LUANGWA RIVER CAMP
ON THE BANKS OF THE LUANGWA RIVER
This intimate camp overlooks the Wafwa Oxbow Lagoon in the center of South Luangwa National Park. The exquisite décor of the camp fuses lush earth tones and raw materials such as palm stalks, indigenous timber, and red earthen plaster to create an elegant and warm atmosphere. The camp consists of just five private and comfortable bush suites, featuring unique decorative themes. Luangwa River Camp caters to only 10 guests at any one time. The open plan lounge, dining area and revitalizing pool afford excellent opportunities for sighting wildlife from camp, as well as for delicious dining under the Stars of Zambia. The limited number of suites allows for a genuinely intimate experience, excellent standard and high quality safari.
Luangwa River Camp is open from the end of January through November.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All five bush suites are stylishly furnished and have bathrooms with polished copper double basins leading up several stairs to a large open shower and a private sunken bath for two with a view. Decorated in muted shades, the bathrooms offer guests a sense of giving a sense of relaxation and tranquility. The secluded bush chalets impart a gentle, romantic ambience.
Dining
Simplicity and individuality are at the heart of Luangwa River Camp’s delicious cuisine. The chef creates signature dishes often inspired by fresh local ingredients and international influences. The chef and his team are happy to cater to individual requests and special needs.
ACTIVITIES
Activities at Luangwa River Camp include driving, walking and photographic safaris. This small camp guiding team is able to tailor your safari based on your personal interest, providing a highly personalized experience.
Driving Safaris
The South Luangwa region is one of Africa’s top big game destinations, with a high density of wildlife. The camp’s guide team is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and make wonderful hosts on your safaris.
Walking Safaris
South Luangwa is without a doubt Zambia’s finest park for big game walking safaris, with Luangwa River Camp offering such safaris as an optional activity. Walking safaris are led by guides who are exceptionally well versed in the flora and fauna of their region of the park, and who are always joined by an armed National Park scout.
Night Drives
Sightings of lions and leopards are incomparable experiences, which are quite common during a night drive.
Day Trips
Day trips can be scheduled to the Nsefu sector to see the saltpans and stork colonies, along with cultural trips to villages, schools and handicraft workshops.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife is prolific with 60 different species of mammals the only notable exception being the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. The park is renowned for its high population of leopards that are commonly seen on night drives, and large herds of elephants. The Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons are home to what may be the largest concentration of Nile crocodiles as well as hippos. Lions are commonly seen in South Luangwa National Park, with prides up to 20 animals. Indigenous species to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson’s wildebeest.
Birding in the region surrounding Luangwa River Camp is exciting, there are 420 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. There are vast flocks of yellow-billed storks, pelicans and a variety of other water birds with fishing a common sight at the lagoons. Large concentrations of colorful carmine bee-eaters nest in the riverbanks.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Luangwa River Camp sits amidst one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries – a heaven for any photographer. South Luangwa is acclaimed for its wonderful riverine scenery, high leopard numbers and excellent guiding, resulting in astonishing photographic opportunities. The excellent guides at Luangwa River Camp have a great understanding of the Luangwa landscape and places for prime photo opportunities. A number of the Luangwa River Camp guides understand the importance of positioning of the vehicle, the light conditions and animal behavior very well and often anticipate opportunities before the animals make a move. They know Luangwa’s inhabitants and their haunts, and are deeply involved in their conservation. For dedicated photographers, Stars of Africa can arrange specialized photographic safaris. Photographic Workshops can also be arranged including an established professional wildlife photographer.
