Classic Bushcamps

South Luangwa is one of the jewels of Zambia's national parks network. Extending down much of the Luangwa Valley it offers a number of remote bush camps that provide outstanding wildlife watching opportunities and safari experiences including walking safaris and sleep-outs under the stars in unspoiled wilderness.

This safari holiday combines either a northern camp, well away from the main park gate and tourist hub of Mfuwe, or bush camp in the southern sector of the national park, before moving on to the Lower Zambezi which will give you a wonderful taste of pure African bush country and waterside habitats. The latter making a more relaxing end to your safari.

Arriving into Mfuwe airport late in the afternoon means arrival at your chosen camp after dark. Perhaps you might want to spend a night closer to the main gate but we believe you cannot beat waking up in the heart of the African bush the next morning, with wildlife close by. A special feeling that anticipates the rest of this great safari.

Whichever camp you choose, whether tented or thatched, you can be assured that these small camps offer a unique, intimate experience with the personal touch you would expect from some of Africa's finest wilderness camps. Of course, as you would expect, the safari guides are passionate about their wildlife. You can choose from camps such as Nsolo, Luwi, Mchenja and Kakuli from the highly reputed Norman Carr Safaris in the northern area of the park or the camps from Bushcamp Company: Kuyenda, Chamilandu, Chindeni, Bilimungwe, Kapamba, Zungulila in the southern sector of the South Luangwa.

South Luangwa is famed for its leopards but both northern and southern areas are renowned for wild dog sightings too, often with several packs in close proximity. Lion are abundant and buffalo herds can reach several hundred strong. Personal experiences are key to safaris in Zambia and this is no less true for South Luangwa where sleep-outs in a dry river bed and perfect sundowner spots will give you unforgettable memories.

A direct flight to Jeki airstrip in Lower Zambezi National Park brings you with a short safari drive to the wonderful classic African bush camp of Old Mondoro Camp set beside a quiet backwater of the Zambezi River. Spread out under seemingly endless woodland of winterthorn trees Old Mondoro lies in a game rich area where leopard sightings are common. In this prime wildlife habitat elephants also abound, both throughout the park and in the Zambezi River itself where they are an iconic sight of any safari in Zambia, particularly with the scenic backdrop of the escarpment behind into which the park extends.

Activities include bush walks and game drives but the highlight of the park are canoe safaris and in the case of Old Mondoro, canoeing with a highly-trained professional guide on the Discovery Channel. The opportunity to spend afternoons afloat gently gliding past hippos, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife on the banks makes for a truly memorable experience and adds a very different perspective on safari activities. You will find time spent beside the Zambezi River really quite refreshing and a good way to end your time in Zambia.

Why not consider rounding out this safari at a final camp close to Livingstone and Victoria Falls? Sindabezi or Islands of Siankaba are a couple of the options possible for those afficiandos of small camps.

In addition to this spectacular itinerary you could include a few days in the totally remote North Luangwa National Park or slightly closer Luambe National Park too. Here you will find just a few other humans and good numbers of wildlife. Small owner run bush camps exist which are fully appreciated by true safari enthusiasts and nature lovers in general.