Walking Safari in Zambia

Although North Luangwa has similar landscape to its southern counterparts, it is a world away in terms of offering a wild and totally secluded safari. Almost completely untouched, North Luangwa is one of the few parks in Africa where game viewing is carried out just about exclusively on foot, following existing animal trails. This is Africa at its most raw, remote, and pristine. A safari here is almost unimaginably good, rarely offered anywhere else on the continent. We highly recommend taking to the bush with your walking boots, binoculars, and sense of adventure. This is the place to get Africa’s dirt under your shoes, its drama into your soul, and its charm into your heart.

The South Luangwa consists of 9,050 square kilometres of woods and savanna, with the river running through. The upper slopes of the valley contain southern miombo woodlands, an eco-region of trees that are scattered and small in comparison with the trees closer to the river. This part of the park has plenty of shrubs and grasses. On the lower slopes, there are larger mopane trees and some great grazing! The pristine feel of the park is complemented by the authentic vibe of our favourite camps and lodges here. These tend to be fairly bijou properties, with five or fewer rooms sleeping up to just ten guests. A number of companies, such as Time + Tide, Remote Africa, Shenton, Robin Pope, Norman Carr, The Bushcamp Company, offer really first rate properties providing truly authentic experiences within a breathtakingly beautiful area.

Run by the fittingly named Remote Africa, Mwaleshi Camp is one of only two camps in the North Luangwa that we sell. Simple, rustic, and functional rather than luxurious, Mwaleshi is undeniably a Yellow Zebra favourite – there are only four reed-and-thatch chalets, which are rebuilt annually using natural materials. The en-suite bathrooms are open to the stars, the dining area is beautifully scenic with superlative views of the Mwaleshi River, and the guiding is some of the best on the continent – what more could you want in the walking-only zone of North Luangwa? Travellers hoping to take walking in the Luangwa to the next level can opt to stay in a mobile camp and take part in a mobile walking safari. For example, Robin Pope offers a walking trip lasting five days and covering approximately 10 kilometres daily! The mobile camp is designed to accommodate a maximum of six persons and although the facilities are fairly basic they are very comfortable. This really is a wonderful way to see the South Luangwa! The trip begins and ends with a couple of nights at Robin Pope’s permanent camps – Nkwali at the start, Tena Tena or Nsefu at the finish.

Time + Tide has a terrific range of camps in Zambia, with something to suit all budgets! Luwi Bush Camp is fantastic for exploring the really remote parts of the South Luangwa, and Time + Tide in general, offers a sense of adventure, with small and intimate camps, walking safaris, and a focus on guiding.

One option that epitomises the very essence of authentic no-frills walking safaris, is John Coppinger’s exceptional Remote Africa. We are big fans of his main camp, Tafika – the base of Remote’s operations and John and Carol’s seasonal home – but it is his adventurous walking camps for which John is arguably most famous. Yellow Zebra Director Julian considers Chikoko one of his favourite walking properties in the entire South Luangwa.