South Luangwa walking safari

South Luangwa National Park is a true safari lover’s paradise and home to more than 60 mammal species and over 400 bird species. Significantly for the active travellers, it is the undisputed home of the walking safari.

The Luangwa River attracts an abundance of game to its wide floodplains, above all, offering hydration and respite from the heat in the dry season. Since the 1960s, passionate safari operators have explored South Luangwa on foot. As a result, some of the continent’s finest walking safari guides are found here. And, in our opinion there is simply no better way to experience an authentic, interactive safari than on foot.

It is hearing a sudden alarm call that highlights the thrill of being on foot. Similarly, when your guide stops walking unexpectedly and puts his finger to his lips to indicate quiet. Or when, after several minutes of quiet tracking you come across lions on a carcass. These are indeed the experiences that raise the heart rate and remain with you long after the safari ends.

But it is often the small creatures, the plants and the birds that create a lasting impression. Here, guides generously share their knowledge and bush craft to enhance your understanding and experience of the area.

We make use of remote, owner-operated bush camps in South Luangwa. While selected for their location, game viewing and access on foot, these camps exude an elegant charm to ensure an optimal safari experience.

If you fly directly into Zambia, we recommend spending the first night at Mfuwe Lodge. Located inside the South Luangwa National Park, the lodge is a 45-minute drive from Mfuwe Airport. It offers an easy transition from travel into the wild serenity of the bush camps. Furthermore, you may not want to miss out on the ever-popular elephant visitors if travelling between late October and mid-December.

Highlights

Reconnect

with the natural world

Wake up

to a dawn chorus

Tread

silently on the trail of big game

Dip

your feet into the Luangwa River

Experiences

Day One

Arrival into Zambia

You are met on arrival at Mfuwe Airport and transferred by road to Mfuwe Lodge.

Time permitting, head out into the South Luangwa National Park on your first game drive

Enjoy drinks and snacks at sunset, returning after dark, for dinner at the lodge

Day Two

Into the bush

You’re up early this morning with a light continental breakfast to start the day.

Thereafter, head out for your morning game drive, returning to the lodge as the day warms up.

Enjoy a bountiful brunch before packing up and heading to your first bush camp.

Your 2.5 hour transfer through the park will be much like an extended game drive, as your driver will stop for interesting game sightings along the way.

Arrive at Chindeni Camp with time to get comfortable before afternoon tea, followed by your afternoon game activity. This is usually a game drive, though you may prefer to stretch your legs and go walking, depending on time of year, heat and guide availability.

Days Three & Four

Walking safari at Chindeni

Your days start early with a continental breakfast before heading out on your walk. Your guides will take you to different locations each day, exploring the bush, the river and vast flood plains.

Walks generally last 2-3 hours; however your guide will tailor the time if you wish be out for longer.

Return for a well-earned brunch and then relax around camp or during the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, you may prefer to do some bird-watching or take a peek behind the scenes to gain insight into the complexities of operating a bush camp.

Head out again this afternoon, either on a game drive or an afternoon walk, enjoying sunset in the bush and returning after dark for dinner at the camp.

Day Five

Transfer on foot

Once again you are up early, for a light breakfast before the long walk to your next camp.

Your bags are transferred by road, while you set off with your guide and game scout.

The walk will take most of the morning, depending on what you encounter along the way; however, your tea porter is well prepared to maintain the energy levels.

Enjoy a well-earned lunch on arrival at Chamilandu Camp, with time to settle into the new environment.

You may wish to spend the afternoon in camp or head out on a game drive to explore this new location.

Day Six & Seven

Walking safari at Chamilandu

As with your stay at Chindeni, mornings are similarly good for walking, returning to camp in the heat of the day.

Following brunch, you may want to relax in the game hide, to watch what comes down to the lagoon.

Afternoons are great for game drives; however, additional walking safaris can be arranged

Day Eight

Departure from camp

Your activities this morning depend on your onward plans. Time permitting, you may have one last game activity before departing camp.

Depart Chamilandu by road (3 hours) or by charter flight for Mfuwe airport for your onward arrangements.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

Walking Safari in South Luangwa - wild dogs

TRIP PRICE
US $ 4610 per person sharing

Please note regarding all Active Africa trips:
- Unless otherwise specified, all prices shown on the website are based on mid/shoulder season rates. These prices will change for travel in low / high season
- Unless you’re looking at a scheduled departure or founders’ trip, all itineraries are customisable. Tell us how we can make it perfect for you.
- The cost of this itinerary is based on road transfers between camps. However, if you prefer to fly, please ask us to quote on air charters
- The price above is based on shared vehicles for transfers and game drives. Private transfers and safaris can be arrange, however this would attract an additional fee.
INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE
Meet and greet assistance on arrival in Lusaka

Shared road transfers (Mfuwe Airport & Bushcamp inter-camp)

Accommodation with all meals, local drinks, game activities

Laundry

Park fees and govt levies

Active Africa safari bag and buff
EXCLUDED FROM TRIP PRICE
Air charters between camps as an alternative to road transfers

Premium wines

Spa treatments (Mfuwe Lodge)

Gratuities for camp staff and guides
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
This itinerary, making use of the two bush camps proposed, only operates between mid June and late October.

However, we can absolutely offer this trip between late April and late December, making use of alternative bush camps

Note that heavy rains fall from January to March and all camps are closed

The dry season falls between late June and late October, during which time there is little to no rain and warm daytime temperatures.
LODGES AND CAMPS
Mfuwe Lodge is the perfect kick-off to a South Luangwa safari. It is located within easy driving distance of the airport, thereby avoiding long, late transfers to the more remote camps.

Chindeni bush camp is located on the edge of an oxbox lagoon in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park. Here, four opulent tents, each with a large private deck, overlook the lagoon. Spacious en suite bathrooms and four-poster beds complete the camp’s understated luxury.

Chamilandu bush camp was recently voted #2 in the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice of resorts and safari camps in Africa. Three raised ‘treehouse’ chalets overlook the Luangwa River, a prime game viewing location. In addition, a viewing hide overlooks one of many oxbow lagoons near the lodge.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
South Luangwa National Park is a malaria endemic area. We therefore recommend that visitors explore appropriate malaria prevention measures.

High daytime temperatures and dusty conditions should be expected in September and October, since this is the end of the dry season.