How The Adventure Unfolds – South Luangwa

Day 1 – Lusaka to South Luangwa – Overnight Kafunta River Lodge

Our adventure begins in Lusaka. You will be met on arrival & we will join our connecting flight to Mfuwe airport. When we arrive at Mfuwe, we will be met by Edward & staff from Kafunta River Lodge and transferred to our first camp, which will be our base for the first three nights.

Depending on our arrival time we hope to have the opportunity to head out for an afternoon safari. However if it is late we will take the chance to relax in camp and get settled before enjoying a dinner together under the stars, ready for our early start the following day.

Day 2 – 3 – South Luangwa National Park – Overnight Kafunta River Lodge

The days will slip easily into the natural rhythmic beat of the african bush. We will rise early with the sun and in eager anticipation for the day ahead. This allows us to take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures and also the exceptional morning light for photography.

We return to camp late morning for brunch and the opportunity to rest and relax, perhaps a siesta or keeping watch on the river for any passing wildlife. There will be opportunities to review and edit images, Fiona & Raj will be on hand to answer any questions you might have or provide photographic or editing tutorials.

Recharged in the late afternoon we head out again with our guides to see what new wonders the Luangwa will reveal. Of course no safari would be complete without the partaking of the customary sundowner, after which we will have a short night drive before we return to camp.

We will then enjoy an evening meal together and discuss the days events and review our experiences and photography whilst sitting under the stars, listening to the sounds of the bush before retiring to bed.

Day 4 – South Luangwa National Park – Overnight Lion Camp

After our morning drive and three wonderful nights at Kafunta River Lodge we will pack up, say goodbye to the staff here and head through to the next part of our adventure in the exceptional northern sector of the Park.

We will arrive at Lion camp, where we will have lunch, get settled and keep an eye out for animals around the camp before we head out on our game drive to explore this new area in the late afternoon. As has become customary we will find a beautiful spot to stop for sundowners, a chance to savour the beauty of the day before we head back to camp for dinner and bed.

We will spend the next 4 nights at this truly authentic safari camp with its beautiful location, deep in the heart of the national park.

Day 5 – 7 South Luangwa National Park – Overnight Lion Camp

We continue a similar routine to that established at Kafunta, rising early and enjoying drives out in the early morning to explore the park.

Returning to camp for lunch and a chance to relax whilst savouring the sheer beauty of this incredible place. We can also write up bird lists & journals or edit pictures. With Fiona & Raj on hand to discuss ideas and techniques or answer any questions about the wildlife we have seen.

We head out again as the heat cools in the late afternoon to once more see what delights will surprise us. This is followed by sundowners and our night drive. Before heading back to the lodge for dinner under the stars, and falling asleep to the sounds of the African savannah.

Day 8 – End of Adventure – Depart from Lusaka

After enjoying our last morning safari at Lion Camp, we will pack up, say goodbye to our new friends at the camp and head back through the reserve to Mfuwe airport where we will say final goodbyes to Edward and meet our flight back to Lusaka.

Our adventure ends in Lusaka as we all bid farewell and head home on our respective flights, hearts overflowing with memories to last us a lifetime.

Renowned for being one of the greatest wildlife destinations in Africa. South Luangwa is undoubtedly the jewel of Zambia’s national parks. It lies in the north-eastern part of Zambia and comprises some 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness. It marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, and is one of the last remaining wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

The park centers around the great meandering Luangwa River, with its ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

The wildlife viewing here really is extremely strong, especially during the Jun-Nov dry season, when the animals cluster along the river. The area has a particular reputation for lion and leopard sightings, but the sheer range of wildlife on view here really is very impressive.

June sees us arrive for the early dry season, a time with slightly cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and the beautiful drying golden grasses providing a soft frame to the images we will capture.

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a classic owner-run safari lodge sitting just outside the South Luangwa National Park. We have chosen this lodge because it is stylish and well run, but more importantly, because it offers a great game-viewing experience, being situated close to one of the most game-rich areas of the park. Kafunta’s access to the National Park is via a private river crossing separate from many of the other lodges in the busier areas. Crossing the river early in the morning, by pontoon is an experience in itself, but also a valuable entry in to one of Africa’s finest safari wildernesses. The river crossing allows us to reach prime areas of the park early in the morning which is ideal for photography and wildlife viewing alike.

