PAN-LUANGWA TOUR

PHOTO SAFARI

PAN-LUANGWA TOUR

PHOTO SAFARI WITH EDWARD SELFE

This tour was created as a bespoke safari for two guests who wanted to travel right across all areas of the South Luangwa National Park, taking time in each location to get to know the area and enjoy the sightings available. We use wonderful camps in each of the areas we visit which, crucially, are in the prime spots.

Chindeni Camp is perched on the edge of a ridge, overlooking a lagoon and the Chindeni hills beyond. It is central in the Bushcamp Company’s game viewing zone, allowing us to head south towards the Kapamba River, or north, upstream towards the scenic areas around Chamilandu Camp. The game is good in this area, especially later in the season, and we’ll enjoy being inside the National Park allowing us to leave camp early.

Kaingo Camp is run by Shenton Safaris who have built their reputation around photographic safaris. This area has 3 resident lion prides, good leopard sightings and there are endless game sightings to be had immediately around the camp. The landscapes are spectacular, especially in the beautiful ebony groves, and there is a good chance of seeing the endemic Cookson’s wildebeest. Shenton Safaris are rightly famous for their hides which allow low and close views of hippos, carmine bee-eaters and scenic views of elephants crossing the main river. We will make extensive use of these hides during game viewing time, and also during the heat of the day when it is too hot to be out in the safari vehicles.

Nsefu Camp is on the eastern bank of the Luangwa in the exclusive Nsefu Sector of the National Park. This area offers outstanding wildlife photography opportunities with the added bonus that we will have the area largely to ourselves – a private and serene experience with Nature. Run by Robin Pope Safaris, Nsefu is one of the Valley’s longest-standing camps and resides in a tranquil wildlife hotspot in the middle of the Nsefu Sector. This final part of the safari shows Luangwa at its very best, competing with safaris anywhere else on the continent.

We will arrange your flights from Lusaka International Airport to Mfuwe International Airport, where Edward will meet you and transfer you to your first camp. Safaris begin with the afternoon game drive. After our final morning on safari, we will co-ordinate your departure to meet with the remainder of your itinerary and any onward connections.

This safari offers a combination of three areas; the southern zone, the northern sector and the Nsefu Sector. All have considerable advantages: the beauty of the southern area’s landscapes and opportunities for animal-scapes, the game density in the northern area which is outstanding, but we share the area with a few other camps and operators. The Nsefu Sector is far more exclusive, offering a combination of outstanding game and absolute privacy. It will therefore be the case that we share sightings with other visitors at Kaingo Camp and but this will rarely be the case at Nsefu Camp or Chindeni Camp.

Internal flights Lusaka – Mfuwe (South Luangwa) – Lusaka. Full board accommodation, standard drinks, all transport in the National Park and guided game viewing activities, pro-photographer guiding fees and informal photo processing sessions, South Luangwa National Park entrance fees, laundry, all airport transfers and onward transfers to your next camp.

International flights, premium drinks, visas, travel and medical insurance, (optional) tips, excess baggage charges, personal calls, gratuities, personal purchases, or any activities not specified in the itinerary.

TOUR DETAILS
  • Where: Chindeni, Kaingo Camp & Nsefu Camp

  • Nights: 12
    Chindeni Camp (4), Kaingo Camp (5), & Nsefu Camp (3)

  • Group Size: 4
    Guests will be offered to confirm at higher rate if fewer than 4 is reached.

DATES & RATES
  • Jul – Oct 2027 — Enquire
    from US $15,000 pp tbc
    US $2,800 Single Supplement

SAFARI

HIGHLIGHTS

Unusual Salt Pans

Right in the centre of the Nsefu Sector, an artesian well gushes hot, salty water from deep in the earth. It’s salty, but good to drink, and animals come from miles around to quench their thirst. Expect clashes as buffalo meet elephant meet hyaena!

Night Photography

Around the central area of the park, nocturnal mammals have become accustomed to the presence of night safaris and tend to ignore vehicles with spotlights. Mongooses, Pel’s fishing owls, leopards, genets and civets are all more active at night; with or without flash, there are interesting and exciting experiences to be gained.

