Mobile Walking Safari
MOBILE WALKING SAFARIS - 7 nights
Itinerary Nkwali Camp 1 night, Mobile Walking 5 nights & Nsefu/Tena Tena 1 night
Valid June to October
The LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.
OVERVIEW OF THE SAFARI
The MOBILE WALKING SAFARIS have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. The camps offer a unique combination of creature comforts and stunning remote locations in the South Luangwa National Park. However, some guests want to get even further out into the wilderness, to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. For these adventurers, we offer dedicated walking safaris. Walking through the bush is a completely different experience to driving. All your senses are alert. Every sound, every movement - the flap of a bird's wing, a tail swishing through the tall grass - acquires significance.
This is where an expert guide really comes into his own. Not only will he (or she!) point out wildlife and birdlife to you, he will also teach you to hone and sharpen your senses and to spot the clues that lie around you in the bush. As one of our guests said after walking for five days along the Mupamadzi River, it is like reading an engrossing book, compared to watching a film.
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colorful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush.
Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On 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. NKWALI CAMP
Day 2: South Luangwa
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! MOBILE CAMP
Day 3: Walking
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. MOBILE CAMP
Day 4: Walking
Explore the area on foot – returning to the same campsite. MOBILE CAMP
Days 5&6: River Walks
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: Luangwa River
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. 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!! TENA TENA. NOTE – The last night can be spent at Nsefu Camp.
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 to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognized then as a phenomenal area and it still is. We reopened the camp 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: Departure or onward travels
THE SPECIALTIES OF THESE SAFARIS ARE:
WALKING SAFARIS The only way to really discover the secrets of the bush. Walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.
GAME DRIVES (not available when on mobile) Conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles by knowledgeable safari guides. Special game viewing seats provide excellent viewing and opportunities for photography.
NIGHT DRIVES (not available when on mobile) Set out in the afternoon. Later, after watching the sun set over the river with a sundowner in hand, the drive continues with a powerful spotlight. The nocturnal world of the bush is witnessed from owls, genets to hunting lions and the graceful leopard.
All camps are intimate and highly personalized. Exceptional service has become the hallmark of all Robin’s operations. Flexibility and responsiveness to guests’ wishes are key.
WALKING FITNESS WALKING FITNESS
For general idea of fitness level, here are some guidelines. This does not mean this is the distance and timing of every day. But it gives you an idea of how fit you need to be.
You should also be able to run 50 meters, but please understand that this is not because you will be running from any animal! It's just another way of showing a level of fitness.
Walking Mobile Safaris – the ultimate walking safari experience Walking Mobile Safaris
10 km in 4 hours on varied ground
* Contact us for availability and pricing. RPS24
