South Luangwa & Kafue National Park - Kaingu Safari Lodge
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South
Discover Luangwa
South Luangwa
& Kafue National Park
Zambia is known as the real Africa and for good reasons, its unspoilt wilderness and plentiful wildlife will
truly amaze you. Discover the South Luangwa National Park, home of the walking safari and Kafue National
Park, remote and wild. Qualified guides will take you on a truly unforgettable safari experience.
This 14 day tailor made safari allows you to experience four beautiful, yet vastly different, areas, staying at
well-respected safari lodges and down to earth bush camps:
5 nights South Luangwa: Kafunta River Lodge & Three River Camp or Island Bush Camp
8 nights Kafue National Park: Musekese Camp & KaingU Safari Lodge with river sleepout
This trip is perfect for those wanting to observe the abundance of wildlife of the South Luangwa National
Park and to explore the untamed wilderness of the Kafue National Park and river.
Travel Dates: 25th May to 31st October 2021
ZAMBIA
Musekes
e Camp
ZIMBABWE
BOTSWANA
Brief Safari Overview:
Beginning and ending in Zambias’ capital city Lusaka, experience great wildlife sightings with Kafunta
Safaris, one of Africa’s finest walking safaris at Musekese and stunning river locations at KaingU.
The Luangwa Valley is the ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to enjoy the abundant
wildlife. Game drives take place every morning and afternoon and are accompanied by Kafunta’s qualified
safari guides. Night drives provide the unique opportunity to see a great variety of nocturnal animals and
the chance to see lions and leopards as well as other predators in their time of activity and with a bit of
luck you might even experience the big cats hunting. The walking safaris are a great opportunity to be at
one with nature.
Secluded away in remote areas of the Kafue National you will have a real wildlife experience, mostly all to
yourself. Discover mammal and bird species by game drives in the morning, afternoon and with a spotlight
at night, by boating, canoeing and walking safaris.
The highly experienced guiding teams at Musekese and KaingU Safari Lodge enable you to have a
customized safari, tailored in your requirements as much as possible.
South Luangwa and Kafue National Park are both excellent bird watching destinations.
You will enjoy accommodation in a classic safari lodge, authentic bush camp and boutique tented chalets:
South Luangwa: 2 Nights Kafunta River Lodge & 3 nights Three River Camp (or Island Bush Camp)
Kafue: 3 nights Musekese Camp & 5 nights KaingU Safari Lodge including an river sleep-out (5 nights for 4)
All camps included in this safari package are run in an eco and socially sustainable manner.
PAGE 3 -5 itinerary PAGE 11-12 about South Luangwa & Kafue National Park 2
PAGE 6-10 about Kafunta, Musekese, KaingU PAGE 13-14 contact, rates, notes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to the South Luangwa National Park:
After arriving in Lusaka, you will fly with Proflight north west to Mfuwe (± 1 hour) where one of
Kafuntas guides welcomes you to the Luangwa Valley and drives you to Kafunta River Lodge.
Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambian safari lodge and combines all the essentials for a great safari.
You will find rest and peace after your day of travelling in combination with personalised service and
a warm welcome. Arriving in time, you can join one of the exciting afternoon activities like a walking
or driving safari.
Day 2: Experience all the comfort and excitement an African safari can offer:
Kafunta River Lodge has its own pontoon 5 minutes from the lodge and this adventurous river
crossing takes you into the more remote areas of the South Luangwa National Park, giving access to
extraordinarily good wildlife encounters.
Kafunta is also a short game drive from the main gate giving access to the abundant game viewing of
the Mfuwe sector. The early morning hours are ideal for a game drive or alternatively a walking safari
can be arranged. During your afternoon game drive you will stop for sundowners in the bush to fully
experience the magnificent African sunsets. You continue with the drive in the dark which allows you
to spot nocturnal animals.
Day 3-4: Nature up close and personal:
After breakfast you will proceed to the rustic and adventurous wilderness camp, Island Bush Camp,
or the brand new and fabulously located tented camp, Three Rivers Camp (enquire).
Highly qualified guides take you on exciting game drives or walking safaris and share their extensive
knowledge of the Zambian bush with you. The South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the home
of the walking safari and one of the few places where it is possible to walk amongst the African
wildlife. Walking safaris are a great opportunity to be at one with nature and experience a safari
from a unique perspective.
