Sample Trip

South & North Luangwa with Bangweulu Shoebill safari

“Rivers, walking trails, swamps & shoebills all in one”
Budget level: High-End
Country
Zambia
When to Go
May to Oct
Duration
11 Nights
Safari Type
Flying, Lodge and Canvas, Walking Safari
Location
Bangweulu Wetlands, Luangwa Valley
Kids Min Age
12

An 11 Night safari covering three iconic wildlife destinations in eastern Zambia – South Luangwa, North Luangwa & Bangweulu Swamps. This package is perfect for those travellers who want a true authentic Zambian safari experience, far away from the crowds.


Itinerary in Brief

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The perfect safari to truly experience South and North Luangwa National Parks with the added Bangweulu wetlands at the end to see the incredible Shoebill. This safari is perfect for those who want to get remote and far away from the busy tourist areas and have a real Zambian bushcamp experience with a wide range of exciting activities conducted by professional guides.

The South & North Luangwa with Bangweulu Shoebill safari starts with your arrival in Mfuwe airport from where you will be transferred to Tafika Camp in the renowned Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National park. Spend 3 nights in Tafika exploring the predator rich habitat and enjoy walking safaris, unique cycling trails, cultural visits to the nearest village, microlight flights (in May only) and game drives (day and night). After Tafika you will head on a 3 night walking safari between two intimate and exclusive bush camps which form Chikoko Trails, where authentic walking safaris are offered within a remote northern area of the South Luangwa National Park, only accessible on foot! After exploring this remote area of the park you will fly north to Takwela Camp in the North Luangwa, ideally located at the spectacular confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers. Walking safaris and game drives are offered to explore this beautiful and remote area. By now you have gotten to know both South and North Luangwa, so another charter flight will now take you to the Bangweulu Swamps for the final 2 nights for a complete change of scenery. Bangweulu is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife secrets with diverse flora and fauna, exceptional birdlife and many endangered species on offer, including the most unusual and rarest, the Shoebill. After those 2 nights in the wetlands a final flight will take you back to Mfuwe for onward connections.

Detailed Itinerary

1-3 Nights: Tafika Camp

Nestled in the shade of giant leadwood trees, the camp has a panorama of the river and its surrounding wildlife. Tafika can accommodate up to 14 guests in six thatched chalets (including a family chalet and honeymoon suite) with open-air en suite facilities, built around the trunks of stunning sausage trees. The food is excellent and is supplemented by a wonderful supply of home-grown fresh salad, fruit and vegetables.

Tafika is the perfect tranquil base from which guests can enjoy walking safaris, unique cycling trails, cultural visits to the nearest village, microlight flights (in May only) and game drives (day and night), during which the abundance of diverse game populations in the Nsefu sector ensure an unforgettable African safari.

4-6 Nights: Chikoko Trails

Chikoko Tree Camp and Crocodile River Camp are the two intimate and exclusive bush camps which form Chikoko Trails, where authentic walking safaris are offered within a remote northern area of the South Luangwa National Park. The area has no roads and is only accessible on foot. Of all the stunning locations available in the Luangwa Valley, the well-known Norman Carr selected this area specifically to pioneer walking safaris. This is an excellent option for guests who enjoy a more active safari experience and an escape from the conventional game drive routine.

7-9 Nights: Takwela Camp

Visit Takwela Camp in the North Luangwa, ideally located at the spectacular confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers. Takwela Camp, the latest camp operated by Remote Africa Safaris, opened in July 2019. Situated on Remote Africa’s private land at the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi Rivers, Takwela has stunning views across a resident hippo pod to pristine bush on all sides.

Takwela accommodates a maximum of eight guests in 4 en-suite chalets, with two double beds in each. Walking safaris and game drives are offered to explore this beautiful and remote area.

10 & 11th Nights: Shoebill Island Camp

Shoebill Island Camp is nestled alongside the Bangweulu wetlands, north of Kasanka in Northern Zambia. It is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife secrets with diverse flora and fauna, exceptional birdlife and many endangered species on offer. Home to impressive herds of Black Lechwe antelope (endemic to Bangweulu) the wetlands make a desirable and rewarding destination for keen birdwatchers and other adventurous visitors seeking to discover Africa’s hidden corners. An incredible diversity of water-birds and plainsbirds, including the most unusual and rarest, the Shoebill, are found here.

When To Go

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Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!