Safari Zambia: Off the beaten track in Zambia

As you step into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, our attentive airport representatives will be there to warmly welcome you immediately after immigration. They'll swiftly assist you with your luggage and seamlessly guide you through the check-in process for your onward Proflight scheduled flight to Mfuwe Airport. Upon touchdown at Mfuwe Airport, a friendly guide from Flatdogs Camp will eagerly await your arrival, ready to escort you on a picturesque forty-minute drive to the lodge.

Nestled on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp offers an array of accommodations to suit every traveler's preference. Here, you will spend your first four nights in the luxury en-suite Safari Camps. These bespoke tents feature a thatched roof for shade, ensuite facilities, full-sized beds with mosquito nets, electric lights, fans, and charging points. One tent offers privacy with views of a lagoon attracting birdlife and elephants.

At Flatdogs camp, it truly is a home away from home: Once formalities and your check-in have been completed, you can relax at the bar and enjoy a drink then follow suit with a dip in the pool and lounge in Zambian sun. Take a tour of their curious shop and start hoarding gifts for friends and memories or join an afternoon game drive before dinner. A long flight deserves a deep rest, and you’ve earned it.

From Day 2 to Day 4 of your adventure, immerse yourself in the beauty of South Luangwa National Park, a jewel nestled along the banks of the Luangwa River. Renowned for its landscapes and thriving wildlife, this park offers an array of nature experiences waiting to be explored. At Flatdogs Camp, an unforgettable journey into the heart of this pristine wilderness awaits. Embark on morning game drives as the sun rises, venturing deep into the park's diverse habitats. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic African species such as elephants, hippos, and lions, all under the expert guidance of trained guides. In the afternoons and evenings, set out on exhilarating drives to witness the park's nocturnal creatures come to life. From elusive leopards to night birds, each sighting promises an unforgettable encounter.

For a more intimate experience, join a walking safari and tread softly through the bush, led by knowledgeable guides who unveil the secrets of the ecosystem. Learn about the intricate web of life that sustains this remarkable landscape, from medicinal plants to animal tracks. If the holistic approach is also what you are after, a Kawaza Villa tour can be arranged separately at the lodge’s help desk as an additional add-on to your safari. On this cultural excursion, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Engage in daily activities alongside villagers, from preparing meals to visiting the local herbalist.

On Day 5 guests will wake up to an early morning breakfast before being transferred deeper north into the National Park in the form of an extended game drive. Continue your journey to Nkonzi Bush Camp located further north in the South Luangwa National Park. This exquisite, tented bush camp offers an exclusive retreat in a game-rich wilderness. Here, guests are greeted by four walk-in canvas safari tents, each boasting en-suite bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and thoughtful amenities.

The camp's atmospheric Swahili-style Meru tent houses dining and a fully stocked bar, promising cozy evenings under the stars as Nkonzi Camp is a unique and remote bush camp. It offers a very special opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the pristine African wilderness while staying at a classic, intimate, family-run Zambian bush camp. This is the best way to connect tradition with authenticity and remoteness – so relax and enjoy this unique setting.

Days 6 to 8 at Nkonzi Bush Camp offer an immersive exploration of the wilderness surrounding Luangwa National Park. Set in a game-rich area, guests can anticipate thrilling encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife. Morning, afternoon, and even night game drives unveil the park's diverse landscapes, from lush plains to meandering rivers, while walking safaris provide a deeper connection to nature's intricacies.

Keep an eye out for the park's unique endemic specialties, including the Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest, found only in this region. As the sun sets, relax in the camp's serene ambiance, recounting the day's adventures around a crackling campfire.

On Day 9, prepare for a scenic journey from Nkonzi Bush Camp to Luambe Camp. Your transfer details will be provided the night before, with the approximately four hour drive offering glimpses of Zambia's diverse landscapes. Traverse through the Luambe National Park for two hours, immersing yourself in its untouched beauty along the way. Luambe National Park, situated on the eastern bank of the Luangwa River, boasts a rich history as one of Zambia's oldest protected areas. Despite being one of the country's smallest reserves, it teems with diverse wildlife and showcases the unspoiled beauty of the Luangwa Valley.

At Luambe Camp, discover a truly unique African experience amid the park's natural vegetation and alongside the tranquil banks of the Luangwa River. The camp's four spacious en-suite safari tents, complete with mosquito nets and pure cotton linen, offer panoramic views of the abundant wildlife. Experience the rhythm of the bush with sunrise game drives and guided bird walks, followed by leisurely afternoons exploring the Chipuka Plains and enjoying hippo viewing with sundowners. End each day with a scrumptious three-course dinner by the fire, savoring the tranquility of the African wilderness from your verandah.

Days 10 to 12 in Luambe National Park will give you the chance to have an unforgettable immersion into its biodiverse wilderness. Characterized by picturesque landscapes ranging from floodplain acacia scrub to cathedral mopane woodlands. Join morning and afternoon game drives to encounter the park's inhabitants, or venture on foot to delve deeper into the African bush, discovering its rich flora and fauna along the way. Witness extraordinary wildlife sightings, including herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe. There is also the opportunity to have a sleep-out on the banks of the Luangwa River. If you visit in September or October there is also the unique chance to enjoy a coffee while watching the seasonal visit of carmine bee-eaters.

Luambe's tranquil ambiance offers the perfect backdrop for birdwatching, with rare species waiting to be discovered on guided birding tours. From the iconic African mammals to the diverse avian population, every moment in Luambe National Park is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

On your final day, bid farewell to the unforgettable safari experience at Luambe Camp as you are transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your scheduled flight back to Lusaka. Our airport representatives will be there to assist you with your bags and check-in for your international departing flight, ensuring a seamless transition as you depart from Zambia, cherishing the memories of your safari adventure.