DAY 1, 2 & 3: POTATO BUSH CAMP, Lower Zambezi National Park
Upon arrival into Lusaka Airport, guests will be met and transferred by plane to Jeki Airstrip. Guests will then be met and transferred by road and boat to Potato Bush Camp, where they will stay for 3 nights.
Potato Bush is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River with stunning views over the river and escarpment. The camp's tents are spaced out along the river, with panoramic views within the heart of the national park.
The camp has four tents: three standard luxury tents and one family tent, all shaded by huge Acacia Tortilis and Mahogany trees. The standard tents are spacious and comfortably furnished each with an en suite bathroom with claw-foot bath tub, twin showers and basins. Large Rosewood folding doors lead out onto the balcony, with a two-person hammock and private plunge pool. The family tent has a huge central living, dining and balcony area which divides the two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms, twin showers, twin basins and bath tubs with views. It also has a large plunge pool, fully stocked bar and fridge and private dining table, perfect for families, or any party of four adults.
There is a large open plan living and dining area and the camp is linked by raised timber board walks, enabling the camp to extend the safari season into early January. Potato Bush has two game viewing vehicles and two boats and offers guided day and night game-drives, boating, canoeing game walks and catch and release fishing.
Area description: LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
The park is still relatively undeveloped, but its beauty lies in its absolute wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife sanctuary.
The river’s edge is overhung with thick riverine fringe mostly diasporous, ficus and other riverine species. Further inland is a flood plain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees. The lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, but most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the parks animal species. Enormous herds of Elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. “Island hoping” buffalo and waterbuck are common. The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard as well as cries of the fish eagle. The bird life along the river banks is exceptional. The best time is mid season from June to September, but most lodges and canoeing operators are open from April to November. Fishing is at its best in September/October.
DAY 4 & 5: MFUWE LODGE, South Luangwa National Park
After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, guests will be transferred by road to Jeki Airstrip, for their scheduled flight to Mfuwe Airport, via Lusaka. On arrival, guests will be met and transferred by road to Mfuwe Lodge, where they will stay for 2 nights.
Mfuwe Lodge lies nestled between two picturesque lagoons in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. The lodge specialises in offering unrivalled game viewing and a range of activities in luxurious surroundings. It is one of just two lodges located inside the national park.
Each of the 18 tastefully designed en-suite thatched chalets has a private deck overlooking the lagoon, which attracts an abundance of wildlife. The thatched roof has been designed to guarantee maximum ventilation while retaining a rustic, African feel and each chalet is in the shade of huge ebony and mahogany trees. From the main bar area, guests can enjoy a chilled drink by the infinity swimming pool, take in the sounds and sights of the African sky from the open-air deck, or watch the magnificent wildlife and bird life that comes to drink from the lagoon and river. Mfuwe Lodge also offers a well-stocked library which is dedicat ed to African culture, the natural world and conservation.
There are resident bushbuck, baboon and monkeys that stroll through the camp, and the Pel’s fishing owls often hunt from the lagoon at the back of camp, sometimes using the porch railing as roosting posts. Activities on offer at the lodge are morning, day or night game drives and game walks on request.
Area description: SOUTH LUWANGWA NATIONAL PARK
The Luangwa river is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the parks 9 050 square kilometres. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous “walking safari” originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. There are 60 different animal species and 400 different bird species. One special being Thornycroft Giraffe found only in the Luangwa Valley. Some magnificent trees grow in the Valley among the more common are the mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, baobab, large ebony forests, vegetable ivory palm, marula and the tamarind tree. The changing seasons add to the parks richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months. The dry season begins in April and intensifies through October, the hottest month when game concentrations are at its height. Warm sunny days and chilly nights typify the dry winter months May to August. The wet season begins is November as the leaves turn green and the dry terrain becomes a lush jungle. The rainy season last up until the end of March when the migrant birds arrive in there droves. The lodges in South Luangwa stay open as long as access is possible depending on their location. The lodges and camps in the valley all offer game drives and walking safaris.
