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Luangwa
13 day Tour in central Zambia (including South and North Luangwa)
5 day extension through Kafue National Park
General information:
Zambia’s popularity has grown consistently over the past years. Spectacular landscapes, sensational game parks, and very little tourism in remote areas are among the reasons for this.
South Luangwa National Park is one of the most beautiful in Africa.
North Luangwa is still a remote paradise, visited by only a handful of intrepid travellers. There are few roads in North Luangwa and that has contributed to the atmosphere of an untouched wilderness, visited by those who prefer to explore nature on foot. Huge herds of buffalo congregate along the rivers during the dry season, which in turn attract an unusual high number of lions and hyenas.
The seemingly endless Bangweulu Swamps and the big herds of Lechwe (sometimes numbering thousands) will leave an indelible impresssion. The elusive Shoebill Stork is often spotted here in the dry season (especially June to August).
For those who are looking for a special experience in a natural African environment, Zambia is the place to be!
Some highlights of the tour:
- Game drives and night drives in the sensational South Luangwa Park
- Exploring the African bush on foot in North Luangwa National Park
- Sighting the elusive Shoebill Stork and herds of thousands of Lechwe in the Bangweulu Swamps
- The 5 day extension of the tour offers unique wildlife experiences in Kafue National Park - leopard sightings on the night drives are not uncommon.
Day 1: South Luangwa National Park
Transfer from the Mfuwe airport to our lodge next to the Luangwa River. Our first game drive is in the afternoon until sunset.
Luangwa is known for its high concentration of African wildlife: Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cook son’s Gnu, Crow shay’s Zebra, leopards, lions and big herds of buffalo and elephant.
It is not uncommon to see leopard on the night drive (optional).
Camping
(Overnight in Chalets or luxury safari tents next to the Luangwa River)
Day 2 and 3: South Luangwa National Park
Game drives along the Luangwa River often produce spectacular sightings. The colourful Carmine bee-eater is often seen perching in front of their nests in the river banks.
Hippo families occur in high numbers in the river, unequalled in Africa.
During the dry season (July to October), many side arms of the river dry up, leaving barbel and other fish trapped. This attracts many different species of predators, like the African fish eagle, jackal, hyena to mention just a few.
Camping
(Overnight in Chalets or luxury safari tents next to the Luangwa River)
Day 4: Luambe National Park
We pack up and head north towards the remote Luambe National Park. Luambe is known for its huge hippo pods (up to 300 animals in one pod!) and it is also ideal habitat for the rare servals. Servals are nocturnal animals and we will do a night drive organized by the lodge.
Camping
(Overnight in luxury tents in Luambe National Park)
Day 5: North Luangwa National Park
Today we have some adventurous driving ahead of us, crossing the Luangwa River and passing through remote rural areas. Pure Africa!
Our bush camp is situated next to the Mwaleshi River, a magnificent setting in the African bush. It is not unusual to observe buffalo, antelope and other animals from the terrace of the camp.
Overnight in basic but comfortable reed chalets next to the Mwaleshi River.
Day 6: North Luangwa National Park
We have the whole day at our disposal to do game walks along the Mwaleshi River. Many water birds like the beautiful crowned crane, yellowbilled stork, great white egret, and goliath heron occur regularly along the watercourse. This area is also renowned for the high concentration of lion and hyena that are attracted to the large buffalo herds.
Recently Rhinos have been re-introduced, and elephant, zebra and other big game are fairly common.
Overnight in the bush camp next to the Mwaleshi River.
Day 7 and 8: Kapishya Hot Springs or Mutinondo Wilderness Area
Leaving North Luangwa National Park. As we drive up the steep escarpment the vegetation changes dramatically, from a dry landscape covered with hardy Mopane shrubs, to the thickly vegetated plateau (Miombo forest).
In September the spring flush of the Miombo forest is a spectacular highlight of the year. The forest presents itself in all shades of red, maroon, yellow and purple.
Depending on the time of the year we will head to Kapishya Springs to relax in the hot water bubbling out of clear white sand. Nearby the historical manor house of Shiwa N'Gandu is a must for all travellers to this region.
Camping
(Overnight in the scenic Mutinondo Wilderness Area or in Kapishya Springs close to the manor house of Shiwa N'Gandu)
Day 9 and 10: Bangweulu Wetlands
The remote Bangweulu swamps are unique in ecology, fauna and flora. The water covers huge areas of the swamps until about April each year, when the waterline slowly recedes and water birds congregate to feed in the pools and channels that are left behind.
It is here that we will be looking for the elusive Shoebilled stork. This interesting, strange looking bird has become very rare in most parts of Africa, but here in the Bangweulu they are fairly common.
We move on foot and by vehicle (depending on the water level and dampness of the soil) to find the water birds, the huge herds of Lechwe antelope, and other animals like tsessebe (a species of antelope),zebra, buffalo and black backed jackal.
The herds of thousands of Lechwe in this seemingly endless landscape, is an unforgettable African experience!
Overnight in Shoebill Island Lodge or Nsobe Camp
Day 11:Kasanka National Park
From a hide in a majestic Mululu tree, 18 metres above ground, we are able to observe the shy and rare Sitatunga antelope (among other animals). We will do game drives to explore the natural environment of the Park.
Camping
(Overnight in Luwombwa or Wasa Lodge)
Day 12: Lusaka
We drive back to the Great North Highway and on back to 'civilization'.
Dinner in a restaurant in Lusaka (own expense)
Camping
(Overnight in a small lodge in the suburb of Lusaka)
Day 13:
Transfer to the airport and board the flight back home, or, join the extension tour through the Kafue National Park.
