Zambia Safari Activities

“Robin Pope Safaris and South Luangwa are an unbeatable combination. I only wish I had stayed longer.” John, October 2002

Safaris by vehicle

From the camps there is the daily option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is always available. The vehicles we use are Toyota landcruisers, with two tier seats (we also have three tier seats for groups or families) and we give everyone a "window" seat (ie 2 on a row). There is no top on the vehicle so you have total 360 degree vision. We are very aware that you may spend up to 8 hours a day in the vehicle if an enthusiast and so our vehicles, are of top quality (with 8 out of 18 being less than 18 months old).  They are top of the range and not cheap imitation 4 x 4 vehicles.  We even provide bean bags for your cameras - so you can capture the perfect shot.

Safari by foot

There is the option to walk every day at the safari camps. The walks are led by our knowledgeable guides, and escorted by armed National Park scouts. We are very proud of the standard of our guiding. The guides will give you an insight into the bush at a level that will surprise you. What animals passed by during the night, how the termites control the temperature in the huge mounds, where the woodpecker is nesting. And of course they explain the skills of reading the bush and knowing what is happening around you. If you are very keen to walk then we suggest you opt for either a 2-3 day walk or the 5 day Walking Mobile Safaris.

Boating the Luangwa

During the months of December to April (Emerald Season) the Luangwa River is rising and falling depending on the rainfall. January to March it is flowing bank to bank. At times it is near full and pouring into the adjacent lagoons. Whatever the level, boating on the river during these months is simply magical. We have three specially designed boats that can take groups on wonderful boating days either exploring the lagoons or far up the river.  From mid January to the end of March Nsefu opens and for dedicated boating safaris - River Journeys.  Explore the water wilderness in the heart of the park, when road access is cut off by the tributaries.

Cultural Day at Kawaza Village

A visit to Kawaza Village and the schools is often remembered years later by our guests as the most rewarding part of their visit to Africa. To simply game view and luxuriate in the comfort of the camps is wonderful but visiting the community and interacting with the locals will complete the journey. Visit the pages for further information.

Kawaza can be visited from Nkwali, Tena Tena and Nsefu as a morning or afternoon activity. You can also pre book an overnight stay at the village.

Visit the local “settlement”

The community around the Mfuwe area is bustling – small “dukas” (shops), the market, bars, and various people offering various skills (tailor, welding etc). It is always interesting to stroll through a community anywhere in the world and this can be easily done from Nkwali.

Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre

The Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre is located on the banks of the Luangwa River approximately 16km south of Nkwali. It is run under the auspices of a charitable trust for the school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation. Chipembele was established by Steve and Anna Tolan, who emigrated from England to Zambia in 1998 to fulfil their dream of building and running such a centre. A mornings visit from Nkwali is certainly worthwhile for those staying for a longer period. This is especially true for families.
Visit the website of the Centre

Tribal Textiles

Tribal Textiles was founded in 1991 by British Gillie Lightfoot. Inspired by traditional African design and driven by her passion for art, Gillie selected a small team of local artists and translated her dream into a reality. Now a successful business the hand painted cloth is sold all over the world. Visiting the workshop is a treat and can be easily done from Nkwali.
Visit the Tribal Textiles website

Family Safari Activities

Visit our page on Family Safaris.

Massages at Nkwali

The Personal Touch, is run by Natalie, a masseuse from Holland living in the Luangwa, and on request she, or her trained staff, will visit Nkwali Camp to offer you a range of massages from “hot stone therapy” to “Thai full body massage”. This is wonderful for those who arrive tense and tired from a long journey, a stressful life or just to have a great relaxation.

Visit the Personal Touch web site for details of the full range of therapies available.