Nile Monitor Safari: Summary
Nile Monitor Safari in a nutshell
This great-value safari focuses on two small sister camps in the quiet southern areas of South Luangwa. It’s a perfect introduction to Zambia’s flagship national park seen from two different perspectives: a classic small safari camp and a tiny, seasonal "walking bushcamp".
After a flight from Lusaka, you’ll be met and driven to the more established of the camps, Kafunta River Lodge. On the south side of the game-rich Mfuwe area, this is a great place to acclimatise to being on safari.
Tear yourself away from the mesmerising wildlife on the floodplain in front of the lodge, to venture out on day and night drives in open 4WDs. You’ll quickly get caught up in your guide’s enthusiasm for the wildlife and its behaviour, not to mention what might be around the next bush.
It’s a 2–2½-hour bush drive, deeper into the park, to Island Bush Camp. This simple, rustic camp with a very light footprint is typical of those which have made the Luangwa such a favourite with safari enthusiasts. It’s a wild and remote area, you’ll be very close to nature and that sense of wilderness is enhanced by the lack of vehicles.
Once there, you’ll understand why your activities focus on expertly guided walking safaris: it’s very special to be standing on equal footing with the animals that you’re observing.
These two great camps offer differing experiences in terms of scale and creature comforts but both offer a great game-viewing experience and are comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, flushing toilets and good food.
At a glance
| Starts: | Lusaka International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Kafunta River Lodge - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| 3 nights | Island Bush Camp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| Ends: | Lusaka International Airport |
Kafunta River Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Island Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Highlights
Our top five experiences of this great safari in South Luangwa
- Watching elephants drinking outside your chalet
- Spending three days walking without seeing a vehicle
- Getting close to wildlife from photographic hides
- Outstanding, friendly staff and safari guides
- Soaking in the natural hot spring at Kafunta
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Nile Monitor Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Key species to see on the Nile Monitor Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Nile Monitor Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
99% chance
98% chance
40% chance
13% chance
13% chance
6% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Nile Monitor Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Tribal Textiles Tour
One - two hours
Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.
More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Kawaza Village Visit
Two to three hours
Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.
More about Kawaza Village VisitLet us help you customise your trip
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