Emerald Season Bush Camping

This itinerary offers a unique bush camping experience in a prime location of the South Luangwa
during the underrated Emerald Season.

Itinerary Luangwa River Camp 2 nights, Ebony Grove Bush Camp 1 night & Nkwali Camp 2 nights
Includes All transfers starting and ending In Mfuwe (South Luangwa), full board, all drinks, all activities, laundry, LCCF and Park fees
Excludes Gratuities, visa fees where applicable + domestic (return Lusaka flights are US$570 inclusive of airport taxes) and international flights
Rates from USD$ 1861 per person
Valid April 2013

The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 450 species of birds.

Day 1 A guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you at Mfuwe Airport. The transfer to Luangwa River Camp is through colourful village life plus a short boat transfer, approximately an hour. The ten bedded camp is situated opposite the Luangwa Wafwa (a game rich area of the park) in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area. It offers all the creature comforts of a camp yet with all the intimacy, tailored activities and flexible mealtimes you come to expect from a bush camp. The camp is unique with its décor of locally crafted and handmade details. The main area is elevated between 1-3 metres on wooden decks affording great views to the park and river. The swimming pool is sunk into the deck, linked by a waterfall. Seating areas are all elevated and open plan with a bar area as well as a dining and reading area.

Depending on your arrival time you may settle in for some lunch, siesta then off on an afternoon activity. There is an option to turn back after sundowners or continue to see what nocturnals you can spot, returning to camp by 8pm.

Luangwa River Camp

Day 2 A full day to explore, either on foot or on a game drive.

Luangwa River Camp

Day 3 After your early morning breakfast, you walk out to your Ebony Grove campsite where you will camp for the night. Set on the fringes of one of South Luangwa’s largest ebony groves this small campsite has views across the Luangwa River into one of the richest game areas the Park has to offer. The area has an “enchanted fairy tale forest” theme to it. The towering Ebony’s dominate the sky leaving little chance for the sunshine to reach the ground creating in turn a dappled magical feel. The rain fills the lagoons, which eventually filter into the river creating a rich wildlife pocket with Bushbuck, baboons and elephants at every turn. As well as the mammals this watery heaven is teeming with birdlife in search of fresh water and cool shade. This dappled shade also provides idyllic walking conditions.

Moving closer to the main river the vegetation thickens into lush riverine woodland amongst which the camp is situated – alone, quiet and peacefully it rests under the trees. Sitting in camp enjoying the views of the river and the wildlife passing by is also an experience that is not to be under-estimated.

Here you will just have walking as the way to enjoy the surrounds of this stunning area.

Ebony Grove Bush Camp

Day 4 A traditional camping breakfast of porridge around the campfire is served before setting off back to Luangwa River Camp. You will then boat over and drive through the Park to Nkwali Camp.This camp is set on a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin Pope Safaris’ private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali offers both stunning location and easy access to the park. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Meals are served looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or dotted around the camp, so you can fully appreciate the openness of Africa – whether it’s the clear skies or magical starlit sky at night!

Nkwali Camp

Day 5 Your last full day in South Luangwa. You may opt for a walking activity or game drive; or possibly a combination of both. Those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are sewn into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.