There’s something about following in the footsteps of the old pioneers of African exploration that captures the imagination and stirs the soul. If you want to understand the true magic of the African wild a walking safari is the best way to experience the heady mix of excitement, fear, awe and inspiration that those pioneers would have felt.
If this sounds like your kind of safari heaven read on to discover some of the best walking safari destinations Zambia has to offer. The concept of the walking safari originated in Zambia so it’s not surprising that they have perfected the art of walking in the wild and the South Luangwa National Park, in particular, is often referred to as the "home of the walking safari." The South Luangwa National Park is part of the Luangwa Valley, which is characterised by dramatic seasonal changes, lush vegetation and prolific wildlife that thrive alongside the Luangwa River. This complex ecosystem is one of Zambia’s wildest offering unspoiled landscapes and a diversity of wildlife.
The Bushcamp Company specialises in once-in-a-lifetime walking safaris and with six bush camps to visit exploring the spectacular wildlife of the South Luangwa couldn’t be more amazing. The walks between camps range from two to seven hours a day so definitely not for the faint hearted, thankfully a vehicle takes all your luggage. Set out from any of these secluded, intimate camps and you will be guaranteed an unrivalled wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa.
Each of the six bushcamps can accommodate a maximum of just eight guests, ensuring that your stay is exclusive, private and tailored to your personal needs.
The Bushcamp Company also has three lodges, Mfuwe Lodge, Kukaya Lodge and the Director’s House all located inside South Luangwa National Park.
In addition to walking safaris other experiences offered by the Bushcamp Company include game drives with expert guides, community visits, specialised photographic safaris, spa treatments and wildlife hides for the ultimate in armchair game viewing.
Kukaya Lodge boasts pristine bush overlooking permanent water holes and is located just 2.5 kilometres from the main gate of the South Luangwa National Park. The lodge consists of six beautiful and very spacious tented thatched chalets boasting outdoor en-suite bathrooms, a comfortable living and dining area, and a deck, as well as a private plunge pool and firepit to make the most of the alfresco safari lifestyle.
If you are looking for privacy and comfort, Kukaya certainly delivers, it’s the perfect spot to relax by your private pool, drink in hand, and watch the wildlife go by. Daily life here includes private game drives, walking safaris, visits to the hide and spa treatments in the heart of the wilderness.
Sipping your coffee by the campfire as the sun rises you can’t help feeling a million miles away at the remote Luwi Camp bush camp. Situated deep in the South Luanga National Park on the ephemeral Luwi River, this is walking safari heaven. The charming and luxurious colonial-style Luwi Camp is so remote, there are no other camps for miles around. Tranquillity envelops this camp, creating a haven that allows you to be fully immersed in the bush. Your favourite moments are guaranteed to include relaxing with a G&T, watching the wildlife from your bed and delicious Zambian-inspired meals in the wild.
Luwi’s exclusive four safari tents are nestled under a grove of ancient mahogany trees overlooking a floodplain that attracts hippos and elephants. Nearby, a wildlife hide overlooks a lively oxbow lagoon
As you ease into the good life at Shawa Luangwa Camp you get unbeatable access to the wildest parts of the South Luanga. This small, eco-friendly bush camp overlooking the Luangwa River in the Nsefu Sector is made up of five luxury tents which open entirely on three sides to offer an unblocked 270-degree view over the river and across the park where you can watch elephants come to quench their thirst at the river, all from the comfort of your bed or private wooden deck.
In addition to walking safaris, Shawa Luanga is the only safari operator offering Silent Safaris in Luangwa. Electric Land Cruisers are powered by Zambia’s abundant sunshine which means your expert guides can traverse the park quietly, lightly, and with a minimal carbon footprint as well as getting closer to the wildlife without disturbing them.
One of the best experiences here are the meals in the bush. The Shawa team know all the best spots for eating out in the wild where you get to enjoy breakfast or lunch while extending your safari-viewing pleasure.
The stunning Kafunta River Lodge, is situated at the edge of the game-rich floodplain and beyond the plain, lies the Luangwa River. Kafunta has eight luxurious safari chalets with charming, thatched roofs and private viewing decks.
The relaxing lounge and dining area offer stunning and undisturbed views of the plain where you can relax on the sofas near the wild mango tree, or the reclining sunbeds by the infinity pool.
Tucked away at the foot of a giant fig tree, the intimate Spa offers a variety of massages and treatments which is a great addition to your safari experience. You can also enjoy sumptuous candlelit meals under the vast African sky, accompanied by hippos wallowing in the waterhole. Your safari here truly never really ends!
A walking safari is a more intimate and environmentally friendly way to explore the African bush and if you are looking to deepen your appreciation of nature grab your binoculars and get ready for an unbeatable immersive experience which is one of the most exciting in Africa. Call UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk and we will help you plan your ultimate walking safari holiday!
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Best holiday EVER!
Hi Ash, all back safe and sound, and well, here’s the thing... Andy says it was his best holiday EVER! And what he loved was that there was always something next on the agenda to look forward to...
Andy’s parents were blown away by the whole experience and will no doubt be repeat customers at least once - You are …
