Safari Rating
The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt 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.
Mobile Walking Safaris have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Many of the safari 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.
This 7-night Mobile Walking Safari in South Luangwa starts and ends with a 1 night stop over at one of the more luxurious safari camps. In between you will spend 5 nights exploring along the remote Mupamadzi river, walking from one camp location to the next while the backup crew move the entire camp ahead before you arrive.
start dates
detailed itinerary
Day 1: Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport your guide 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 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
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 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.
Day 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 Camp
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!!
accommodation
The mobile 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. The camp consists of three twin walk-in Meru tents accommodating a maximum six guests.
price
Price 2024
7 Nights Mobile Walking Safari:
USD 5,197 per person (Safaris starting in June 2024)
USD 6,136 per person (Safaris starting in September 2024)
USD 6,285 per person (Safaris starting in July, August and September 2024)
USD 630 park costs per person
9 Nights Mobile Walking Safari:
USD 7,725 per person (Safaris starting in June 2024)
USD 8.076 per person (Safaris starting in July, September and on 31.08.2024)
USD 8,185 per person (Safaris starting on 09.08.2024)
USD 820 park costs per person
Price 2025
7 Nights Mobile Walking Safari:
USD 5,210 per person (Safaris starting in June 2025)
USD 6,573 per person (Safaris starting in July, August and September 2025)
USD 6,425 per person (Safaris starting in 26 September 2025 and October 2025)
USD 630 park costs per person
9 Nights Mobile Walking Safari:
USD 7,739 per person (Safaris starting in June 2025)
USD 8.382 per person (Safaris starting in July, August and September 2025)
USD 8,583 per person (Safaris starting on 30. August 2025)
USD 820 park costs per person
additional information
Accommodation
Three twin walk-in Meru tents, maximum six guests.
Facilities
Bucket shower and long drop loo.
Note: There is no WIFI or telephone reception.
Activities
Walking only while on the mobile safari.
Meals & Drinks
Rate is fully inclusive of all meals and drinks.
Nut Allergies: While our kitchen is fully capable of catering for most dietary requests, we regrettably are unable to cater for people with severe nut allergies as we cannot guarantee a completely nut free environment.
Electricity & Water
No power here, just paraffin lamps and torches are using for lighting.
Bottled water is also provided at the camp free of charge.
Childrens policy
Minimum age is 21 years.
Payment for extras
All extras can be paid in cash (local currency, US$, Euro or British Pounds) only.
Tipping
Is not expected but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service. Please always give tips for the staff to the management to be shared out and please tip your guide individually.
Open
Open June – mid-October
The Accommodation
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