11 Day Zambia Classic

Day 1:Nkwali Camp

Upon arrival at Mfuwe International Airport you will be met by your Robin Pope Safaris guide, who will transfer you to Nkwali Camp, a journey of about an hour. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. Set on Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea, before setting out on the afternoon and night game drive.

Overnight at Nkwali Camp on a full board basis, including afternoon activity

Day 2:Nkwali Camp

At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge is heated on the fire and the toast cooked over the coals. The morning walk or drive leaves soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid-morning break of tea, coffee and cake is taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day.

After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or enjoy a siesta. Following tea, there is the afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world, returning to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.

Overnight at Nkwali Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 3:Nsefu Camp

After an early breakfast, a transfer/ game drive through the park takes you to a crossing point on the Luangwa River. Here you are met by the Nsefu staff, and you cross the River by boat, after which there is a short game drive to Camp. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park.

There are six round Rondavels with luxurious en suite facilities and each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandas. On arrival there is time to freshen up before lunch, and a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. (Note: you can also opt to stay these 3 nights at Tena Tena Camp).

Overnight at Nsefu Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 4:Nsefu Camp

Today is a chance to drive or walk through the ebony groves. Or you may decide this is an ideal day, depending on the heat and time of year, to explore the Nsefu Sector of the National Park possibly with an all day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional day’s safari.

Overnight at Nsefu Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 5:Nsefu Camp

After breakfast around the camp fire, your safari continues with another pleasant day at Nsefu, with morning and evening game activities and the possibility of visiting Kawaza village. This community tourism initiative is a great opportunity to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village. If you wish to visit, then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.

Overnight at Nsefu Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 6:Chongwe River Camp

After an early breakfast, you are transferred to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to Lusaka (1.5 hours) and then onto the Lower Zambezi (30 minutes). As you fly into the area, you will see the wide Zambezi River, dotted with falcons. Buffalo and elephant are always seen feeding along with the pods of hippos that rest on the edge of the sandbanks. The transfer to Chongwe River Camp is a short 15 minute trip in an open game viewing vehicle.

The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. The chalets are large, well-appointed Mulati tents under thatch, with a luxury open-air bathroom en suite. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, they command fabulous views over the Rivers. The bathrooms are an experience on their own, open air with fittings made from natural materials found near the lodge. You arrive in time for a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon you have the choice of game viewing by vehicle or you can jump in a boat and experience life on the Zambezi.

Overnight at Chongwe River Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 7:Chongwe River Camp

At Chongwe there are various activities to choose from. Not only are there exciting day and night drives and bush walks, but you can also choose your day’s itinerary from a selection of canoe trips, river safaris on safe, stable pontoon boats or catch and release angling for the infamous tiger fish (in season).

Overnight at Chongwe River Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 8:Chongwe River Camp

Your day is spent continuing with your chosen activities ending with a delicious supper served alfresco under the African night sky.

Overnight at Chongwe River Camp on a full board basis, including activities

Day 9:Tongabezi Lodge

After breakfast, you return to the airstrip for your flight to Livingstone (via Lusaka), some 1.5 hours. Here you will be met by staff from Tongabezi Lodge, where you will settle into your accommodation and be served a delicious lunch. Accommodation at Tongabezi Lodge is set in a tranquil grove of ebony trees on a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River, and consists of five tented cottages and four spacious open-planned stone and thatch houses. Birding is excellent, and game is often spotted in and around the Lodge.

Overnight at Tongabezi Lodge on a full board basis, including activities

Day 10:Tongabezi Lodge

There is a wide range of activities on offer at Tongabezi including fishing, canoe trips on the river, and game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline-filled activities including white-water rafting, bungee jumping and micro lighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The day will end with a relaxed dinner served either in the main dining area or as a private meal outside of your room.

Overnight at Tongabezi Lodge on a full board basis, including activities

Day 11:

After breakfast, there may be time for a morning activity, before you are transferred to the airport for your onward arrangements.