This safari offers you the chance to visit a beautiful area of South Luangwa National Park is the 'green season', spend a week in the only two bush camps to remain open in November and December.
These two camps are run by the Bush Camp Company, which has some of the best guides in the Luangwa valley. Bilimungwe is a lovely rustic camp with 4 reed and thatch en-suite chalets alongside a lagoon deep in the park in an area of outstanding game viewing. Kapamba is a more luxurious camp, again with 4 rooms, along the Kapamba river system. Click on the accommodation link to the left to see more details of the two camps.
The game viewing in November - December is fantastic as many mammals have their young at this time and migratory birds are coming to the valley in huge numbers. The short rains in November break the oppresive heat of October in the Luangwa and give a welcome flush of green to the landscape and the waters slowly rise, feeding into the lagoons and ox bow lakes that make up Luangwa's unique landscape. Walking safaris are still taken here, areas carefully chosen for the best visibilty and game viewing, vehicles are also on hand for day and night drives.
Elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, puku, lion, leopard, hippo and many other animals are all regularly seen here. One of Luangwa's packs of endangered wild dogs are also often encountered, aptly named 'the Kapamba pack'.
These camps close at the end of December but open again earlier than most bush camps on 20th April. The main rains end usually in April, so this is still a vibrant time on the landscape but with the grass rapidly dying down and the rivers shrinking as the dry season develops.
Included
Accommodation, all meals, park fees, game viewing activities, laundry, most drinks, meet and greet in Lusaka, airport transfers, flights Lusaka - Mfuwe return.
Not included
International flights, premium spirits and imported wines at the bush camps, drinks at Mfuwe Lodge, Lusaka accommodation, visas.
Is it for you?
Suitable for people who love safari bush life and getting out on foot away from crowds.
Best time
November - December 2008 and May 2009These camps remain open through June to October as well, but at peak season rates.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Lusaka, Zambia, 3 times a week from the UK (or daily via Johannesburg) and daily flights to Mfuwe from Lusaka.
Duration: 7 nights/ 8 days
Day 1 You will be met on arrival in Lusaka and assisted through immigration to your flight to Mfuwe, driven into South Luangwa park and relax at the centrally placed Mfuwe Lodge for one night. There is a pool and plenty of wildlife all around the lodge which is on a lagoon, plus you can do a night drive here too.
Day 2 You will be transferred, game viewing on the way, to your first bush camp (Bilimungwe or Kapamba) for 3 nights. Game viewing by vehicle and on foot.
Day 3 & 4 Bilimungwe Camp
Day 5 Transfer today to your second camp - Kapamba (or Bilimungwe if reversing itinerary), again game viewing will be by vehicle and on foot.
Day 6 & 7 Kapamba Camp
Day 8 You will be transferred back to Mfuwe airport for your return flight to Lusaka.
If international flight times mean you need to overnight in Lusaka we can add this on from 100 per person, depending on your choice of hotel.
