Zambia - Walking Safari with Batmigration in October

After arrival at Mfuwe airport transfer to our camp (Croc. Valley or similar). Camping next to the Luangwa River. Dinner is being served underneath the clear African sky (-/-/D).

We will spend the day with game viewing inside the National Park and will explore the area with our game viewing vehicle. Game drives along the Luangwa River often produces spectacular sightings. Hippo families occur in high numbers in the river, unequalled in Africa.

During the dry season (July to October), many side channels of the river dry up, leaving the fish trapped. This attracts many different species of predators, such as the African fish eagle, jackal, and hyena, to mention but a few. The colourful Carmine bee-eaters are often seen perching in front of their nests in the riverbanks.

Camping on the banks of the Luangwa River at Wildlife Camp or similar. (FB).

After another morning game drive, we pack a small backpack and start our walking trip in the afternoon to the Bush Camp, which is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River under huge Natal Mahogany trees providing shade during the hot days. Wildlife is in abundance and can be spotted from the bush-camp. A fully qualified guide and scout will lead the trek.

The next morning sunrise and birdsong wakes up the bush. After breakfast, it is time to pack up and head back to camp on foot – another three hour through Africa’s wilderness

In the afternoon of day 4 we will do a last game drive in this area for sunset.

2x Camping (2xFB)

Early in the morning we pack up our camp and drive via traditional villages to the Nsefu sector of the park. South Luangwa NP is known for its abundance of African wildlife: Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s Gnu, Crawshay’s Zebra and big herds of buffalo and elephant. In the mornings we will do game walks along the Luangwa River, in the afternoon game drives with our 4x4 vehicle.

Camping on the Luangwa River close to Chibembe Nature Reserve. (2x FB).

Packing up and drive via Luambe National Park to North Luangwa Park which is remote and wild. We will do a game walk along the Luangwa River with a scout. Big herds of hippos call this area their home; elephants, various species of antelopes can be seen from our camp.

Camping at the campsite just outside the National Park. (FB).

Today’s stage takes us from the hot Luangwa Valley up the steep escarpment (altitude 1400 m ). While we drive the temperature gets cooler and  the dry savannah gives way to the Miombo forest.  In the northern area of the park we set up our camp at a beutifully located campsite near the Mano Gate.  In the afternoon we will take a walk along the river and it is possible to take a refreshing bath in the mountain stream.

Camping at the Samala Campsite at the park’s border (FB).

Next stop over on our trip is Kapishya Hot Springs, which allows us to relax in the hot springs. Nearby situated is the historic house Shiwa N'Gandu (possible visit at own expense). In the afternoon we will take a walk to the Chusa water fall.

Camping (FB)

Early in the morning we drive to our next stop, Mutinondo Wilderness. Huge ‘whalebacks’ (granite boulders) scattered in between the Miombo forest create the unique landscape of Mutinondo. We have a full day to explore and enjoy the special atmosphere in this area. 

Camping (FB)

These remote 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.

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 with a boat (depending on the water level) 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!

Camping at Nsobe Campsite (2x VP)

After a last game drive or walk in the morning we carryon to Lake Waka-Waka and arrive in the afternoon at Mkushi, where we stay overnight at Forest Inn.

Dinner in the restaurant (B/L/-)

Transfer to Lusaka and departure in the afternoon. (B/-/-)

(Optional additional night in Lusaka and departure on day 16).

Days 1-8: see above  

Day 9: Mutinondo Wilderness

Days 10 and 11: Bangweulu Swamps

Days 12 and 13: Kasanka National Park

Early in the morning we go further to the Kasanka National Park. Towards the end of October and in November millions of straw-coloured fruit bats arrive from the Congo. This is known as the world’s biggest migration if mammals - a sight not to be missed! With some luck we will be able to observe the rare and shy Sitatunga Antelope (among other animals). The bird life is amazing as well at this time of the year. Camping inside the National Park. (2 x FB)

Day 14: Kundalila Falls -  Mkushi:

On the Great North Road we head towards Lusaka. En route we will make a detour to Kundalila Falls to do a short hike to the falls, where we can also take a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Forest Inn near Mkushi. Dinner in a restaurant (B/L/-).

Day 15: Lusaka: 

Transfer to Lusaka and departure in the afternoon. (B/-/-). (Optional additional night in Lusaka and departure on day 16).

Batmigration: 19.10 - 02.11.2024 (incl. Kasanka National Park).

11.07 – 25.07.2025
10.08 – 24.08.202
09.09 – 23.09.2025

Batmigration 18.10 - 01.11.2025 (incl. Kasanka National Park).

Included in the price:
All meals (except dinner in Mkushi)
All transfers (inclusive airport transfer on the first and last day of program)
Competent English speaking guide and a helper/cook
All camping equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow), big tents (1.80 m height) with    stretcher, high density mattress and mattress cover
All park entrance fees 
All activities as indicated in the program

Excluded from price:
International flights
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks (we supply juice and drinking water).
Night game drives
Entrance fee to Shiwa N’gandu (about US$ 20-00 pp)
Personal insurance, personal expenditure (i.e. curios)
Tips