3
Itinerary continued
Day 5: Take a game drive back to Kafunta River Lodge and schedule your activity for the afternoon.
Each of the luxury private chalets and the main lounge & dining area overlook the game rich flood
plain. The wildlife hide underneath the deck is also the perfect place to enjoy a spot of birding or
photography during the hottest part of the day.
Next to the bar is a infinity pool and the only natural hot tub in the Luangwa Valley.
Day 6: Travel to the Kafue National Park:
After a warm good bye from Kafunta, you will be taken to the Mfuwe airport and fly to Lusaka (± 1
hour) where you will be awaited by your transfer driver who will take you to Musekese Camp located
in the center of the northern sector of the Kafue National Park (5-6 hour drive).
Or enquire about fly in options (±1 hour flight + 30 min. transfer by vehicle & boat to the lodge).
Arrive in camp with the option of an afternoon activity or simply unwind & relax with a sundowner
and dinner.
Day 7-8: Kafue: Into the wild
Secluded, set in a remote area of the Kafue National Park, you will have a real wildlife experience,
mostly all to yourself.
With the assistance of your guide, daily activities for your stay at Musekese will be scheduled to suit
your needs as far as possible. Encounter wildlife on excellent walking safaris, boating or morning,
afternoon and night game drives or just whilst having a drink on the camp deck, from herds of
elephant frolicking to the hundreds of puku keeping an eye out for one of the resident lion prides in
the area.
Tasty food and caring service will compliment your customized itinerary at Musekese.
Day 9: Enjoy breakfast at the camp before a morning transfer (game) drive to KaingU Safari Lodge (4 hour
drive, plus 10min boat). Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch by the river’s edge, followed by a siesta,
afternoon boat cruise, sundowner and dinner.
4
Itinerary continued
Day 10-13: Explore the wilderness of the Kafue National Park and river
With the assistance of your highly qualified guide, daily activities for your stay at KaingU
will be scheduled to suit your needs.
The Lodge is located on a stunningly beautiful part of the Kafue River, with a myriad of channels,
rapids and islands lending itself to a range of exciting river based activities which include boat cruises,
birding, canoeing and river trails. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to explore a larger
area and encounter wildlife up close.
Seasonal highlights are also the Beeeater- and Parrot-hides which offer you great photographic
opportunities.
From the top of one of the large granite boulders in the Namwala GMA you will get a 360° view over
nothing but nature! Visit the KaingU Trust school or a rural African village, see where groundnuts
grow and fields are still plough by oxen.
Sleep out in the cosy Tonga-treebasket, a unique way for adventurers to be even closer to nature.
Whilst relaxing at KaingU, you will enjoy delicious meals and snacks, inspired by local ingredients and
the constant persuit of an exceptional experience for our guest.
Day 14: Departure
Filled with memories and a wholesome breakfast or brunch, you will depart to Lusaka (road transfer:
4-5 hours) or to your next destination.
1-2nd night: KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE, South Luangwa NP
morning, afternoon and night game drives, walking safaris, birding, wildlife hide, natural hot tub
3-4th night: ISLAND BUSH CAMP or THREE RIVERS CAMP
morning, afternoon and night game drives, walking safaris, birding
5th night: KAFUNTA RIVER LODGEE, South Luangwa NP
6-8th night: MUSEKESE CAMP, northern sector Kafue NP
walking safaris, morning/afternoon and night game drives, birding walks, wildlife viewing by boat
9-13th night: KAINGU SAFARI LODGE, central sector Kafue NP
river cruises, canoeing, nature & rock walks, morning/afternoon and all day game drives,
photographic hides, birding, community visits, island breakfasts and rapids dinners
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Kafunta River Lodge
Let us share our passion for the valley and the African bush with you.
At Kafunta River Lodge, each of the luxury private chalets and the main lounge & dining area overlook the game rich
flood plain. Beyond the plain is the Luangwa River and one of the best game viewing areas of the magical South
Luangwa National Park, the premier park in Zambia and one of the best national parks in all of Africa.
Our eight private safari chalets have been built on raised wooden platforms and have thatched roofs. They are
tastefully decorated with African style and charm. All were just refurbished this year (2019) to even higher standards.
