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A brief about South Luangwa National Park (SLNP): SLNP has been has  dubbed by experts to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa.

The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this 9 050km2 / 5 623mi² park. It protects a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in South Luangwa and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to its richness, ranging from dry, bare bush in the winter (April to October) to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months (November to March). There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.

With about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appearing in the park, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species over summer, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season.

Zambia  |   8 Nights 9 Days

ITINERARY SCHEDULE

Day 1 :- Arrive evening - Mfuwe, South Luangwa National Park

Arrive on own by EK 713 at 1435. Meet and greet at Lusaka Airport. Scheduled flight Lusaka to Mfuwe ETD 16:35 ETA 17:45 (included). Meet your private guide and board your private vehicle. The 1hr drive from Mfuwe airport to Mfuwe lodge is initially on a narrow highway and if you are lucky you will see elephants, buffalo and other wildlife from the highway itself. As you approach the Luangwa river, and cross the Mfuwe bridge, you enter the National Park and you will do a game drive and arrive at the lodge at 7.30pm. Overnight at Mfuwe lodge.

Day 2 :- Mfuwe full day private car and driver

Breakfast at the lodge. Full day game drive in South Luangwa National Park from 6am to 6pm with private vehicle and guide. We recommend that you return to the lodge for lunch and a short afternoon siesta before proceeding for your afternoon. However, you have the option to carry packed lunch and stay out the whole day. Overnight at Mfuwe lodge

Day 3 :- Mfuwe private & Luwi

Morning game drive from Mfuwe till 1030am with private vehicle and guide. Return for breakfast. Between 11am to 2pm transfer to Time + Tide Luwi, deep in the SLNP (see lodge location map attached).

MIDDAY Read a book, take a nap, or watch the animal activity at the local water hole. This is a good time to make sure your camera batteries are charged.

3:30 Gather for afternoon tea, coffee and cake before your afternoon activity.

4:00 You depart for your afternoon safari activity. SUNSET: As the sun starts to set, your guide finds a scenic spot to stop for a sundowner.

AFTER SUNSET: After your sundowner, your evening drive continues using a spotlight to search for elusive noctural wildlife. 7:30 You return to camp after your evening drive. There is no exact time – it depends on what you see. Enjoy a drink at the bar or take a quick shower before dinner.

8:00 Dinner and dessert are served. Enjoy a nightcap and a little stargazing around the campfire before heading back to your room for some well-earned sleep. The lodge has only 4 safari tents and is very exclusive.

Overnight at Time and Tide Luwi.

Day 4 :- Luwi full day: Shared programme

5:30 Wake up call – another exciting day on safari awaits!

5:45 Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast, including eggs cooked to order on the campfire, before heading out on your morning activity.

6:15 Depart for your morning game drive or walk. Halfway through, you will enjoy a scenic tea and coffee break, complete with a freshly baked treat.

10:00 You return to camp after a morning of exploring. There is no exact time – it depends on what you see and the temperature as midday approaches.

11:00 Sit down to a tasty brunch – usually served buffet style with lots of fresh salads.

After this, follow evening programme as per the previous day.

Day 5 :- Luwi + Tena Tena (Both shared programmes)

Morning: Follow the shared morning programme of the previous day.

Between 11am to 2pm transfer to Tena Tena lodge as per shared transfer and camp discretion.

3pm till late evening/ night drive at Tena Tena lodge, a Robin Pope safari lodge. This excellent camp has only 6 luxury safari tents (camp info sheet attached).

 

Overnight at Tena Tena.

Day 6 :- Tena Tena: Full day shared programme

Morning Activity

An early morning wake up call, usually before sunrise, usually kicks off your day. Porridge and toast plus your cup of tea/coffee by the campfire in true safari style will follow. Game activity will then follow shortly after. Mid-morning you will stop for tea/coffee and some baked goodies. A chance to rest if you are walking or stretch your legs if on a drive, before proceeding back to camp.

Lunch & Siesta

A scrumptious lunch is served around mid-day.

After lunch one can choose to catch up on some sleep or enjoy looking over photos from the morning. It is also a good time to recharge camera/phone batteries if the option is available – on walking trails you will need to check for best time for this. Where hides or pools are available, one can also opt to enjoy that instead.

Afternoon/Evening Activity

Tea and cake around mid-afternoon usually mark the end of siesta. A selection of sundowner drinks and snacks will be packed into a cooler for your afternoon activity. These will be enjoyed as you enjoy the glorious African sun go down. The camps/lodges will have an option of a night drive after sundowners, heading back to camp in time for dinner.

Dinner

Typically, guests return to camp and have a quick drink at the bar before heading off to refresh for dinner. Meals are usually set up together with other guests, an opportunity to exchange stories of the day’s happenings. Your safari guide will also discuss with you plans for the following day.

Overnight at Tena Tena.

Day 7 :- Tena Tena: AM shared programme

Morning activity same as on previous day.

At appropriate time, in discussion with camp manager, shared transfer to Mfuwe airport. Approx 1hr drive. Flight Mfuwe –  Jeki via Lusaka. ETD 12:20 ETA 15:35. Drive/boat to Sausage Tree Camp (STC) with your private guide. Afternoon/late evening game drive. The best time to spot nocturnal predators like the elusive leopard, delicate civet, or big-eared genet is at night. Prides of lions also tend to be more active, and you may even spot a porcupine or giant eagle owl as you explore the Lower Zambezi in the almost dark. This luxury campsite in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National park has 7 luxury suites only.

Day 8 :- Full day private game drive at Lower Zambezi National park

Full day private game drive from 6am to 6pm. Followed by a night game drive in your private vehicle and guide. Overnight at STC.

Day 9 :- Private game drive + PM: Fly to Lusaka

Morning private game drive with packed lunch. Then drive to airstrip. Flight Jeki to Lusaka ETD 15:50 ETA16:50.

Tour ends.

 

Inclusions / Exclusions

What is included

Includes: 8 nights stay on twin share basis in 4 camps/ lodges;

Private vehicle and guide at Mfuwe lodge and Sausage Tree Camp (Rest shared programmes as per camp management);

3 times Airfares Lusaka-Mfuwe// Mfuwe-Jeki via Lusaka// Jeki-Lusaka;

Full board with select beverages in all camps;

National park and conservation fees.

What is not included

Excludes: International airfare;

Zambia visa, travel insurance;

Gratuities;

anything not specifically mentioned above.

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