Backpacking safari in the Luangwa River valley

Luambe National Park is a special place. Superbly located in the Luangwa River valley, it was once a premier Zambian safari destination until human encroachment took its toll on habitat and wildlife. Today, it is on the way back to health thanks to a privately-funded conservation project that is focused on community engagement, ecotourism and anti-poaching measures.

The Luangwa Wilderness Walking Trail is unique to the valley and rare to find in Zambia: it runs in backpacking and sleep-out style – a format popular in South Africa, where it’s referred to as a primitive trail. Guests need to be fit and experienced walkers, prepared to carry everything they need to camp in the wilds, sleeping under the stars. Participants must be 16 or older and fit to carry a full backpack in sometimes hot conditions. The group size is six to eight, and a packing list is provided in advance.

After the trail, there's a chance to recover and enjoy a game drive from Luambe Camp, the exclusive lodge in the park. The camp is directly overlooking the Luangwa and has four comfortable and spacious en-suite tents. 

If the Wilderness Walking Trail sounds a little too demanding, there is the alternative of the Luangwa Luxury Walking Trail, which is run in slack-packing style.

Luambe National Park is best accessed by air to Mfuwe Airport via Lusaka, from where the camp is about 4 hours drive. The first night of this five night itinerary is spent at a lodge in South Luangwa National Park, allowing for an early start on the second day with a slow game drive through the Nsefu sector of the park before proceeding to Luambe Camp in Luambe National Park, arriving in time for high tea and the trail briefing.

Guests then sort out their gear, top up their water and head out directly to begin with a gentle introduction in the rich light of late afternoon. This second night and the two subsequent nights are spent in the wilds of Luambe, sleeping under the firmament. On the fifth day the group returns in time for a bush brunch under Luambe’s trees, with the rest of the day to relax at camp, share stories and enjoy dinner. That night is spent at Luambe Camp, and on the sixth day there’s an early breakfast followed by a road transfer back to Mfuwe.

• Two nights camp accommodation
• Meals
• Wine, local and house drinks at Luambe Camp
• Mfuwe airport Transfers 
• Park fees and bed levies

• Premium brand drinks at Luambe Camp and all drinks in South Luangwa