The Lodge and the rooms focus on the stunning views across the game rich flood plain, beyond which lies the Luangwa River. The private rooms have been built on raised wooden platforms and have thatched roofs. They are tastefully decorated with African style and charm.

Kafunta’s main areas include a spacious deck where a welcoming camp fire is lit each evening where we can gather and share stories under the stars whilst listening to the sounds of the bush. Under the deck is a wildlife hide, the perfect place to enjoy a spot of birding or photography during the hottest part of the day. Kafunta has one other claim to fame, next to the bar and infinity pool is the only natural hot tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from a completely natural geothermal source on Kafunta’s grounds. Here you can enjoy pure relaxation while being presented with magnificent views over the flood plain and the Luangwa River. The water is very therapeutic and has an average temperature of 37 degrees. During the cooler nights from May to July this is just the perfect ending of an eventful day on safari in the park.

Lion Camp

Lion camp is a stylish, unique and independent lodge that has just undergone a year long renovation & is re-opening for the first time in June 2018. The camp has been completely redesigned and updated to offer sophisticated luxury in keeping with its stunning setting in the heart of the national park. It is one of the most remote lodges in the National Park, set overlooking an oxbow lagoon which is a magnet for game.

Nowhere in Luangwa offers lion sightings like Lion Camp! The areas surrounding the camp are home to 3 prides which are all regularly seen by day and night. In fact, the resident Hollywood Pride are known to spend the shady part of the day within the confines of the camp, sometimes upsetting camp operations and vehicle maintenance schedules! The richness of the habitat here allows lions to thrive without straying far from their home patch; as such the sightings of prey species and plains game here is excellent. Exceptional hippo sightings can be enjoyed at a stretch of river known as Hippo City, and the forested areas provide hunting and hiding places for leopards. Photographers will love the location of this camp; right in the heart of the action. It’s not unusual to leave in the morning to the sound of lions’ roars and meet the pride within a few hundred meters of the camp.

With incredible game viewing literally on our doorstep, all the rooms have been designed to maximise the views out onto open grassland which is frequented by grazing mammals by day, and becomes a hunting ground for lions by night. The rooms built on raised wooden platforms are linked to each other and the main area by a raised wooden boardwalk.

Your chalet will have canvas walls and a thatched roof, either a four poster king-size double bed or twin beds, and a walk-in mosquito net. Evening Breeze cooling units will be installed over the beds for maximum comfort in the hotter months. These units, along with the rest of the camp, will be solar-powered. During the day, the netting at the front of the room can be tied back to access a shaded private deck which overlooks the open plain in front. Ensuite bathrooms with a shower and toilet will be off to the side to provide more privacy, and not interrupt the views from the room.

What’s included –

• Return Internal connecting flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe.
• Return Transfers to and from Mfuwe airport to the lodges and Inter-camp transfers.
• 7 nights Fully Inclusive accommodation, including all meals and drinks (excludes champagne & premium brands), complimentary laundry service and all safari activities at both lodges.
• En-suite twin or double rooms in all camps.
• Twice daily game drives and night drives within the National Park.
• Private Vehicles for exclusive use by the group, open sided safari vehicles with no view restrictions, everyone guaranteed a seat on the side of the vehicle to ensure clear views for photography.
• All the National Park fees, community and conservation levy’s.
• Three Professional photographic guides who are passionate about Africa and her Wildlife with a maximum of 6 guests, you can be assured you will receive individual attention and assistance, during all activities & in the down time.

Price – USD $6850.00  (£5200.00*) per person sharing.

Excludes – International flights, travel insurance, visas, discretionary gratuities, gifts/souvenirs.

A single supplement will apply if travelling on your own and you do not wish to share a room.

*exact £GBP price is dependant on exchange rate at time of booking. A single supplement will apply if not prepared to share.

Maximum 6 Guests.

A 30% deposit will be required to confirm your booking & allow us to lock in and secure all the accommodation for the group. Balance is payable 90 days prior to your departure. All payments are made through a registered travel agency.

