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Day 1-3 Kalumu Lagoon Camp, South Luangwa – 3nights fully inclusive
Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport, guests are met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and connect onto Kalamu Lagoon Camp. This remote and intimate camp is located in the exclusive Luamfwa Concession of South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa’s history dates back some 30 years and is where the concept of walking safaris originated. This national park lies along the Luangwa River and is home to some of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife. South Luangwa National Park covers about 9 050km2 (3 500 sq. miles) of the Luangwa Valley. The lifeblood of the park is the mighty Luangwa River which is one of the most pristine river ecosystems in Africa. The vegetation of the park is predominately dry woodland interspersed with floodplain grasslands, coupled with the dominating Luangwa River and its many languid oxbow lakes. Unique and varied game species occur, from large herds of elephant and buffalo to impala and puku. Dominant predators include lion and leopard. The wide variety of antelope species seen include common waterbuck and reedbuck, bushbuck, kudu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable and roan. Unique to the area are Thornicroft’s giraffe as well as the Cookson’s wildebeest, both sub-species found nowhere else in the world. A healthy hippo population dots the riverbanks and the lagoon in front of camp. The birding is equally diverse, with regular sightings of Saddle-billed Stork, Lilian’s Lovebird, African Skimmer and even Bat Hawk.
Kalamu Lagoon Campis situated in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of 8 safari-style reed and canvas tents, each en-suite with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The camp’s dining and bar area are under a canopy of giant ebony trees overlooking a beautiful permanent lagoon just off the Luangwa River. A pool and viewing deck area located to the side of the camp offer spectacular views of the lagoon. Activities at Kalamu Lagoon Camp include morning and afternoon-to-night game drives along with guided game walks. The latter offer not only the chance of that elusive leopard but also creatures like genet, civet, elephant shrew and white-tailed mongoose.
Days 4-6 Busanga Bush Camp, Busanga Plains, Northern Kafue – 3nights fully inclusive
Return flight to Lusaka Airport to connect with charter flight to the Busanga Plains, Northern Kafue National Park. At 22,500km2 (8 600 sq. miles), Kafue National Park is one of the largest protected expanses in all Africa. The Busanga Plains is one of Zambia’s most important wetland and grassland resources and is untouched by development and human activity – the wildlife and wilderness jewel in the Kafue crown The Plains are home to hundreds of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and the diminutive oribi. Lichtenstein's hartebeest, herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of antelope. This wealth of game on the plains is also a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin's Barbet. Even for non bird fanatics, large flocks of pelicans, circling flocks of the large black open-billed stork, crowned cranes and wattled crane in the plains at certain times of the year are sure to impress and provide a spectacle well worthy of fond memories.
Busanga Bush Camp lies in the north-western section of the Busanga and is about as 'wild' as you can get in today's world: an unfenced mosaic of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains and "dambos" (open grassy areas that sometimes will fill up with rainwater). This camp is perfectly situated for some of the best lion viewing in Africa. It caters for 8 guests in 4 well-appointed rooms built of reed and canvas with wall-to-wall views of the spectacular wildlife that frequents the plain in front of the camp. Activities include morning and afternoon into evening drives, led by qualified guides. Optional activities include hot air ballooning (August to October)
Day 7 Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone, Zambia – 1night fully inclusive
After an early morning drive and breakfast, fly to Livingstone Airport, then transfer by road to Toka Leya Camp. The last camp, Toka Leya, is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in the secluded Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, and on the outskirts of Livingstone. This historical town was founded by the first European explorers to ‘discover’ the impressive Victoria Falls, and is today the tourism capital of Zambia
Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands is Toka Leya Camp, consisting of 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area, limiting our footprint on this pristine area. Tent interiors have cool wooden flooring, tasteful, uncluttered African décor in earthy hues, climate-control for a cool summer sanctuary, expansive wooden deck from which to soak up the views of the Zambezi River, often to the sights and sounds of birds, elephant and grunting pods of hippo.The islands in front of camp are intriguing and form part of the braided channel of the Zambezi River with several rapids, a main channel and dense vegetation. The eastern side and main area of camp is under a shady canopy of jackalberry, knobthorn and waterberry trees. The western side is in a more open setting - an ancient baobab tree is the focal point and panoramic Zambezi vistas. Family units are positioned to offer quiet seclusion. The camp's dining, lounge and bar areas offer ample space for relaxation and are complemented by an infinity pool, with meals served on the sundeck, the pool deck and dining room all overlooking the Zambezi. The novel pizza oven is a great hit with our younger visitors! A curio shop exhibits a fine selection of local crafts.
Activities (on fully inclusive rate) at Toka Leya Camp include a tour of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, game drives within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, river cruises, fishing excursions and guided nature walks. Tours of Livingstone town and museum and visits to Mkuni Market and a local village are all outstanding ways of learning about the people and culture of this part of Zambia. Other activities on offer in the area at an additional charge include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, micro-lighting, canoeing, jet boating, and white water rafting.
Game drives into the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park offer sightings of general game species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala. White rhino have been reintroduced into the park and the occasional predator is also seen. There is rich birdlife here too, including several sought-after species such as African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Skimmer (seasonal), Schalow's Turaco and Rock Pratincole (seasonal). Good birding can be enjoyed within the confines of Toka Leya Camp itself, on boat cruises and out on game drives.
The Zambezi River offers some fishing opportunities and tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months (October - December). There are several varieties of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch
Please Note: Toka Leya Camp can be substituted with The River Club at no additional cost.
Safari Tip: Due to the range and variety of activities, we recommend additional nights at this camp.
Day 8 Departure
After a relaxing start to the day (or morning activity), transfer by road to Livingstone Airport for onward connection
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