5 Day extension to Livingstone:
Day 13 and 14: Kafue National Park (northern section)
Like many other Parks in Zambia, this is also a Park in a remote area, beautiful landscape and many animals to be seen. Hippo, crocodile, lechwe, crowned crane, wattled crane, lions, puku, oribi (antelope species that occurs here) and zebra are but a few examples of the animals to be seen here.
We overnight in Lufupa, and the area has become renowned for its night drives with the game scouts to see leopard, white-tailed mongoose, bushbabys and other nocturnal animals. Leopard sightings are common, and it is sometimes possible to watch them hunting! An unforgettable experience!
Camping at Lufupa Lodge next to the beautiful Kafue River
Day 15 and 16: Kafue National Park (central and southern section)
These 2 days are still spent in the Kafue National Park. The Park is 23 000 square kilometres in size, and we cover most parts of it as we drive from north to south in the direction of Livingstone.
Our journey leads us past Ithezi-thezi dam and further south to the beautiful Nanzhila plains. On the way we have ample opportunity for game watching and enjoying the African landscape.
Camping
Day 17: Livingstone
In the afternoon we arrive in Livingstone.
A boat cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing way to end this unique African adventure.
Dinner in a restaurant in Livingstone (own expense).
Camping
(Overnight in Maramba River Lodge)
Day 18:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight back to Johannesburg/Europe
Dates:
Every second tour is done in the reverse direction (the Kafue extension is followed by the main programme).
1. extension: 1.7.2007 - 6.7.2007 (from Livingstone to Lusaka)
maintour: 6.7.2007 - 18.7.2007 (from Lusaka to Mfuwe)
2. maintour: 22.7.2007 - 3.8.2007 (from Mfuwe to Lusaka)
extension: 3.8.2007 - 8.8.2007 (from Lusaka to Livingstone)
3. extension: 12.8.2007 - 17.8.2007 (from Livingstone to Lusaka)
maintour: 17.8.2007 - 29.8.2007 (from Lusaka to Mfuwe)
4. maintour: 2.9.2007 - 14.9.2007 (from Mfuwe to Lusaka)
extension: 14.9.2007 - 19.9.2007 (from Lusaka to Livingstone)
The last two tours can be combined with our Liuwa tour (the Kafue extension is not offered on these dates) as extension as follows:
(for prices please refer to our Liuwa-information - Euro 1760,00 per person sharing):
5. extension Liuwa: 5.10.2007 - 15.10.2007 (from Livingstone to Lusaka)
maintour: 14.10.2007 - 26.10.2007 (from Lusaka to Mfuwe)
6. maintour: 28.10.2007 - 9.11.2007 (from Mfuwe to Lusaka)
extension Liuwa: 8.11.2007 - 18.11.2007 (from Lusaka to Livingstone)
Minimum of 6 participants per tour
Maximum of 10 Persons per tour
Prices:
€ 2850-00 per person sharing
Single supplement: € 390-00
Camping option:
€ 2540-00 per person sharing
Single supplement: € 190-00
5 day extention to Livingstone (camping only):
€ 870-00 per person sharing
Single supplement: € 90-00
Included in the price:
- All meals (except the last dinner in Lusaka and in Livingstone)
- All transport (excluding the transfer to/from all airports)
- Competent English speaking guide and driver
- All accommodation in good chalets (reed or brick) and luxury safari tents (camping option available)
- All activities as described
- All entrance fees
Not included in the price:
- International flight from Europe (return). Flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe ( South Luangwa)
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- All optional activities
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides
- Visa fees
Tour info:
Zambia is a great combination of wildlife experiences and beautiful African landscape. A tour for nature lovers and Africa addicts.
The guide is responsible for the catering. Our guides are experienced cooks, and guests often compliment the standard of catering on our tours. It is expected of participants of this tour to help with the general chores of camping life (putting up tents, cutting vegetables etc.)
Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. Meals are healthy, tasty and variable. 'Tin food' and 'fast food' is avoided where possible.
The standard of accommodation on this tour varies greatly and has been chosen on the basis of practicality and setting. Accommodation in South Luangwa and Luambe (4 nights) is in luxury safari tents. Accommodation in Bangweulu Swamps, North Luangwa and Mutinondo Wilderness Area (5 nights in total) is in basic but comfortable reed chalets. Accommodation in Kasanka Park and in Lusaka (2 nights in total) is in good, comfortable chalets. All accommodation with en-suite ablutions (occasional exceptions are Bangweulu Swamps and Mutinondo Wilderness Area, dependant on time of booking and group size).
(Camping option: Accommodation is in safari tents (2.1 x 2.1 metres). They are easy to put up. Mattresses used are made of high density foam (50 mm thick) and covered with cloth.)
The extension to Livingstone is on a camping basis. It is possible to upgrade to fixed accommodation on request.
Optional activities described in the program are carried out by local tour operators. The optional activities are paid directly to the operator and not to Adventure Purist.
The vehicle used is a extended Landrover Tdi. Bucket seats, double shock absorbers and Landrover’s suspension system provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle is open on all sides, but can be closed for long distance travelling.
We travel in remote areas. Patience and a certain ability to endure the circumstances we may encounter are expected from the participants of this tour.
Some suggestions for the travel bag:
- Good sportsandals and walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun screen lotion
- Torch (maglite, and/or headlamp)
- Sleeping bag
- Good binoculars
- Some warm clothing for the winter months (May to September) as night temperatures can drop to zero on the plateau. Also at least one warm jacket for the other times of the year, just in case...
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
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