+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The rolling landscapes of the South Luangwa National Park takes on a whole new feel during the rainy summer months between January and April. At this time of year the Luangwa River, usually dry during the long rainless African winter, fills from bank to bank, providing relief to the animals and presenting an ideal location for an exhilarating boat safari. Travelling out of season and combining the rustic feel of Kakuli with the colonial splendour of Chinzombo, you ll enjoy two superb camps at a fraction of the cost. Known as the Emerald Season, the park at this time of year springs to life, with the short sharp showers clearing the air and turning the bush to a lush green. With the temperatures more bearable, the plains come alive with game, as the arrival of newborn animals brings with it the inevitable threat of predators. If you are prepared for a little rain and some steamy days, this is a rewarding time to take a Zambian safari. Please note, the length of stay in each camp will be advised two weeks prior to travel. HIGHLIGHTS: Combine two superb bushcamps in the heart of South Luangwa. Enjoy a guided boat safari down the Luangwa River. Greet the African sunrise from your private deck at Chinzombo. Enjoy the superb birding opportunities that the high water affords. A chance to experience some rare and exciting wild dog sightings. Please note the order of camps on this itinerary is subject to change and we will give you as much notice as possible, but this is the usual order of things. ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights Chinzombo 3 nights Kakuli TOUR INCLUDES: 2 internal flights (baggage restrictions apply) 6 nights accommodation in authentic safari camps 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners All drinks (except premium brands) Internal flights
Shared transfers between airport/airstrips and lodges Shared excursions from lodges Conservation and park fees *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK On arrival at Lusaka you will be assisted with immigration procedures and baggage collection before flying on to Mfuwe, where you will be met and transferred on to your camp by road. An early evening game drive later affords an opportunity to orientate yourself to the area before returning to the camp for dinner. (D) DAY 2: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK A full day in the Mfuwe Region of the South Luangwa National Park offers ample opportunities to enjoy a combination of game drives and boating safaris in search of some of the big game for which the region is renowned. In between, you will return to the camp for lunch and a chance to spend the hottest part of the day relaxing in your tented room, or taking a dip in your private plunge pool. (B,L,D) DAY 3: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK You will be changing camps today so, after a morning safari activity, you will depart by boat, travelling up the Luangwa River to your next accommodation. The journey will take around an hour although it can stretch to a little longer if any good game viewing is spotted along the way! Arriving in time for lunch, there will be an opportunity to relax a little before heading out to explore the park's more remote central region. (B,L,D) DAY 4: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK One of the joys of South Luangwa at this time of year is the refreshing absence of crowds. This means that most of your sightings, even wild dogs and leopards, are almost exclusively the preserve of our group. The abundance of birdlife at this time of year is another bonus, whilst the incredible light, especially around sunrise and sunset, makes for some magical photo opportunities. (B,L,D) DAY 5: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK With another full day to enjoy at your leisure, you can choose to join an early game drive or luxuriate with a lie-in and a dazzling sunrise. There are options for more game drives and boat safaris today and we would certainly recommend taking the opportunity to search out the rare wild dogs, which are very active in this area at this time of year. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK After squeezing in one last safari activity you will pack up this morning and head back down river, for a final overnight stop in the Mfuwe area before tomorrow's departure. Making the most of a final evening game drive later, you can then head out in search of more big game, or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscapes before a sundowner and a farewell dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 7: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO LUSAKA After a leisurely breakfast you'll leave camp and transfer back to Mfuwe Airport by road this morning, in time to catch the scheduled flight back to Lusaka. (B)
ACCOMMODATION SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK CHINZOMBO Undoubtedly the most luxurious camp in the South Luangwa, Chinzombo is steeped in history being the base for the legendary Norman Carr during his time guiding green season safaris in the park. The camp is full of historical touches, from the decoration in the room to the design of the open sided bar and dining area which has a true Hemingway feel to it. The camp is reached via boat across the Luangwa River and with huge hippo pods snorting to the sides of the boat and crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks it is a dramatic entrance. The main dining area looks out across the river and the firepit is a popular spot to congregate in the evenings and share tales of a day exploring the bush. The suites are vast, with huge decking areas at the front complete with their own plunge pools (a rare luxury in the area) and shaded sofas where one can relax in between game drives. The bedrooms have sitting areas in them which is a nice touch and the open plan bathrooms have showers and separate freestanding baths. The beds have their own Evening Breeze cooling system, so guests are kept cool in the evenings without the need for full air conditioning units. Given it s location in the Mfuwe region of the South Luangwa, Chinzombo is predominantly a game drive orientated camps, although some walking can be enjoyed and during the summer months it is the base for their boating safaris along the Luangwa River. Chinzombo really has broken the mould for accommodation in Zambia and is a wonderful treat for a few nights, ideally combined with one of the Norman Carr bushcamps further North in the park. KAKULI Kakuli overlooks the Luangwa River and is the smartest of Norman Carr Safari s bushcamps, offering the wild feel that one would associate with such a property, but with a little more luxury than the likes of Luwi and Nsolo. The raised bar and dining area is a popular spot to relax during the day, as well as being the focal point for socialising with fellow guests in the evenings. The 5 open fronted suites are generously appointed, with comfortable beds, small decks at the front and open air en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are nicely spaced around the grounds of the camp so you get a feeling of privacy, but all are just a short walk from the main part of the camp. The decking areas are a great spot to relax in the afternoon and gaze out to the Luangwa River, which, whether flowing or not always attracts plenty of game, including bushbuck who love wandering through the camp during the day. Kakuli s location means that it is one of the few bushcamps in the park that is open year road. During the dry season (May to November) it is a great base for both guided walks and game drives, whilst during the rainy season (December to March) it is their second base for boating safaris, combining with Chinzombo to the South-West to provide a fantastic itinerary in two contrasting, but equally enjoyable camps. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com
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