7 Day Five Star South Luangwa Safari

Guests are met on arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and assisted with boarding their flight to Lusaka, followed by a connection to Mfuwe. From here a game-viewing transfer carries you into South Luangwa National Park, along the Luangwa River’s floodplains and oxbow lagoons, to Mchenja Bush Camp. Tucked into a shady ebony grove on the riverbank, the camp blends natural elegance with an authentic bush atmosphere and sweeping water views.

After settling into your tented suite, enjoy afternoon tea before heading out on your first game drive in this prime wilderness, widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari and famed as the “Valley of the Leopard”. As the sun sinks, pause for sundowners on the river’s edge while hippos grumble in the channels and birdlife gathers along the shore, before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.

The next two days are devoted to exploring the wilderness around Mchenja on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris. South Luangwa is celebrated for its concentrations of big cats, particularly leopard, as well as healthy lion and spotted hyena populations. Plains game like puku, impala and zebra graze the rich alluvial soils along the river, while large herds of elephant and buffalo move between the lagoons and woodlands.

Morning activities typically depart at first light, when predators are still active and bird calls carry through the cool air. After brunch and some time relaxing by the pool or on your private deck overlooking the Luangwa, you head out again in the late afternoon. Sunset frequently coincides with elephant or giraffe silhouettes along the horizon, and night drives reveal nocturnal specials such as civet, genet and owl species hunting along the tracks.

After breakfast, guests depart Mchenja Bush Camp and trace the river southwest toward Chinzombo, enjoying wildlife sightings along the way. Chinzombo occupies a private, riverfront curve of the Luangwa, with contemporary villas shaded by ancient trees and each featuring a private plunge pool, river-view bathtub and expansive deck. The camp offers an intimate yet indulgent base right on the boundary of prime game-viewing areas.

On arrival you settle into your villa and soak up the views of hippos, crocodiles and wading birds in the channels below. Depending on your energy levels, you may join an afternoon game drive or simply unwind at the riverside pool or spa. Dinner is often served al fresco, accompanied by stories from your guide and the chorus of frogs and nightjars drifting in from the riverbank.

Spend the next two days discovering a different sector of South Luangwa from Chinzombo’s privileged riverfront location. Twice-daily game drives venture deep into the park, where the Luangwa River and its network of lagoons attract an impressive variety of wildlife. Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra are among the notable regional specials, seen alongside elephant, buffalo, hippo and prolific antelope herds.

Guided walks offer a slower, more detailed perspective on the ecosystem, focusing on tracks, smaller creatures and the intricate relationships between plants, soil and seasonal flooding. Between activities you can relax on your deck or in the main lounge, watching animals come to drink below. Evenings revolve around the campfire and fine dining, with the Milky Way glowing overhead and the distant calls of lions and hyenas reminding you how remote and wild this valley remains.

After a final breakfast overlooking the Luangwa River, it is time to say farewell to South Luangwa. A transfer returns you to Mfuwe for your flight to Lusaka, where you connect with an onward flight to Johannesburg. The journey traces your route out of the Luangwa Valley, giving you last aerial views of the river, floodplains and woodlands that have defined your safari.

On arrival in Johannesburg, your Zambia safari with African Sky comes to an end at the airport or another agreed point in the city or Pretoria. Guests usually leave with memory cards full of images and a deep appreciation for this pioneering walking-safari destination, its outstanding big-cat sightings and the exceptional guiding and hospitality experienced at Mchenja and Chinzombo.