Luwi Bush Camp

South Luangwa National Park: 2 Nights

Luwi Camp, nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, is situated deep in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park, very close to the seasonal Luwi River after which it is named. The area is extremely remote with no other camps or people for many miles around.

Due to the remote location it's the perfect camp for walking safaris. The wildlife in the area is prolific and memories of the experience of tracking big game on foot last a lifetime. The Luwi area is famous for its lions and the thrill of tracking them on foot is an experience not to be missed. Typically your day will start early around the camp fire when you will discuss the noises and animals heard through the night. Your morning walking safari is likely to take 3 to 4 hours returning you to camp in time for a hearty brunch. You can then relax in the afternoon, before a further safari later in the day.

Walks can be complemented by game drives and explorations further afield to discover the source of the Luwi or to find the elusive Roan antelope or reed buck, eland and hartebeest.

There is also a large hippo filled lagoon close by with a 'hide' for guests to watch the animals unnoticed high above the water. Walking safaris from camp usually finish here with sundowners, watching the sunset over a landscape unchanged for thousands of years. This permanent water source attracts wildlife from far and wide making the camp area constantly busy with animals.

The 5 rooms, which are built each season using natural materials, blend into the bush and are simple yet extremely comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and 'all day' hot showers. With the emphasis on the use of natural materials in its construction, this camp is one of the most traditional of all of the Luangwa safari camps but still offers high levels of comfort and service.

Daytime meals are served in the shade of the mahogany trees, and dinner is taken under the stars accompanied by the many sounds of the Zambian night.

Nsolo Bush Camp

South Luangwa National Park: 1 Night

Nsolo is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. The name is derived from the local name for the honey guide and the camp was named after this extraordinary little bird.

The camp is one of the South Luangwa's more remote, luxury safari camps, and there are many wonderful walking areas in the vicinity. There are few African experiences more exciting than heading out on a walking safari early in the morning, having heard lions calling through the night, finding their fresh tracks and following them through the bush. With voices hushed and hearts beating, your mind is suggesting there is a lion over every rise - this is big game viewing on foot at its best.

There is also the opportunity to participate in game drives for those wishing to combine walking and driving. Night drives are also possible.

The camp is nestled along the banks of the seasonal Luwi River, and also overlooks a permanent river lagoon, which attracts a daily parade of wildlife. This area is especially renowned for its wild dog and lion population. Various lion prides use the dry riverbed as a thoroughfare and a means not only of locating their prey but also their rivals who must be warned to stay away. There is no end to the action around the camp.

Accommodation in this 'bush luxury' safari camp consists of 5 spacious chalets, each on raised wooden decks with grass and reed walls and large, open air en-suite bathrooms. Each chalet runs on solar power and is set under the shade of evergreen trees with private verandahs overlooking the surrounding bush and waterholes in the Luwi River.

On the banks of the Luwi River is an open sided, shady chitenje lounge with a bush bar and dining area offering a peaceful refuge where guests can study the camps collection of books or watch a variety of game visiting the permanent pools of water in the Luwi riverbed.

Return to the Wild

South Luangwa National Park: 1 Night

Sleep out under the stars - the wildest experience the South Luangwa National Park has to offer - and the ultimate wilderness experience with Norman Carr Safaris.

Enjoy a night in the bush, in the spectacular and extremely remote Luwi dry river bed, with just a bed roll and a mossie net, not even a tent! Experience the thrill of the first safari pioneers, including Norman Carr himself, as they discovered the wonders of the South Luangwa.

Only for the most adventurous of spirit this overnight safari is led by a top guide and scout teams. On average, between them they have over 30 years experience in the bush!

Guests venture out from their remote bush camp on foot in the mid afternoon, find a spot to camp, make the camp fire for a game rangers dinner which they help to cook themselves. Then, having shared adventure stories around the fire, you sleep out under the magnificent African sky whilst the guide and scout keep a watch till morning.

Up to 6 guests can enjoy this amazing experience. Bedding consisted of simply a bed roll, mattress, and a couple of sheets and blankets.

And just in case, your normal camp room is still held for you, just in case of a last minute change of heart!

