~ Robin Pope Bush Camping ~

7 Night Itinerary - Luangwa Bush Camping
Combining: Nkwali Camp 2 nights, Tena Tena 1 nights, Bush Camping 2 nights and Nsefu Camp 2 nights

The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.

Name one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in Africa? Bush Camping with Robin Pope Safaris. What is “bush camping”? Bush Camping is a wonderful way to dive deeper into the bush – camping in a simple but extremely comfortable way. We operate these personal safaris with only 2-4 guests. RPS Bush Camping is walking with the best of guides, dipping deeper into the bush from the fixed camps by camping out for a couple of nights, dinner and stories around the fire, simple but delicious food with stand up tents, mattresses on the ground, sheets and blankets, wash basin, shared 60 litre bucket shower, bush loo, full bar and food service, fully serviced camp (except laundry).

Luangwa Bush Camping is in the Nsefu Sector, walking in the game rich riverine areas of the lagoons and woodlands that run along side the river. This is usually combined with a stay at both Tena Tena and Nsefu.

Debs Tittle guides the Luangwa Bush Camping safaris. Born in the UK in 1964, Debs has always been fascinated with travelling. After spending a year in the Far East and running a French campsite, she made her first foray to Africa and discovered that this was the place she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Not having any idea how to go about getting a job in a park in Africa, Debs found herself driving an overland truck through Africa and South America for 5 years. After 18 trips to South Luangwa National Park she decided that this is where she wanted to settle. She got her guiding license in 1997, and after working for several other camps in the South Luangwa area she joined Robin Pope Safaris 2004. Since coming to RPS, Debs has helped establish and run our exclusive Luangwa Bush Camping Safaris. With no more than four people on each trip, camping in simple but comfortable style, you will experience the game-rich Nsefu sector of the park with one of the best guides in Africa.

7 NIGHT ITINERARY

Mupamadzi Bush Camping. Traditionally we have ended our Mupamadzi Walking Mobile Safaris at the end of September, and so for the month of October we have not walked at the Mupamadzi River. We found that with the moving of the truck every two days, from camp to camp the fridges and freezers did not cope. From 2007 we now keep the camp set up at one site for the month. So during the month of October the camp will remain at Camp 4. The safari structure: Thursdays and Sundays will be the transfer days. We will not be holding space at the camps either side, so where you stay either side, and for how long, will be subject to availability.

This gives you either 3 or 4 days in a beautiful and remote area. We will be developing a small road network for these safaris so night drives and limited day drives will be possible. And of course, the game viewing in October can be extraordinary because of the concentration of game around the Mupamadzi river.

Day 1 - Nkwali Camp - On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, 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.

Day 2 - Nkwali Camp - At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by road via the main gate. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you will go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world, returning to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.

Day 3 - Tena Tena Camp - Up for an early breakfast and then gamedrive through the park to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 3 hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river, and then a 20 minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 tents, each with a dressing room, open air bathroom and private verandah that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge Mahogany tree in the centre of the camp. On arrival you will be shown to your tent and then lunch will be served followed by a siesta and then tea before the afternoon and evening game drive.

Day 4 - Bush Camp - Up at sunrise for breakfast and then the morning walk to the first bush camp. Situated in a secluded area of the Nsefu sector the camp is simple and “bush”. Arriving in time for a leisurely lunch followed by a siesta. An afternoon walk will follow tea and then back to camp for sundowners and dinner around the camp fire.

Day 5 - Bush Camp - Day 5 The day is spent walking in the game rich area of the Luangwa riverine habitat, with ebony groves, many lagoons and of course the Luangwa River itself. During your morning walk the camp will be moved to a second site and lunch will be waiting for you on arrival, alternatively you and your guide may decide to have a picnic lunch en route. This is a very flexible day and your guide will discuss options to suit you and any other guests.