How to Join Us

Our groups are always kept deliberately small, so if this incredible safari is of interest to you, then now is the time to register, as we’d very much love to have you join us.

To register your interest or ask us questions about the trip please get in touch with Fiona and Raj. We can be reached by phone +44(0) 7786 067271 or via email info@travelandphotography.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you and helping to make your safari dream a reality.

Highlights – Kafue

• Vast wild and remote landscapes with very few other visitors.
• Private vehicles – max 4 guests per vehicle
• Twice daily Game drives and night drives or motor boat safaris in a private concession.
• Beautiful fully inclusive small bush camp run by passionate & knowledgeable guides
• Incredible diversity of wildlife and birds – offering different species to those of the South Luangwa.
• Chance to experience one of Africa’s last unexplored wildlife areas. 
• Accompanied by expert professional photographic guides.
• Very small group – max 6 guests

We are offering the chance to extend the 8 day South Luangwa safari with an incredible 5 days at the end of the trip to explore Zambia’s truly remarkable Kafue National Park, a fabulous compliment to the wildlife and scenery of the South Luangwa.

Kafue is Zambia’s largest National Park and indeed one of the largest in Africa, we’re talking the size of a small country. However despite its size and appeal Kafue has remained exceptionally wild and relatively unexplored. This extension gives us the chance to discover one of the last truly pristine wilderness areas in Africa.

We will charter a private flight for the group from Lusaka to travel into a region of Kafue where few tourists venture, to see and photograph a stunning array of wildlife, which we will have all to ourselves in a private concession. 

Our trip will be based at the beautiful Musekese Camp in a region affectionately known as ‘Eden’. This small intimate bush camp is privately owned and operated by two incredibly passionate guides devoted to Kafue and making a positive difference to the area in which they operate. One of the owners Tyrone McKeith is an honorary Kafue Wildlife Officer whose knowledge and understanding of the local area is second to none.

The permanent river network offers us the chance to get out and explore on a boat, offering a completely different perspective and type of game viewing, to standard vehicle safaris.

This extension promises to deliver an African safari that it is getting increasingly hard to experience and enjoy, an opportunity to really immerse yourself in and connect to a vast uninhabited landscape, where a staggering diversity of species are still able to make their home, relatively undisturbed. It promises to be like nothing you have experienced elsewhere in Africa.

How The Adventure Unfolds – Kafue

Day 1 – Lusaka – Kafue National Park – Overnight Musekese,

Our adventure together will begin this morning in Lusaka. Fiona, Raj & Edward will meet you here and we will connect with our private charter flight to Kafue National Park.

We will be met on arrival in the Lufupa region of Kafue by our guides from Musekese, and transfer to the lodge to settle in and enjoy our first lunch in the bush.

In the afternoon we will head out for our first game drive in search of the abundant wildlife the woodland and river banks have to offer.  This area is a particularly good spot for viewing leopard and by driving within the Musekese private concession we will have the area to ourselves. After using the evening light to our advantage, and having enjoyed our first african sundowners of the trip we will head back to camp for dinner and night caps before heading to bed to fall asleep to the sounds of the african savannah.

Day 2 – 4 – Kafue National Park – Overnight Musekese,

Over the next two mornings we will rise early to embark on early morning game drives as the sun rises to catch the animals when they are at their most active and the light is just right.

After our morning explorations we will return to camp in time for lunch. There will then be time for a siesta, completing birdlists or journals and a chance to download & edit images. With Fiona & Raj on hand to discuss ideas and techniques or any questions about the wildlife we have seen.

In the afternoon we head out again as the day cools to enjoy the golden light of the late afternoon & see what magic encounters await us. Possibly using the safari boats to search for Leopards or beautiful birdlife on the water. Sundowners out in the reserve and then back to the lodge for our dinner under the stars & reminiscing on the day around the campfire.

Day 5 – Leave Kafue – Lusaka

If time permits we will head out for one last morning drive, if not we will have a leisurely breakfast in camp, before transferring to the airstrip for our return charter to Lusaka.

