Points of Interest Travel Route
Lusaka Airport – Kafunta River Lodge – Three Rivers Camp – Baines’ River Camp
- Available Dates: June – October
- Trip Duration: 8 nights
- Accommodation: 2 venues
- Group Size: 2 – 6 people
The Thornicroft’s Safari combines two of the best wildlife destinations in Zambia, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi Valley. It is an itinerary designed to give travellers the opportunity to disconnect from the modern-day rat race and experience two of Zambia’s most breath-taking destinations. This is a memory-making, story-telling, life-changing journey!
Overall, as the high level of courtesy and consideration was impressive. I noted all the little things that were done to make a guest feel thought of and taken care of. I was impressed with the focus on safety. ~ Redlin
On arrival in Lusaka you will be ushered to your light aircraft to catch a flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. The flight is approximately an hour and you will feel the excitement set in as before your eyes as the urban jungle of the capital city is transformed into a vast, African wilderness. Upon landing, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred by open game viewer to Kafunta River Lodge. The Luangwa Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife and birdlife, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants! Added to this, there’s an amazing density of game, particularly along the riverine strip.
Also known as the Valley of the Leopard, The South Luangwa National Park is considered to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The park showcases a high concentration of animals and is one of Zambia’s main destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. With this in mind, Kafunta has a variety of activities on offer to make sure you get the most out of a visit to South Luangwa. Game drives and walks will allow you to experience the high density of mammal species in the park. For birding enthusiasts, there is the option of a guided walk with a professional birding guide.
In between activities, you can enjoy a soak in the natural, geo-thermal hot tub or observe wildlife from the photographic hide situated in a quiet part of the Camp. Additional to wildlife focused activities, guests are able to visit the various community and conservation initiatives in the Luangwa Valley. Kafunta supports various community initiatives in the valley and guests have the option to experience and immerse themselves in the local cultural activities – for more information, please enquire with your reservationist.
Your next stop is a short game drive away. Three Rivers Camp is the latest addition to Kafunta Safaris’ portfolio and is set at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba and Lusangazi Rivers in South Luangwa. The stylish tents sit under shady sausage trees facing the Luangwa River or the diverse wildlife of the lagoon.
This camp’s location is simply spectacular. The rooms are set far apart with the wildlife passing through camp. The dining area offers boundless views of both the Luangwa and the Kapamba River where hippos love to bask on the white river sand. Three of the tents are positioned right on the edge of the oxbow lagoon, teeming with wildlife, and our guests can relax on the plush daybeds while observing giraffes and waterbucks strolling by.
Game drives in the South Luangwa National Park, as well as bush walks around the camp area and along the river banks are on offer at Three Rivers Camp. Encounter elephants, giraffes, waterbuck and perhaps the relatively rare roan antelope, as well as lions, leopards and wild dogs.
The unique feature of the camp is that each tent has its own private sleep out, safely connected to the tent for convenient access day and night. Spend a night on the plush star beds, surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
After five unforgettable nights in the Luangwa Valley it’s time to say goodbye to the team at Kafunta. You will be transferred in a light aircraft to your next destination, the Lower Zambezi Valley. This is an incredibly scenic flight as your pilot takes you over the escarpment and winds down into this magnificent valley. Upon landing, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred by open game viewer to Baines’ River Camp.
Set under the Tamarind and Jackalberry Trees on the banks of the Zambezi River, this camp built in the style of an African manor house, offers a unique experience in one of Africa’s most scenic safari areas. The combination of river activities, excellent game viewing and refined hospitality makes Baines’ the perfect destination to complete this adventure in Zambia.
The Lower Zambezi boasts a variety of activities that few destinations in Africa can offer. The Lower Zambezi conservation area has an abundance of predators and excellent sightings of Elephants as they reach into the winterthorn canopies for tree pods. Observe wildlife on foot, by game viewer or on the river on a boat safari. You may wish to try and catch a Tiger fish, Zambezi style, always an entertaining and fun experience for anglers and non-anglers! For avid twitchers, you are sure to add a few lifers to your list here! Special species in the area include Lillian’s Lovebird and Livingstone’s flycatcher.
In between safari activities and meals, enjoy the tranquility of the camp in one of the open plan lounge areas or relax by the swimming pool overlooking the river, there will always be a member of staff around to serve you a cold refreshment! Enjoy some peace and quiet knowing your children are in safe hands and taking part in activities suited to their interests. Some of these fun activities include ‘Dober-Dober’ fishing, baking with the chef in the kitchen, arts and crafts, bow and arrow making or an afternoon at the swimming pool. Activities are designed to be both educational and inspiring. A lovely end to the day is a family game of Boules’ on the river banks before watching the sunset, sharing stories of a day well spent on safari.
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Your next fishing trip should be at Baines’. Stay for 4 nights and you could save up to USD1,585pp.
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074
1 March – 30 November
1 Mar – 30 June & 1 – 30 November
1 July – 31 October