Reviews of Luangwa River Camp
(96%) From 60 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Last day at Luangwa River Camp
My Emirates flights were postponed a day - Lucy Copson from Expert Africa was right on it and gave me a few options, being able to book me at the Luangwa River Camp for another great experience. The transfers between camps were always like an additional game drive and timed so that you didn't miss any meals or scheduled game drives.
Another beautiful camp with more delicious food. Lovely two tiered swimming pool that, once I vacated, the baboons could come enjoy their afternoon drink! Game drives started and ended with an intense river crossing up and down the steep river bank. The Land Cruisers used are such reliable beasts and the guides are superb drivers! There were never more than 4 people in a vehicle either which was appreciated.
Got up close to a big male lion sitting by his recent kill and saw lots of giraffes, elephants, and a nice bachelor herd of kudu as well. Perfect end to my first safari! Smooth transfer back to the airport with assistance getting checked in. I would highly recommend the Robin Pope camps and the advice/assistance of Expert Africa!
Luangwa River Camp Review
This was our third visit to the LRC. We were pleased to see that Daudi was still managing the camp and we received a warm welcome. Chris was our guide and provided a great service - always knowledgeable with a good sense of humour. Emmanuel was our spotter and was very effective.
We were pleased to see that some of the vegetation had been cleared immediately around the accommodation as it made elephant spotting easier when walking to and from the rooms. Tsetse flies were a bit of an issue but we didn't actually get bitten while staying at the camp.
We look forward to visiting LRC again.
Luangwa River Camp review
The camp is located just across the Luangwa River from the National Park. Each activity starts and end with a short boat ride, because the game drives and walks are conducted in the main park. We get used to the routine quickly.
Our guide Sebastian Jr. (RPS has another older guide named Sebastian) is very good. We had good sightings of lion mating, and leopard/hyena interaction. The central part of the park does have good concentration of games. During the day time, it does not feel particularly crowded as game drive vehicles spread out in a large area. However at night, we do see spotlights everywhere. Night drives tend to focus on a small area close to the main gate so that everyone can easily get out of park at 8.
It is a very comfortable camp, with good food and friendly service. The location is excellent, close to an elephant crossing site. Special mention: the camp manager Ignacia who makes everyone feel as a special guest.
A perfect introduction for first time visitor
This holiday was our first to Zambia and our first to Africa, so when we arrived at Luangwa River Camp we were in awe. The main building, bar and dining was just so perfect, it was open, comfortable, welcoming and had wonderful views overlooking the river, so wildlife viewing started immediately. We were made very welcome by Matt, and later Ignacious who explained the timetable of the camp and activities. Our accommodation was wonderful and exceeded all our expectations, the house keeping in the camp was at a very high standard.
It was here that we first tasted the amazing food provided by RPS, I am a vegetarian and I was constantly served food that was beautifully prepared and tasted delicious. It was here that we first experienced the activities at RPS camps and we were not disappointed. Our guide, Daudi immersed us in the landscape and enhanced our experience, he quickly assessed that we were keen birders and introduced us to so many species.
The safari vehicles were the perfect way of getting close to so many animals. We also enjoyed the walking safaris and felt completely safe with Daudi and his team. All the staff were welcoming and friendly, including Alfred our night watchman, we enjoyed hearing how his night had been each morning.
We can’t praise the staff enough at River Camp, thank you all so much for a truly memorable stay.
Relaxing and busy at the same time!
A superb camp with exceptional staff who couldn't do enough for you, making you feel welcome, and ensuring you had a good time (which wasn't difficult given the location and facilities).
Thatched chalet was comfortable, and well maintained. Food was excellent.
There was always plenty to see on the game drives, the guides are extremely knowledgeable and without a doubt "know their stuff" whilst also ensuring your safety and being careful not to disturb the animals in what is their home.
We could not have asked for a better start to our safari / Zambia experience.
Wonderful stay at Luangwa River Camp
A fantastic camp set on the banks of the Luangwa River in a great wildlife area.
Wonderful service and great ambience in the camp under the management of Daudie ably assisted by camp host Ignacio. Amazing guiding by Daudie too.
Whisk me back please..
Hospitality with a capital H. Why did I feel so much at home? I loved it. I forsook a morning game drive and an evening one just to sit and 'be' - to savour the stillnes of the river, the light, the various noises and whatever wildlife happened to hove into view.. It was like an illustration in a book David Livingstone might have written.
