This Zambian safari is an incomparable wildlife experience. Combine 6 nights in South Luangwa National Park with 3 nights in the remote North Luangwa National Park and end off with 2 nights at the incredible Bangweulu Swamps. It’s an itinerary built on the most unique experiences in Zambia, such as seeing the iconic shoebill or cycling through the Luangwa bush.
Highlights of this Tour
Tafika Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Life slows down for visitors to Tafika Camp with the daily routine designed around the rhythm of the bush. Located on the east bank of the Luangwa River, this South Luangwa National Park accommodation offers exceptional game viewing. Many species of African wildlife can be observed close to the camp from the two hides that overlook the waterhole and further afield during game drives, walking safaris and even bicycle safaris! The Luangwa Valley and especially the Nsefu sector, where Tafika Camp is located, is known as The Valley of the Leopard because of the many leopards found here. You’ll also have the opportunity to see species such as serval, crowned crane, lion, wild dog, elephant, giraffe, puku, hippo, and crocodile on this part of your Zambia holiday. Chikoko Trails comprises two bush camps: Chikoko Tree Camp and Big Lagoon Camp. Guests will experience both, but the order and duration of your stay at the camps depend on availability.
Chikoko Tree Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Located on the west bank of the South Luangwa National Park, the simple yet comfortable Chikoko Tree Camp is only accessible on foot. The three chalets are built from natural materials and raised to sit above the ground within the surrounding acacia tree canopy, ensuring great views of the surrounding landscape. Walking safaris in Zambia are unique but at Chikoko they are unforgettable. Following well-worn animal paths, your guide will unveil the mysteries of the bush one step at a time. Every walking safari is accompanied by an armed National Park scout and a tea bearer for that all-important tea break! The four-hour morning walks begin early to avoid the heat; afternoon walks are shorter and return before dusk.
Big Lagoon Camp
This accommodation option comprises three chalets all nestled beneath a grove of gorgeous Muchenja (Ebony) trees. The camp overlooks a beautiful lagoon making it the perfect spot for armchair game-viewing as you marvel at the daily wild visitors who stop by for a drink. This camp was built using natural materials that blend in perfectly with its environment. The location of this camp is ideal and the accommodation is created especially to ensure that our guests have the most authentic African experience possible, with all the amenities and provisions offered for maximum comfort.
Takwela Camp, North Luangwa National Park
Takwela Camp, North Luangwa is located at the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi Rivers with stunning views of the river and some of its 450 resident hippos. The camp prides itself on its small eco-footprint; it is powered by solar energy and most of it was built by villagers from locally-sourced, natural materials. Safari guests of Takwela are often rewarded with exclusive wildlife sightings because of its special location. The park hosts a highly successful black rhino sanctuary and healthy populations of lion, hyena, elephant, buffalo, leopard, wildebeest, wild dog, and over 416 bird species.
Shoebill Island Camp, Bangweulu Swamps
This unique camp is situated on the edge of the extraordinary Bangweulu wetlands where the iconic shoebills breed. The wetlands area is community-owned, and as such, it is a protected area where the villagers have retained the right to live off the land sustainably. While on safari at the Bangweulu Swamps guests can go on walking safaris, game drives, deep-hull (photographic) canoeing and mokoro rides, and also community visits with the seasonal fishermen of the region. A visit to Shoebill Island Camp wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Shoebill Guardian Program and the shoebill nests (seasonal). Two nights at the Shoebill Island Camp is a fitting end to an unforgettable Luangwa and Bangweulu Swamps safari.