Additionally, there are two luxury suites which feature a private deck, an upstairs viewing veranda and a luxurious
bathroom. You can absorb the stunning location and, while darkness falls, enjoy sumptuous candle lit meals under a
vast African night sky, whilst watching as animals of all types come to the floodlit waterhole, a simply magical
experience.
A peaceful early morning breakfast on the deck as the sun rises is a great way to start your day, just before the
excitement of a safari exploring the wildlife of the South Luangwa with your guide.
Next to the bar is our infinity pool and the only natural hot tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from
a completely natural geothermal source on Kafunta’s grounds. Here you can enjoy pure relaxation while being
presented with magnificent views over the flood plain and the Luangwa River. The water is very therapeutic and has
an average temperature of 37 degrees. During the cooler nights from May to July this is just the perfect ending of an
eventful day on safari in the park.
The newest addition to Kafunta River Lodge is the Fig Tree Spa. Tucked away in a quiet and private corner of the
Kafunta property you can enjoy some refreshing and relaxing treatments. The little hut is open towards the plain and
surrounded by indigenous bush that provides cool shade.
A small gym hut is now also available for the fitness aficionados.
We’ve been in the South Luangwa Valley for over 20 years and we see it as our responsibility to protect and preserve it for
the future. We instantly fell in love with the South Luangwa when we first came here and we have made it our home.
6
Three River Lodge
Three Rivers Camp is set at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba and Lusangazi Rivers in South Luangwa.
The stylish tents lay under shady sausage trees and are facing either the Luangwa River or the game-rich lagoon.
Three Rivers Camp is exquisitely intimate with only 5 spacious tents, elegantly decorated with natural materials and
earthy hues. They have large gauzed windows embracing extensive views of the Luangwa River and the nearby
lagoon. Each tent has its own wooden deck with comfy chairs to enjoy the surrounding vistas.
The en-suite bathrooms include indoor and outdoor showers, double sinks and flushing toilets.
The distinctive feature of each guest room is its private elevated platform, safely connected to the tent for
convenient access day and night. Ready with plush beds, the platform lets you absorb the stunning views during the
day or sleep under the stars surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
The dining lounge is discreetly set on the banks of the river, with a welcoming bar and relaxing chairs. Observe the
many hippos and crocodiles basking on the beaches ahead, and keep your camera at hand to capture the swift
African Skimmer or colorful bee-eater. After dinner enjoy the fireplace while looking up at the millions of stars, or
listen to lions roaring in the distance.
With the same upscale standards as Kafunta River Lodge our kitchen provides delicious meals, with sumptuous
buffets for brunch and elegant dinners served at a candlelit table by the river.
We offer game drives in the South Luangwa National Park along with bush walks around the camp area and down
the river banks. Encounter elephants, giraffes, waterbuck, and maybe the relatively rare roan antelope with a chance
to also spot lions, leopards or wild dogs. Short night drives are also offered before returning to camp for dinner.
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Island Bush Camp
Island Bush Camp offers untouched wilderness and walking safaris in the heart of South Luangwa National Park.
This authentic Zambian bush camp is set under the cool shade of old mahogany trees on the banks of the Luangwa
River. With views that stretch from the Chindeni hills in the Eastern corners of the Luangwa Valley to the Muchinga
escarpment in the West, you are presented with the complete natural boundary of this remote and achingly
beautiful wilderness. Every day is presented with new experiences and never the same.
Far from the well beaten tracks, Island Bush Camp offers complete solitude and has just 5 bush chalets tastefully
decorated in a simple, chic bush style. They are open to the front with stunning views over the river and allow the
sounds of the bush to drift through. Each chalet is built out of natural materials and sits on a wooden platform high
off the ground. Cosy beds are turned down each night behind tented mozzie nets.
Each chalet has an en suite bathroom on the same level as the rooms also facing the river. The bathroom is open to
the sky, with a stylish and practical canvas bucket shower, that is filled with hot water once a day. There is cold
running water and flush toilets.
The shady lounge area is the focal point of the camp, with comfortable chairs and attentive staff behind the bar. The
fireplace right at the river front is the ideal place to watch the sun rise and fall. Here you marvel at the galaxy of stars
and spend the evening listing to the sounds of the wild or to the many bush tales the guides like to share with their
guests. Early morning tea is taken around the campfire during sunrise where the bread is freshly toasted over the fire.
There is no better way to start the day in the bush!
