Walking Safaris
Luwi River Trail in South Luangwa
The Luwi River meanders through some of the most remote areas of the South Luangwa National Park. This seasonal sand river carves its way across the Northern sector of the park through dramatically varying habitats to the confluence with the Luangwa River at Kakuli Camp.
Norman Carr Safaris have three camps along the course of this beautiful and dynamic river.
The eponymous Luwi Camp which has been described as "the best little bush camp in Africa" is the starting point for the adventure, exploring the wild areas up towards the source of the Luwi where no other people ever go.
Then a few days are spent at Nsolo, downstream of Luwi and at Kakuli with its wide views high on the banks of the Luangwa.
Guests can also opt for a night or two out under the stars with just a mossie net, a guide and a scout for company and camp fires to ward off nocturnal visitors, miles from "civilization" - this Return to the Wild sleep out is only for the most adventurous of spirit!
This eight night safari is perfect for adventurers and those looking for a really involving wildlife and wilderness experience.
The bush camps are tiny – only four rooms each and each one is designed to blend with its surroundings. Using natural materials in their construction and powered with solar energy these camps are about as "green" and wild as you can get without compromising in any way on comfort and quality of food and service.
There will most likely be other guests in camp with whom to share safari experiences, however this can also be a privately guided safari adventure for a minimum of one and maximum of eight guests where you can set your own pace and create your own adventure with your guide and scout on a daily basis.
Read about
South Luangwa
North Luangwa
Liuwa Plains
Victoria Falls
Kafue
Lower Zambezi
Day 1
Arrive at Lusaka and fly to Mfuwe where you will be met and driven to Luwi Bush Camp.
Settle in to camp and depending on your time of arrival set out on foot to explore the local area, spend time at the nearby croc and hippo filled lagoon and get your bearings.
Day 2 - 3
Leave camp before the sun rises, taking a picnic breakfast and lunch with you and head up stream deep into really wild country towards the foothills of the Muchinga Escarpment into the miombo woodland. You can then start to walk downstream of the Luwi and just see how far you get! Have brunch in the shade of a tree overlooking one of the many waterholes in the "back country" then head back towards Luwi in time for a sundowner at the lagoon and dinner in camp.
Day 4 - 5
Leave camp early on foot and start downstream towards Nsolo Camp, the river widens in this section and the Luwi’s white sands carve a dynamic route through open grazing lawns, palm and trichelia groves, thicket and game rich “dambos” for which the Luangwa Valley is so well known. You’ll arrive at Nsolo in time for brunch to find your luggage waiting for you in your room. Have a rest and soak up the magical atmosphere of this, one of the oldest bush camps in the Luangwa Valley.
Day 6
For the most adventurous of spirit – leave Nsolo and head downstream towards Kakuli. Find a spot to set up your bedroll and mossie net, build the camp fire and make preparations for your "Return to the Wild" sleep out night.
Day 7- 8
Meander along with the Luwi and arrive with the river at the confluence of the Luangwa and Kakuli Camp. Named after Norman Carr who was affectionately named Kakuli – an old buffalo bull, this camp has sweeping and majestic views over the Luangwa. Spend your final days on an all day drive way upstream, exploring on foot or just relaxing in camp and making the most of the spectacular views over the hippo filled Luangwa River
Day 9
After a final breakfast, experience your final game drive through the Park on the way back to Mfuwe Airport and onward to your international departure.
The itinerary can be adapted to suit individual requirements. Guests can add a night or two at on of our other Lodges to be closer to the villages and experience some of our community projects, or perhaps add a night or two at Mchenja for a bit of luxury at the end of the trip.
Norman Carr
Norman Carr was the pioneer in walking safaris in Africa. He termed this new form of tourism "Safari Wakale". In 1950 he established Luangwa's first safari camp with then Paramount Chief Nsefu and his people. Today his legend lives on in the Norman Carr Safari Camps.
Move Safaris uses Norman Carr camps on this safari
His core beliefs were:
- "SafariWakale" - safari the traditional way
- Sharing and preserving the unique wilderness of the Luangwa Valley
- Offering authentic safari experiences
- Providing the highest standards of service
- Commitiment to the welfare and development of our community
- Recognising and developing the potential in people
- Promoting Zambia as a destination for international visitors
Republic of Zambia
Zambia is a large country, 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles) not yet discovered by commercial tourism.
Population of 13 mil
Major languages: English (official), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Tonga - although there are over 70 distinct languages and even more dialects within Zambia.
Currency is the Kwacha
Exports: copper, tobaco, minerals
Zambia is landlocked by DRC in the north, Tanzania in the NW, Malawi in the East, Zimbabwe in the South and Angola on the West.
Zambia's people come from the surroounding regions and therefore there is no one main group claiming superioriy. Zambians are generally friendly people.
Attractions are the iconic Victoria Falls, South and North Luangwa, Liuwa Plains, Kafue, Lower Zambezi
this is a fully inclusive trip
accommodation, all meals, standard bar drinks, laundry, Mfuwe Airport transfers to/from our camps, inter-camp transfers
this safari is perfect for
Camp to camp walking
Mix of drives and walks
Remote areas and an authentic and adventurous safari experience
Combine this tour with
Liuwa Plains
Victoria Falls to Cape Town
Johannesburg to Cape Town or reverse
Tracing the Tsonga - South Africa's Elephant Coast & Beach holiday
Victoria Falls & Namibia
Vicoria Falls & Botswana - Chobe, Savauti, Okavango Delta
How to get there