Hippos, South Luangwa, Zambia

Remote Bush Camps of South Luangwa

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

8 Days

Prices Start from

£5,175pp(ex. flights)

This adventurous safari explores Zambia’s iconic South Luangwa National Park. Head to the remote south of the park, staying at a series of intimate bushcamps, all positioned in areas that see few other visitors.

When you leave Mfuwe (the central sector) behind and drive south into this wilderness area, it feels like you are entering an entirely different park. The beautiful scenery stays the same, as does the fantastic wildlife, but the telltale signs of humanity fade away, leaving behind the Luangwa Valley as it should be – free from intrusion.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Elephant encounter, South Luangwa, Zambia 1

Bush Walks

Explore on foot, tracking big game in a way unique to this park.

Walking Safari, Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa, Zambia 2

Expert Guides

Benefit from some of the best walking guides in Zambia.

A leopard on the hunt at night, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 3

Night Drives

Set out after dark in search of nighttime predators.

Outside Room, Chamilandu Bush Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia 4

Small Camps

Stay at intimate bushcamps, where staff outnumber guests.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Lusaka - South Luangwa - Mfuwe Lodge

  • Day 2

    Mfuwe Lodge - Chamilandu Bush Camp

  • Days 3

    Chamilandu Bush Camp

  • Day 4

    Chamilandu Bush Camp - Chindeni Camp

  • Day 5

    Chindeni Camp

  • Day 6

    Chindeni Camp - Bilimungwe Camp

  • Day 7

    Bilimungwe Camp

  • Day 8

    Bilimungwe Camp - South Luangwa - Lusaka

Day 1

Lusaka - South Luangwa - Mfuwe Lodge

Day 2

Mfuwe Lodge - Chamilandu Bush Camp

A leopard on the hunt at night, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Night Drives

Set out after dark in search of nighttime predators.

Days 3

Chamilandu Bush Camp

Outside Room, Chamilandu Bush Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia

Small Camps

Stay at intimate bushcamps, where staff outnumber guests.

Day 4

Chamilandu Bush Camp - Chindeni Camp

Day 5

Chindeni Camp

Elephant encounter, South Luangwa, Zambia

Bush Walks

Explore on foot, tracking big game in a way unique to this park.

Day 6

Chindeni Camp - Bilimungwe Camp

Day 7

Bilimungwe Camp

Walking Safari, Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa, Zambia

Expert Guides

Benefit from some of the best walking guides in Zambia.

Day 8

Bilimungwe Camp - South Luangwa - Lusaka

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Leopard, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Rift Valley, covers a vast area through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of wildlife.

One of the best places in Africa to see leopards, this riverine landscape is alive with predators and prey. Crocodiles and hippos fill the river, whilst its grassy floodplains are grazed by pukus, impalas and zebras. Over 450 species of birds, both endemic and migratory, are found here.

Walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia

Explore on Foot

Set out from secluded, intimate camps on foot for an unrivalled wildlife experience. This is the home of the walking safari and there is no better way to explore South Luangwa. Whilst walks elsewhere are more nature-focussed, a walking safari here is far more intense.

As well as the up-close, holistic unveiling of the ecosystem that you might expect, be prepared to follow animal tracks, actively searching for big cats and other large mammals. On foot, encounter herds of elephants or get close to towering Thornircoft’s giraffes – endemic to South Luangwa.

It is the guides that make a walking safari. And South Luangwa has some of the best. Expect fantastic sightings and in-depth knowledge, whilst simultaneously feeling you’re in safe hands.

Walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia

The Wild South

This trip focuses on the southern part of the park, where a number of small bush camps are scattered, overlooking the Luangwa River or one of its tributaries. This hard-to-reach region is one of the wildest parts of the Luangwa Valley – a real wilderness.

Whilst this remoteness brings with it challenges, the benefit is a complete lack of other visitors. There is a wealth of wildlife, but you are unlikely to see another vehicle in most places. Exploring this beautiful ecosystem, especially on foot, gives a real feeling of exclusivity and discovery.

Sundowner, Kapamba Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
Kapamba Camp, Mfuwe, Zambia

The Bush Camps

This wild region is home to six bush camps in total, all of which can be combined in various ways, usually including no more than three or four of the camps. You can either drive between the camps or – and we recommend this – walk some of the way, with your luggage transported separately.

All of the camps have slightly different styles, making for a subtly varied experience – albeit one that centres on being immersed in nature throughout. With no more than four tents at each of the camps, the experience is a highly personal one, with staff usually outnumbering guests.

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

This holiday idea stays at camps owned by the Bushcamp Company, who are committed to protecting the South Luangwa National Park against poaching. In order to help local rangers better monitor vulnerable wildlife and spot poacher incursions into the park, they have donated a light aircraft to NGO Conservation South Luangwa for use in anti-poaching operations.

