This is one of our favourite itineraries to Zambia, with the focus being the best of the Luangwa. The trip involves some of the best-known camps in the park, which are home to top-quality guides who deliver amazing game drives and walking safaris.

Trip Highlights

  • Focused on the Robin Pope camps, boasting prime locations
  • Renowned for having some of the best guides in the Luangwa
  • Steeped in history, the camps are small and intimate, each with their own stamp
  • Best for those seeking the authenticity Zambia is famed for
  • Best from June through to the end of October
Safari Drive, Mchenja Bush, South Luangwa NP, Zambia

Trip Itinerary

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South Luangwa National Park

On Day 1 of your trip, you will fly to Mfuwe for two nights at Nkwali Camp. Situated within a private reserve on the banks of the River Luangwa, this smashing little camp is owned and operated by the ever-popular Robin Pope Safaris. Most of the communal areas are housed in an open-sided timber, stone, and thatch structure, which has a friendly atmosphere and beautiful river views. There is also a thatched dining space and a large swimming pool! Guest accommodation consists of six bamboo-and-thatch chalets, all with en-suite facilities as well as those wonderful river views. As each chalet is open fronted, you can enjoy scenes of elephants crossing the river and quenching their thirst without even leaving your room! Lion, leopard, and wild dog are often spotted in the area around the camp as well. However, venture out on a game drive or walking safari, and you will be richly rewarded with further sightings – including over 450 species of bird! Other activities include visiting the local market and taking in a little culture on a village tour.

South Luangwa National Park

The second part of your trip is spent at Nsefu Camp. The camp is located on a sweeping meander of the river and offers amazing views. It is the oldest camp in the South Luangwa, and is steeped with a real sense of history. The communal lodge is rustic in appearance, and positioned next to an enormous termite mound! Inside, you will find a comfortable lounge and bar, perfect for relaxing and getting to know your fellow travellers. The camp also has a hide, set a short distance from the lodge. Guest accommodation consists of six rondavels, or round houses. These are constructed from concrete and have simple yet appealing interiors. Activities on offer from Nsefu Camp are day and night game drives, and walking safaris. There are lots of wildlife highlights here, such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and hundreds of bird species!

South Luangwa National Park

For the final part of your trip, you will transfer by road to Tena Tena. Also located in Nsefu and close to the river, this camp came first in Robin Pope’s property portfolio! Occupying an area of Nsefu that has a real wealth of wildlife, Tena Tena has an exciting, adventurous feel to it. The main areas are housed under canvas, within a marquee propped up by tree trunks as well as poles. They include two comfy seating areas and an all-day bar. There is a further seating area set up nearer to the river, in a great spot for watching wildlife. Sandy paths connect the communal tent to each of the five guest tents, which also have lovely views of the river. They feel very authentic, while providing everything you need for a comfortable stay – and we love the open-air en-suite shower rooms! Activities here consist of day and night game drives, walking safaris, and excursions to the local village.

Good to Know

01.

Who is this trip for?

This trip has been designed and priced with couples and honeymooners in mind (two adults travelling together). However, every trip we create is individually tailor-made to suit the client. If you’re a group or a family, we might even suggest different accommodation. We can move elements and change the number of days – it all depends entirely on what you would like to do.

02.

Overview & Activities

Enjoy the best of the South Luangwa from three properties owned and operated by one of our favourite companies, Robin Pope Safaris. At all three camps you will see plenty of wildlife on game drives and epic walking safaris.

The trip starts off in the game-rich Mfuwe area, which is known for its high leopard numbers, before then moving to the more remote ‘bush camp’ for which the Luangwa is most famous.

In Mfuwe, you will stay at Nkwali Camp, just outside South Luangwa National Park. This property provides a fine introduction to safari and it is very good value. From here, you will move into the Nsefu sector of the park, to Nsefu Camp. This is the oldest camp in the South Luangwa, with its distinctive rondavel rooms. The trip ends at Tena Tena, also in Nsefu. This is the most adventurous camp of the three properties, but it is also very comfortable. Guiding in all three of these camps is first rate!

03.

Pricing

The prices are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026. Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.

Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary. Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.

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