Walking safaris are our main activity in this heavenly place. This is your chance to explore the bush on a different
level. You walk in small groups and will be escorted by an armed official wildlife scout and our experienced guides.
Although the main activity at Island Bush Camp is walking safaris, we do also use a safari vehicle to get into a variety
of walking areas or return from a walk after dark to discover some of the nocturnal wildlife in the area.
8
Musekese Camp
Musekese Camp is located in one of the most remote and wildest parts of the Kafue National Park, in an area chosen
specifically for the positive impact it would have on conservation as well as to give you the best possible wildlife
encounters. It is nestled in a large stand of massive riverine trees overlooking an immense dambo, where you can sit
and watch the diverse and large congregations of wildlife, from the comfort of your chalet or whilst having a drink on
the deck.
The Musekese camp itself comprises four well appointed, traditionally thatched chalets, all complete with
comfortable beds, soft linens and locally sourced furnishings. Open air en-suite bathrooms come with traditional
wood warmed bucket showers and flushing toilets, combining style with practicality for a comfortable stay.
The main lounge area is under a cool, grass thatch roof, providing shade in the heat of the day where you can relax
with a book or an ice cold drink. Alternatively, the large deck, which extends into the dambo, provides unparalleled
game viewing and bird-watching opportunities. It is also a truly breathtaking site for dinner under the stars.
Good cuisine at J&M Safaris is of utmost importance to us and we have been fortunate to have Michelin-star trained
chef Jamie Sparks create a bespoke menu and train our loyal and willing local kitchen staff.
A typical day at the Musekese site can include any of a number of exciting activities all dedicated to getting the most
out of your time; from boat cruises along the unhurried Kafue river and its tributaries searching for elusive and rare
birds such as the Pel’s Fishing Owl and African Finfoot, to walking safaris where the smells, textures and undulations
of the ‘real’ Africa are experienced in a more immersive manner.
Open game drive vehicles allow you to get up close and personal with the larger animals of the Kafue. And one must
not forget the viewing hides and blinds, strategically hidden away, where you can relax and wait for the wildlife and
birds to come to you - a fantastic and unique way to enjoy the bush.
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KaingU Safari Lodge
Set in an area of pristine wilderness, KaingU Safari Lodge offers a magnificent safari experience in the heart of the
African bush. KaingU provides a unique stay for travellers wishing to get closer to the unspoilt wilderness of the 'real'
Africa, experience the warm and welcoming people of Zambia and enjoy wildlife and scenery undisturbed.
Our experienced guiding team and large range of guided activities enable you to have a tailored safari experience.
Enjoy viewing wild animals, birds, river and landscape on driving and walking safaris, on river cruises or while
canoeing. Parrot- and bee-eater hides, island breakfasts, sleep outs and rapids dinners complement your stay. Our
unique section of the Kafue River and Park provide the perfect backdrop for this diverse range of activities,
unmatched in the Kafue.
Set on raised individual private wooden decks, each overlooking their own piece of the Kafue River,
KaingU Safari Lodge comprises six boutique tents with en-suite bathrooms, indoor showers and an open-air shower
or bath. The tent's additional thatched roof provides extra shade. Our Finfoot family house consists of two bedrooms
(one queen, one twin), two en-suite bathrooms plus outside showers and a central lounge opening onto a private
deck overlooking the river. It’s a perfect spot for a couple with children, or a small group of friends.
Our Tonga-treebasket provides a unique sleep out.
The lodge is built with minimal impact to the environment, run in an eco and socially sustainable manner.
A great asset to the area be it providing training and employment to the communities around the national park,
providing additional income by purchasing as many goods locally as possible, supporting the local community school
and contributing to the protection of wildlife in the area.
Personal attention to each and every guest makes you feel at home instantly. It is a place to unwind, indulge in fresh
cuisine prepared by our local chefs and be spoilt with an abundance of activities or, if you prefer, just relax and feel
the heartbeat of Africa.
The friendly staff like to share their culture, stories, traditional knowledge and craftsmanship with you.
10The South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park is the most popular national park of Zambia and has year-round access.
It is one of Africa’s ecologically unspoilt wilderness areas. The national park is 9,050 square km in size and
home to over 420 species of birds and over 60 species of mammals.
The park is renowned for its high population of leopards which are commonly seen on night drives, large
herds of elephant as well as great numbers of hippo and crocodile in the river.
