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FROM US$4,110-US$4,660

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.

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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.

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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
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