Set Departure

Robin Pope

Walking Safari, Zambia

A walk on the wild side

The Robin Pope Safaris’ Mobile Walking Safari has long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa in Zambia.

A variety of alternative walking safari itineraries are available, the following is an example only. Please contact us for alternative safaris.

Arriving in the South Luangwa you will spend your first night at Nkwali, before the walking party drives to the north of the park the following morning. Here you will walk for five days covering approximately 10km a day, following the Mupamadzi River. This clear river is a major tributary of the Luangwa and a magnet for wildlife in the area. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to humankind. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush.

Along the way you will stay in a fully serviced mobile camp which is extremely comfortable and well-equipped with walk-in tents and full bedding. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a bush loo with a wooden throne. Meals of a high standard are served under the open sky.

A final night at either Tena Tena or Nsefu completes the safari.

8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | NKWALI CAMP

On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time, in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.

DAY 2 | MOBILE CAMP | 5 NIGHTS

After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile which has become known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Your drive is some 90kms to the Mupamadzi River along a bush road, through remote parts of the park. You arrive in camp for lunch around mid-day. The camp is already set up for your arrival with well-equipped walk-in tents. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a long drop with a wooden throne. Enjoy a relaxing siesta after lunch, before tea and going for a walk around camp in the afternoon, to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars!

DAY 3 | MOBILE CAMP

Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ant’s to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The mobile camp will be packed and moved to Camp 2 and lunch will be ready as the guests arrive late morning. Lunch, siesta and afternoon walk.

DAY 4 | MOBILE CAMP

Explore the area on foot – returning to the same campsite.

DAYS 5-6 | MOBILE CAMP

The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning as you walk further down the river. The Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa. All walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.

DAY 7 | TENA TENA

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5 hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river, and then a 20-minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has six tents, each with a dressing room, open air bathroom and private verandah that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge Mahogany tree in the centre of the camp. On arrival you will be shown to your tent and then lunch will be served followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. Time to rest those weary legs!!

OR

(alternative option)

DAY 7 | NSEFU

The last night can be spent at Nsefu Camp. On a sweeping bend of the river, 12 kilometres north of Tena Tena, lies Nsefu. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. The camp was reopened in 1999, in keeping with the original style, and so operate the only two camps in the Nsefu Sector of the park. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge dormant termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. The original rondavels have been extended, with a spacious bathroom added. Each room has a clear view of the river, through large windows and from the new wooden veranda.

DAY 8 | END OF SAFARI

At first light a final morning walk or perhaps a game drive to explore the Nsefu Sector beckons before a hearty breakfast and departure. You will either be transferred to Mfuwe Airport or you can continue to another destination in the glorious South Luangwa.

ACCOMMODATION

Authentic bush safari camps

Nkwali Camp – South Luangwa National Park

Nkwali Camp hosts a maximum of twelve guests in six cool and spacious chalets which sit on the edge of the Luangwa River in Zambia. This is superb game country with countless channels and lagoons serving as a magnet for wildlife. Read More

Tena Tena – South Luangwa National Park

Tena Tena - meaning 'temporary home', enjoys a stunning location on the banks of the Luangwa River. Open to the wild and lit by lanterns, Tena Tena offers earthy bush luxury at its best, synonymous with the very essence of safari. Read More

Nsefu – South Luangwa National Park

Nsefu Camp is perched on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River in the remote Nsefu Sector of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Drive or walk through the ebony groves to explore a variety of diverse habitats with your guide. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

Operates June to October
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Facilities: bucket shower and long drop loo.
No wifi or phone reception – heaven!
Max group size: 6 guests

Please enquire for further information and a detailed itinerary.

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