MOBILE WALKING SAFARIS ZAMBIA
8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
The best wilderness experience
The Robin Pope Safaris’ Mobile Walking Safaris have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa National Park, operating since 1990. They were the first such walking safaris in Africa. They continue to be totally unique. Ditching the confines of the game drive vehicle for a pair of walking boots as you venture out in the wilderness, where so much lies in store. After a night at Nkwali Camp, the party drives to the north of the park where they will walk for five days covering approximately 10km a day, following the Mupamadzi River. A final night at Tena Tena Camp or Nsefu Camp completes the safari.
The South Luangwa National Park, Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. South Luangwa National Park is widely known as the home of the walking safari. This is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. The park is centered around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.
The area we operate our Mobile Walking Safaris is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. All walks are led by a highly experienced guide and always accompanied by an armed game scout, thus giving you the utmost safety during this adventure.
Itinerary:
Nkwali Camp 1-night, Mobile Walking 5 nights & Nsefu/Tena Tena 1 night
Includes:
**All safari activities, meals, bar, laundry, bar, transfers to/from Mfuwe airport
Excludes:
**Airport taxes, visa fees and gratuities •
Valid June to October 2025
The LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.
OVERVIEW OF THE SAFARI The RPS MOBILE WALKING SAFARIS have long been known as the best wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Robin Pope Safaris’ camps offer a unique combination of creature comforts and stunning remote locations in the South Luangwa National Park. However, some of our guests want to get even further out into the wilderness, to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. For these adventurers, we offer dedicated walking safaris. Walking through the bush is a completely different experience to driving. All your senses are alert. Every sound, every movement - the flap of a bird's wing, a tail swishing through the tall grass - acquires significance. This is where an expert guide really comes into his own. Not only will he (or she!) point out wildlife and birdlife to you, but he will also teach you to hone and sharpen your senses and to spot the clues that lie around you in the bush. As one of our guests said after walking for five days along the Mupamadzi River, it is like reading an engrossing book, compared to watching a film.
Day 2 - After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile which has become known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. Your drive is some 90kms to the Mupamadzi River along a bush road, through remote parts of the park. You arrive in camp for lunch around mid-day. The camp is already set up for your arrival with well-equipped walk-in tents. The shower is under a tree and the toilet is a long drop with a wooden throne. Enjoy a relaxing siesta after lunch, before tea and going for a walk around camp in the afternoon, to return for sundowners and dinner in the open under the stars! MOBILE CAMP
Day 3 - Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. The mobile camp will be packed and moved to Camp 2 and lunch will be ready as the guests arrive late morning. Lunch, siesta and afternoon walk. MOBILE CAMP
Day 4 - Explore the area on foot – returning to the same campsite. MOBILE CAMP
Day 5&6 - The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning as you walk further down the river. The Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa. All walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.
Day 7 - After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5-hour drive. Tena Tena staff will meet and boat the party across the river, and then a 20-minute drive to Tena Tena camp. This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa 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 well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. Time to rest those weary legs!!
TENA TENA. NOTE – The last night can be spent at Nsefu Camp. NSEFU CAMP On a sweeping bend of the river, 12 kilometres north of Tena Tena, lies Nsefu. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area, and it still is. We reopened the camp in 1999, in keeping with the original style, and so operate the only two camps in the Nsefu Sector of the park. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge dormant termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. The original rondavels have been extended, with a spacious bathroom added. Each room has a clear view of the river, through large windows and from the new wooden veranda.
THE SPECIALTIES OF THESE SAFARIS ARE: WALKING SAFARIS The only way to really discover the secrets of the bush. Walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.
GAME DRIVES (not available when on mobile) Conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles by knowledgeable safari guides. Special game viewing seats provide excellent viewing and opportunities for photography.
NIGHT DRIVES (not available when on mobile) Set out in the afternoon. Later, after watching the sun set over the river with a sundowner in hand, the drive continues with a powerful spotlight. The nocturnal world of the bush is witnessed from owls, genets to hunting lions and the graceful leopard. All Robin’s camps are intimate and highly personalised. Exceptional service has become the hallmark of all Robin’s operations. Flexibility and responsiveness to guests’ wishes are key.
WALKING FITNESS For general idea of fitness level, here are some guidelines. This does not mean this is the distance and timing of every day. But it gives you an idea of how fit you need to be. You should also be able to run 50 meters, but please understand that this is not because you will be running from any animal! It's just another way of showing a level of fitness. Walking Mobile Safaris – the ultimate walking safari experience 10 km in 4 hours on varied ground
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