Vervet Monkey Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Vervet Monkey Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Lusaka International Airport
Flight & 4WD from Lusaka to South Luangwa
Depart Lusaka on a 70-minute flight to Mfuwe Airport, beside South Luangwa National Park, where you meet your guide from Puku Ridge for an hour's drive in an open-topped 4WD. The sprawling town of Mfuwe soon gives way to wildlife in the bush as you approach the small, hilltop camp.
Puku Ridge
Set on the side of a rocky ridge, the smart, luxurious Puku Ridge is almost unique in the Luangwa Valley in having a little elevation, which gives its main areas and suites a stunning view from its vantage point over a vast grassy plain, often frequented by plentiful wildlife. To the north lies the relatively busy areas around Mfuwe, where the game is habituated and relaxed, but visitors more numerous; whilst to its south, the quieter roads are a little ‘less travelled’.
Set on the side of a rocky ridge, the smart, luxurious Puku Ridge is almost unique in the Luangwa Valley in having a little elevation, which gives its main areas and suites a stunning view from its vantage point over a vast grassy plain, often frequented by plentiful wildlife. To the north lies the relatively busy areas around Mfuwe, where the game is habituated and relaxed, but visitors more numerous; whilst to its south, the quieter roads are a little ‘less travelled’.
"The location is great, looking over an active waterhole. "
Mr & Mrs PfromnorwayArrived 10 Oct 2024, 3 nights
The accent at the old Puku Ridge was always firmly on the 'luxury' part of safari and while the camp is changed in many aspects, this element is still very much the same, but combined now with more respect for nature and a better game-viewing experience. Meanwhile every time we visit, we're reminded that looking over the Kakumbi Floodplain from camp gives Puku one of the best views in the valley. See our full report on Puku Ridge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
4WD & flight from the Luangwa to Lower Zambezi
In a scenic journey taking around half a day, you’ll be driven from Puku Ridge to Mfuwe Airport for a light-aircraft flight over the Luangwa and Zambezi escarpments. Landing at Jeki Airstrip, you'll be met by a Chiawa guide for the trip by 4WD through the national park to camp.
Chiawa Camp
Viewed from a star bed, or over a leisurely riverboat lunch, the Zambezi takes centre stage at Chiawa. It's a truly special setting for this family-run safari lodge, where attention to detail underpins every aspect of a stay.
Viewed from a star bed, or over a leisurely riverboat lunch, the Zambezi takes centre stage at Chiawa. It's a truly special setting for this family-run safari lodge, where attention to detail underpins every aspect of a stay.
Start with the sturdy tents, each with a private river outlook that greets you on waking – and accompanies an afternoon wallow in your sunken bath. Comfort is the watchword here, but there’s no sense of bling – this is understated luxury.
Take in the view from the hub of the camp, too, whose traditional style is a backdrop for a cool drink, relaxing with a book from the library, or star-gazing courtesy of the telescope on the upper storey.
And never far away is the wildlife, for which the Lower Zambezi is famed. From hippos at home in the river to elephants spotted from the viewing platform or any number of animals passing in front of the hides, you scarcely have to leave camp.
But when you do, whether on land or on the river, you’ll be accompanied by guides whose expertise ranges from canoeing to walking safaris, fishing to game drives.
"the camp was excellent!"
Mr IfromAbergavennyArrived 15 Sep 2024, 4 nights
The pool is cool and welcoming, the food is good, the service exceptional. This is a magical corner of Zambia enhanced by an excellent camp. See our full report on Chiawa Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
4WD & flight from Lower Zambezi to Lusaka
Your last hour's game drive is through the park from Old Mondoro to Jeki Airstrip in an open 4WD. There you'll be met by a light aircraft which will lift you up and out of the low-lying Zambezi Valley and bring you to Lusaka Airport within about 40 minutes.
Ends: Lusaka International Airport
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meExperiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
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
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