternoon at Mkushi, where we stay overnight at Forest Inn. Dinner in the restaurant (B/L/-)

Transfer to Lusaka and departure in the afternoon. (B/-/-)

(Optional additional night in Lusaka and departure on day 16).