Cultural Expedition: Kulamba & South Luangwa

Upon landing at Lusaka international airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Wild Dogs Lodge, in the Northern part of the city, where you will spend 1 night on a B&B basis. Dinner in Lusaka not included.

Breakfast at the lodge and short transfer to Lusaka international airport, where you will board a domestic flight to Mfuwe – South Luangwa National Park.

Mfuwe is the closest village from where to access South Luangwa National Park. Even though it is very close to such an internationally acclaimed attraction, it still maintains the spirit and looks of a traditional Zambian village.

You will be picked up and transferred to the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park, where you will spend 3 nights wild camping in an unfenced wilderness area – the remote wilderness site has no electricity, has bush toilets and bucket showers and offers the most authentic wilderness experience in the valley!

ALTERNATIVELY: Short transfer to Thornicroft Lodge and check in en-suite chalets with full-board provided by our resident chef and Game viewing activities on board of our vehicles. 

Afternoon game drive and dinner prepared by your accompanying chef.

South Luangwa National Park is the most famous of National Parks is Zambia due to the abundance of wildlife and the great opportunities to spot large predators. In addition to a large population of felines (mostly leopards and lions), it is home to a large number of elephants, hippos, buffaloes and numerous endemic species such as Thorncrofft giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeests, Crashway’s zebras. The Luangwa River has the highest concentration of hippos per km2 in the whole Africa and offers great reproduction and hunting ground for many animals, such as fish eagles, jackals, hyenas, crocodiles, and countless birds. Sunsets on the Luangwa River are unforgettable experiences and the visit to this National Park is consider one of the highlights for any true Africa lover. 

Early wake and sunrise breakfast with hot beverages and toasts/biscuits before starting off on your first Game drive of the day. Return to camp around 10,00 and time to relax. Brunch, followed by an afternoon Night Drive that will continue after sunset to maximise your chances to spot nocturnal predators.

Dinner at camp, prepared by the accompanying cook and night camping or lodging, based on chosen alternative.

South Luangwa National Park is the most famous of National Parks is Zambia due to the abundance of wildlife and the great opportunities to spot large predators. In addition to a large population of felines (mostly leopards and lions), it is home to a large number of elephants, hippos, buffaloes and numerous endemic species such as Thorncrofft giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeests, Crashway’s zebras. The Luangwa River has the highest concentration of hippos per km2 in the whole Africa and offers great reproduction and hunting ground for many animals, such as fish eagles, jackals, hyenas, crocodiles, and countless birds. Sunsets on the Luangwa River are unforgettable experiences and the visit to this National Park is consider one of the highlights for any true Africa lover. 

Early wake and sunrise breakfast with hot beverages and toasts/biscuits before starting off on your first Game drive of the day. Return to camp around 10,00 and time to relax. Brunch, followed by an afternoon Night Drive that will continue after sunset to maximise your chances to spot nocturnal predators.

Dinner at camp, prepared by the accompanying cook and night camping or lodging, based on chosen alternative.

Early morning breakfast and departure to Katete, where you will check in at Chengetani Lodge or similar, one of the nicest accommodations in the small and rural town of Katete. Arrival is expected approximately 3 hours after departure. Check in at your accommodation in en-suite rooms and proceed to the celebration site where you will enjoy the first celebrations of the Kulamba ceremony. Own arrangements for lunch at the ceremonial site (local street food) and dinner at the lodge (not incuded).

Breakfast at the lodge. With the assistance of our guides and our local representative in Katete among the Chewa people, you will be facilitated in getting the best possible experience during the Kulamba celebrations.

Today’s celebrations and dances will happen just outside the Royal Arena, and different masks and dance groups will perform incredible and culturally rich dances.

Own arrangements for meals at the celebrations. Night lodging

Breakfast at the lodge. With the assistance of our guides and our local representative in Katete among the Chewa people, you will be facilitated in getting the best possible experience during the Kulamba celebrations.

Today’s celebrations and dances will happen just outside the Royal Arena, and different masks and dance groups will perform incredible and culturally rich dances.

Own arrangements for meals at the celebrations. Night lodging

Breakfast at the lodge. With the assistance of our guides and our local representative in Katete among the Chewa people, you will be facilitated in getting the best possible experience during the Kulamba celebrations.

On the last day, you will have VIP seats in the main arena, where all the dances, masks, snake enchanters and flying spirits will perform in front of Chief Gawa Unidi, and you will be able to move freely around the arena escorted by your guides, to take fantastic pictures and videos of this unforgettable event.

Breakfast at the lodge and early departure for Lusaka (450 km of Tarmac road – approx.. 7 hours) where we expect to arrive around lunchtime. Accommodation at Wild Dogs Lodge. In the afternoon, time available to relax and prepare your luggage. Dinner in Lusaka not included.

Breakfast at the lodge. Depending on the time of your flight you will be taken to the airport. End of arrangements