Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the South Luangwa Valley and experience its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife
- Track some of Africa’s most recognisable Big Five species across vast plains and riverbanks
- Walk with professional guides to gain a fresh perspective on life in the wilderness
- Discover rich birdlife, with especially vibrant activity during the green season
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
South Luangwa is where you feel the pull of the wilderness the moment you arrive. This seven-night trip is ideal if you’re keen to spend time in one of Africa’s most respected wildlife areas, with days shaped around thoughtful guiding, quiet camps and a pace that lets you take everything in.
You follow the Luangwa River, the lifeline that supports an extraordinary range of species. With no fences or intrusive infrastructure, the valley’s woodlands, floodplains and riverbanks are left to flourish, giving you rich wildlife viewing whether out on foot or exploring by vehicle. It’s a place where you tune into the landscape, noticing how each habitat holds its own cast of characters.
During your adventure, you may watch Thornicroft’s giraffe stepping through tall grass, or Cookson’s wildebeest moving across open plains. Large herds of elephant and buffalo often gather near the marshes, while hippo settle into the river shallows as crocodiles patrol the banks. Predators are also a significant part of the picture, with lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs all present.
Your route takes you between three small camps along the Luangwa River, each giving a slightly different feel for the valley. Luwi is the most remote, with a quiet that settles around you, while the other camps offer their own sense of space and an easy connection to the bush. Each one keeps things simple and low impact, letting the landscape set the pace.
The guiding here is a real strength. You’re with people who know these areas inside out, so you can focus on what’s around you while they take care of the practicalities. Days are steady and flexible, and you won’t find the build-up of vehicles you see in busier parks.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Zambia
Day 2 | Lusaka – Mfuwe – South Luangwa
You'll land in Lusaka in the afternoon, where you'll be met for your light aircraft flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to Luangwa. Upon landing in Mfuwe, you'll be transferred to Kakuli, where you'll spend your first two nights with all meals, local drinks and safari activities included.
The tents at Kakuli are all overlooking the Luangwa River. You can quite easily sit and watch the hippo activities from the deck of your tent!
You can choose to do your activities on foot (with the walking catered to your preference can be long or short) or on game drive.
Day 3 | Kakuli, South Luangwa
Wake up in the early morning to search for the animals when they're at their most active. Whether grazing or hunting, they'll be out and about at this time of the morning. Don't forget your fleece, as it can be chilly first thing in the morning, but be sure it'll warm up as the sun rises.
You'll have discussed with your guide whether you're walking this morning or driving, and you'll be on the lookout for some amazing scenery and wildlife, not to mention the birds!
Day 4 | Luwi Camp, South Luangwa
After breakfast, you'll enjoy your morning game drive in the cool morning hours as you travel north up the meandering Luangwa River to Luwi Camp. Situated deep within the heart of the National Park, Luwi is amazingly remote with no other camps for miles, just the hippos and crocodiles in the nearby lagoon for neighbours.
Nestled underneath a collection of towering mahogany trees along the seasonal Luwi River, this secluded location is ideal for walking safaris, experiencing the Luangwa wildlife from a different vantage point. Tracking and arriving upon a scene of animals is nothing short of breathtaking, a completely awe-inspiring moment which you'll have plenty of among this prolific wildlife.
Upon arrival at Luwi, you'll be welcomed by a buffet brunch and time to settle into your chalet before heading out for an afternoon walk. The next two days will be spent on morning and afternoon walking safaris exploring the area around the dry white sand of Luwi River, each day filled with new surprises in this unpredictable corner of Africa.
Day 5 | South Luangwa
Your morning will start early again in search of game in South Luangwa. Your morning will start off with a good cup of coffee and a muffin or two before heading out with your professional guide and scout.
Nothing beats the sunrise over the valley, so be sure that you'll have a stop midway through your safari to take in the sights and sounds before continuing.
Return to camp for a lovely prepared brunch.
After brunch, you're free to relax and watch the animals in your surroundings, read a book or have a snooze before going on your afternoon activity.
Day 6 | Mchenja Bush Camp, South Luangwa
The last camp, Mchenja, blends effortlessly into the landscape. The beautiful lounge is built into a fallen ebony tree overlooking a huge bend in the river. Luxurious, elegant and stylish, a real highlight of the five octagonal tents is the private en-suite bathroom, featuring Victoria-style baths and river views. Brunch is a casual affair enjoyed in the shady lounge while dinner is served on the riverbanks underneath a sky heavy with stars. Choose between following the wildlife on foot or by vehicle, with game viewing in this area among the best in the park, and the opportunity for a night drive not to be missed.
Mchenja is a superb place to complete your luxury Zambian safari adventure; the landscape never ceases to amaze you.
Day 7 | South Luangwa
Day 8 | South Luangwa
Day 9 | South Luangwa – Mfuwe – Lusaka & Departure
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
31st May 2025
31st Oct 2025
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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