Safari Zambia: Adventurous Luangwa Valley
Among adventurers and Africa enthusiasts, Zambia is considered a real insider tip. Far away from mass tourism, the country offers a breathtaking variety of flora and fauna: water and swamp landscapes with mighty rivers and species-rich wetlands, incomparable vastness, a uniquely colourful bird life, numerous herds of large mammals, the impressive "Big Five" and much more.
Our nine-day private camping safari takes you to eastern Zambia, to the Luangwa River, the feeding lifeline of the Luangwa Valley. The first stop on your journey is the South Luangwa National Park, one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The park's animal abundance is overwhelming – hippos and crocodiles are particularly abundant, populating the region's many lagoons and river arms. Wild dogs, lions and the impressive leopard population also give hope for spectacular wildlife encounters.
Afterwards, another jewel is waiting for you: the Luambe National Park. This area was forgotten for a long time and even today it is almost completely isolated – but the unique wealth of animals and plants which is offered to the few tourists is even more magnificent. On daily game drives and hikes through the wild nature you will have the chance to observe exotic birds, hippos or even wild dogs.
Enjoy the untouched beauty of eastern Zambia within unforgettable nine days, experience wild landscapes and fascinating wildlife and witness the unspoilt Africa.
Highlights
- Experience the natural beauty of Zambia – far away from mass tourism
- Explore the biodiversity of South Luangwa National Park on game drives and bush walks
- Walk through the untouched nature of the Luambe National Park
- Live in idyllic safari camps located directly on the banks of the Luangwa River
- Watch wild animals from your patio
- Gain insight into an unspoilt bit of Africa
Locations
Flatdogs Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Luambe Camp
Luambe National Park
Safari on Zambia's Luangwa River
On this nine-day private safari you will explore the unique natural beauty along Zambia's Luangwa River on daily game drives and foot safaris and with a little luck witness unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Arrival and orientation in Zambia
First you will travel to Lusaka, where you will be greeted upon your arrival at the airport and given further information and instructions for your onward flight to Mfuwe Airport. After your arrival in Mfuwe you will be picked up and brought to your first camp on a 45-minute drive: beautiful Flatdogs Camp, located at the Luangwa. Here, you can first settle in and then, depending on your arrival time, take part in your first game drive.
Safari activities along the Luangwa River
A typical safari day usually consists of one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon – usually a game drive or a game walk.
To be able to enjoy the best animal sightings, your first morning activity starts at sunrise. On foot or in an open off-road vehicle, your guide will lead you through the first-class wildlife areas of spectacular Southern Luangwa as well as Luambe National Park to show you animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes and hippos up close.
The focus is also on the small creatures of the African bush, on fascinating plants, the colourful bird life and tracking. After you have returned to camp at noon, enjoyed a refreshing meal and gained new strength, you will set off into the bush again in the afternoon to marvel at Zambia's diverse flora and fauna.
During a so-called night drive you will also be able to spot the nocturnal – and otherwise rarely observed – representatives of African wildlife, and listen to the unique night orchestra of the savannah.
Accommodation during your Zambia safari
During your safari you will be accommodated at Flatdogs and Luambe Camp, both located on Zambia's Luangwa River. Here you will spend the night in spacious and nicely furnished safari tents, each with its own bathroom. All meals are included, drinks must partly be purchased separately. In Flatdogs Camp you can order à la carte at the desired time, whereas Luambe Camp has fixed meal times and all guests dine together. The Flatdogs Camp also offers WiFi and a laundry service which is included in the price.
Leisure time as safari guest in Africa
After returning to your camp in the late morning and having lunch, guests have time to relax until the early afternoon. After dinner there is more time for your own activities. Of course, it is up to you to stay in camp in the morning or afternoon and enjoy a relaxing day on the veranda of your tent overlooking the picturesque Luangwa.
