5 nights South Luangwa | 5 nights Lower Zambezi
Overview
I was thrilled to finally be able to put together the ultimate Zambian Wildlife Experience. The South Luangwa holds much appeal for safari enthusiasts and photographers due to the incredible plethora of wildlife in the area. These guests decided to spend all ten days of their holiday in Zambia so I was able to put together a combination of the South Luangwa with the Lower Zambezi which my clients loved. It was a pleasure planning this trip for Phil and I hope welcome them back soon!
Itinerary
At Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Zambia, you are met by our representative and assisted to check in for your local scheduled light aircraft flight to Mfuwe Airport.
After a short flight, you are met by your driver and transferred by road to your camp where you check in for your stay. The camp manager will welcome and brief you on the lodge facilities and assist you to your room. You have time to freshen up and settle into your room before your afternoon game activity.
Flight time: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to Mfuwe Airport – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Transfer time: Mfuwe Airport to your lodge in South Luangwa – approx. 3 hours
For wildlife, and wildlife-lovers, it doesn’t 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.
Over 60 different species of mammal 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.
Walking safaris were pioneered in the South Luangwa National Park and are still one of the best ways of experiencing the African wilderness. There are many Bush Camps in the Park, and it is possible to walk between them, accompanied by an armed ranger.
After a delicious breakfast in the African bush, you are transferred by road from your lodge to the Mfuwe Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to the Jeki Airstrip.
At the Jeki Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi region, you are met by your driver and transferred to your camp for your stay. After checking in, the camp manager will brief you on the lodge facilities and activity schedules. You have time to settle into your room, refresh and set off on your first game activity.
Transfer time: Lion Camp to the Mfuwe Airport – approx. 3 hours
Flight time: Mfuwe Airport to Jeki Airstrip – approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
Transfer time: Jeki Airstrip to camp near Lower Zambezi Park – approx. 45 mins
With its floodplains, grasslands and tall forests, Lower Zambezi Valley supports fantastic game densities and is a great safari destination. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the south-eastern part of Zambia, the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 km², with 120 km of river frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north and the mighty Zambezi River itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons, ox-bow lakes and the floodplain which attract a plethora of wildlife, especially in the dry season when there is little water elsewhere in the Park.
There are approximately 50 mammal species, including large prides of lion, leopard, buffalo, large herds of elephant, zebra, and antelope species. 378 bird species have been recorded in the Park, including many species of eagle, heron, stork, bee-eater and kingfisher. Buffalo and elephant move freely across the river and are often found on the islands in the middle of the river. Silent crocodiles and large pods of hippo are found all along the river. The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the wildest areas in Africa and there is little human activity. The Lower Zambezi National Park is only accessible in the dry season, between mid-April and late November.
This morning it is time to say goodbye to this African wonderland. After breakfast, you check out of your lodge and are transferred by road to the Jeki Airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Here, you make your way to the international departures lounge and check in for your return flight home.
Transfer time: Anabezi Camp; Lower Zambezi to the Jeki Airstrip – approx. 45 mins
Flight time: Jeki Airstrip to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport – approx. 35 minutes
South Luangwa National Park: Lion Camp
Lion Camp is located at the northern region of the South Luangwa National Park and is ideal for an authentic wilderness safari with luxury accommodation and abundant game viewing. The lodge is built on the edge of an oxbow lagoon which attracts a wide variety of wildlife.
The camp has ten canvas and thatch suites, with eight luxury suites, one deluxe suite, and one honeymoon suite. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom and private deck from where guests can enjoy views of the surrounding plains and sightings of the wildlife passing by. Evening breeze, solar powered, cooling units have been installed for use in the hotter months. The suites are connected to the main area by a raised and winding wooden walkway.
The main lodge is spacious and guests can relax at the lodge’s pool between game activities, enjoy drinks at the bar or in the lounge on the viewing deck, while meals are taken in the dining room or at the nearby outdoor boma. The lodge also has fitness facilities, a photographic studio, gift shop and library.
Lower Zambezi National Park: Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River at the Lower end of the Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP) and is surrounded by many Ana Trees from where the camp’s name is derived. These winter thorn trees drop yellow pods which attract a variety of animals, including elephant, to the camp.
Each of the twelve tents has an indoor bathroom and outside shower, in addition to a private plunge pool. With two spacious and comfortable decks boasting views of the Zambezi or the Mushika riverbed and waterhole, there are endless possibilities to relax and enjoy the magic of the river and wildlife.
These twelve extensive and beautifully designed tents are connected by raised walkways so that the game is free to pass in and out of camp, affording you unparalleled sightings from the comfort of your room or the main area.
From fishing to canoeing and boat cruises, walking to game drives and birding, guided by an exceptional and knowledgeable team, we aim to give each and every guest a unique experience, entirely catered to their needs and ease, with superior service and award-winning cuisine just a half hour’s flight from Lusaka.
INCLUDED IN PRICE South Luangwa National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Lion Camp
Morning and evening game drives are designed to take guests to the wildlife-rich areas of the Luangwa Valley. The experienced team of guides take you on authentic game-viewing adventures. Experience the true African sunrise with drives that set out at first light with sundowner drives in the late afternoon when wildlife is most active. The option (by advance arrangement) of guided walking safaris offers the opportunity for guests to learn about spoor marks, tracks, game trails and the role of the smaller creatures in the ecosystem.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Lower Zambezi National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
Game drives on open safari game vehicles take place through the Lower Zambezi National Park in both the morning and the evening, giving an ideal opportunity to see and photograph large predators and large herds of animals. Guided walking safaris are best suited during the winter months and focus on tracks, vegetation, and birdlife. Both river cruises or canoe safaris are a relaxing alternatives to view the game and birdlife along the riverbank. Tiger Fishing on a tag-and-release basis is also available to guests.
Phil W ,UK , 15th July 2019
We LOVE Zambia! Thank you Melanie for planning this trip for us and for your perfect planning of everything. As you know we both love our photography and the leopard sightings in the South Luangwa in particular far exceeded our expectations. We had different but equally wonderful experiences in the two areas and were treated so well by all of our hosts and their teams. Lion Camp was incredible with wildlife surrounding the lodge all day and extremely comfortable suites. We loved your choice of the Lower Zambezi to go with the Luangwa that was first on our list and once again we had the best time! Thanks so much!
