Zambia's Two Rivers Safari
Enjoy two of the main rivers in Zambia, Luangwa and Zambezi, offering suberb boating and game viewing
7 night itinerary combining
- South Luangwa - Nkwali 4 nights
- Lower Zambezi - Chongwe River Camp 3 nights
Note
- the order of camps can be changed & budget camp option available
- option to change Chongwe River Camp with Chiawa or Sausage Tree in Lower Zambezi
- available 22 May to 31 October (with Nkwali Camp 01 April - 15 November)
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.
The Luangwa River flows into the Zambezi River - just below the Lower Zambezi National Park. This park, scenically bordered by an impressive escarpment, has excellent game, which can be viewed from either the river or by land. Quietly drifting past a huge elephant feeding on the river bank is a great experience.
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 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. Usually one returns to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20:30.
NKWALI CAMP
Days 3 and 4 A few more days to enjoy the game viewing at Nkwali on walks or drives or you may wish to go on an all day picnic. Taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk or explore further afield in the park. Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon and you will then be able to take a siesta or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you. Returning to camp when you are ready – you may decide to continue straight on your evening drive and return to come after sundowners – this is a very flexible day.
NKWALI CAMP
Day 5 After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport for the flight to the Lower Zambezi (1 hour 30 mins). As you fly into the area, you will see the wide Zambezi River, dotted with islands. Buffalo and elephant are always seen feeding along with the pods of hippos that rest on the edge of the sandbanks. Chongwe River Camp, only 20 mins from the airstrip, is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The camp has a wonderful view of not only the confluence of the two rivers but also the mountains of the impressive Zambezi escarpment. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, the 8 chalets are large, well appointed safari tents under thatch, with luxury en suite open air bathrooms. The bathrooms are an experience on their own. All fittings are made from natural materials found near the lodge. Activities are extremely flexible and with individuals choosing from drives, walks, boat cruises, canoeing and fishing. Game viewing in the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park is superb and big game, such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and the big cats are even seen regularly in and around the camp! After a late lunch there will be a chance for an afternoon activity – be it on the river or by vehicle.
CHONGWE RIVER CAMP
Day 6 At Chongwe River Camp there are various activities to choose from. Not only on offer are exciting day and night drives and bush walks, but guests can choose their own day's itinerary from a selection of canoe trips, river safaris on safe, stable pontoon boats and catch & release angling for the infamous tiger fish.
CHONGWE RIVER CAMP
Day 7 Enjoy another full day of activities.
CHONGWE RIVER CAMP
Day 8 After breakfast and farewells, a drive through the park to the airstrip to meet the plane taking you to Lusaka (30 mins) for your onward flight.
This package includes
- All domestic flights and transfers
- Robin Pope Safaris ~ accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, gameviewing activities, transfers, National Park fees.
- Sausage Tree ~ accommodation, meals, drinks (except premium spirits, champagne, sparkling wines and premium wines), laundry, boat trips, fishing, canoeing, road transfer between Jeki and Sausage Tree, National Park fees.
or - Chiawa Camp ~ accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, game viewing activities, canoe trips, river cruises, National Park fees.
or - Chongwe River Camp ~ accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, game viewing activities, canoe trips, river cruises, fishing trips, National Park fees
This package excludes
- International flights, visas, airport takes, park angling permits.
Conditions
Min 2 people, children 13 years and above are welcome at full rate
Robin Pope Safaris camp information
Nkwali Camp is located on RPS private land, overlooking the National Park. The land is superb gameviewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grass plains. Elephants often cross the Luangwa, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room. The chalets are cool and spacious, with a view of the river. One double, four twins and a honeymoon suite/family suite. Throughout the year we have direct access from camp to the park by boat. During the dry months we operate a pontoon into the more southern part of the area.
- 12 guests
- woven bamboo walls with plastering on the inside and thatch roof chalets
- en-suite semi open air bathrooms with flush loo, double shower and basins
- walking, drives, night drives, visit to Kawaza Village and school, Tribal Textiles
- plunge pool
Lower Zambezi camp information
Chiawa Camp consists 9 superior tents with Victorian baths, indoor & outdoor showers, his & hers washbasins and king size beds. The thatched lounge/bar area, with observation deck, and dining room overlook the river. There is a fireplace to host to bar-b-cues and cocktails by starlight. Chiawa Camp also has a plunge pool. Activities include gameviewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, nature walks with armed guide, nocturnal drives, canoeing (half & one day trips), bird safaris, bush breakfasts, visits to iron age sites and angling for the infamous tiger fish. A 'catch & release' policy is adhered to and fly fishermen are well catered for. All fishing tackle including fly rods is provided however most serious anglers prefer to bring their own. Tackle hire is included in the tariff but losses and breakages will be charged at replacement cost.
- 18 beds - honeymoon suite available
- walk in safari tents on raised platforms
- open 15 April to 15 Nov
- game drives, walking, boating, canoeing and fishing
Sausage Tree Bush Camp is located in the Lower Zambezi National Park along the northern bank of the Zambezi River, downstream from Lake Kariba, opposite Mana Pools National Park. The Lower Zambezi National Park is unspoilt with stunning scenery and varied wildlife. The river is a focal point for the abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and various antelope species.
Sausage Tree Bush Camp is nestled amongst mature mahogany trees and a large shady Sausage Tree on the banks of the Zambezi River. It is high on the river bank overlooking a large reed bed bisected by channels. The large, Bedouin-style tents each have a river view. There is a reading tent with a deck overlooking the river and a main dining tent. The Lower Zambezi is renowned for excellent tiger fishing. All activities are designed to guest requirements and weather conditions prevailing at the time.
- 12 guests
- en suite open air bathrooms
- walking, drives, night drives, canoeing, boating, fishing
Chongwe River Camp. This unique camp is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools, and probably the best site in the Lower Zambezi. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The camp has a wonderful view of not only the confluence of the two rivers but also the mountains of the impressive Zambezi escarpment.Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, the 9 chalets are large, well appointed safari tents under thatch, with luxury en-suite open air bathrooms. The bathrooms are an experience on their own. All fittings are made from natural materials found near the lodge.
The Albida Suite is for the slightly more indulgent guest who may be on a special safari like a honeymoon or anniversary or for some one who very much values their privacy and fine surroundings.
The Cassia Suite - a stand alone unit at the very confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers built to compliment our executive suite at Albida and provide a luxurious individual tent for Chongwe.
- 16 beds at camp, 4 at Albida Suite, 2 at Cassia Suite
- tented under thatch roof, Suites tented with canvas roof but open sided bathroom
- game drives, walking, boating, canoeing and fishing
