African walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, and today Robin Pope Safaris still offer some of the very best experiences on the continent. Get a lot closer to Africa by exploring Zambia on foot accompanied by some of the most experienced guides in Africa - a walking safari is an experience to be savoured.
This 10 night trip combines the RPS camps Nkwali and Tena Tena with 5 nights fly camping, walking between the camp locations. Using areas suitable depending on the time of year and weather conditions, you will walk each day with a team setting up camp for you, complete with heated water on the fire for bucket showers.
Bush camping is one of the most exlusive experiences in Africa and involves walking with the best guides, moving deeper into the bush from the fixed camps by camping out with dinner and stories round the camp fire, simple but delicious food. These mobile safaris cover about 10km on foot each day, following the Mupamadzi River trail which is a major tributary of the Luangwa. The area is remote and wild and the terrain and habitats are varied and wildlife is shy and not used to people. From ants to buffalo, birds nests to tracking lion spoor, you learn many things about the bush.
These fully serviced mobile camping trips are extremely comfortable and well equipped with walk in tents and all bedding provided. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a bush loo with wooden seat.
Maximum group size is 6 guests, minimum age 21 unless a private group then minimum age is 16. The mobiles operate June to September. During the mobile camping days, game viewing is by walking only. Drives and walks are taken at camps either side. Battery charging is possible during the day while you are walking and adaptors are available.
All trips are led by senior walking guides, should you wish to join a departure guided by Robin Pope himself, there is a price supplement on these dates.
Included
Transfers, most drinks, laundry, national park fees, game viewing excursions, Lusaka - Mfuwe return flights,
Not included
International flights and premium drinks and champagne.
Is it for you?
Walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout. The walking is not very difficult, but the terrain can be uneven and unpredictable.
Best time
Available from June to September. The dry season is when wildlife begins to congregate at the dwindling water sources, offering good viewing opportunities.
Getting there
There are several direct flights each week from Europe to Lusaka. It is about a 10 hr flight. There are also daily flights to Johannesburg (South Africa). We can arrange the internationals from the UK and all connecting flights. Return flights to Lusaka from the UK start from about £500.
Duration: 11 days
Day 1:
Arrive Lusaka, fly to Mfuwe. Transfer to Nkwali Camp for 2 nights including day and night drives or walks.
Day 3:
Head north towards the remote parts of the park (about 90 mins drive) Afternoon walk to your first tented fly camp.
Day 4:
Morning walk. Lunch in camp (new setting), siesta and afternoon walk.
Day 5:
Explore the area on foot.
Day 6:
Walk on to next camp position.
Day 7:
Explore the area on foot.
Day 8:
Transfer (4-5 hours) to the Luangwa River. Cross the river, 20 min drive to Tena Tena camp. Lunch, siesta and after noon/night drive. 3 nights at this luxury tented camp on the river in the Nsefu sector of the park.
Day 11:
Transfer to Mfuwe airport and fly back to Lusaka .
