Positive Impact: Luangwa

Your Safari begins in Mfuwe (NOTE: this safari can also start from Lusaka, Lilongwe or Chipata. Please enquire for rates).

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.

Upon arrival at Mfuwe airport, our resident guides will collect you from the airport and transfer you to Thornicroft Lodge, where you will spend 4 nights in a Bush Style Chalet on full board basis. Your stay includes community/NGOs tours, environmental tours, visit to local schools and wildlife activities. Depending on the time of your arrival, it may be possible to have a first Night Drive in the National Park. Dinner at the Lodge

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 of 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 and leopards 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 considered one of the highlights for any true Africa lover.

This abundance of wildlife, however, is also known to put a strain on the local communities and villages surrounding the National Park and the Game Management Areas. Human/Wildlife conflict has been a subject of discussion for many years and numerous non-governmental bodies have tried to address the situation, resulting in a vast number of NGOs establishing themselves in this year to work together with the Chiefdoms and communities to improve the lives of the farmers, women, children and other inhabitants.

Breakfast at the lodge followed by introductions / orientations before you begin a guided tour of the villages in chief Kakumbi’s chiefdom. This will be followed by a visit to Project Luangwa, an NGO that supports empowering south Luangwa communities and conservation through tourism, education and gender programs. Here, the team will take you through how they’re contributing positively to the local communities and protecting flora/fauna of this area through various initiatives. Return to the lodge for Lunch and visit Chipembele Trust School in the afternoon. Here, you will learn about rural Zambian School system and enjoy activities with the children; during the afternoon you will have a chance to participate and contribute to the community in different ways. Return to the Lodge in the evening and dinner at the Lodge. Night lodging

Breakfast at the lodge followed by a visit to Nsefu Conservation Foundation, an NGO that is empowering Nsefu community including women with various community projects such as Nsefu Women Sewing Centre, bee keeping and community clinic. A tour will be centred around these projects to get a deeper insight on how these projects are benefitting the local people (you will be welcome to contribute and participate in different ways). You shall also meet the scouts employed by the Organisation and get to understand how they’re are working around the clock to ensure they address human animal conflict in the GMA and protect endangered species of this part of the park. From here, you will head to Kawaza village where you will be welcomed with songs and traditional dances from the community women. The local guide will take you through the meanings of the songs, dances and their general tradition. After, a traditional lunch prepared by their chefs will follow. At this stage, the local guide will take you through all the dishes served and how they’re prepared. Return to the lodge in the afternoon. Dinner at the lodge and night lodging

Early wake and breakfast at the lodge followed by a morning game drive. You will be accompanied by a scout from Department of National Parks and Wildlife who will take you through some lessons on how they patrol the park and also di-snare trapped wild animals in the park that are as a result of illegal poaching.

Return to the lodge for Lunch and afternoon night game drive thereafter to follow. Dinner at the lodge and night lodging.

Breakfast at the lodge. Depending on your arrangements for the next art of your journey, you will be transferred to your relevant destination. End of arrangements