The special offers 3 nights at any of the above camps pending availability. Each camp is very unique offering an intimate experience with no more than 4 or 5 rooms per camp, some just 3! Chat to one of our specialists to find out which camp would suit you most - or try two of the camps with one night and then two nights at different places! We recommend combining Kapamba and Bilimungwe or Zungulila with Chindeni. Or Kuyenda with Chamilandu.
DAY 6, 7 & 8: BUSH CAMPS, South Luangwa National Park
After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, guests will be transferred by road to one of the Bush Camps. Guests will stay at any combination of the below Bushcamps Company Camps over the next 3 nights depending on availability and the clients’ preference.
BILIMUNGWE BUSH CAMP
Bilimungwe Bush Camp is situated in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park and has two defining features: the expansive open plain and the shady water hole which attracts some of the most varied game within the park.
Traditional yet quaint, Bilimungwe Bush Camp is the epitome of the traditional African safari camp. Bilimungwe sleeps a maximum of eight people. From the porch of the four thatched en-suite chalets guests can observe game interacting along the open plain, or for a different view they need just to travel a few feet to the communal deck where wildlife gathers to drink at the secluded watering hole. This homey and cosy camp distinguishes itself from the others as it is home to the only bistro in the park. Guests delight in the cuisine provided by the camp chef Joe, and have affectionately dubbed Bilimungwe’s dining area “Joe’s bistro.” Bilimungwe is the perfect solution for guests seeking a unique experience in a traditional setting.
Activities range from walking safaris, vehicle safaris or a combination of the two. The guides accompanying guests on the game viewing experience are all highly qualified and experienced. They show guests how to track wildlife and how to listen out for dangerous predators. Guests also learn about various medicinal uses of plants in Zambia.
CHINDENI CAMP
Chindeni Camp lies nestled on the apex of a permanent oxbow lagoon, offset by the magnificent Nchendeni Hills. From here is a short and fascinating walk to neighbouring Chamilandu and Bilimungwe camps.
Raised on wooden decking Chindeni's four en-suite tented chalets are sheltered by a shady ebony grove. Each chalet has its own private raised veranda from which you can view the resident game and enjoy the serene yet breathtaking tranquillity of the vast lagoon. With optimum accommodation for six guests (or eight if in a private group), this secluded camp provides the perfect location for the ultimate bush experience. Each tent has 2 queen-sized beds, hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, double vanities and polished floors.
This is the ideal spot for both the avid and intrepid game spotter, as well as the more sedentary visitors who wish to observe nature at its best without too much personal effort. The lush and wide lagoon, which stretches out from just beneath your own private balcony, ensures that you need make little effort as you lazily watch the abundance of game that parades before you in front of camp.
Ancient ebony trees shade the bar and dining area and an adjacent, gently sloping walkway provides access to a lagoon-side retreat. From here, guests can enjoy an open-air dining experience, or the spectacular sunset as it reflects from the still waters of the lagoon.
CHAMILANDU BUSH CAMP
Situated high among the trees, the stilted tree house chalets of Chamilandu offer guests a bird’s eye view of the abundant wildlife which traverse the grounds of the camp. Stylish, elegant and comfortable, Chamilandu provides a unique vantage point for game viewing.
Accommodation at Chamilandu Bush Camp consists of three grass and thatch chalets with comfortable beds, mosquito nets and en-suite flush toilets and showers. The chalets are elegantly designed with a tasteful blend of modern classic decor and provide a bird's eye view over the waters of the Luangwa River and Nchindeni Hills. The spectacular views from the camp of the series of seven ox-bow lagoons and their diverse habitats are unparalleled.
Chamilandu concentrates on walking safaris both from and between the camps, though game-drives (day and night) are also offered. The camp specialises in walking safaris in quiet areas on the south side of the park where guests can get up close and personal with nature.
KUYENDA BUSH CAMP
Kuyenda is one of the more rustic bush camps in the Luangwa Valley – and offers a very authentic feel for how most safaris used to be run in this area. It's situated right next to the Manzi River – a dry sand river during the dry season.
The main area of the camp is deliberately simple and this adds to its charm. A thatched area houses the bar (complete with 'Tribal Textiles' wall hangings), a sitting area with comfortable deckchair style chairs, a well-stocked library and main dining table. A portable washstand and canvas basin is available to wash away the dust from the day and is located just outside the main area. A good old-fashioned campfire overlooks the plain, where guests can sit and watch the sunset while enjoying sundowner drinks.
