Status | Starts | Group size | Leader | Duration/price Inc. flights from/to UK | Duration/price Exc. international flights | Single supp. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available | Max. 6 | TBC | 10 days: £4,295 pp. | 8 days: £3,195 pp. | £560 | |||
Available | Max. 6 | TBC | 10 days: £4,395 pp. | 8 days: £3,395 pp. | £650 |
South Luangwa, in the north-eastern part of Zambia, is undoubtedly the jewel among the country’s national parks. The eastern boundary of this unspoilt wilderness is the meandering Luangwa River, whose regular changes of course create scenic oxbow lakes. There could hardly be a better place for birdwatchers, as Luangwa is blessed with some 400 bird species.
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Day 1 Depart UK
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- On arrival at Lusaka we transfer to a light aircraft that takes us to Mfuwe, gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Our guide will meet us at Mfuwe airstrip for the transfer to our delightful lodge situated on the bank of the Luangwa River, with a prime view of wildlife-rich Luangwa Wafwa. Following afternoon tea, there should be time for a late afternoon game drive that merges seamlessly into a night
- Accomodation: Flatdogs Camp, 7-nights on full board basis.
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- Over these five days we explore South Luangwa’s best birding spots in the company of our friendly and knowledgeable local naturalist guide, in search of migratory species as they arrive in the region.
- Being the start of the so-called green season, this is also the prime time to see new-born mammals. We head out twice a day either by four-wheel-drive vehicle or on foot to explore the national park and seek out all forms of life. As you might expect of a fertile valley, the Luangwa’s rich birdlife includes species from both dry-country and water-based habitats. Of the 400 or so species that have been recorded here, many that are typical of Southern Africa, while others are more commonly associated with East Africa – as a result of Zambia’s position between the two.
- Activities at this time of year might include sitting at a waterhole watching waders, waterfowl, and birds and mammals as they come to drink. Safaris are conducted both in open four-wheel-drive vehicles or on foot (depending on the weather), accompanied by an armed scout and your fully-qualified safari guide. On night drives – which are a particular highlight of this trip – powerful spotlights are used to illuminate nocturnal species.
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- This morning we transfer back to Mfuwe airstrip and board a domestic flight to Lusaka to connect with our international flights to London.
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Day 10 Arrive UK
All prices are per person and include:
- Services of the naturalist leader
- Flights
- Transfers
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Guided activities
Accommodation
We stay in a single location: an excellent lodge which lies on the banks of the Luangwa River, close to the main gate of South Luangwa National Park. The very comfortable luxury safari tents provide an authentic African safari experience; they are spacious, with full-size beds, and lead into an en suite open air bathroom with hot shower, flushing toilet and sink. Set on the bank of the Luangwa River, each tent has a verandah with great views. A wide array of species can be found within the grounds at any time.
Meals
All meals and sundowners are included.
Birds
About 400 species have been observed in the Luangwa, including many that are typical of Southern Africa, plus a few that are more commonly associated with East Africa – a result of Zambia’s location between the two.
- Southern carmine bee eater
- Yellow-billed stork
- Racket-tailed roller
- Black cuckoo-shrike
Scenery
South Luangwa is the jewel of Zambia’s national parks. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave characteristic oxbow lagoons which are one of the most scenic aspects of the park. Set amongst beautiful riverine vegetation of evergreen mahogany and ebony trees, these lagoons and the grazing lawns around them are a magnet to the outstanding wildlife of the park.
Walking
Walking is gentle, on flat terrain, and follows animal trails through the bush. We take our time whilst walking and will often take stops to scan for and watch the birds.
Flights
Price includes return scheduled flights London – Lusaka – London, and domestic light aircraft between Lusaka and South Luangwa.
Ground transport
During the itinerary, we use open four-wheel drive vehicles for our excursions into the South Luangwa National Park. On these safaris, we should encounter a wide variety of birds and also other wildlife as well. For the airport transfers, we will use a comfortable minibus.
Baggage restrictions
The baggage allowance on Proflight domestic flights is strictly limited to 23 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg of hand baggage.