River Journeys in Zambia

Robin Pope Safaris’ exhilarating River Journeys safari takes place during the photogenic Emerald Season at peak flood time (January to March) in the South Luangwa National Park. The vegetation is vivid green and lush, the skies are gloriously blue, and the majestic Luangwa River has overflowed, filling lagoons and covering land. Boating, where one would normally walk during the dry season, captures a unique perspective of the park, arguably one of Africa’s best.

The Luangwa River Camp on high ground is your home for the first two nights – five thatched bush suites, decorated in neutral tones, with wide sliding doors and a swimming pool, set on the banks of the Luangwa River. Explore the area on game drives, on foot or by boat and spot incredible numbers of bird species, crocodiles, elephants and much more.

On day three, take the river journey (between two and four hours) to Nsefu, Zambia’s first safari camp, located in the heart of the park, accessible only by boat at this time of year. On board, see bird life at its most brilliant, pass hippos in the water and spot lions on the river banks, before arriving at Nsefu. Six luxurious rondavels sitting on a sweeping bend in the river will be your base for the next three nights. While there you’ll float through ebony tree groves, see flocks of yellow-billed storks nesting in the trees, explore higher ground on foot and experience the term ‘picnic in the park’ taking on a whole new meaning, as you eat al fresco whilst observing magnificent animal life.

Days six and seven are spent in and around Nkwali, with its six suites, open-air bathrooms and a swimming pool, in an area popular with herds of elephants and the endemic Thornicroft giraffe. Start the day at dawn with a campfire breakfast, explore the park by boat and on foot, then take an afternoon siesta back at camp, before heading out on a game drive in the afternoon until after dark.

River Journeys costs from £1,700 pp (two sharing) including seven nights’ accommodation, full board, activities and Mfuwe airport transfers. Excludes international and domestic flights (Lusaka-Mfuwe costs approximately £334 pp return). Available from 21 January to 31 March 2015.

For further information, see robinpopesafaris.net.