There are four thatched chalets. Each chalet has a different view and is furnished in natural, neutral fabrics and authentic local wooden carved furniture. The open-air bathroom leads off to the back of the chalet. There is a flush toilet, bucket shower and twin basins.
KAPAMBA BUSH CAMP
Kapamba Bush Camp is situated in a prime location on the picturesque Kapamba River; the lodge offers the chance to enjoy this untouched corner of the South Luangwa National Park in suburb surroundings.
Kapamba’s four en-suite chalets redefine the standards for comfort in the bush. Unencumbered by a fourth wall, each chalet is open-fronted, thus affording guests sweeping views of the Kapamba River. As a turn down service, the camp staff secures the rooms each night by drawing closed the beautiful wrought iron gates that span the front of each chalet. The spider web effect of the iron gates offer guests protection from any unwanted night visitors and serve as a stunning backdrop against the expansive African star studded sky.
Kapamba boasts an intimate game viewing setting in the park; guests can relax and unwind while watching wildlife from the privacy of their spacious sunken baths.
When not unwinding in the privacy of their chalets, guests can be found wading through the shallow waters of the Kapamba accompanied by their guide on the way to a special sundowner or intimate dinner party.
ZUNGULILA CAMP
Zungulila Camp is located in the remote, southern part of the South Luangwa National Park, on a tranquil bend of the Kapamba River, overlooking the plains in an untouched area of the Park.
There are four spacious thatched tents, two of which are set west of the main area, overlooking a natural spring with lush green vegetation surrounding it and the other two are east of the main area and sit along a ridge, having a sweeping view of an open plain as well as the river beyond. Each shaded tent has its own private bamboo veranda with immense views over an impressive variety of wildlife. Also with en suite bathrooms, hot-and-cold running water, outdoor showers and sunken plunge-pool.
Activities include day & night game drives and guided walking safaris.
DAY 9 & 10: WATERBERRY LODGE, Livingstone
After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, guests will be transferred to Mfuwe Airstrip for their air transfer to Livingstone Airport, via Lusaka. On arrival at Livingstone Airport, guests will be met and transferred by road to Waterberry Lodge, where they will stay for 2 nights.
Waterberry Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River about 22 km from Livingstone, towards Kazungula.
The main double-storey lodge area overlooks the Zambezi River and the game park beyond. Upstairs the main lounge is open to the high thatch with plenty of seating and boasts a well-stocked bar with magnificent views. Meals are served in the dining area or alfresco on the sun terrace that overlooks the river.
A floating pontoon gently sways on the Zambezi River, making it the perfect location for sundowners, fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the view. A large and welcoming swimming pool is set in the centre of our landscaped gardens and has a small plunge pool with a shallow end, making it safe for children. The comfortable chalets are set in sweeping lawns - some on the riverbank and some overlooking a private dam. Several of the rooms have their own private decks for sunbathing, bird watching, private dinners or just relaxing.
In-house activities include a tour of falls, sunset cruise, daytime cruise, fishing, island picnics, guided birding, guided village walk and guided tour of the town and local markets – depending on the rate basis these are included or excluded. All other activities offered in Livingstone can be organised at an additional cost and pre-booked or booked at the lodge on arrival.
Area description: LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA
Livingstone is a historic colonial town most famous for its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The town has experienced a revival in the last decade with the old colonial style buildings which line the shaded main avenue, being renovated and now housing shops, cafes and a variety of local businesses. Livingstone offers a wide range of activities from the challenge of white water rafting and bungee jumping, to the awe-inspiring elephant back safaris and sunset cruises. Livingstone has something for everyone. The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the largest sheet of falling water on earth - a spellbinding and mesmerizing spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles - hence the local name 'mosi oa tunya' meaning 'the smoke that thunders'. Water flow over the Falls varies throughout the year. The river's annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, this is spectacular from above but it makes it very difficult to see the Falls at ground level as it is under a heavy shower/mist. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October - December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island.
DAY 11: SAFARI ENDS IN LIVINGSTONE
After breakfast, guests will be transferred by road to Livingstone Airport, for their onward travel arrangements.