Lions are commonly seen in South Luangwa National Park and prides here include up to 20 animals! Indig-
enous species to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson’s wil-
debeest.
The dry season from June to October is ideal for viewing the abundant game in the park. As the river dries
up the animals come into the lagoons to drink more frequently, providing you with great opportunities for
sightings. The ever-changing course of the river has left many oxbow lagoons and the stunning scenery
makes it a truly unique wildlife destination.
11The Kafue National Park
Covering an area of 22,500 km², Kafue National Park is the 2nd largest in Africa and comprises many
diverse habitats: it is travered by the Kafue, Lufupa, Lunga and Luansanza Rivers. The adjoining peaceful
stretches of riverine vegetation, dambos and wetlands, extensive miombo woodland with seasonal
floodplains and swampland in the very north and south.
Owing to this varied habitat, Kafue is blessed with one of the highest diversities of mammals of all national
parks in the world (158 species). Wildebeest, puku, red lechwe, Defassa waterbuck, reedbuck to name afew,
and roan, sable or oribi sightings are not uncommon either. There is a high density of lion, while leopard
are common in the central parts; species like cheetah and wild dog are seen too.
The birdlife is also spectacular. Over 515 species of birds inhabit the park and surrounding areas - from
wattled and crowned crane, saddle billed stork, ground hornbill, Ross's turaco, African finfoot and Pel's
fishing owl.
Only after some time here in the Kafue will you realize what is missing – other game drive vehicles, people
and boats. It truly is one of the last wilderness areas of Africa.
The Kafue National Park offers with game drives, excellent walking safaris, canoe trails, boat cruises, birding
and wonderful relaxation an unforgettable safari experience.
8612South Luangwa & Kafue National Park
14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS SAFARI from $7,657
INCLUDING TRANSFERS* PER PERSON
Availability & Cost: 1st to 30th June: low season rate from: please enquire
1st July to 31st October: high season rate from: please enquire
Duration: 13 Nights: 1st -2nd night: KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE, South Luangwa NP
3rd – 4th night: ISLAND BUSH CAMP or THREE RIVER CAMP, South Luangwa NP
5th night: KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE, South Luangwa NP
6th – 8th night: MUSEKESE CAMP, Kafue NP
9th - 13th night: KAINGU SAFARI LODGE, central sector Kafue NP
Includes: Accommodation, transfers*, activities, meals & snacks, local drinks, laundry service,
10% service charge, South Luangwa and Kafue community and conservation bed night levies, South
Luangwa and Kafue national park entry fees
Brief notes:
Rates are in USD per person, sharing. Enquire for single supplement details.
*Arrival & Departure option included in above rate:
return flights with Proflight from Lusaka to Mfuwe (South Luangwa),
road transfer to and from Mfuwe, Kafunta River Lodge and between camps,
road transfer from Lusaka to Musekese (upgrade this leg to fly in at extra $120 per person),
road transfer from Musekese to Kaingu and to Lusaka
Rate inclusions: as listed above.
Rate exclusions: premium drinks, international airfares, travel insurance, departure taxes, entry visas
For reservation & booking contact:
Lynda: reservations@kaingu-lodge.com Izzy: bookings@luangwa.com
13Notes, Terms & Conditions
Reasonable physical condition is recommended for the canoeing and walking safaris.
Child policy: Children are welcome by prior arrangement through the sole use of the camp at Musekese and
Ntemwa-Busanga, subject to availability.
Children under 14 years: 50% off if sharing with 2 adults; regrettably no children under 14 years permitted on
walking or canoeing safaris; Please enquire for detailed child policies on activities and special activities for young
adventurous.
Self Drive options and other charter flights available. Please enquire for rates and itinerary.
A comprehensive medical and travel insurance including medical evacuation before arrival is recommended.
Bookings made on provisional basis must be confirmed within 60 days with 30% deposit. All lodges included in
this package reserve the right to cancel any booking that is not confirmed within this period.
Full payment is due 6 weeks prior to arrival.
Cancellation fees apply:
01-30 days prior to arrival: 100% of due payment
30-60 days prior to arrival: 50% of due payment
60+ days prior to arrival: 30% of due payment
Meet and Assist Service at Lusaka Airport is available (extra cost)
For reservation & booking contact:
Lynda: reservations@kaingu-lodge.com Izzy: bookings@luangwa.com
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