Read 1 traveller review of Matamanene Camp

In the heart of Liuwa Plain National Park, Matamanene Camp stands in a small tree island. This is the usual base for rangers and conservationists from the African Parks Foundation – it's not usually used for visitors – and it's the only permanent camp in the national park, or anywhere near it.

Chris, from Expert Africa, took himself on safari to Liuwa Plain National park in September 2003. He stayed a night near Matamanene Camp – and then the tents here were quite large Meru-style walk-in tents, standing on large, solid bases – complete with shady verandas.

Matamanene's accommodation was large, but not well-furnished! But the Liuwa Plains was so amazing ... that to bother about the accommodation was to completely miss the point!

Robin Pope's Liuwa Plains Safaris

For May and June 2010 and November and December 2010 Robin Pope Safaris will be using Matamanene Camp as a base for their safaris around Liuwa Plain National Park. (Read more about Liuwa Plain ... )

They tents will be smartened up for these safaris; and they will have their own en-suite toilets and showers.

One of the major attractions of this camp then will be the presence of Robin Pope, who plans to be based here in during the months the camp is open – leading all of the Liuwa Plain safaris.

Robin has a track record in Liuwa Plain, as he used to lead expedition safaris into the plains here during the 1990s. He hasn't done any of these for the last ten years – but Robin's never lost his love for the place, and so is delighted to be able to organise these trips.

Each safari will take a maximum of six guests, or eight people if a single group fills one safari – and they're organized on fixed dates. Some are 4-night safaris to Liuwa, others are 5-night trips, as follows:

Dates for 4-night Liuwa Plain safaris with Robin Pope

- Departing UK on Mon 10 May 2010
- Departing UK on Mon 25 May 2010
- Departing UK on Mon 07 Jun 2010
- Departing UK on Mon 06 December 2010

Dates for 5-night Liuwa Plains safaris with Robin Pope

- Departing UK on Wed 05 May 2010
- Departing UK on Fri 14 May 2010
- Departing UK on Fri 28 May 2010
- Departing UK on Wed 02 June 2010
- Departing UK on Fri 26 November 2010
- Departing UK on Wed 01 December 2010

For examples of the trips that are possible, see:

► See a trip idea combining 4 nights in Liuwa & 4 nights in South Luangwa
► See a trip idea combining 5 nights in Liuwa & 4 nights in South Luangwa
► See a trip idea combining 5 nights in Liuwa & 3 nights in South Luangwa

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 4 tents

Season: Dec 2009 to June 2010

Geographics

Location: Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

Directions: Matamanene Camp is 2-3 hours' drive from the tiny outpost-town of Kalabo, where these is a small airfield, and a mission station with a hospital. The November / December 2009 / 2010 trips with fly in and out of Kalabo Airport, and then drive the 2-3 hours to Liuwa. Visiting in November / December 2009 / 2010, you will fly into Kalabo, and drive into the camp. After the safari, you'll drive back to Kalabo and fly out of there. If you're visiting in May / June 2010, then you will fly into Kalabo, and drive to the park. However, after the safari, you'll take the a boat from Kalabo to Mongo and fly out of Mongu. This boat transfer will take around 3 hours, across the vast swampy, watery world of the Zambezi in flood! The birding should be quite spectacular!

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Yes - all house wines, beers, soft drinks and water are included. Champagnes and special imported spirits, if available, will be charged as extra. If you have special or unusual drinks requirements, you're strongly advised to discuss these with us well in advance.

Children

Notes: This camp isn't suitable for children under 12 years old.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

TV & radio: None - you're in a very remote location here!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Closest doctor is probably in the mission station at Kalabo - 3 hours' very bumpy drive from Liuwa.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included

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