Robin Pope's

Shoebill Safari

Luangwa National Park, Kasanka National Park & Bangweulu Swamps

Storks in the swamps

If you want a chance to see a shoebill, this safari is for you! Join Robin Pope Safaris for this exceptional trip covering the South Luangwa National Park, Kasanka National Park, and Bangweulu swamps. On the hunt for the remarkable shoebill, you will also encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, and host of other species.

One of Robin Pope’s top safari guides will lead this trip to enhance your experience throughout. After a couple of nights at Luangwa River Camp in the South Luangwa the group flies to Kasanka National Park and will spend some time at Wasa Lodge. There are many bird species that will be new to the safari and the sitatunga antelope will certainly be seen at the swamp. Then the safari will continue onto Shoebill Island Camp in the breath-taking Bangweulu Swamps, which remains one of Zambia’s special gems – with superb birding, from all the water birds to the endangered wattled crane elegantly strolling around the plains. Of course the star attraction remains the extraordinary shoebill. The area also hosts the endemic black lechwe along with tsessebe and buffalo.

The South Luangwa National Park, Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. South Luangwa National Park is widely known as the home of the walking safari. This is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. The park is centered around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.

8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Robin Pope, who will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your flight to Mfuwe.

Your safari guide will be waiting for you at the Mfuwe airport where he will drive you to Luangwa River Camp. The drive to camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. 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. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy lunch or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.

DAY 2 | LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

This is a full day to explore the Luangwa, onboard a vehicle or on foot.

DAY 3 | WASA CAMP

After breakfast around the campfire you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport 50 mins flight to Kasanka National Park. Depending on your flight time you may arrive in time for lunch and then enjoy birding for the afternoon along the Luwombwa River. With luck you may see African finfoot, ross’ lourie, pel’s fishing owl and osprey.

Return to camp for dinner and an early night or after dinner drinks around the campfire.

DAY 4 | WASA CAMP

Enjoy a day of birding and game watching in the hope of seeing many mammal species such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable antelope, reedbuck and the rare blue monkey. Visit the sitatunga hide with its panoramic views over the Kapabi Swamp where you can spot as many as 40 sitatunga feeding at one time

DAY 5 | SHOEBILL CAMP

Transfer by plane to Bangweulu Swamps, arriving at Shoebill Camp. The search by boat and foot will start – to track down the elusive Shoebill. Back to camp for lunch and out again after tea to see the herds of antelope for which the area is famous. Dinner is simple but adequate and then an early night.

DAY 6 | SHOEBILL CAMP

A full day of birding and enjoying the surroundings. Watch from the hide at dawn or dusk as thousands of waterfowl fly overhead.

DAY 7 | LUSAKA HOTEL

Today you will take a flight back to Lusaka for an overnight stay ahead of your onward connections.

DAY8 | END OF SAFARI

Transfer to Lusaka International Airport where this itinerary draws to a close. Continue with your onward arrangements or begin your journey home.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Departures annually in June

From USD $5557 per person twin share

START: Lusaka, Zambia | Finish: Lusaka, Zambia

Note: The costing of this itinerary is based on minimum 4, maximum 6 guests

Included: Internal flights Lusaka/Lusaka and all safari costs
Not included: Visa and airport departure taxes

Flights & insurance – on request

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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