Embark on an 8-day ZambiaMobile Walking Safari through the stunning South Luangwa National Park, a journey that promises to connect you deeply with the wild heart of Africa. This adventure begins with a light aircraft flight from Lusaka to the unspoiled wilderness of South Luangwa, where you will immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the bush. Led by highly experienced guides and accompanied by an armed scout, you will trek through diverse landscapes, following the Mupamadzi River and encountering a rich array of wildlife, including over 450 bird species and endemic animals like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra.
This Zambia walking safari is an authentic African experience, allowing you to explore one of the continent’s most premier parks on foot, feeling the earth beneath your feet and the sounds of nature all around. Each day brings a new path, new sights, and the thrill of close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. As you move from camp to camp, you’ll enjoy nights under the stars in mobile safari tents and end your journey at the historic Nsefu Camp with its breathtaking views and abundant elephants. This safari is not just a trip; it’s a profound journey into the heart of the wild, leaving you with memories and a connection to nature that will last a lifetime.
This tour runs from June to September.
South Luangwa National Park, flanked by the meandering Luangwa River, is one of Zambia’s most acclaimed wildlife sanctuaries. This park is celebrated for its rugged wilderness, abundant wildlife, and the birthplace of walking safaris. The river itself is a lifeline, attracting dense concentrations of game, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
The lush floodplains and woodlands surrounding the river provide a dramatic backdrop for safari adventures. Visitors can experience the park’s natural beauty up close, with vibrant birdlife and the chance to spot leopards and lions in their natural habitats. South Luangwa offers a truly immersive African wilderness experience.
To start off your mobile walking safari, there will be a light aircraft flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe.
From Mfuwe you will be collected by a friendly lodge staff member and transfer to Nkwali Camp. At the camp freshen up and overnight. The property overlooks the South Luangwa National Park. After settling in, enjoy an afternoon game activity with the choice of a game drive or walking safari.
Afternoon game drive or guided bush walk
Nkwali Camp, perched on the banks of the Luangwa River in Zambia’s renowned South Luangwa National Park, offers a truly intimate safari experience. This camp is ideally located for exceptional game viewing, with its open design allowing animals to wander freely through the area. Guests stay in spacious, open-fronted chalets that provide panoramic views of the river and the abundant wildlife it attracts, including elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
Nkwali Camp is deeply committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly practices including solar power, water conservation, and community engagement programs that support local education and wildlife conservation. The camp’s personalized service and expert guides ensure that every guest has a memorable and authentic safari experience.
Tip: Take advantage of the unique walking safaris offered by Nkwali to get a closer look at the ecosystem and learn from the knowledgeable guides about the flora and fauna of this vibrant region.
Start off the day after a hearty and delicious breakfast. Then you will head out on your first day of a guided walking safari. This area is known as the first overnight walking safaris in Africa.
After checking out, the group will be driven to the north of the park and then cover 10km of walking following the Mupamadzi River. All walks are led by a highly experienced guide and accompanied by an armed game scout, therefore there is the utmost safety during your Zambia mobile walking safari.
Day walking safari
In the heart of South Luangwa National Park, the mobile safari tents offer an authentic and immersive wilderness experience. Positioned in carefully selected, remote locations throughout the park, these tents allow guests to be fully enveloped by the natural environment. Each tent is comfortably equipped with essential amenities, ensuring a balance of adventure and comfort while providing unparalleled access to the park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes.
The mobile tents adhere to sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and ensuring all activities are conducted with respect for the surrounding wildlife and habitat. This approach fosters a deeper connection between guests and nature, enhancing the conservation efforts within South Luangwa.
Tip: Be prepared for early mornings and active days; bring comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure to fully embrace the unique experiences these mobile tents provide. Listen to the sounds of the African night and enjoy the star-filled skies for a truly unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a full day of a walking safari, this is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. For birders, there are over 450 species to be found in the park.
This is an adventure of a lifetime that has been operating since 1990. Walks in the park are centred around the Luangwa River and much of the area is inaccessible by road, which keeps it a wildlife sanctuary for the large concentration of animals in the area.
Day walking safari
On day 4 join the guide and armed scout walking to a different location in the park, learning about wildlife on the way and enjoying a picnic lunch in the wild. There will be breathtaking landscapes in this 9000km2 protected area.
There are three endemic animals in the Luangwa valley – Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildbeest and Crawshay’s zebra.
Day walking safari
The Zambia mobile walking safaris offer greater flexibility, allow more wildlife photographic opportunities and allow you to explore areas by foot. A walking safari brings about a totally new way of understanding your surroundings as a mobile walking safari have long been known as one of the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa.
Day walking safari
Throughout the Zambia mobile walking safari, you will have an authentic African experience. Being on foot with professional walking guides, allows you to get up close to nature. Immerse yourself in sights, sounds and smells of the bush.
There is no better place to have a walking safari.
Day walking safari
Today you will overnight at Nsefu Camp, the first photographic safari camp in Zambia. After arriving at the camp, relax in your chalet. In the afternoon you can join seasonal boating, or if you don’t feel like venturing out, you can sit at the viewing hide that overlooks a lagoon.
You can also experience an evening game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. The camp has one of the best locations in South Luangwa, being located on a scenic meander on the Luangwa River. Elephants are in abundance and often cross at this meander. The guides at the camp have a wealth of knowledge.
Nsefu Camp, positioned on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, holds the distinction of being the first photographic safari camp in Zambia. Its historic charm is preserved in the round, traditionally designed rondavels with thatched roofs and spacious interiors, each offering stunning views of the river and the abundant wildlife it attracts, especially elephants. The camp’s intimate setting ensures a personal and tranquil experience in one of Zambia’s most wildlife-rich regions.
Committed to sustainability, Nsefu Camp operates with minimal environmental impact, using eco-friendly practices like solar energy and supporting local conservation and community projects. The camp’s knowledgeable guides enrich each safari with insights into the region’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Tip: Take advantage of the unique location to enjoy an evening game drive or relax in the hide overlooking a lagoon, where wildlife comes to drink. This offers an exceptional opportunity for close-up observations and photography without leaving the comfort of the camp.
Today is your last day of this Zambia mobile walking safari, you will be transferred to the local airstrip and then take a light aircraft flight through to Lusaka via Mfuwe airstrip.
5 days of walking safaris with a guide and armed national park scout, night game drive, seasonal boating, game drives, viewing hide
