Reviews of Luangwa River Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
59 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Luangwa River Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Last day at Luangwa River Camp"
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!" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

Elephant
2 sightings

Giraffe
3 sightings

Hippo
2 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
2 sightings

Zebra
2 sightings
"Luangwa River Camp Review"
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." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"A perfect introduction for first time visitor"
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." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

Buffalo
2 sightings

Elephant
6 sightings

Giraffe
5 sightings

Hippo
8 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
2 sightings

Zebra
5 sightings
"Luangwa River Camp review"
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." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
5 sightings

Giraffe
5 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
3 sightings

Zebra
2 sightings
"Relaxing and busy at the same time!"
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." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

Elephant
2 sightings

Giraffe
6 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
3 sightings

Lion
3 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
10 sightings
"Wonderful stay at Luangwa River Camp"
Wonderful service and great ambience in the camp under the management of Daudie ably assisted by camp host Ignacio. Amazing guiding by Daudie too." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

Buffalo
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Lion
3 sightings

Spotted Hyena
10 sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
10 sightings
"Whisk me back please.."
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." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

Buffalo
2 sightings

Elephant
4 sightings

Giraffe
4 sightings

Hippo
4 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
4 sightings
"First visit to River Camp"
Perry was an excellent guide and it was good to see a different part of the park." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Luangwa River Camp review"
The new guide was very knowledgeable about all wildlife but had not yet developed the art of tracking and locating them.
Food was excellent." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 6n in South Africa

Elephant
6 sightings

Giraffe
2 sightings

Hippo
4 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Zebra
2 sightings
"Amazing stay at the River Camp!"
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." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
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