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FROM US$7,480-US$9,230

Civet Safari

Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.

Civet Safari: Summary

Civet Safari in a nutshell

This adventurous fly-in safari includes stays in four smart camps spread throughout the southern regions of South Luangwa National Park. Their locations offer exploration of a range of habitats, where a variety of different species and landscapes can be discovered: from plains' game and wetland species to more elusive predators such as leopard and wild dog.

Beginning on the banks of Mfuwe Lagoon, Mfuwe Lodge sits in an especially rich wildlife region and is the largest of the four camps. It is near to the area’s main entrance gate however, and can offer a somewhat busier safari because of this. Mfuwe is stylish and contemporary, making for a comfortable introduction to the trip.

Chamilandu, Kapamba and Bilimungwe bushcamps are located within even remoter areas of the park. They are small, each with no more than three or four guest chalets, and offer an intimate and highly personalised experience. Whilst a stay at each is comfortable, they retain a more traditional design and feel impressively authentic.

Run by the same supplier, the three bushcamps share a consistency in high standards and place emphasis on an excellent quality of guiding. Whilst a day’s activities are generally flexible, often including a combination of walking safaris and game drives, the walking at each camp is usually excellent and the knowledgeable guides heighten this experience.

Finally, note that three small bushcamps in this itinerary – Chamilandu, Kapamba and Bilimungwe – can be very easily interchanged with their sister-camps, Kuyenda and/or Chendeni, for no change in cost.

At a glance

Starts: Lusaka International Airport
1 night Mfuwe Lodge - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
2 nights Chamilandu Bushcamp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
3 nights Kapamba Bushcamp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
3 nights Bilimungwe Bushcamp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
Ends: Lusaka International Airport

Mfuwe Lodge

Day 1

Occupying a lovely spot overlooking Mfuwe Lagoon – a huge oxbow lake – Mfuwe Lodge is the flagship safari property of the Bushcamp Company. It is one of the larger properties in the South Luangwa National Park, and after extensive refurbishment in 2010 is now one of the smartest and most modern. It lies quite close to the park’s main gate in an area that is rich in wildlife.

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Chamilandu Bushcamp

Days 2-4

Chamilandu Bushcamp is a small camp set in the shade of some tall African ebony trees, perched on the bank of a winding section of the Luangwa River. The owners of the camp, Bushcamp Company, have invested in making it stylish and comfortable, whilst working hard to retain a traditional bushcamp feeling, with the reed and thatch chalets completely open to the outside.

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Kapamba Bushcamp

Days 4-7

In the remote southern end of the South Luangwa National Park Kapamba Bushcamp is located on the banks of the seasonal Kapamba River. Owned by the Bushcamp Company, the camp is small and stylish, with bright colours and some contemporary furniture, and a clear North African influence in its design.

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Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Days 7-10

Bilimungwe Bushcamp is a small, stylish camp run by The Bushcamp Company in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa National Park. Set on a low rise surrounded by wildlife, it was completely rebuilt in 2011, with each chalet overlooking a group of shady waterholes where impala, puku, warthog, elephant and baboons are often seen coming to drink.

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Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu Bushcamp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Kapamba Bushcamp

Kapamba Bushcamp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Civet Safari.

  • Seeing elephants wander through Mfuwe's reception
  • Spotting leopard or kudu amongst riverine thickets
  • Sinking into the enormous sunken baths at Kapamba
  • Watching for nocturnal species on moonlit drives
  • Safari on foot, guided by an experienced team

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Civet Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

About image

Key species to see on the Civet Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Civet Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Leopard

100% chance

Wild dog

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Eland

50% chance

Wildebeest

48% chance

Roan antelope

12% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Sable antelope

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Civet Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Tribal Textiles Tour

Tribal Textiles Tour

One - two hours

Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.

More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Kawaza Village Visit

Kawaza Village Visit

Two to three hours

Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.

More about Kawaza Village Visit
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