Kakuli Bush Camp

South Luangwa National Park: 2 Nights

Kakuli Bush Camp is a tented camp with spectacular views, situated on the banks of the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park. 'Kakuli' means old buffalo bull - it was the nickname affectionately given to Norman Carr, the camps founder, by the local people.

South Luangwa National Park boasts a wide variety of wildlife species. The Park has 2 endemic species - the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson's wildebeest, as well as zebra, 14 different antelope species, vervet monkeys, hippos, hyena, elephant and buffalo.

This area of the Park is renowned for offering guests some of the best game viewing opportunities in Zambia. Safari activities from Kakuli can be a mixture of game drives and walking safaris - guests are able to decide each day if they want to venture out on foot or with the vehicle.

The particular stretch of the Luangwa River where the camp is located is bustling with predators such as lion and leopard, and the best time to see them in action is on a night drive from the camp during those first few hours of darkness. The birdlife is also excellent with around 450 species to be seen, including a seasonal colony of the immensely beautiful carmine bee-eaters situated right next to the camp itself.

Boating safaris are available between January to April only.

This beautiful camp has 4 safari rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms made with natural materials. Right from your room, you can listen to the bellowing hippos, see bee-eaters perform their aerial acrobatics and watch elephants and giraffes wandering down to the river.

There is also one 2 bedroomed/2 bathroom family room.

The bar and dining chitenje (lounge) is constructed of reed and thatch forming the centre point of camp. The main wooden deck is a perfect spot in which to relax and watch the wildlife meander by. Don't be surprised if brunch is interrupted by a giraffe arriving to feed on the nearby trees! Beneath the lounge is a wildlife hide that offers up-close views of the wildlife stopping by for a drink.

Mchenja Bush Camp

South Luangwa National Park: 2 Nights

Mchenja, meaning "ebony", occupies a stunning setting beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park. Mchenja is a luxurious, elegant and stylish tented camp overlooking a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa.

Guests staying at Mchenja can choose whether they want to view their wildlife on foot or from an open game viewing vehicle. South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa.

The Park has 14 different antelope species, most of which are easily seen on game and night drives. Further out on the plains you're bound to see family groups of elephant collectively reaching up to 70 in number. Buffalo are abundant and the herds can reach up to 1,000 during the dry season. Thornicroft's Giraffe, unique to Luangwa Valley should be easily spotted and are plentiful throughout the riverine areas.

South Luangwa has an excellent population of leopard as the terrain and large number of small game makes a perfect habitat for this most beautiful but elusive cat. Lions are also plentiful. Night drives are usually very rewarding, with the bush revealing a different nocturnal surprise every time.

Each of the 4 safari rooms has its own private en-suite open air bathroom plus Victorian style baths with river view. There is also a 2 bedroomed/2 bathroom family suite, which is the perfect retreat for friends and families traveling together.

The beautiful central chitenje (lounge) is built around one of the old fallen Mchenja (ebony) trees and guests can cool off there in the camp's plunge pool - just be ready to share with the thirsty elephants!

Brunch is taken in the shady lounge but dinner is often served on the river bank under the stars.

Chinzombo

South Luangwa National Park: 2 Nights

Wildly luxurious and designed by award winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Chinzombo brings levels of comfort, style and elegance previously unseen to the Luangwa Valley. The camp is super-luxurious but retains its bush feel with grass and canvas walls and spacious living areas that melt into the exquisite surroundings of the beautiful, tranquil site.

The camp is set within 60 acres of private land with Luangwa River frontage. The views from this riverside location teem with wildlife, plus the lodge's private and direct access into one of the most game rich areas of the National Park all combine to make this a truly special place.

Venture into one of the most game rich areas of the National Park with the award-winning guiding team, either on a game drive, on foot, or on a boat cruise (seasonl activity only). The South Luangwa is renowned for its world-class predator action, with especially strong sightings of the elusive leopard.

In between game activities, pamper yourself with an in-room spa treatment or relax around the pool area.

Each of the 5 suites offers panoramic views of the Luangwa River and the abundant wildlife that frequents its banks. Gigantic, ancient trees offer peace and tranquility for guests staying here, and in addition, each suite has its own private pool, cooled sleeping areas, and a massive bathroom.

There is also one Family Villa, which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms - making this option perfect for families or small groups.

A winding footpath connects the suites and lounge/dining area through the shade of the surrounding msikzi trees.