Description
Luangwa Valley Safari – 9 Days
South Luangwa
The Valley Safari begins in South Luangwa. A game drive through the park will bring you to your first magical accommodation. Kafunta Lodge is set on the forested banks of the Luangwa River. It features rustic stilted chalets built of wood and thatch, all with private verandas and en suite bathrooms. The camps location is idyllic. Comfortable accommodations overlooking the river set under shady trees with much bird life.
Morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives and walking safaris. Walks usually take place in the cool early mornings and game viewing is excellent in this area. Various habitats support many different species of antelope as well as Lion, Leopard and Hyena.
Luambe National Park
After four nights in the South its time to move North to explore Luambe National Park. A four hour vehicle transfer game drive will cross the Nsefu sector to reach one of the smallest parks in Zambia. Arriving in time for lunch there will be time to settle in before your afternoon game drive. Luambe changes from dense riverine bush to small open plains and thick grasses. All these support many different species.
North Luangwa
After 2 nights in Luambe you will board a short charter flight to North Luangwa National Park, where we will head to Mwaleshi Camp. Mwaleshi offers walking safaris only, so you will be getting truly close to the area’s wildlife while here! Each walk is accompanied by an armed scout as well as your experienced guide. Big game on foot, birds and the intricacies of the smaller animals and insects. Walking safaris in Africa are the very best way to discover and feel the bush and how each species supports the other in big and small ways.
Consult our travel advice for your Zambia safari. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions.
If you would like to support conservation in South Luangwa National Park visit Conservation South Luangwa to get involved.
Flatdogs Camp is at the gates to South Luangwa National Park for accommodation before or after your safari. Prefer a self drive safari? Explore our Kafue 4X4 Expedition.
Getting There
By Plane
You can fly directly into Lusaka with either Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways or South African Airways.
On arrival in Lusaka you will be met by your safari representative who will assist you to your light aircraft for the short flight to the Luangwa Valley.
Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
DAY 1 – Kafunta River Lodge
Flight Lusaka-Mfuwe with Proflight (70 min). Arrival in Mfuwe where our driver will collect you at the airport and transfer you to Kafunta River Lodge (50 min) passing through various villages. Depending on your arrival time, you will participate in the afternoon safari leaving the loge at 15h30.
DAY 2 to 4 – Kafunta River Lodge
Enjoy an early breakfast and depart for your morning game drive at around 06h30. You will be back at the lodge around 10h30. After a heavy brunch, relax at the pool, book a spa treatment or enjoy a siesta on your viewing deck before meeting for afternoon tea at 15h00. The afternoon game drive departs at 15h30 and returns at 19h30.
DAY 5 – Luambe Camp
Today you will board a closed vehicle for your 4 hour transfer to Luambe National Park, and will cross parts of the Nsefu Sector to reach one of the smallest national parks in Zambia. You will reach Luambe Camp in time for lunch and settle in one of the five tents set alongside the Luangwa River. Head out on the afternoon activity or relax in camp watching the numerous hippos in one the busiest pools in the river.
Day 6 – Luambe Camp
Enjoy the tranquillity of this seldom visited national park with a morning and afternoon game viewing activity (game drive or bush walk). There is also time for a siesta in between meals or some chill time under the shade of a tree while spotting the excellent bird life.
Day 7 – Mwaleshi Camp
Today you will be taken to the small airstrip to board a short flight to North Luangwa, in the vast remoteness of this forgotten part of the Luangwa will settle in one of the four thatched chalets of Mwaleshi Camp for the next 3 nights. Hidden within a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River 10 km upstream of the confluence with the Luangwa River, the camp is a truly special and remarkable place, unlike any other.
Day 8 & 9 – Mwaleshi Camp
Over the next couple of days you will be exploring the area on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide and an armed National Guard scout. Thanks to the availability of a vehicle – which drops off and collects guests – attractions further afield can be explored, such as the Mwaleshi Falls, which are located upstream of the camp.
Day 10 – Departure
Today you will be taking a flight back to Mfuwe Airport, followed by the flight to Lusaka.
