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 December 2008 and May 2009, 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 December 2008 and May/June 2009 – 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

These trips start and end in Lusaka

Starting Tues 2 Dec / ending Sat 6 Dec

Starting Tues 12 May / ending Sat 16 May
Starting Tues 26 May / ending Sat 30 May

Starting Tues 9 June / ending Sat 13 June

For an example of the type of trip that possible to combine with these dates:

>>See a trip idea combining 4 nights in Liuwa & 4 nights in South Luangwa

Dates for 5-night Liuwa Plain safaris with Robin Pope

These trips start and end in Lusaka

Starting Sat 6 Dec / ending Thurs 11 Dec
Starting Thurs 11 Dec / ending Tues 16 Dec

Starting Sat 2 May / ending Thurs 7 May
Starting Thurs 7 May / ending Tues 12 May
Starting Sat 16 May / ending Thurs 21 May
Starting Thurs 21 May / ending Tues 26 May
Starting Sat 30 May / ending Thurs 4 June

Starting Thurs 4 June / ending Tues 9 June
Starting Sat 13 June / ending Thurs 18 June
Starting Thurs 18 June / ending Tues 23 June

For an example of the kind of safari that possible to combine with these dates:

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

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 4 tents

Season: Dec 2008 to June 2009

Geographics

Location: Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

Directions: Matamanene Camp is 2-3 hours' drive from the tiny outpost-town of Kalabo, where there is a small airfield, and a mission station with a hospital. The December 2008 trips with fly in and out of Kalabo Airport, and then drive the 2-3 hours to Liuwa. Visiting in December 2008, 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 2009, then you will fly into Kalabo, and drive to the park. However, after the safari, you'll take the a boat from Kalabo to Mongu 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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