Luwi River Trail
Visit camps along the Luwi River, a remote, dramatic and diverse area in the north of the South Luangwa Nationa Park.
Introduction
This 9 night South Luangwa journey follows in the footsteps of Norman Carr, a pioneer of safaris and conservation in South Luangwa.This is a privately guided safari adventure along the Luwi River as it 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.
This safari spends 8 nights at camps, in any combination, 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!
Pricing
From US$6750 per person sharing
Tailor-made Itinerary
As with all the tours on our website, this is just an example of the safaris we are able to arrange. We take pride in creating holidays and safaris from scratch, placing particular emphasis on matching the destinations and properties to your budget. Contact us now to start the process of arranging your dream holiday and safari.
Day 1 - 3 Luwai Bush Camp , South Luangwe National Park
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.
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 - 6 Nsolo Bush Camp , South Luangwa National Park
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.
Days 5 - 7 - Kakuli Bush Camp , South Luangwe National Park
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.
Day 7-9 - Mchenja Bush Camp , South Luangwe National Park
You will walk to your final camp of the safari and spend 2 nights at the Mchenja Camp, offering stunning views in a luxury setting.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 - Return to Mfuwe Airport
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 Kapani Lodge 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.
Price
From US$6750 in Low Season per person sharing to US$9300 in High Season per person sharing
