South Luangwa Walking Safari

Day 1
Depart London

Day 2
Following the arrival of the group flight, we connect immediately with a short internal flight to Mfuwe. On arrival we will transfer by road to Mfuwe Lodge - a journey of approximately 45 minutes on mainly good quality, tarmaced roads. The afternoon is free to relax and recover in the lodges beautiful surroundings.

Day 3
South Luangwa Walking Safari - These seven days are the core days of the trip, each will consist of roughly the following itinerary, however as with all safari trips a degree of flexibility is required to accommodate for local weather and wildlife conditions and the location of our accommodation.

Day 4 - 9
We start each day bright and early before sunrise with a wake up call from the guides, after breakfast we head out on our morning activities just as the sun peaks over the horizon. The morning activity will usually be a long bush walk where you'll learn about the native flora and fauna of the South Luangwa Valley. The walk will usually be between three and four hours in duration, with plenty of stops to take in the beautiful surroundings. Local armed guides accompany all walks, as you may come across some of the parks bigger animals: it is not uncommon to see giraffe, elephant or lion. The morning walk is a good time to spot where there has been nocturnal activity; it is also at this time of day, before the heat builds up, that much of the parks wildlife is on the move. We return to camp around 10:30 to 11:00 am at which point brunch is served. You will eat with your guides and camp manager who will be happy to discuss subjects as diverse as the local habitat or Zambian politics, or specifics about the wildlife. After brunch there is time to relax during the heat of the day, retiring to your room to catch up on rest or to simply watch the wildlife from the comfort of the bushcamp veranda or your own room. Each camp is well situated with views over the surrounding plains or a local water hole. Before the afternoon walk or game drive, afternoon tea and refreshments will be served. This walk is shorter than the morning activity, but the main focus will still be the wildlife, learning about the habitat, flora and fauna. The walk will end at the perfect spot for 'sundowners' - here a small bar will be set up with plentiful drinks and snacks, and as you watch the sunset over the African bush the memories of the days magical moments will inevitably be discussed. Like the morning walk which takes place before the sun gets too high, this walk makes the most of the low light - ideal for photography - and also the cooler climate as the heat drops out of the day, again it is the perfect time to see some of the local inhabitants at their most active. Following sunset, depending on which camp we are at, we'll either return to camp to relax around the fire with pre-dinner cocktails or take a short night game drive. On days when we move from one camp to the next all luggage and personal belongings will be transported for you. At all camps, except Zungulila (a dedicated walking camp - see Accommodation section in Essential Info. page, link below) a vehicle is often available for those who would prefer a game drive. On the final day we return to Mfuwe, leaving South Luangwa behind us.

Day 10
Free morning to relax; afternoon transfer to Mfuwe airport, with an opportunity to stop at a local textile production facility en route, here the income from tourism supports local employment, helps develop creative skills and promotes fair trade practices within the community. Continue to the airstrip for the return flight to Lusaka; on arrival we will transfer to the hotel where the rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 11
For those on group flights there will be an early morning transfer to Lusaka airport for their return flight to the UK - this is a daytime flight arriving back in the UK on the same day.)