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Day 1
Arrival in Zambia and transfer to the South Luangwa National Park
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Day 2 – 3
Exploration days in South Luangwa National Park
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Day 4
Transfer from South Luangwa National Park to Luambe National Park
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Day 5 – 7
Exploration day in Luambe National Park
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Day 8
Transfer from Luambe National Park to South Luangwa National Park
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Day 9
Return from South Luangwa National Park and departure
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1. Flatdogs Camp
The rustic Flatdogs Camp is located in an idyllic location on the banks of the Luangwa River, only a short drive from Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Guests are accommodated in spacious chalets, safari tents or a tree house, each with its own bathroom. Wildlife visits to the entire camp area, especially by elephants, are not uncommon.
Guests of the Flatdogs Camp can participate in daily game drives and walks into the green depths of the South Luangwa National Park to admire the biodiversity and picturesque scenery of this natural paradise up close.
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2. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is certainly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in Zambia and is located in the beautiful Luangwa Valley, which is fed by the Luangwa River. Across an area of 9000 km², the park boasts an abundance of lagoons, river arms and wetland biotopes, which are visited by numerous representatives of the African animal world as a source of water.
The park, open to visitors all year round, presents itself over the twelve months in ever-changing and unique facets. It is considered a real animal paradise and is home to more than 60 different mammals and over 400 bird species, which can be admired at close range on guided game drives and hiking safaris.
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3. Luambe Camp
Luambe Camp is the only accommodation in Zambia's Luambe National Park. It is located directly on the banks of the Luangwa River and has spacious safari tents with en-suite bathrooms. The view of the enormous hippopotamus colony, which cavorts in the waters of the Luangwa, is particularly astonishing. And also other wild animals like elephants, buffalos and countless birds can be observed directly from the camp.
Another special feature is the affiliated Luambe Conservation Project which guests can become a part of by being actively involved in research activities carried out on site.
During game drives and walking safaris guests can support members of the LCP team while, with a bit of luck, discovering the animal wealth of Luambe National Park and witnessing four of the Big Five – elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard – as well as the rare African wild dog. A stay at Luambe Camp offers a special Zambian safari experience reminiscent of the early days in Zambia's Luangwa Valley.
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4. Luambe National Park
With an area of 300 km², the Luambe National Park is a comparatively small national park but is in no way inferior to the big parks. Thanks to extensive nature conservation measures, its animal wealth was revived after strong poaching activities in the 1970s and 1980s. The area is a unique, almost untouched ecosystem with a spectacular flora and fauna that can be explored by safari guests on game drives and bush walks.
The Luambe National Park is located in the Luangwa Valley, which is fed by the Luangwa River. The countless lagoons, rivers and wetlands are home to a multitude of hippos and crocodiles and are visited by all other animals as water sources. Due to the absence of large tourist flows, a piece of the original Africa can be enjoyed here.
Background of the safari trip in Zambia
A visit to South Luangwa and Luambe National Park enables safari guests to experience two exclusive wildlife areas that offer an insight into unspoilt Zambia and enchant with their unique biodiversity and diverse landscapes.
South Luangwa National Park is not subject to seasonal restrictions and allows a year-round visit. Throughout the year, the park is constantly changing, each with its own charm. The 9050 km² area is considered a first-class animal sanctuary and is home to more than 60 different mammals and over 400 bird species which can be observed at close range during guided game drives and walks.
With a size of 300 km², Luambe National Park is much smaller than South Luangwa National Park but certainly in no way inferior to it. After poaching in the 1970s and 1980s greatly reduced the once abundant animal wealth, the area came back to life through extensive nature conservation measures. Luambe National Park is a unique, almost untouched ecosystem with a fantastic fauna and flora that can be explored on exciting game drives and hikes. Due to the absence of large crowds of tourists Luambe gives you the chance to enjoy a bit of “the past Africa”.
Both national parks are located in the Luangwa Valley, which is fed by the constantly flowing Luangwa River. The many lagoons, river arms and wetlands are home to countless hippos and crocodiles and are visited by all other animals as water sources.
A visit to these two exceptional, pristine places in Zambia will certainly make for an unforgettable safari adventure.
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