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7 Nights / 8 Days Itinerary

This safari covers two of the premier parks in Zambia – The South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. The Luangwa River flows into the Zambezi River – just below the Lower Zambezi National Park. This park, scenically bordered by an impressive escarpment, has excellent game that can be viewed from either the river or by land. Quietly drifting quietly past a huge elephant feeding is a great experience.

Combining 4 nights at Nkwali Camp in South Luangwa with 3 nights at Chongwe River Camp in the Lower Zambezi.

Nkwali Camp

Day 1 On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time, in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.

Day 2 At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Tea will be served in the afternoon and then off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually one returns to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.

Day 3 Another day to enjoy the game viewing at Nkwali or you may wish to go on an all day picnic. Taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk or explore further afield in the park. Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon and you will then be able to take a siesta or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you. Returning to camp when you are ready – you may decide to continue straight on your evening drive and return to come after sundowners – this is a very flexible day.

Day 4 Your last day in the South Luangwa – walking or game driving as you wish as well as enjoying the food and good company before heading off to the delights of the Zambezi River.

Chongwe River Camp

Day 5 After breakfast you will transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Royal Airstrip where you will be met by a representative from Chongwe River Camp. The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. The chalets are large, well-appointed Mulati tents under thatch, with a luxury open-air bathroom on suite. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, they command fabulous views over the Rivers. The bathrooms are an experience on their own, open air with fittings made from natural materials found near the lodge. You will arrive in time for a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon you will have the choice of game viewing by vehicle or you can jump in a boat and experience life on the Zambezi. Back in time for an alfresco dinner and chat around the campfire.

Day 6 Today you can continue with the drives or walks or you may wish to take advantage of the fantastic fishing opportunities. The Zambezi is home to one of the world’s premiere game fish, the tiger. The variety in the Zambezi, Hydrocynus vittatus, can grow up to 10 -12 Kg and is a superb fighter. A strict catch and release policy is adhered to.

Canoeing for a morning or even the whole day is another option which is well work the effort – although an experience guide will be with you and you can actually just float along if you wish.

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for superb canoeing safaris – the most unobtrusive way to encounter big game.

Day 7 An further day to take part in the various game viewing options or you may wish to relax in camp and enjoy the tranquil surrounding. A sundowner boat trip would be the perfect end to the day.

Day 8 After breakfast you will be transferred to Royal Airstrip for your flight to Lusaka and onwards connections.