Wildlife Camp (South
Luangwa National Park) Zambia
Location:
Wildlife Camp is a safari-camp on the banks of the
Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. We
provide our guests with an affordable front-row seat to one
of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
South Luangwa is Zambia’s premier game viewing park where
you can enjoy a unique type of habitat seldom seen elsewhere
in Africa. Lying on the valley floor, between the meandering
Luangwa River and the steep Muchinga Escarpment, this is the
best national park in Zambia and one of the finest in all
Africa.
The seasonal floodplains create an environment that
supports a huge diversity of wildlife including over 100
species of mammals and over 420 species of birds as well as
many reptiles, insects, amphibians and plants. A totally
different experience from parks elsewhere in Africa, Luangwa
offers a real immersion to the bush life in an attractive
habitat of sausage trees and lagoons.
In the stunning light of early morning and late
afternoon, one can often see elephants, impala, puku, troops
of baboons, flocks of water birds, crocodiles and hippos all
through the same view finder of your camera or binoculars!
The park is reputed to have the highest concentration of
leopard in Africa. It is estimated that there is one Leopard
for every kilometre of river in the Luangwa Valley, so your
chances of seeing this elusive nocturnal cat are heightened
in this park. Pods of up to 500 hippos are possible to view
in the dry season as the river shrinks and they are confined
to areas of deep pools. On average during the year there are
probably 45 - 60 hippos per kilometer!
Responsible Tourism:
At Wildlife Camp we offer a much-needed niche for
everyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife, the Luangwa
valley and Zambia! At the camp we have rustic en-suite
chalets, a secluded en-suite tented camp, a Bushcamp for
overnight walking safaris and a stunning campsite, all
situated on the banks of the Luangwa River in the Luangwa
Valley. This valley forms the south-western extension of
Africa’s extraordinary Great Rift Valley. The camp and its
staff always aim to play second fiddle to Mother Nature and
her wonderful spectacles, which is very often on display
right in front of the restaurant and chalets.
Wildlife Camp is situated on land owned by Wildlife and
Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ). We
operate under their auspices and proudly donate a
considerable portion of funds generated by your stay with us
to the WECSZ – roughly 60% of all the accommodation and
camping fees, which in return supports the wildlife and
people of the Luangwa Valley and Zambia.
Accommodation:
Accommodation in this luxury safari camp consists of four
individually designed chalets each on raised wooden decks
with high thatched roofs and private verandas.
The rooms are very spacious with the stylish furnishings
that one would expect from one of Zambia's luxury walking
safari camps.
As with most of the Norman Carr bush camps the
bathrooms have no roofs and are set under the shade of the
trees above. Wildlife Camp is made up of nine chalets (6
twin, 1 double, and 2 family chalets). Our tented Camp has
five twin en-suite tents and our bushcamp has four twin
tents.
Lagoon-side chalets
We have five chalets situated in a quiet corner of the
camp, overlooking a lagoon area and surrounded by huge shady
trees.
Parking for your vehicles is available right by the
chalets. A combination of rustic and comfortable, they all
offer a unique view over the lagoon where wildlife is
abundant.
We offer three chalets that can sleep up to three guests,
a fourth chalet for two with a double bed and also a further
chalet that can accommodate a family of four in two separate
bedrooms with dining area. All have a veranda that allows
you to relax and unwind, whilst watching the wildlife that
is all around.
River-side chalets
We have four chalets which are located in the centre of
our camp. Conveniently close to our reception area, main bar
and restaurant, these chalets each offer unique views over
the Luangwa River.
We have three chalets that can sleep up to three guests
and a fourth chalet which can accommodate a family of five
in two separate bedrooms.
The smaller chalets have their own private verandas from
which you can enjoy the ever changing scenery that unfolds
next to the Luangwa River.
Barefoot Tented Camp
A very private section of our camp offering all en-suite
tented accommodation. Being located in a private area beyond
our campsite with magnificent views over the Luangwa River
and all the creatures within it, it is perfectly set up for
groups of up to 10 people, but also for the independent
traveller.
We offer five tents, all located under thatched roofs,
each comprising two beds, an open air shower and toilet
facilities. Each tent also has a small veranda to the front
which offers, without a doubt, the best river view in the
whole Luangwa valley. Enjoy the tranquility and stunning
setting. This location offers the classic combination of
rustic, comfortable and affordable in a real “Out of Africa”
tented camp. All rooms are provided with mosquito nets and
we do have electricity available (power cuts permitting).
Activities:
The quality of South Luangwa National Park is reflected
in the quality of our guides - the best in Zambia. The local
professional guide association sets high standards, and all
our guides have passed their tough examinations with flying
colours. Our qualified and experienced guides lead all your
activities and, as they are all Zambian, they give you a
true insight into their own South Luangwa Park.
On walking safaris you will be accompanied by an armed
scout assigned by the National Parks Board, (ZAWA) as well
as our own knowledgeable guide.
