Zambia safari, tailormade
| country: | Zambia |
| location: | South Luangwa |
| trip type: | Walking safaris, introductory walking |
| departures: | This trip can be tailormade between May to October and can be adapted to your budget and requirements as necessary. Other times of the year this trip is available based on different accommodation. |
| price: | From £2895 (11 days) excluding flights, based on 2 people sharing. We can arrange flights from the UK |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This tailor made Zambia safari will take you to some of Africa’s wildest landscapes – taking you ‘off the beaten track’ to enjoy some fabulous natural scenery and wildlife. The safari activities included in this trip have been designed in conjunction with the local people and the community benefits economically from your visit.
The itinerary begins in the South Luangwa National Park, where you will stay in the superb Mfuwe Lodge and intimate & charming Chamilandu Bushcamp. Your chalet overlooks a watering hole in the former and the Luangwa River in the latter, both visited regularly by hippo, elephant, leopard and lion. Each day there are two organised safari activities – either a guided walk through the bush or a game-drive with a knowledgeable local guide and the day is always finished with sundowners and a night drive.
The second half of this tailor made Zambia safari moves south to the Lower Zambezi National Park. Accommodation is in two of the most luxurious lodges in Zambia – Sausage Tree Camp and Chiawa Camp. From both of these locations walking safaris and game drives during the day & night are offered as well as a range of river activities. Guided riverboat safaris are ideal for viewing animals such as hippo and buffalo on the bankside. For the really close-up experience canoe safaris are on offer, allowing you to approach wildlife quietly and unobtrusively from the safety of a canoe. All lodges used for this tailor made Zambia safari offer substantial meals in the morning and evening with brunch often taken at viewpoints in the bush. There are bar facilities and tea & coffee throughout the day. All food & drink is included in the price.
The itinerary begins in the South Luangwa National Park, where you will stay in the superb Mfuwe Lodge and intimate & charming Chamilandu Bushcamp. Your chalet overlooks a watering hole in the former and the Luangwa River in the latter, both visited regularly by hippo, elephant, leopard and lion. Each day there are two organised safari activities – either a guided walk through the bush or a game-drive with a knowledgeable local guide and the day is always finished with sundowners and a night drive.
The second half of this tailor made Zambia safari moves south to the Lower Zambezi National Park. Accommodation is in two of the most luxurious lodges in Zambia – Sausage Tree Camp and Chiawa Camp. From both of these locations walking safaris and game drives during the day & night are offered as well as a range of river activities. Guided riverboat safaris are ideal for viewing animals such as hippo and buffalo on the bankside. For the really close-up experience canoe safaris are on offer, allowing you to approach wildlife quietly and unobtrusively from the safety of a canoe. All lodges used for this tailor made Zambia safari offer substantial meals in the morning and evening with brunch often taken at viewpoints in the bush. There are bar facilities and tea & coffee throughout the day. All food & drink is included in the price.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival in Lusaka – take a short internal flight to Mfuwe, where you check into Mfuwe Lodge inside South Luangwa National Park. Safari activities in the vicinity of the lodge and the chance to relax in the luxurious facilities offered here. Overnight Mfuwe Lodge (FB). |
| Day 2: | Morning, afternoon and night game drives in South Luangwa National Park. Overnight Mfuwe Lodge (FB). |
| Day 3-5: | Travel deeper into the Luangwa Valley and stay at the intimate Chamilandu Bushcamp set on the banks of the Luangwa River itself. Relax in open fronted stilted chalets with magnificent river views. During the early morning take a guided game walk through some of the park’s more remote areas and experience the sounds and smells of the bush really close-up. Come back to a fabulous brunch and relax in the privacy of your chalet until afternoon tea. In the afternoon, a short game walk or game drive can be enjoyed followed by famous sundowners and night drive. On you return, you can take a hot shower and retire to the dining room where a 3-crouse evening meal is served. Overnight Chamilundu Bushcamp (FB). |
| Day 6: | Transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park by internal flight. As you leave Mfuwe there is the option of visiting Tribal Textiles. Tribal Textiles was founded in 1991, inspired by traditional African design, a small team of local artists now supplies and distributes internationally to U.K., Europe, USA and Canada. This is an excellent example of a community business growing to sustain the local economy. The production process makes a fascinating tour option. In the Lower Zambezi NP, you will check into the unique Bedouin style accommodation of Sausage Tree Camp set alongside the mighty Zambezi River. Here you will have your own ‘muchinda’ - a personal butler who will look after you and your accommodation during your stay. Overnight Sausage Tree Camp (FB). |
| Day 7: | Game walks and safari activities with the option of taking to the river itself available during the day. Take sundowners on the bankside at the end of the day – a refreshing drink as the sun sets behind the mountains. Overnight Sausage Tree Camp (FB). |
| Day 8-9: | You are taken by boat further down the river to Chiawa Camp. Here you will stay in luxury tented accommodation on raised platforms alongside the river. The camp has an excellent lookout tower for watching wildlife as it comes to the waterside to drink. Game walks and safari activities with the option of taking to the river itself available during the day. Sundowners and night drives available before retiring for the evening with a 3-course meal followed by drinks around the fire with live traditional African folk music. Overnight Chiawa Camp (FB). |
| Day 10: | Transfer to Chaminuka Nature Reserve near Lusaka by internal flight in time for your flight home the following day. |
| Day 11: | Private taxi to Lusaka International Airport for your flight home. |
tailor made holiday
This trip can be tailormade to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more luxurious trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments before relaxing in comfort in some of the best and most characterful local accommodation! Quality and value are the hallmark of these trips.don't leave it too late!
Please note that due to the nature of tailor-made trips to Sub-Saharan Africa we need at least 14 days between time of booking and departure. This time is essential for you to sort out passport, visa and health requirements and for us to make all the necessary holiday arrangements.how this holiday makes a difference
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The Company who run Mfuwe Lodge & Chamilandu Bushcamp contribute funds to two school projects – Chiwawtala in the local village and Chilongazi in the remote bush. The two schools have over 600 pupils between them and only 6 teachers! Cash and goods donations from the lodge have helped sponsor more teachers and fund orphaned children through school. Students have also been encouraged to tend vegetable gardens and sell produce to the local tourist lodges. Bushcamp Company are also involved in a local tree planting project. Local people are encouraged to plant not only fast growing commercial species but also indigenous species that contribute to the conservation value of the area.
Chiawa Camp Projects - A large portion of the Chiawa Camp's revenue and resources is reinvested into protecting the Lower Zambezi by supporting and implementing programmes involving conservation, anti-poaching, wildlife education, and the improvement of the surrounding village communities. One project in particular is the AIDS orphan sponsorship. Last year some of the camp's revenue was used to sponsor the primary education of 90 children of one local school, who have been orphaned through AIDS. Each year a new school is added to this scheme. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |