South Luangwa Walking Safari (8 or 10 Days)

The South Luangwa Walking Safari is a 7 or 9 night adventure with Robin Pope Safaris. The oldest (1990) and best walking operator in Zambia. Ditching the confines of the game drive vehicle for a pair of walking boots. As you venture out in the wilderness, where so much lies in store.

The area they operate their Mobile Walking Safaris is remote and wild. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. All walks are led by a highly experienced guide and always accompanied by an armed game scout. Thus giving you the utmost safety during this adventure.

All Robin’s camps are intimate and highly personalized. Exceptional service has become the hallmark of all Robin’s operations.

Flexibility and responsiveness to guests’ wishes are key.

Skip to South Luangwa Walking Safari Rates

Short video on how mobile safaris work in South Luangwa

South Luangwa Walking Safari Full Itinerary

After a night at Nkwali Camp, the party drives to the north of the park where they will walk for five days covering approximately 10km a day, following the Mupamadzi River. A final night at Tena Tena Camp or Nsefu Camp completes the safari.

Day 1:

On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport, a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is an hour through colorful local scenes of villages, and agriculture. As well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. 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 and the afternoon and night game drive.

Overnight: Nkwali Camp

Day 2:

After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile safari. Which has become known as THE wilderness experience of South Luangwa. Your drive is some 90kms to the Mupamadzi River along a bush road, through remote parts of the park. You arrive at camp for lunch around mid-day.

On the 9 night itinerary, you stop en-route for a spot of lunch so as not to rush this wonderful drive. Before continuing the journey and arriving in camp early afternoon.

On arrival, the camp is already set up with well equipped walk-in tents. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a long drop. With a wooden throne.

Enjoy a relaxing siesta after lunch, before tea. And go for a walk around camp in the afternoon, to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars!

Overnight: Mobile Camp

Day 3:

Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The clear water Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa.

The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. But tracking and creeping up on a pride of lions. Or lying on the banks watching a herd of buffalo come to drink on the other side is quite an experience.

The mobile camp will be packed and moved to Camp 2. Lunch will be waiting for you as you arrive at the new camp. Lunch, siesta, and then an afternoon walk.

Overnight: Mobile Camp

Day 4:

Explore the area on foot – returning to the same campsite.

Overnight: Mobile Camp

Day 5-6:

The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning. You’ll walk further down the river. The Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa.

Overnight: Mobile Camp

Day 7 on the 7 night itinerary:

See after Day 8, for the 9 night itinerary information (click on the drop down).

After an early breakfast, transfer by vehicle to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5-hour drive. Tena Tena or Nsefu staff will meet and boat the party across the river. Followed by a 20-minute drive to Tena Tena. Or a further 30 mins to Nsefu Camp.

Overnight at either Tena Tena or Nsefu

Day 8:

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred by vehicle to Mfuwe Airport. It is approximately 1.5 hrs drive from Tena Tena and 2 hours from Nsefu. Where possible a game drive will incorporated.

9-night Walking Safari

Accommodation Choices for the end of the South Luangwa Walking Safari

Tena Tena

This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a wide bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shades the large custom-made tents. From the dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippos, and antelope on the riverbank. Tena Tena’s tents have en suite open-air bathrooms.

On arrival, you will be shown to your tent and then enjoy lunch. Followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. Time to rest those weary legs!!

Nsefu

Nsefu is on a sweeping bend of the river, north of Tena Tena and in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. This was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia. Dating back to the early fifties. The bar and sitting room are tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound. Overlooking a waterhole that is very productive for game viewing.

The original rondavels have been extended. With a spacious bathroom added. The furnishings and fittings are in keeping with an “old-fashioned” feel. As one guest put it – Nsefu is “understated elegance”. Each room has a clear view of the river. Through both the large windows and the wooden verandahs. The dining room has a superb view of the river and throughout the heat of the day, elephants come to drink and then cross the river. The camp lies in the heart of the undeveloped Nsefu sector. So, offers charm and total comfort in remoteness and seclusion.

About South Luangwa National Park

The South Luangwa National Park, Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. South Luangwa National Park is widely known as the home of the walking safari. This is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. The park is centered around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.

Walking Fitness

For general idea of fitness level, here are some guidelines. This does not mean this is the distance and timing of every day. But it gives you an idea of how fit you need to be. You should also be able to run 50 meters. But please understand that this is not because you will be running from any animal! It’s just another way of showing a level of fitness. Walking Safaris cover about 10 km in 4 hours on varied ground.

Mobile Walking Safaris – the ultimate walking safari experience

South Luangwa Walking Safari Rates and Departure Dates

The South Luangwa Walking Safari Package Includes:
All meals, all drinks (except for champagne), laundry, current park fees*, all game-viewing activities

*Subject to increases implemented.

Rates for 7 night Package stay at:
1 night at Nkwali Camp, 5 nights at various Mobile Walking Safari Camps & 1 night at Nsefu Camp or Tena Tena.

Rates for 9 night Package stay at:
1 night at Nkwali Camp, 7 nights at various Mobile Walking Safari Camps & 1 night at Nsefu Camp or Tena Tena.

Rates do not include: Visas, Airport Taxes and any increases in park fees that come into effect after 1st October 2023.

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