Next Family Adventure, Walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park

 Time to start getting ready for our big family trip in May. This year we are pulling out all the stops and going on a Safari.

  In planning this I looked into different safari's all over Africa. Each one offers something unique and it was very hard to choose which we would do. I spent days reading about different areas, types of safari's, what type of animals we would be seeing, accommodations, and best time to go.By the time I was done I felt I had already been on safari.
  We became locked into dates due to school and jobs making the end of May the best time for us to go.
  I am always looking for something a bit off the norm, the road less traveled, and a bit more adventurous. When I came across a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park with Zambezi Safari & Travel Company I knew this was the one for us.

South Luangwa National Park, is home to a large  populations of Thornicroft's Giraffe, Crawshay's Zebra, and Cookson's Wildebeest. Herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo's, wild dogs, loins, leopards, and over 400 species of birds. We will have plenty to see. The more I read on the area the more I knew this was the right safari for us.

 Our trip will start in Mfuwe Lodge, which is located in South Luangwa National Park. Since following the Mfuwe Lodge on Facebook we have learned that the elephants are regular guests. They come through the reception area to get to the wild mango trees. I sure hope this is something we get to experience on our trip.

  We will also be spending time at 2 different seasonal bush camps, deep in the bush of the South Luangwa.

 

Kapamba Bushcamp, which is set on the banks of the Kapamba River, There are only  4 stone chalets, with their fourth walls a spider-web design of metal latticework, each overlook the Kapamba River. You can watch the frequent wild visitors to the river from the multi-level main deck, or from the comfort of their own private verandas or plunge pools.

 Bilimungwe Bushcamp  which overlooks 3 waterholes with many herds of resident elephant,  There are 4 large thatched and grass chalets on stilts  that have magnificent views of one or two of the three watering holes. Each with beautiful outdoor showers, a large deck overlooking the watering holes and large bedroom area you can enjoy the surrounding wildlife from. Bilimungwe has a secret breakfast spot on the edge of Luangwa Valley, perfect to watch the sun rise over the Chindeni hills as well as a boma for surprise outdoor dinners under the stars!

Now it is time to start thinking about packing and what else is needed before our trip.

Trip Summary From Zambezi safari and Travel company

An exciting 10 night safari visiting 3 different areas of the South Luangwa Valley.

The South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s finest wildlife sanctuary with high density animal populations, memorable scenery and a well developed safari industry. One of the Luangwa’s biggest draw cards is its unspoilt beauty and remote character, giving visitors a feeling of being “deep in the bush”.
On this safari you'll enjoy staying at the wonderful Mfuwe Lodge plus two of our small deluxe seasonal bush camps. With just four rooms in each camp, service is very personal and ensures complete attention to detail. It is possible to walk from camp to camp if that tickles your fancy otherwise you'll enjoy game driving between camps.
The safari starts and ends in Lusaka. On your arrival you'll be met by our representative and escorted to your flight to the Luangwa. The Luangwa Valley is just a 45 minute scheduled flight from Lusaka airport and then a short half hour drive to your first safari lodge.

			Day 1:
			You'll be met by a driver from Mfuwe Lodge and transferred 25 minutes through the local village, over the Luangwa Bridge and into the park. You will see wildlife as soon as you near the bridge so be sure to keep your binoculars handy! Activities at the lodge include game drives, game walks and night drives with experienced safari guides. The team goes out of their way to ensure you see as much as possible during your stay but you can opt out and enjoy the beautiful spa, swimming pool and numerous viewing points at the lodge itself.  Day 2  Enjoy game drives, game walks and night drives with experienced safari guides or enjoy the beautiful spa, swimming pool and numerous viewing points at the lodge itself. Day 3  - Kapamba Bushcamp  You'll transfer to your first bush camp after you've enjoyed an early morning game drive and a bush breakfast. Your transfer is treated as a game drive and you'll arrive in camp in time for lunch and a siesta. Day 4 - 5 Wake-up call is early! Somewhere between 6 and 630 a.m you'll hear a soft voice calling or a drum beating and your tray of tea/coffee and biscuits will arrive. This is the best time of the day to see a wide variety of wildlife. Night life are returning from their nocturnal activities and everybody else is getting up for the day. Day 6- Blimungwe Bushcamp Enjoy the transfer to your next bush camp destination, scheduled for arrival in time for lunch. All camps are hidden gems, individually designed and hand-picked for their close proximity the water-holes or rivers, the perfect spot to watch the wildlife come down to drink. Day 7 & 8   Safari  Day 9   Time to bid farewell to the camp and head back to the charming Mfuwe Lodge for a last night of luxury and a final chance to look out over the lagoon with its abundant wildlife.  Day 10 Depart