Shoebill Safari
South Luangwa, Kasanka, and Lower Zambezi National Parks
14 night itinerary combining (or 10 nights)
- Nkwali Camp 6 nights (or 3 nights for 10 night itinerary)
- Shoebill Camp 2 nights,
- Kasanks NP, Wasa Camp 2 nights,
- Chongwe River Camp 4 nights (or 3 nights for 10 night itinerary)
Join Keyala Phiri for this exceptional trip covering the South Luangwa, Kasanka, and Lower Zambezi National Parks. On the hunt for the remarkable shoebill stork, you will also encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, and host of other species.
The Bangweulu wetlands, just north of Kasanka are one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife secrets with over 100,000 black lechwe and the world’s most visible shoebill storks. Kasanka is famed for having over 400 bird species, as well as both the tsessebe and sitatunga species of antelope. The South Luangwa and Zambezi River add to the wildlife experience with the chance to see wild dog and explore the lush, colourful landscape at this time of year.
Itinerary
Day 1 On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Tours Africa, who will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your flight to Mfuwe. Keyala will be waiting for you at the Mfuwe airport where he will drive you to Nkwali Camp. 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 birds and game in the area is excellent – and includes many migrating species of birds not seen in the Luangwa Valley during the dry season and also the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe, not to mention the chance of seeing all the newborns! A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by 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. Tea will be served in the afternoon and then off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world.
Nkwali Camp
Day 3-6 Up for breakfast as normal and then set off with Keyala on a game drive or walking safari in the park. These days are very flexible so enjoy!
Nkwali Camp
Day 7 Transfer to Mfuwe Airport with Keyala after breakfast around the camp fire for the 50 mins flight to Bangweulu Swamps, arriving at Shoebill Camp by boat from the airstrip. The search by boat and foot will start - to track down the elusive Shoebill. Back to camp for lunch and out again after tea to see the herds of antelope for which the area is famous. Dinner is simple but adequate and then an early night.
Shoebill Camp
Day 8 Another relaxing day at Shoebill Camp with morning and evening activities birding and enjoying the surroundings. Watch from the hide at dawn or dusk as thousands of waterfowl fly overhead.
Shoebill Camp
Day 9 Transfer by plane to Kasanka National Park mid morning in time for lunch and then enjoy birding for the afternoon with Keyala along the Luwombwa River. With luck you may see african finfoot, ross’ lourie, pel’s fishing owl and osprey. Returning to camp for dinner and an early night or after dinner drinks around the camp fire.
Wasa Camp
Day 10 A day of birding and game watching in the hope of seeing many mammal species such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable antelope, reedbuck and the rare blue monkey. Visit the sitatunga hide with its panoramic views over the Kapabi Swamp where you can spot as many as 40 sitatunga feeding at one time.
Wasa Camp
Day 11 After breakfast you will transferred to the airstrip your flight to Lusaka and onwards to Royal Airstrip where you will be met by a representative from Chongwe River Camp. The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. The chalets are large, well-appointed Mulati tents under thatch, with a luxury open-air bathroom on suite. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, they command fabulous views over the Rivers. The bathrooms are an experience on their own, open air with fittings made from natural materials found near the lodge. You will arrive in time for a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon you will have the choice of game viewing by vehicle or you can jump in a boat and experience life on the Zambezi.
Back in time for an alfresco dinner and chat around the campfire.
Chongwe River Camp
Day 12-14 Today you can continue with the drives or walks or you may wish to take advantage of the fantastic fishing opportunities. The Zambezi is home to one of the world's premiere game fish, the tiger. The variety in the Zambezi, Hydrocynus vittatus, can grow up to 10 -12 Kg and is a superb fighter. A strict catch and release policy is adhered to.
Canoeing for a morning or even the whole day is another option which is well worth the effort – although an experience guide will be with you and you can actually just float along if you wish.
The Lower Zambezi is renowned for superb canoeing safaris - the most unobtrusive way to encounter big game. Or you may prefer a gentle cruise in a boat where you can observe the wildlife on the banks and birds on the sand bars.
Chongwe River Camp
Day 15 After a breakfast you will be transferred to Royal Airstrip for your flight to Lusaka and onward connection.
