
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Cosy thatched chalets of Bilimungwe in South Luangwa Valley National Park with ensuite facilities and access to surrounding wildlife.
World renowned for its walking safaris, the 3,475 mile square South Luangwa National Park is the most fertile place in the Luangwa Valley and one of the best spots in Africa for a safari. Featuring amazing wildlife and superb guiding, the park is a patchwork of different vegetation zones, from miombo forests and open dambos to mopane forests, both stunted and mature, as well as the lush riverine vegetation found lining the Luangwa River where you can spot giant mahogany trees, sausage trees and black African Ivory. There are also a few large open savannah plains, most notably in the heart of the Nsefu Sector where you will find natural salt springs, a favourite for crowned cranes. This rich diversity of habitats has led to a wonderful variety of wildlife, from outstanding birds to large game and predators. The best way to access the park is via light aircraft which is more relaxed than driving, and provides some spectacular welcoming views.
The birding is spectacular here, with over 400 species, especially in the ‘emerald season’ when the summer migrants feast on an abundance of food and the amount of water found everywhere is fantastic for herons, egrets and storks. There is a colony of iridescent bee-eaters that nest in the holes of sandy riverbanks and, during the rainy season, huge breeding of yellow billed storks in the Nsefu sector.
South Luangwa National Park is also famous for its large hippo pods that live easy in the river and lagoons in the company of crocodiles. Poaching had a major effect on the amount of elephants found here, but they are now in herds hundreds strong, amongst buffalo and several antelope species, such as impala and puku. There is also the striking Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshays Zebra. There is no shortage of predators here with large prides of lion being a common sighting, the spotted hyena are strong here too and there is a population of wild dog that, although not commonly seen, seems to have more and more sightings every year. The park is great for spotting leopard too as you are able to scour the dark for them on exciting night drives.
Known as the home of the walking safari, it is here that the first ones took place over fifty years ago, and they are just as exciting as ever today. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Africa like never before in the search of Zambia’s wildlife, large, small, friendly or ferocious. With few open spaces, this is the perfect area to explore by foot. Staying under the cover of the bush reduces the likelihood of scaring off any potential wildlife as you track them via their footprints, dung or other evidence.
Boat safaris are fantastic in the emerald season; a thrilling yet relaxed float down the river, weaving through hippo pods and crocodiles is not to be missed and you can also embark on birding safaris and day and night drives.Cosy thatched chalets of Bilimungwe in South Luangwa Valley National Park with ensuite facilities and access to surrounding wildlife.
Dramatic stilted accommodation, Chamilandu Bushcamp overlooks the Luangwa River, with access to the unique surrounding fauna and flora.
Two intimate camps in South Luangwa Valley, Chikoko Trails is accessed only by foot providing an exclusive walking safari experience.
Shaded by ebony trees in South Luangwa National Park, this camp exudes authentic African bush as elephants wallow in the nearby lagoon.
An unobtrusive camp, Kaingo Camp overlooks the Luangwa River and offers simplistic accommodation and a variety of safari activities.
Kakuli Camp offers 4 rustic tents ideally located in the South Luangwa Valley for walking safaris.
Kapamba Bushcamp occupies a corner of South Luangwa Valley National Park ideally located for game drive and walking safaris.
A private family safari house, overlooking a waterhole in South Luangwa Valley. Private chef, game drive vehicles and guides.
Luwi Bushcamp offers outstanding walking safaris throughout the renowned South Luangwa Valley National Park.
A luxury bushcamp set along the riverbanks of South Luangwa. Offers some truly world class walking safaris in the surrounding bush.
Mfuwe Lodge is ideal for that pampering either at the start or end of your safari through South Luangwa Valley.
Sleeping just 6 guests, Mwamba Bushcamp is the ideal base for a variety of walking safaris along the banks of the Mwamba River.
The perfect base to start your safari, Nkwali Lodge perches on the banks of the Luangwa. Ideal for walking safaris, game drives, night drives.
Located in the Nsefu sector, these cosy rondavels of Nsefu Camp provide the ideal base from which to explore the wildlife rich sector of South Luangwa.
Situated on a bend of the Luwi River, Nsolo Bushcamp forms an ideal part of the walking safari circuit with Luwi and Mchenja Bushcamps.
The perfect intimate private family house perched on the Luangwa River, Robin's House offers immediate access to South Luangwa National Park.
Seven luxury tents perched above the floodplains of the South Luangwa Valley with dramatic views of the game below.
Family-run Tafika Camp offers game drives, walking safaris and microlight flights over South Luangwa Valley National Park.
An intimate camp in the Nsefu Sector, Tena-Tena perches on the banks of the Luangwa River in the heart of the bush.
In a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park, Zungulila Bushcamp offers stunning views over the Kapamba River.
Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to Zambia. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.