South Luangwa Lower Zambezi Adventure – 3 nights South Luangwa National Park | 3 nights Lower Zambezi National Park
Overview
Sandy contacted me requesting assistance in planning a six night stay in Zambia as she was well travelled in Africa and had not yet explored this region. We settled on dividing her time equally between the spectacular South Luangwa Valley and the equally special Lower Zambezi National Park. These areas of Zambia provide more adventurous travelers with a truly wild Africa experience like no other as they are so unique and not as well visited as other National Parks. Sandy loved the varied experiences offered by Mfuwe lodge and Baines’ River Camp which included game drives with incredibly knowledgeable guides, bush walks and canoe safaris. It was a pleasure planning this tour and I look forward to welcoming Sandy back in the near future.
Trip Highlights
- Secrets of Zambia
- South Luangwa Sights
- Walking Safaris
- Lower Zambezi Wildlife
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Abundant Birdlife
- Adventure Activities
- Light Aircraft Flights
Itinerary
On arrival 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.
You are met at the airport and transferred by road to your lodge where you check in for your 3-night stay. You have time to settle into your room before your afternoon game activity.
Flight time: Lusaka to Mfuwe airport – approx. 1 hour
Transfer time: Mfuwe airport to your lodge – approx. 40 minutes
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.
This morning you are transferred by road from your lodge to the Mfuwe airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Royal airstrip.
On arrival at the airstrip in the Lower Zambezi region, you are met by a safari guide and transferred to your camp for a 3-night stay. You have time to settle into your room before you are taken on your first game activity.
Transfer time: Your lodge to the Mfuwe airport – approx. 40 minutes
Flight time: Mfuwe airport to Royal airstrip – approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes
Transfer time: Royal airstrip to your camp – approx. 30 minutes
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 you check out of your lodge and are transferred by road to the Royal airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Lusaka, where you check in for your return flight home.
Transfer time: Your camp near the Lower Zambezi to the Royal airstrip – approx. 30 minutes
Flight time: Royal airstrip to Lusaka – approx. 20 minutes
South Luangwa National Park: Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe Lodge is set inside the South Luangwa National Park, an area renowned for its prolific game, and is a short drive from the main gate. During November, the local elephants are known to wander through the lobby enticed by the lodge’s nearby mango tree.
Mfuwe Lodge is arranged around the banks of two lagoons providing an endless stream of wildlife on view from the decks of the lodge. Between game drives, guests can relax at the pool, or enjoy one of the many treatments at the spa. The main lodge features a bar, library, and outdoor gym.
The lodge has a total of 18 thatched, air-conditioned chalets, each with a secluded veranda from where guests can enjoy views of the lagoon or the hippo pool. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom, as well as a panoramic outside shower. Included in the room are dressing gowns, hair dryer, safe and tea and coffee facilities.
Lower Zambezi National Park: Baines’ River Camp
Baines’ River Camp is situated on the northern banks of the Zambezi River, directly opposite the world heritage site of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools.
Baines’ River Camp has 8 Explorer Suites and a family suite and can accommodate 20 guests. Each luxurious, freestanding suite offers an atmosphere of elegance and privacy, boasting spectacular views over the Zambezi River. The suites are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, minibars, tea & coffee making facilities, personal safes, king-size beds with pure cotton linen, and spacious en-suite bathrooms with luxury amenities, hairdryer, and dressing gowns.
This luxury camp, named after the famous artist and explorer, Thomas Baines, has an ideal river location set among Tamarind and Jackalberry trees and combines the tradition of a colonial-style era with modern luxury.
Guests at the camp can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, river cruises, canoe safaris, and tiger fishing. Between activities, guests can relax at the pool or enjoy a spa treatment.
INCLUDED IN PRICE South Luangwa National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Mfuwe Lodge
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 at Mfuwe Lodge offers the opportunity for guests to learn about spoor-marks, tracks, game trails and the role of the smaller creatures in the eco system. For keen birding enthusiasts, a dedicated private guide and vehicle can be arranged at an additional charge.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Lower Zambezi National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Baines River 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 alternative to view the game and birdlife along the riverbank. Tiger Fishing on a tag-and-release basis is also available to guests (certain activities are dependent on the seasonal availability).
Sandy S, USA, 14th August 2019
This trip was one that I will always remember! Thank you to Pembury Tours for their amazing guidance, prompt responses to my many questions and willingness to listen to all of my requests. Zambia was so different to anywhere I have been before, including many African destinations! I loved that Zambia is so wild and authentic. The accommodations I stayed in were comfortable and the staff were absolutely incredible, out of the top drawer. I would recommend Zambia to anyone wanting an ‘off the beaten track’ wildlife adventure in Africa. Thank you for planning the most incredible trip for me.