The Bushcamp Company donate a portion of their revenue to building schools and funding teachers’ salaries in communities neighbouring South Luangwa National Park. This investment in education not only increases employment prospects for local people, it also reduces the chances of them resorting to poaching.

As well as investing in education and conservation, the Bushcamp Company also funds the drilling of boreholes close to villages that border the park. In the past 25 years, more than 140 of these boreholes have been dug, on average benefitting around 300 people each. This investment in clean water has significantly reduced the transmission of waterborne diseases in the area.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Chamilandu Bushcamp £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Chamilandu Bush Camp nestles in splendid isolation overlooking both the Luangwa River and the rugged Nchindene range of hills bordering the valley. Accommodation comprises three grass and thatch chalets with comfortable beds, mosquito nets and en suite facilities. The camp is ideal for small groups seeking a heightened wilderness experience and the opportunity to explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary on foot. Open to a 180-degree vista, Chamilandu is a small classic safari camp which is situated in a cool ebony grove high on the banks of the Luangwa River, with breath-taking river views across to the Chindeni Hills in the distance.

View Property

Kapamba Camp £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set in a remote corner in the southern region of the South Luangwa National Park, is Kapamba Bushcamp. Lying on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed Kapamba River in a peaceful, secluded area Kapamba is surrounded by some of the park’s richest wildlife with fabulous views over the watercourse. The camp has four spacious and comfortable river-facing open-fronted thatch and screed guest chalets. With en-suite bathrooms that include hot and cold running water, a double-size indulgent sunken stone bath and twin showers all perfectly positioned to enjoy river views chalets also include mosquito nets as well as a verandah.

View Property

Zungulila Bushcamp £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Each of Zungulila’s shaded tents has its own private bamboo veranda with immense views over an impressive variety of wildlife, from thirsty elephants at the springs and flocks of birds on the river to prowling lion and large herds of buffalo on the grassy plains. With stylish interiors, en suite bathrooms, hot-and-cold running water, outdoor showers and sunken plunge-pools you can enjoy your creatures and your creature comforts in this classic tented bush camp.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £5,175 Per person

When to travel

Zambia in January

There are three seasons in Zambia – the cool, dry winter season, the hot, dry summer season and the rainy season, which is in fact even hotter. It will depend on your activity preferences and the destinations in Zambia you are travelling to as to the best time to visit the country.

Zambia in February

Similarly to January, February will experience heavy rainfall throughout the country. Some destinations and accommodation will be open to a variety of outdoor activities, but it should be noted that the majority will remain closed.

Zambia in March

Throughout the winter months, it can be a perfect opportunity for bird watching although some wildlife may be more difficult to spot with the thick vegetation flourishing after the rainy months. You can expect temperatures of 23°C with heavier rainfall at the start of the month.

Zambia in April

As the rainy season comes to an end, both April and May are the best months to visit Victoria Falls, where temperatures are marginally cooler, averaging 21°C and there is less rainfall than previous months.

Zambia in May

Zambia will experience the cool, dry winter season from May until September making it the best time to travel to Zambia as the wildlife is in abundance. Temperatures are pleasant at the beginning and end of this season and there is considerably less rainfall.

Zambia in June

For the best game viewing in Zambia, it is suggested to travel from June to October although safaris are an all-year-round activity. In June temperatures will average 25°C during the daytime and remain cooler through the evening.

Zambia in July

July is one of the peak months to travel to Zambia as temperatures range from 22°C to highs of 30°C. Zambia will experience the least rainfall during July and all accommodation and destinations throughout the country will be fully open, with opportunities to partake in all the activities.

Zambia in August

From June to September, Zambia will experience its peak season as it can be one of the best times to visit the country when both travelling for the wildlife viewings and to see Victoria Falls. It is a popular time to travel to Zambia and so accommodation should be booked well in advance.

Zambia in September

During the month of September, temperatures will begin to rise and can reach highs of 28°C in certain regions of the country. Like July and August, September can be an ideal month for safaris in Zambia, with higher chances of regular wildlife viewings on game drives.

Zambia in October

During the months of October and November, Zambia will experience the hot, dry season, particularly in the river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa where it will become very hot. Game drives during the day can sometimes become uncomfortable due to the humidity and high temperatures.

Zambia in November

As the dry season comes to an end in the months of October and November, water levels are low and so can be an ideal time to visit Zambia to see the magnificent rock formations yet not the most ideal time to visit Victoria Falls, which is better viewed in April and May.

Zambia in December

From the month of December until April, Zambia experiences the rainy season, which is in fact much hotter than the summer months of October and November. Temperatures can rise to highs of 28°C in December and as rainfall becomes more regular, Zambia will start to experience the lush, green vegetation – harder for spotting wildlife!

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