Surf and Turf
10 NIGHTS ITINERARY
SOUTH LUANGWA AND BENGUERRA ISLAND MOZAMBIQUE
Combining:
Robin Pope Safaris in the South Luangwa - 5 nights,
10 Bompass - 1 night
Benguerra Lodge - 4 nights,
Note - the RPS order of camps can be changed. (During April and May Nkwali Camp for 5 nights).
This safari takes in the premier park in Zambia - The South Luangwa and the secluded Island of Benguerra. The Luangwa Valley , which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. Benguerra is an island paradise - silver beaches, coral reefs and the beautiful chalets make this the perfect beach experience.
See pictures of Benguerra Lodge.
Itinerary
Day 1 On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin's private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
NKWALI CAMP
Day 2 At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent - and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you can go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world, returning to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.
NKWALI CAMP
Day 3 After an early breakfast, a transfer gamedrive through the park takes you to a crossing point on the Luangwa River. The Nsefu or Tena Tena staff will meet the party, who will cross the river by boat, and then enjoy a 45 minute drive to one of these camp, gameviewing on route.
Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavels with luxurious ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandahs.
Tena Tena is remote and small lying and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 tents, each with a dressing room, open-air bathroom and private verandah that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge Mahogany tree in the centre of the camp. On arrival at whichever camp you are staying you will be shown to your room and then lunch will be served followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
NSEFU CAMP OR TENA TENA
Day 4 Today is a chance to drive or walk through the ebony groves. Or you may decide this is an ideal day, depending on the heat and time of year, to explore the Nsefu Sector of the National Park possibly with an all day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional day's safari.
NSEFU CAMP OR TENA TENA
Day 5 After breakfast around the camp fire, your safari will continue with another relaxing day in the Nsefu sector, with morning and evening game activities and the possibility of visiting Kawaza village. This community tourism initiative is a great opportunity to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village. If you wish to visit, then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.
NSEFU CAMP OR TENA TENA
Day 6 After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to Lusaka (1 hours) and then onto Johannesburg arriving late afternoon. You will be met at the airport and driven to 10 Bompass (appox 45 mins). This modern boutique hotel is totally individual. Different interior designers were given free hand to craft each of the 10 suites.
Facilities include guest lounges, an award winning restaurant and bar. Each suite has a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or a balcony. Breakfast is included but dinner is at guest's own expense.
10 BOMPASS
Day 7 to 10 After an early breakfast, transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your 1015 departure to Villanculos.
Arriving at 1230 you will be met and transferred by boat to Benguerra Island (45 mins). Encircled by silver beaches, coral reefs and turquoise seas the lodge offers exclusivity in a tranquil setting. 13 secluded thatch chalets are built on stilts merging naturally into the surrounding forest and are not more than twenty meters from the beach. Spend the next 4 days relaxing under the coconut palms or snorkeling. An all day picnic and dhow sunset cruise will be organised as part of your stay. Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing can be organised at guest's own expense.
See pictures of Benguerra Lodge
BENGUERRA LODGE
Day 11 After breakfast, a morning activity and early lunch, time permitting depart for Vilanculos and your return flight to Johannesburg departing at 1430.