Itinerary
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Get acquainted with Zambia’s diverse and captivating wildlife on this four-night trip. After a 1.5 hour internal flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe, you’ll transfer by private car to your Classic, Premium or Deluxe lodge, ready for a safari through one of Africa’s least explored national parks. Accommodation is on an all-inclusive basis.
Classic: Track and Trail River Camp or Flat Dogs Camp
Authentic charm are the buzzwords at these lovable camps close to the main gate of the national park. They are of a very comparable standard and you’ll be allocated a room in one of the two lodges, depending on availability on the particular dates you have chosen. Track and Trail comes with little chalets spread around the grounds and a simple spa and a swimming pool overlooking the river, while Flat Dogs offers ensuite safari tents and chalets. Both camps are regularly visited by elephants and other wildlife.
Activities
Two safari activities per day are included in the price of your trip:
Choose between morning or night drives through the park, accompanied by professional and passionate guides. Morning drives set out at 6am: Over the course of four hours, you’ll drive through the wilderness in search of elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala and many other species. Night drives set off at 4pm, seeking out nocturnal animals including lion, leopard, hyena, mongoose and bush babies. Or choose to get even closer to nature on a walking safari, setting off in the coolness of early morning. Walking for around four hours, you’ll track animals using dung, spoor, or the alarm calls of birds and animals alerting you to the presence of predators. At Flatdogs, there’s also the option of a drive and walking safari combination (two hours of each).
Stay at Track and Trail, and you’ll also get the chance to visit nearby Kawaza Village and spend a few hours learning about local life. On your wander, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the day to day, pounding maize, brewing kachasu (local beer) and visiting the village school. You can also spend time with a traditional healer, who uses natural medicine and knowledge passed on from generation to generation. You’ll eat a tasty lunch prepared by the Kunda people, before they share their dances and stories. Flatdogs is very integrated into the local community and can arrange ad hoc visits to nearby Mfuwe Village, where it is involved in a number of projects including supporting the local school and farmers, and offering night drives to school children so they can see the wildlife that surrounds them up close.
Track and Trail River Camp
Flat Dogs Camp
Premium: Kafunta River Lodge
A 40-minute drive from the airport, Kafunta is a family-run lodge just outside the national park (hence the quick transfer). It’s friendly and comfortable, with a fantastic position by the riverbed and a stunning infinity pool looking out over the wilderness. It also houses the only natural hot tub in the vicinity, fed by thermal springs underneath the hotel. Rooms are simple safari chic, with lots of stone and thatch, as well as en suite bathrooms.
What makes Kafunta really special is the wildlife that passes through camp on the way to the onsite watering hole, including see zebra, impala, wart hog, baboons – and elephants. Another plus is the way guests enter the park – in peak season, you can travel across the water by pontoon to access the wildlife viewing area.
Activities
Two safari activities per day are included in the trip: The focus is on three to four hour Jeep safaris at this lodge, in comfortable vehicles with shaded canopies and a maximum of six guests. Between April and October, access to the park is via car-ferry pontoon across the lagoon making for a memorable journey!
Night drives begin with sundowners under vast African skies, then set off in search of predators and small nocturnal animals such as bush babies. There’s also the option to join one of the area’s popular walking safaris with a guide and scout. Set out on an easy walk through the bush in the early morning, spotting smaller animals and birds over the course of three to four hours, while observing elephant and giraffe at a distance. Visits to nearby Mfuwe village (to see the craft market, Luangwa Ladies workshop, Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and Tribal Textiles factory and shop) can be arranged on request.
Deluxe: Mfuwe Lodge
This award-winning lodge avoids any pre-game drive traffic jams with a setting just inside the gates of the National Park. Eighteen spacious, air-conditioned chalets are spread across the banks of two lagoons busy with the local wildlife (including giraffe, hippo, antelope and crocodile). Visit in November, and you’ll also see elephants wandering through reception on their way to snack at a nearby mango tree. Between safaris, take a dip in the pretty pool, burn off some of the excellent food in the outdoor gym, or indulge in some deep relaxation in the Bush Spa, set out onto the lagoon.
Activities
Two safari activities per day are included in the price of your trip:
Slap bang in the middle of the park’s best game-viewing area, the camp specialises in morning and night drives to see its neighbours. Morning drives set out at first light: over the course of four hours, you’ll seek out giraffe, buffalo, impala, elephant and zebra. Night drives set off at 4pm: savour a sundowner under a vast African sky before setting off in search of nocturnal animals including lion, leopard, hyena, mongoose and bush babies. Walking safaris, bird watching and visits to local schools or villages can be booked with 24 hours notice.
Overall meals included: Full board
What's included:
- Private English-speaking guides unless stated otherwise
- Private transfers unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Safari activities and park entry fees
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
What's not included:
- International flights to/from experience: call 0208 432 0885 for AX specially negotiated flight rates
- Tips for guides, drivers and other staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the holiday and during border crossings during your experience
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
What to pack:
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Cool, comfortable clothes with long sleeves and trousers, in muted colours
- Walking shoes/boots
To check related African trips, click here.
GETTING THERE
Typical return Economy flights from London cost around £800 per person and take approximately 15 hours depending on exact flight configurations and layover times.
Experience start point: Lusaka. Suggested arrival time: before 9am.
End point: Lusaka. Suggested departure time: after 11pm.
Prices for departures to 30th October include a 20% Pioneers Club discount and are subject to Pioneers Club terms & conditions. Click here for more information about the Pioneers Club.
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