What to say about the host, Ignacio? However many plates he must have spinning in his head at any given time, his focus is on his guests, of whatever ilk, whether just engaging in conversation or anticipating every wish/need. Each person treated as though they are the only one who matters. It's a rare skill. I know I was supposed to be there for the wildlife but as much pleasure as anything came from the wonderful mix of personalities at the lunch/dinner tablesand the consequent very entertaining conversations, handled very adeptly by Ignacio. I would run a mile from house parties in the conventional sense but revelled in this variety.
Can't get away from hot water bottles. I asked for one on my second night and duly found not only the bottle in my bed but an extra balnket on the bed as well. Very thoughtful and extra toasty.
Tremendous guiding and with the added dimension of crossing the river every time. Very soft, sandy,steep descent and ascent but I was never without the strong hand of Chris to keep me upright.. I now understand how extensive is the training for guides but even so, the knowledge is phenomenal, especially about birds. I loved all the careering through bush and scrub and then emerging onto a plain dotted with zebra, various entelope, giraffe etc. Was this real? As with the river, I could have happily sat stil just drinking it in. For me, the time of year seemed to be perfect. Still lots of water around and green areas but the rest just as I imagined it. I told Amanda I wanted to see hippos. I understand now why she was so confident in her assurances..
Breakfast sentiments the same as I wrote for Nsefu but on my activity- free morning it was bliss. 9am - chair and table on the terrace carefully placed by Ignacio. Order for cereal and toast taken and if possible a chopped apple to put on the cereal. No problem. I'd taken the newspaper I'd had since England to read but couldn't take my eyes off the view. As if on cue, a mother, father and baby elephant sandwiched between them slowly ambled in front of me and into the river..
Food was very good and imaginative. I didn't refuse a thing except the hot pickle second time round. (Another incomprehensible feat - organising the supply chain.) Immaculate service every time both foodwise and drinkwise.
As for the property itself, I suspect plans will be in hand to keep up the constant renewal process - conditions must be hard on wood maintenance etc. Not sure where this is on the list of priorities or if there is any practical solution but the soft sand makes for quite difficult walking between rooms and the main area - especially when running at 5.30am to squeeze in breakfast and then back again to be out by 6am!
Frustration of a trip like this is that it's hard to convey to anyone who has no experience of it exactly how it all works. That would have been me until last year. For someone who - needs must - look after herself, I felt as if I'd just succumbed to a 'care package'. 7th heaven.. Thank you to absolutely everyone involved.
First visit to River Camp
Daudi and the team looked after us very well. The chalet comfortable within a lovely setting, including resident elephant.
Perry was an excellent guide and it was good to see a different part of the park.
Luangwa River Camp review
Camp facilities are looking a little tired and vehicles a bit old.
The new guide was very knowledgeable about all wildlife but had not yet developed the art of tracking and locating them.
Food was excellent.
Amazing stay at the River Camp!
We had the most incredible experience at the Luangwa River Camp during the beautiful Emerald Season in Zambia. Our host, Daudi, could not have given us a warmer welcome and our guide, Jonah provided us with expert guiding. Yumba was our nighttime spotter and he was also fantastic. We were the only guests staying at the lodge, which was a real treat, and we enjoyed the most amazing adventure. We loved having to take a boat to and from each game drive, often in the rain, and braving the puddles of flooded safari roads with Jonah.
As I said, the guiding was phenomenal, and we were treated to multiple lion and leopard sightings along with a bounty of information about the land and wildlife. Once, a pride of lions decided to nap in the shade of our open safari vehicle, and we were able to enjoy the thrill of their closeness. We also had a spectacular sighting of a leopard and her one year old, as well as seeing a leopard in a tree at night (thanks, Yumba!).
While at the lodge, we enjoyed the luxury of beautifully appointed, comfortable chalets with mosquito netting and big, beautiful bathrooms with standalone tubs and lovely showers. The pool was a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The lodge area was a comfortable place to relax and admire the beauty of the Luangwa River at its fullest. The food was top notch, and they accommodated my vegetarian needs beautifully. The variety of delicious lunchtime salads were my favorite!
The best part though, was the company of our host and guide, with whom we enjoyed numerous laughs and wonderful conversation over meals. We truly couldn't have had a better time, and when we were flooded out of our last night's stay and had to move to N'Kwali, we were truly sad to say goodbye to this beautiful lodge and its people.
