ZAMBIA: THE LUANGWA VALLEY

Arrive Dubai at 06.35 hrs. Connect to Emirates flight EK 713 departing Dubai at 09.25 hrs arriving Lusaka at 14.35 hrs. Onward bound domestic flight to Mfuwe. Transfer to the Mfuwe Lodge where three nights are spent.

Ease into Luangwa life with a stay at the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge. Set inside the park, just a five-minute drive from the main gate, the lodge’s allure is instantly obvious. Beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany, its 18 air-conditioned chalets are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where an endless stream of wildlife keeps guests enthralled while lounging on the open deck or taking a dip in the swimming pool. The airy interior of the lodge is an exquisite complement to its natural surroundings.

In November, the local elephants regularly wander right through the lobby, lured by a nearby wild mango tree.

Situated in the shady grounds of Mfuwe Lodge, the Phil Berry Centre comprises a library and photographic studio. Mfuwe Lodge also offers the chance to relax at its Bush-Spa or to buy a few Zambia mementos at their curio shop.

Whether staying overnight, or just having lunch en route to a bushcamp, Mfuwe Lodge’s relaxed charm and enviable surroundings make it the perfect stopover.

The game viewing potential at Mfuwe Lodge and the surrounding area is second-to-none. Walking safaris can be arranged on request, but the majority of outings are game drives, allowing guests to explore as much of this prolific region of the Luangwa Valley as possible. Drives are led by the experienced team of guides, setting out at first light, and then again in the late afternoon when the wildlife is at its most active. After sundowners, spotlights are used to pick out a new cast of nocturnal creatures.

Eighteen air-conditioned chalets are scattered around the gardens and the secluded verandas outside each provide a lovely vantage point for the comings and goings. Inside, each chalet has a comfortable sitting room, imperial king or twin beds, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Facilities include a pool, spa, gym, library, curio shop and photographic studio.

Three nights at Mfuwe Lodge in an imperial king or twin-bedded Chalet, inclusive of all meals, local drinks, laundry and scheduled game drives and walks.

Game Viewing at Mfuwe Lodge.

Game Viewing at Mfuwe Lodge.

Transfer by vehicle to Chindeni Bush Camp where three nights are spent with game-viewing en route.

Chindeni Bushcamp is a sublime tented camp on the edge of a permanent lagoon with the Chindeni Hills providing a truly breathtaking backdrop. In an enviable location where hippo chortle and elephant wallow, this camp is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful tented camps in the South Luangwa.

There’s something about sleeping under canvas that ignites a sense of adventure in everyone. At Chindeni you can combine that thrill with style and comfort in one of its four opulent tents. Gaze out from your private veranda onto the lagoon which attracts birds and animals from miles around.

Whether you are in the mood for intrepid exploration or perhaps some more sedentary wildlife viewing, Chindeni will deliver. Set out on superb walking safaris, game drives, night drives, and scenic sundowner trips in the surrounding area, or simply settle yourself in a deckchair at camp and watch the abundance of game that is drawn to the lagoon.

At Chindeni, combine that thrill with style and comfort in one of the four spacious tents, with their wooden floors, four-poster beds, and impressive views over the lagoon from the private verandas.

Three nights at Chindeni Bush Camp in a Tented Chalet (with four-poster bed), inclusive of all meals, local drinks, laundry and scheduled game drives and walks.

Game Viewing at Chindeni Bushcamp.

Game Viewing at Chindeni Bushcamp.

Transfer by vehicle to Kuyenda Bushcamp for a four-night stay with game-viewing en route.

There’s something undeniably special about Kuyenda. Set beneath shady trees by the Manzi River, it may be the simplest of the bushcamps collection but Kuyenda embodies the authentic charm of old Africa with its cluster of traditional thatched grass huts and back-tonature feel.

As for the wildlife, you hardly need look for it as it will come to you. Settle down in the lounge and look out over the rippling grasses of the neighbouring plain where the drama of the African wilderness is played out each day.

Top of the list at Kuyenda are game drives, on offer both morning and afternoon/evening. Walking safaris can also be arranged. Whether you are looking at a leopard or a termite mound, you will always be surrounded by some of the South Luangwa’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, guaranteeing that no two outings will ever be the same.

Forget infinity pools and wifi, Kuyenda’s simple and spacious rondavels (circular huts) open onto a spacious deck for the ultimate in bush views and come complete with open-air en suite bathroom. Panoramic windows overlook the surrounding plains and the incredible game that frequently saunters through camp, day, and night. Each chalet is equipped with a king bed or twin bed, a shower, twin wash basins, a toilet, solarpowered hot and cold running water, toiletries, and standing floor fans and mosquito nets.

Rooms have panoramic views and open up onto a wooden deck where you can look out onto the surrounding plains. The camp embodies the authentic charm of old Africa with its cluster of traditional thatched grass huts and back-tonature feel. Here you can experience the area’s wildlife with game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.

Four nights at Kyenda Bushcamp in a thatched Rondavel on a full board basis, including all meals, local drinks and scheduled safari activities.

Game Viewing at Kuyenda Bushcamp.

Game Viewing at Kuyenda Bushcamp.

Game Viewing at Kuyenda Bushcamp.

Transfer by vehicle to Mfuwe Lodge where a further night is spent.

Game Viewing at Mfuwe Lodge.

One night at Mfuwe Lodge in an imperial king or twin-bedded Chalet, inclusive of all meals, local drinks, laundry and scheduled game drives and walks.

Transfer to Mfuwe airport for your domestic flight to Lusaka. Onward bound suggested flight (not included in the itinerary) Emirates EK 714 departing Lusaka at 21.35 hrs.

Arrive Dubai at 06.30 hrs. Connect to Emirates flight EK 29 departing Dubai at 09.40 hrs arriving London Heathrow at 14.25 hrs.