Mobile Walking Safari – South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
A Customizable Trip to Zambia — 7 Days / 6 Nights
Highlights
The LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and over 400 species of birds.
About this Safari
The MOBILE WALKING SAFARIS have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Robin Pope Safaris’ camps offer a unique combination of creature comforts and stunning remote locations in the South Luangwa National Park. However, some of our guests want to get even further out into the wilderness, to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. For these adventurers, we offer dedicated walking safaris. Walking through the bush is a completely different experience to driving. All your senses are alert. Every sound, every movement – the flap of a bird’s wing, a tail swishing through the tall grass – acquires significance.
This is where an expert guide really comes into his own. Not only will he (or she!) point out wildlife and birdlife to you, he will also teach you to hone and sharpen your senses and to spot the clues that lie around you in the bush. As one of our guests said after walking for five days along the Mupamadzi River, it is like reading an engrossing book, compared to watching a film.
Rates – per person in USD
6578 starting price per person
Rates
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1:- Arrival
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through…
Day 2:- South Luangwa National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile which has become known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa…
Day 3 – 4:- Mobile Camp
Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ant’s to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a…
Day 5 – 6:- Mupamadzi River
The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning as you walk further down the river. The Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the…
Day 7: – Departure
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5-hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river, and then a 20-minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the…
This is a condensed overview of the journey.
Request the full itineraryInclusions & Notes
NSEFU CAMP
The last night can be spent at Nsefu Camp.
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Questions about this South Luangwa walking safari
How is a walking safari different from driving?
Walking sharpens everything. Every sound and movement, from the flap of a bird's wing to a tail swishing through tall grass, takes on significance, and a good guide teaches you to read the clues around you rather than simply pointing out animals. As one of our guests put it, it is like reading an engrossing book compared with watching a film.
Where does the walking take place?
In the remote north of South Luangwa, along the Mupamadzi River, a major tributary of the Luangwa. You begin at Nkwali Camp, head north to start the mobile, and camp is moved ahead of you as you walk further down the river. The area is wild and the game there is shy and unused to people.
What kind of camps do you stay in?
Robin Pope Safaris' mobile camps along the river, which pair creature comforts with genuinely remote locations, with fixed camps at either end of the trip. The itinerary starts at Nkwali and finishes at Tena Tena, and the last night can be spent at Nsefu Camp instead if you prefer.
When does this safari run and what does it cost?
June to October, and it is closed the rest of the year. Seven days and six nights, from US$6,578 per person. Do allow for the final leg, a four to five hour drive to the Luangwa River crossing opposite Tena Tena, where the camp team boat you across before a short drive to camp.
What wildlife might I see on foot?
The Luangwa Valley covers over 9,000 square kilometres, and its ox-bow lagoons, woodland and plains hold huge concentrations of game, including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe and hippo, plus more than 400 bird species. On foot, though, the small details count as much, from tracks and insects to a bird's nest.