Hidden Gems of Zambia – Nine Days

Overview

Countries visited: Zambia

Explore Zambia’s premier destinations of South Luangwa and Livingstone, while staying at the hidden gems of the area.

You will even have a true wilderness experience when spending a couple of nights bush camping – the ideal way to really get intimate with nature. This is sandwiched by nights at two permanent camps before moving onto Livingstone and continuing on to an island situated on the majestic Zambezi River. These remote locations afford opportunities to see an abundance of wildlife, and truly appreciate the vastness of the pristine African bush.

This splendid journey is suitable for those looking for a more exclusive adventure, solo travellers, groups of friends, couples, wildlife and photographic enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Day 1  Tena Tena Camp

On arrival at Lusaka International Airport you will be met and assisted with immigration and customs clearing plus checking in for your Mfuwe bound flight. The flight varies between an hour and a quarter and an hour and three quarters, depending on size of aircraft used. Once at Mfuwe, you will be met by your guide for your drive to  Tena Tena camp. The drive to camp is approximately an 1 hour and a half through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush; but may be more depending on what exciting sightings you have along the way.
Tena Tena is a remote and small camp which 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 the river. 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 2  Tena Tena Camp

A full day to of safari activities, totally flexible to your interests.

Day 3  Luangwa 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 and an afternoon walk will follow tea and then back to camp for sundowners and dinner around the camp fire.

Day 4  Luangwa Bush Camp

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 may 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. The day is flexible and your guide will discuss options to suit you and any other guests.

Day 5  Nsefu Camp

Following a relaxed breakfast you will walk out of camp and head towards Nsefu Camp, stopping for tea and cake along the way and arriving in time for lunch. The camp is on a sweeping bend of the river. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris own the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavels with luxurious en suite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandahs. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.

Day 6  Sindabezi

Today (usually in the morning) you will take a flight transfer onto Livingstone via Lusaka. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Tongabezi Lodge and onward transfer to Sindabezi Island, a true remote treasure

Day 7 – 8  Sindabezi

There is a wide range of activities on offer at Sindabezi including fishing, canoe trips on the river, game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline filled activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and microlighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The day will end with a relaxed dinner served either in the main dining area or as a private meal outside of your room.

Day 8

A full day to enjoy the many activities available in Livingstone or simply take in the beautiful setting of Sindabezi Island.

Day 9  End of Journey

After breakfast you may have a morning activity, time permitting or a transfer to Livingstone Airport for your onward connection.

Accommodation

2 Nights at Tena Tena Camp, 2 nights at Luangwa Bush Camp, 1 night at Nsefu Camp, 3 nights at Sindabezi Island

Tena Tena Camp

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa – a claim which is not an overstatement.

It is through this 9050sq kilometer National Park that the great meandering Luangwa River runs, with its ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. On a double tiered river bank each room enjoys its own private view onto a long stretch of the Luangwa River.

Luangwa Bush Camp

What is “bush camping”? …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… When staying at Tena Tena and Nsefu you can walk between the two for two or three days, camping on the way. This is simple camping but with that extra touch of comfort. There are stand up tents, mattresses on the ground, sheets and blankets, wash basin, shared 60L bucket shower, bush loo, full bar and food service, fully serviced camp (except laundry). The walking is in one of the most lagoon rich areas of the Luangwa and hence the game is superb.

Nsefu Camp

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa – a claim which is not an overstatement. It is through this 9050sq kilometer National Park that the great meandering Luangwa River runs, with its ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross lies the historic camp Nsefu. Nsefu is one steeped in history and was built in 1951 and barring some upgrades the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. The Nsefu sector was first pronounced a game reserve in 1966 some five years before the South Luangwa was even declared and has always been recognised as an outstanding game-viewing area. Robin Pope Safaris took over Nsefu in 1998, spent a year upgrading it and opened it the following July.

The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa.

Sindabezi

Sindabezi Island is unique – the discerning traveler’s best kept secret. An idyllic, exclusive camp on our very own private isle on the Zambezi River it is the only luxury bush camp from where Victoria Falls can comfortably be explored. Experience the large number of activities in the area during the day and return to a tranquil haven, a thousand light years away from the bustle at night. Sindabezi Island is currently one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa according to Fodor’s.

Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing guests to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting. Views across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience.

Many guests combine Sindabezi with a stay at our sister property, Tongabezi Lodge, a short boat ride away.

Attractions

South Luangwa: walking, game drives (day and night), Kawaza Village Tour, Tribal Textiles tour (for souvenirs), Chipembele Wildlife Orphanage visit.

Livingstone: Victoria Falls visit, Livingstone Island lunch/high tea, cultural tours, sunset cruises, walking with lions, elephant rides, canoeing, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, microlighting.

These lists are continuously updated, contact us at time of booking for more.

More Info

Itinerary: Tena Tena 2 nights, Luangwa Bush Camping 2 nights, Nsefu 1 night and Sindabezi 3 nights

Includes all safari activities except in Livingstone (contact us for included activities), meals, bar (premium drinks extra), laundry, airport transfers plus domestic flights.

Excludes International flights, airport taxes, visa fees, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

NOTE: Camp order may be flexible depending on availability plus lower or higher end properties may be used on request.