Relaxed Game

The South Luangwa has been a safari hotspot for half a century. Game is wonderfully habituated to vehicles allowing photographers to document natural behaviour in an extraordinary way. The predators particularly are very confiding and allow wonderful encounters.

Very Large Safari Area

Using camps in three different zones of the park gives us vast opportunities for exploration. Some days we won’t venture far from camp, but other days will take us deep into the bush; it’s sometimes possible to take a safari lunch with us, so that we don’t have to return to camp in the middle of the day.

PREVIOUS TRIP REPORTS

FROM THIS AREA

Pan-Luangwa Safari | Oct 2024

October is always considered to be the peak safari month in South Luangwa. It’s hot, dry and there is a fantastic concentration of game along the river banks. It’s a time for safari purists who seek the greatest interaction of species, the best chances for sightings such as lions hunting buffalo, and don’t mind the early mornings and hot days that are required to achieve it. It’s elite safari.

Predator Luangwa | 6 – 13 July 2022

The northern sector of the South Luangwa is the most game rich of all; spending a week in this area, with few other people around, gave us wonderful sightings and the chance to watch them undisturbed. A true privilege.

Marianos & Siegal | 16 – 30 July 2018

Edward welcomed back 4 repeat guests from USA for a 14-night top-end photo safari in the South Luangwa. 4 kills, elephant river crossings, lion and leopard cubs and beautiful light

SAFARI GALLERY

IMAGES FROM THIS TRIP

EXCLUSIVE

ACCOMMODATION

Nsefu Camp

Nsefu Camp is run by Robin Pope Safaris, a by-line for excellence, both in camp and on safari. Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River lies this historic camp. Nsefu is one steeped in history; it was built in 1951 and – barring some upgrades – the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. Quite apart from an outstanding safari experience, we can look forward to excellent hospitality and wonderful views of the Luangwa River from our rooms.

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.

Nsefu has many repeat guests, some of whom I got to meet during my stay. With the combination of great location, wonderful staff and an abundance of wildlife, I can certainly see why. I would recommend this camp, without reservation, and send my best to all those who made my stay so memorable.

Sara G, USA

Chindeni Camp

In an enviable location on the edge of a lagoon where hippos snort and elephant wallow, stands Chindeni – 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. Or settle back with a gin-and-tonic in the central lounge and dining area – a glorious expanse of decking arranged on several levels around the surrounding ebony trees, boasting, of course, the same spectacular view of the serene lagoon and its inhabitants.

Chindeni is “my happy place” and by far my favorite camp in all of Africa. It’s situated on a lovely lagoon where the sunrises from the huge deck are spectacular. The large and luxurious tents are so inviting that you won’t want to leave in the mornings, BUT you must, because the prolific wildlife is calling to you … literally! The friendly and knowledgeable staff look after your every need. The food is outstanding. I’ve visited Chindeni six times and would not fathom visiting Zambia without spending time here.

Cindy M, USA

Kaingo

Overlooking the Luangwa River deep within the prime area of the South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo’s relaxed, personal and friendly atmosphere offers its guests fantastic game-viewing opportunities within an area of incredible beauty and varied terrain.

Kaingo has many attributes ranging from the camps stylish design and practical layout to the local farm produce. The large centrally located open-sided sitting room includes a dining area, library and Kaingo’s renowned thousand year old lead-wood bar.

Nestled discretely on the banks of the river, Kaingo’s chalets were designed with the sole purpose of transporting you safely into the world of the Luangwa without a single distraction.

Overlooking the river with only 6 chalets run by solar power. Great, friendly and personal atmosphere, with each chalet having a private viewing deck (unattached) over the river. Indoor bathroom in a lovely rustic chalet, but each cabin also has a stunning outdoor bath overlooking the river with its pods of hippos and crocodiles. The property has its own Hippo hide providing an up close and personal view of the animals, undisturbed, in their natural environment.

Amy M, Australia

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THIS SAFARI

If you are considering joining this safari, send me an enquiry to start planning your trip and discuss anything you would like to know.