Zambia safari in South Luangwa

Zambia holiday: South Luangwa.

This safari will provide you with some of the best wildlife watching in Africa, based in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park and based at luxury camps in beautiful regions of the reserve. However you also have the unusual opportunity to see life in a real rural African village as you stay for one night in award-winning Kawaza village.

South Luangwa National Park 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 9000 sq. 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 400 species of birds. Take jeep safaris, walking safaris or night drives to explore this wilderness, whilst based at excellent camps belonging to Robin Pope Safaris.

Nkwali Camp is located on Robin's private land, overlooking the National Park. The land is superb gameviewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grass plains. Elephants often cross the Luangwa, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room. The chalets are cool and spacious. The area is famous for leopard and giraffe sightings.

Nsefu Camp situated on a large bend of the river, 12km north of Tena Tena, lies Nsefu. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. It was reopened in 1999, in keeping with the original style. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. The original rondavels have been extended, with a spacious bathroom added. Each room has a clear view of the river, through large windows and from the new wooden veranda. o 12 guests

"Tena Tena camp"... is altogether beyond superlatives, and must be one of the best safari camps in the whole of Africa" - The Times, London. This remote and small (8 beds only) camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a wide 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 river banks. Near by there is a spectacular lagoon, Buca Buca, where a whole morning can be spent quietly sitting while the game comes down to feed and drink. Being remote and so small, we have these scenes to ourselves.

Kawaza village. For the last 10 years Robin Pope Safaris has supported a school in the Nsefu Village area. Kawaza School now has the reputation in Zambia of being a great example of how help from tourism can improve a community. The response of the guests who have visited the school has been overwhelming and many of them wanted more interaction. We can now offer the opportunity to stay at Webby's village, next to the school for a night. Accommodation and food is totally African. There is the chance to meet the Chief, a local traditional healer, to spend a morning with the ladies collecting water and cooking, to help with constructions, dance with the ladies. This is not a set up village, but a chance to spend time with an African family and community. There is also a donation for the school in the fee.