This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
FROM US$4,570-US$4,800

Nile Monitor Safari

Great-value South Luangwa safari to two sister camps: a classic safari camp for 4WD safaris by day and night and its simpler sibling: a remote, seasonal bushcamp for expert-guided walking safaris.

Nile Monitor Safari: Summary

Nile Monitor Safari in a nutshell

This great-value safari focuses on two small sister camps in the quiet southern areas of South Luangwa. It’s a perfect introduction to Zambia’s flagship national park seen from two different perspectives: a classic small safari camp and a tiny, seasonal "walking bushcamp".

After a flight from Lusaka, you’ll be met and driven to the more established of the camps, Kafunta River Lodge. On the south side of the game-rich Mfuwe area, this is a great place to acclimatise to being on safari.

Tear yourself away from the mesmerising wildlife on the floodplain in front of the lodge, to venture out on day and night drives in open 4WDs. You’ll quickly get caught up in your guide’s enthusiasm for the wildlife and its behaviour, not to mention what might be around the next bush.

It’s a 2–2½-hour bush drive, deeper into the park, to Island Bush Camp. This simple, rustic camp with a very light footprint is typical of those which have made the Luangwa such a favourite with safari enthusiasts. It’s a wild and remote area, you’ll be very close to nature and that sense of wilderness is enhanced by the lack of vehicles.

Once there, you’ll understand why your activities focus on expertly guided walking safaris: it’s very special to be standing on equal footing with the animals that you’re observing.

These two great camps offer differing experiences in terms of scale and creature comforts but both offer a great game-viewing experience and are comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, flushing toilets and good food.

At a glance

Starts: Lusaka International Airport
3 nights Kafunta River Lodge - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
3 nights Island Bush Camp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
Ends: Lusaka International Airport

Kafunta River Lodge

Days 1-4

The well-established Kafunta River Lodge lies just outside the South Luangwa National Park, beside a large floodplain and watering hole, with the Luangwa River beyond. It's about 9km from the main road that stretches from Mfuwe Airport to the main bridge into South Luangwa National Park, so though it is close to the park gate, because it has its own crossing points into the park, guests have relatively quick access for their activities.

View full itinerary

Island Bush Camp

Days 4-7

The simple Island Bush Camp is in a very remote area of the South Luangwa, a 2–2½-hour drive south of the main area of Mfuwe. It focuses heavily on walking safaris in a wilderness environment, and these will make up the bulk of your activities here, but it does also offer some limited drives.

View full itinerary
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

About image

Highlights

Our top five experiences of this great safari in South Luangwa

  • Watching elephants drinking outside your chalet
  • Spending three days walking without seeing a vehicle
  • Getting close to wildlife from photographic hides
  • Outstanding, friendly staff and safari guides
  • Soaking in the natural hot spring at Kafunta

Activities

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

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

About image
KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE in SOUTH LUANGWA

Key species to see on the Nile Monitor Safari

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


Leopard

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Lion

99% chance

Buffalo

99% chance

Spotted Hyena

98% chance

Wild dog

40% chance

Eland

13% chance

Wildebeest

13% chance

Sable antelope

6% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Roan antelope

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Nile Monitor 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
100% (1 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other ideas for Zambia safaris

Look at these ideas in Zambia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Fruit Bat Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.

Visiting Northern Zambia, South Luangwa

US$4,980 - US$6,080 per person

Read more about the Fruit Bat Safari

Map

Scrub Hare Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Camps run by welcoming owners with a passion for their environment are rare, and Tafika is one of the best. Combine this with walking safaris at equally excellent bushcamps for the best of the South Luangwa.

Visiting South Luangwa

US$6,040 - US$7,210 per person

Read more about the Scrub Hare Safari

Map

Slender Mongoose Safari

5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

A detailed exploration of Lower Zambezi from two top-notch sister camps, each in a prime location in the national park. Expect a high level of care, first-class guiding and superb wildlife.

Visiting Lower Zambezi

US$6,270 - US$8,400 per person

Read more about the Slender Mongoose Safari

Map

Robin Pope Walking Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.

Visiting South Luangwa

US$6,500 - US$8,500 per person

Read more about the Robin Pope Walking Safari

Map

Boehm's Zebra Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.

Visiting South Luangwa

US$7,130 - US$9,410 per person

Read more about the Boehm's Zebra Safari

Map

Hippo Safari

9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT

Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.

Visiting South Luangwa, Livingstone

US$7,480 - US$9,520 per person

Read more about the Hippo Safari

Map

Civet Safari

9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

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.

Visiting South Luangwa

US$7,480 - US$9,970 per person

Read more about the Civet Safari

Map

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.

Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa

US$8,060 - US$11,220 per person

Read more about the Duiker Safari

Map

Defassa Waterbuck Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.

Visiting Kafue

US$8,240 - US$9,360 per person

Read more about the Defassa Waterbuck Safari

Map

Vervet Monkey Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.

Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa

US$8,370 - US$10,990 per person

Read more about the Vervet Monkey Safari

Other safari ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Wattled Crane Safari

5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.

US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person

Itinerary image

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.

US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person

Itinerary image

Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.

US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person

Itinerary image

Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.

US$4,810 - US$6,070 per person

Itinerary image

Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A great value safari in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara that provides an immersive, authentic bush camp experience with activities for families of all ages.

US$5,000 - US$6,450 per person

Itinerary image

Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari

6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.

US$5,010 - US$7,130 per person

Itinerary image

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

US$5,010 - US$8,850 per person

Itinerary image

Striped Hyena Safari

5 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Just one example of a possible itinerary for keen walkers, this safari enables you to experience the sounds and sights of the bush, and its wildlife, in an unusually direct way.

US$5,020 - US$6,990 per person

Itinerary image

Aardwolf Safari

5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.

US$5,220 - US$9,290 per person

Itinerary image

Ground Hornbill Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.

US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa