8 nights South Luangwa National Park
Overview
Mandy contacted me looking for an accommodation suggestion and flight assistance for the South Luangwa National Park as she had her heart set on this area as it is known for phenomenal photographic opportunities. We settled on Flatdogs Camp which regularly has wildlife moving through it and offered easy access to the South Luangwa National Park daily. The vastness of the South Luangwa is not something that can be described until it is seen and Mandy had the most incredible time taking hundreds of photos in the park and returning to their base camp to relax each evening. I hope to be able to assist Mandy in planning her next wildlife experience in future as the Africa bug has certainly bitten now!
Itinerary
On arrival at Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, you make your way through customs and passport control before collecting your luggage. You are greeted with a warm Zambian smile as you exit the arrivals terminal before being assisted to your connecting light aircraft transfer by one of our friendly representatives.
Landing at the Mfuwe International Airport you collect your luggage and exit the arrivals terminal. Here, a member of the Flatdogs Camp will be waiting for you as your South Luangwa Safari begins. You are assisted to your Safari Vehicle for your road transfer to the Flatdogs Camp.
Light Aircraft Transfer Time: Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Road Transfer Time: Mfuwe Airport to Flatdogs Camp – approx. 40 minutes
Arriving at the Camp, you are met by the team and assisted to your Standard Tent for your eight night stay. You have time at leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of the South Luangwa National Park prior to your first afternoon game activity,
For wildlife, and wildlife-lovers, it does not get any better than Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. With its verdant floodplains rustling with huge herds of game, mopane woodlands and indigenous hardwood forests filled with over 400 species of birds, and a mighty river that attracts thirsty animals like a magnet, it is one of Africa’s truly great wildlife sanctuaries.
The Luangwa Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of life, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants! Added to this, there is an amazing density of game, particularly along the riverine strip.
Mammals, birds and plants call the South Luangwa National Park their home, drawn by the diverse range of habitats from sandy seasonal river courses to the mineral-rich alluvial floodplains that stretch out to distant blue hills. Predators such as lion, leopard, and wild dog stalk the smaller game, whilst primates such as yellow baboons and vervet monkeys swing through the trees.
The Park is well-known for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo, along with its large population of leopard. The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, estimated to be at least 50 per kilometre of river. The Luangwa Valley also boasts two endemic species: Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. Crawshay’s Zebra, with its unique evenly spaced stripes, is also a local resident.
The bird-life in the South Luangwa National Park is also exceptional, especially during the rainy summer months, however there are beautiful and interesting birds to be seen and enjoyed all through the year, and learning about them is often an unexpected pleasure on a guided birdari (Bird Safari).
The morning starts as dawn breaks, enjoy your final game drive in the rich South Luangwa National Park. Returning to Camp, you have time at leisure to freshen up and enjoy a final day at camp, appreciating this Natural Nirvana that surrounds you.
In the late afternoon, you are transferred by road to Mfuwe International Airport for your Light Aircraft Transfer to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Light Aircraft Transfer Time: Mfuwe Airport to Lusaka – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, you make your way through the International Departures Terminal for your International Flight Home.
South Luangwa National Park: Flatdogs Camp
Along the Luangwa river in Zambia and among the elephants, you will find Flatdogs Camp. Located right outside the Mfuwe main gate of the remote South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs is the closest camp to this gate, providing easy access and an amazing safari of this 900,000ha park.
The camp has highly-qualified South Luangwa guides to take guests on morning and night drives as well as walking safaris between June and October. With a high density of game, the park is home to around 100 species of mammal, over 400 species of birds and 2 000 different plants. Look out for regular elephant visitors as well as lion, leopard, the special Thornicroft’s giraffe and blue wildebeest.
Accommodation consists of four two-bedroom chalets, twelve en suite tents and one tree house, the Jackalberry Tree House. The luxury en suite tents are situated on the banks of the Luangwa and are simple but have wonderful views, whilst the standard tents are dotted around the bush. Bathrooms are open air and have hot showers, flush toilets and sinks.
The Dog and Gat Bar and Restaurant is known throughout the valley and is lively in the evenings. It offers an á la carte restaurant, pub, wireless internet café and a gift shop. Unlike other safari lodges, there are no set menus or mealtimes, and guests are free to come and go as they please. There is a varied menu of international cuisine, cooked with local, fresh ingredients.
Your stay at Flatdogs contributes to the many projects which the camp runs, including local community, conservation and environmental projects.
INCLUDED IN PRICE South Luangwa National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs Camp is located in the Game Management Area near to the entrance of the South Luangwa National Park, close to the small village of Mfuwe. Built on the banks of the Luangwa it boasts views of the river, dambos and lagoons. There are hippo and birds to see, while plenty of other wildlife passes through camp. During game activities, you are treated to a relaxing day spent by the pool or in the comfort of your tent. Enjoy a good book, siesta or keep a look out for animals that pass through the camp on a daily basis.
The South Luangwa National Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and diverse and lush vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in South Luangwa National Park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness firsthand.
The Luangwa offers a unique safari experience and provides year-round access; wildlife activities include game drives in open vehicles, walking safaris and night drives. The quality of guiding at Flatdogs Camp is of very high standard and the park offers a diversity of mammals and over 400 bird species; the South Luangwa is an experience not to be missed.
All safaris are led by a fully-qualified guide. Each guide provides professionalism and skills to get you to the best sightings with the fewest number of humans around. Vehicles are limited to six guests per vehicle and guides use their guiding skills, not their radios, to find the game. You might sit listening to the sounds of the bush, alone in the wilderness, when the guide hears an alarm call. What better way to find a leopard?
Mandy M , UK , 15th July 2019
The South Luangwa was SO much more than we could have imagined! The size of the park was mind-blowing and I am not even sure if after 9 days we have seen it all! We had the most amazing time, the weather was perfect and the wildlife was abundant! The regular and different leopard sightings were the ultimate highlight and we cannot wait to get some of the images up in our home! The accommodation was amazing, such a relaxed and comfortable camp with everything we needed and such amazing staff! Thank you Anya again!
