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 VisitPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther ideas for Zambia safaris
Look at these ideas in Zambia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
Visiting Northern Zambia, South Luangwa
US$5,220 - US$6,080 per person
Slender Mongoose Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A detailed exploration of Lower Zambezi from two top-notch sister camps, each in a prime location in the national park. Expect a high level of care, first-class guiding and superb wildlife.
Visiting Lower Zambezi
US$6,580 - US$8,400 per person
Scrub Hare Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Camps run by welcoming owners with a passion for their environment are rare, and Tafika is one of the best. Combine this with walking safaris at equally excellent bushcamps for the best of the South Luangwa.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$6,290 - US$7,630 per person
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,370 - US$8,500 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,490 - US$9,410 per person
Hippo Safari
10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
Visiting South Luangwa, Livingstone
US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
Visiting Kafue
US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person
Vervet Monkey Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$8,780 - US$10,990 per person
Giraffe Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.
Visiting South Luangwa, North Luangwa
US$8,700 - US$10,430 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person
Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.
US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
US$4,560 - US$8,630 per person
Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.
US$5,140 - US$6,070 per person
Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A great value safari in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara that provides an immersive, authentic bush camp experience with activities for families of all ages.
US$5,680 - US$6,450 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
US$5,260 - US$7,130 per person
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.
US$5,690 - US$8,850 per person
Striped Hyena Safari
5 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Just one example of a possible itinerary for keen walkers, this safari enables you to experience the sounds and sights of the bush, and its wildlife, in an unusually direct way.
US$5,270 - US$6,990 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$6,550 - US$8,320 per person
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person