Morning Drive Safaris
These leave camp at 06.00hrs and return around 10.30hrs.
A morning drive allows you to enjoy the full beauty of
Luangwa in the early sunlight and the cool temperatures,
before the day heats up. The last hunt of the night
predators, the waking up and starting day-to-day business of
the smaller mammals, the sound of over 470 species of birds
and this all can be seen and heard before the sun rises too
high. During the morning drive your guide chooses a scenic
spot for you to enjoy a warm cup of coffee and stretch your
legs.
Safaris are conducted in open vehicles to let you truly
appreciate the African bush. Our knowledgeable guides can
tell you all you ever wanted to know about a great variety
of mammals, birds and trees as well as some local insight
and the history of the area. All safaris are half price for
children between the ages of 2-12.
Night Drive Safaris
Our night drives leave camp at 16.00hrs and return around
20.15hrs. After enjoying the late afternoon light you will
stop for sundowners. Once refreshed, you will continue to
search by spotlight for nocturnal animals. Ever wondered
what hippos do at night or how the roaring of a lion sounds
close by? Ever wanted to see a leopard stalking impala? Your
guide may also find time for some star gazing, as the clear
night skies give a fantastic view of the constellations.
All is possible during this safari. Our guide,
accompanied by a ‘spotter’, will take you on a combined trip
with two hours of daylight ending with another two hours of
darkness. You are able to witness the change in animal life
at close hand, from diurnal to nocturnal activities. All
safaris are half price for children between the ages of
2-12.
Walking Safaris
These operate during the dry season from June to October
and are not to be missed. Walking quietly through the bush
you can explore close up the fascinating insect and plant
world, as well as getting closer to the habitat of the birds
and mammals. What is meant by the ‘little five’? Which
animal does that footprint belong to? Why are the monkeys
taking apart that big pile of droppings? All these and other
questions our guides can answer.
Since our walking safaris are conducted in small groups
(maximum of six according to ZAWA regulations), there is
time enough to answer all these and any other questions you
might have as you enjoy the variety of the bush. Our guide
is accompanied by an obligatory armed scout assigned by the
National Parks Board for any walking safaris conducted in or
outside the National Park. The safety regulations of the
park dictate that children under the age of 12 cannot take
part in walking safaris.
In addition to the National Park walking safaris, we
offer walks on the camp side of the river which is situated
in a Game Management Area on Wildlife Society land. This
area is much the same as the National Park, and wild animals
are as common here as in the park proper, since they cross
the river from the park to our camp. Tea and coffee are
provided on your walk. You will enjoy a rest and refreshment
half-way through the safari. The walking safari sets off at
06.00hrs and return around 11.00hrs, afternoon walks or
revised times can always be discussed with management. To
make to most out of your visit to the park, we suggest you
use your entrance permit wisely. For example, if you choose
to book a morning drive / walk and a night drive with us,
your park entry is only paid once.
Wildlife
Bush Camp
The Wildlife Bush Camp offers guests a chance to
experience an over-night walking safari, complete with
bucket showers and meals cooked on an open fire! Our cooks
will amaze you with the menu and nothing can compare to a
night in the wilds and the sounds you can hear. The camp
consists of 4 twin tents, two bush toilets and bucket
showers – it has no electricity and is basic in many ways
but rich in atmosphere and location. Our knowledgeable and
qualified Zambian guides, an armed scout and bush chef
escort you on this magical overnight trip and show you the
wonders of nature.
An afternoon walk will take you out to the bush camp,
where our cook is waiting for you with refreshments. After a
cold local beer, a relaxing sunset in the middle of the bush
awaits you, with bird song, hippo conversation and other
animal sounds. Regular visits from elephants or giraffes
make the afternoon complete. Our bush camp is offered as
full board only, including all your meals and activities
from the day you depart, until the last breakfast and return
walk from the bush. What more can be said, it’s an
experience not to be missed! As the Bushcamp is so popular
and to assure the privacy of the bush for our guests
(maximum eight), booking early is essential.
Village Tours
Besides our safaris into the South Luangwa National Park,
The Wildlife Camp is happy to offer village tours for you to
get a full understanding of the beauty and dynamics of
Zambia.
A truly authentic Zambian experience is only offered by
the colorful Zambian people themselves. Four hour tours
take you to the local market to see the daily business of
the local community adjacent to the National Park. You will
have the possibility of trying some local dishes, pounding
some mealie-meal for nshima, or just a stroll through the
local village and having a chat at the market; it’s all up
to you. Since our guide accompanies you in our car,
possibilities are endless and depend on the activities on
that day. Depending on your preferences, our guide will show
you a great part of the village he knows very well. This
tour is Subject to vehicle availability and number of
clients.
Accommodation Rates:- From $250 per
person per night sharing. Please contact us for a quote and suggested
itinerary.
