Welcome to Luangwa River Camp in South Luangwa National Park

AboutLuangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River, Zambia  in a game rich area.

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Key facts of Luangwa River Camp

Open 1 April - 30 November
Accommodation Five bush suites
Policy Children over 7 years are welcome
Airport Mfuwe Airport
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Luangwa River Camp

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Discover Luangwa River Camp

Description
Facilities
Experiences
Wildlife
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Description

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the game rich area known as the Luangwa Wafwa.

This small and intimate camp with just five bush suites, along with its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp.

 

Read more about South Luangwa National Park

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Facilities
En suite
Stand alone fans
Pool
Limited WiFi
Limited phone access
Laundry service

 

The subtly decorated bush suites with brick walls and thatch roof each have ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs (some are sunken) looking out onto your own private corner of Africa. Both the bedroom and bathroom have large sliding doors leading onto a decked area allowing a lovely breeze into the room and great views onto the river.

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Experiences
Wildlife

South Luangwa is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with game species including elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards, and lions and over 450 species of birds. Several antelope species are found in large numbers, especially the puku and impala. Also, to be found in huge herds are buffalo and elephants.

Lion, spotted hyena, leopard, and wild dogs are the main predators. Though the park is popularly known as ‘valley of the leopards’, lions are actually more widely and easily seen.

There are 3 species of herbivores which are endemic to the park; there are Crawshay’s zebra (subspecies of the more common plains zebra), Thornicroft’s giraffe (distinguished by its different coloration which is more striking than other species found in the rest of Southern Africa) and Cookson’s wildebeest (slightly smaller than blue wildebeest with slightly reddish bands).

Keen birders are treated to over 450 bird species in the Luangwa. The Emerald Season is perfect time to see the most species, as the migratory birds are around. Huge breeding colony of yellow-billed storks are a highlight during this season in our Nsefu Sector. Then later in the year from about September to end October/November, we have the carmine bee-eater nesting along the riverbanks of the Luangwa – an amazing and colourful site to be seen.

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Rates and Season Highlights

Our rates are inclusive of accommodation, activities, meals and bar and are charged per person per night by season. Park entry costs are extra. For guests staying more than 7 nights at RPS properties, there are long stay discounts available. There is no supplement charged for single travelers unless there are more than 3 singles. Children’s rates are available as well as a complimentary stay for a second child under 16 years. Note: Rates may vary for residents or regional travellers. All rates are subject to change without notice.

 

The different seasons offer us incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife sightings and experiences. We have put together some of these highlights for you to consider as you plan your African adventure with us. Be inspired!

apr
may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
nov
April
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | baby boom in animal kingdom | Migratory birds are around
  • Emerald season: 500 USD pppn.
  • Peek through the long grass and under the thick bushes to see what you can find. The lagoons are starting to dry out and the yellow billed storks and spoonbilled storks are making the most of the opportunities presented.
  • The evenings are starting to cool down to a very comfortable temperature and the days are lovely and warm.
May
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | baby boom in animal kingdom | Migratory birds are around
  • Emerald season 16-21 May: 500 USD pppn.
    Shoulder season from 22 May: 545 USD pppn.
  • Peek through the long grass and under the thick bushes to see what you can find. The lagoons are starting to dry out and the yellow billed storks and spoonbilled storks are making the most of the opportunities presented.
  • The evenings are starting to cool down to a very comfortable temperature and the days are lovely and warm.
June
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
  • Shoulder season: 545 USD pppn.
  • Elephants and giraffes seem to be dotted all over the place and there also seems to be plenty of youngsters this time of the year.
  • With warm days and cold nights winter is around the corner and coming back from the evening game drives is certainly starting to feel a little chilly.
July
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 660 USD pppn.
  • Look at the fluffed up impala in the early mornings and spot the baboons sitting in little patches of sun to warm up and be assured, you will also be wanting to do the same.
  • Blankets and woolly hats definitely needed on some of the early mornings at this time of the year and a nice hot cup of tea mid morning is very welcome.
August
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 660 USD pppn.
  • The bush is thinning out and the leopards are making the most of the deep gulleys around the Wafwa area as they stalk their prey.
  • Winter is coming to an end but watch out its soon time for the August winds as we get sudden gusty flurries during the warm days.
September
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Peak season: 660 USD pppn.
  • Boating across the river to get into the park is getting harder as we dodge the pods of hippos that are congregating in the deeper channels.
  • The constant warm temperatures are now starting with very little dip in the evening climes, the peak of the heat season is not upon us yet but it is letting us know it is very close.
October
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Shoulder season: 545 USD pppn.
  • This time of the year impala and puku are very nervous as they trudge down to remaining water sources to grab a small drink of water. Even the lions are weary as they lap at the edge of the Luangwa.
  • Hot and dusty with dust devils whipping up a storm across the parched landscape but a glimmer of hope on the horizon as storm clouds start to build.
November
Lower Rates | Exceptional Game Viewing
  • Emerald season: 500 USD pppn.
  • The lions are feasting as the prey is weakened by lack of fresh food and water and the vultures wait patiently on the sidelines to pick up the scraps.
  • The clouds are building and the distant rumble of thunder offers hope that the rains will soon arrive. The temperatures are building and when the first rain arrives no sooner does it hit the ground than it evapourates.

Safarisfeaturing Luangwa River Camp

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We spent 4 nights at Luangwa River Camp and we enjoyed the time in this absolutely brilliant place. Every morning during the early breakfast, elephant herds crossed the river bank and at siesta time we got a visit from 3 bachelor elephant bulls. We had a great day with Daudi our guide. Ignacio was a brilliant host and we would like to thank you to all other staff in this camp. We had a memorable time.
Sandra L about Luangwa River Camp
Yona was a phenomenal guide and real character, Joe was charming and great fun. The food was fantastic, Boniface was lovely and overall we absolutely loved every minute of our stay. Truly wonderful stay.
Vaughn M about Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa river camp was the last stop on our holiday and was a great place to finish our trip to this wonderful country. It is set in a perfect location overlooking the Luangwa river with beautiful sightings of elephants crossing.
Will P about Luangwa River Camp
The quality of the guiding was first class. We mainly went on game drives and also did a walking safari one morning. Our guide Chris was such a joy to be around and his passion about his job was infectious and brought the bush to life for us. I left Luangwa River Camp with a heavy heart. It was definitely one of the highlights of my three week holiday in Africa.
Greentee20 about Luangwa River Camp
First experience of LRC and not disappointed. We've stayed with Robin Pope previously and been delighted with the high standards. We were looked after extremely well by Ignacio who was a fantastic host. Our accommodation was lovely, very spacious and a high standard. The food, service and staff were all exceptional.
Ardy2012 about Luangwa River Camp

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