Classic Mobile Walking Safari 2024

Many places claim to be "among the remaining wilderness areas" or "one of the last wildlife sanctuaries"; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of game.

Nkwali is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp. Situated on Robin Pope Safaris’ private land outside the park there is a private game viewing area behind camp as well as exclusive access into the park either by boat or across the pontoon.

The six chalets with bamboo woven walls and thatch roofs offer a rustic luxury opening up to magnificent views of the river as well as open air en-suite bathrooms.

Nkwali offers understated elegance, seclusion and superb service.

The Robin Pope Safaris’ Mobile Walking Safaris have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. After a night at Nkwali, the party drives to the north of the park where they will walk for five days covering approximately 10km a day, following the Mupamadzi River. This clear river is a major tributary of the Luangwa. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The fully serviced mobile camp is extremely comfortable and well-equipped with walk-in tents and full bedding. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a bush loo with a wooden throne. Meals of a high standard are served under the open sky. A final night at Tena Tena or Nsefu completes the safari.

“Tena Tena Camp is altogether beyond superlatives, and must be one of the best safari camps in the whole of Africa.” The Times, London. Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. On a double tiered river bank each room enjoys its own private view onto a long stretch of the Luangwa River. Tena Tena, which means “temporary home”, is synonymous with Robin Pope Safaris as it was the first camp which Robin opened and ran and has become a favourite amongst many safari lovers over the years. The six tents are very private with plenty of space between them and each with its own window onto a magnificent stretch of the Luangwa River where the hippos wallow and the lions roam. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and open to the elements, designed to copy nature with curved walls around the trees and simple subtle colours and a view from every facility. Each tent is specifically located to maximize privacy both in the rooms, bathrooms and on the verandahs with comfortable sitting areas and excellent views onto the river. The main area moulded around a large termite mound and mahogany tree with an old hippo run adapted into our path between the different levels is shaded by an enormous tent strung up between leadwood poles. With plenty of different seating areas there is space to relax and unwind whilst reflecting on the day's safari, before sitting down to a beautiful dinner on the banks of the Luangwa, under the stars and enjoying the sounds of the African night.