End of Extension option – in Lusaka join start of South Luangwa Safari

Regarded by safari buffs as a rare gem, Kafue is Africa’s third largest National Park, and one of the few whose size can genuinely be compared to that of a small country.  Much of the park remains relatively undiscovered, and it’s easy to get lost in some areas!

Kafue is Zambia’s biggest and oldest National Park, largely untouched by development and thus remaining a unique and pristine wilderness with magnificent scenery, game viewing and bird watching to revival Africa’s best; still today some two thirds of the Park remain designated as Wilderness Area where only walking is allowed.

Whilst safari enthusiasts seek out Kafue for it’s unique exclusivity, as it is incredibly rare to see other travelers whilst staying here. This pristine wilderness also offers an incredible collection of diverse habitats; from the remote and seasonally inundated Busanga swamps in the north, through the central miombo woodlands and dambos, to the more sandy southern plains – not to mention the evergreen woodlands that line the banks of the mighty Kafue River and its tributaries.

More diverse than any park in Africa, the wildlife of the Kafue is as numerous as it is varied, with an abundance of big game including elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and even cheetah. The Kafue is also home to one of the last remaining viable populations of the rare and endangered African wild dog. With 19 species of antelope, it is also a great place to find some of the less common ungulates, including Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, puku and red lechwe. Other species such as eland, roan, sable, oribi and blue wildebeest are present, to name but a few. In addition to the antelopes there is a plethora of other unusual wildlife with pangolin, bushpig, side-striped jackal, honey badger and numerous species of the playful mongoose family making up megafaunal diversity unrivaled anywhere in Africa. Although the mammalian diversity is impressive it pales into insignificance when considering that the Kafue is home to almost 500 species of bird, Kafue is regarded as one of Africa’s finest locations for serious twitchers, a similar number of grass species, and a whole host of smaller flora and fauna, including a number of endemic but rarely seen plants and animals.

Musekese Camp

Based in the spectacular area known as “Eden.” Musekese is situated overlooking a dambo (floodplain) and a stones throw away from the Kafue River, in an area teeming with game all year round. Whilst staying in this area we will not see any other vehicles or share our sightings as we will be driving within the Musekese private concession area. This is incredibly unusual in a National Park and very advantageous in regards to the experience and photography as you can photograph the subjects from any angle without any interruptions.

This simple bush camp is nestled in the shade of a large stand of massive riverine trees. Focused on the large floodplain we can sit and enjoy the diverse and large congregations of wildlife from the comfort of our rooms or whilst having a drink on the lodge deck, watching herds of elephant frolicking or the hundreds of puku keeping an eye out for one of the resident lion prides.

This intimate camp has just four well appointed, traditionally thatched chalets, all complete with comfortable beds, soft luxury linens and locally sourced furnishings. Open air en-suite bathrooms come with traditional wood warmed bucket showers and flushing toilets, combining style with practicality for a comfortable stay, that will leave you feeling completely immersed in and connected to nature.

What’s included –

• Return private charter flights from Lusaka to Lufapa, Kafue
• Transfers from airstrip to Musekese camp
• 4 nights full board accommodation in ensuite rooms. Including all meals and drinks (excludes champagne & premium brands), complimentary laundry service and all safari activities.
• Twice daily game drives or motor boat safaris.
• Private Vehicles for exclusive use by the group, open sided safari vehicles with no view restrictions, everyone guaranteed a seat on the side of the vehicle to ensure clear views for photography.
• All of the National Park fees, community and conservation levy’s.
• Three Professional photographers who are seasoned experts in Africa as trip leaders with a maximum of 6 guests, you can be assured you will receive individual attention and assistance, during all activities & in the down time.

This Extension can only be booked in association with the 8 day South Luangwa Safari.

Price – USD $3985.00 (£3040.00*) per person 

Excludes – International flights, travel insurance, discretionary gratuities, gifts/souvenirs.

A single supplement will apply if travelling on your own and you do not wish to share a room.

*exact £GBP price is dependant on exchange rate at time of booking. A single supplement will apply if not prepared to share.

Maximum 6 Guests. A 30% deposit will be required to confirm your booking & allow us to lock in and secure all the accommodation for the group. Balance is payable 90 days prior to your departure. All payments are made through a registered travel agency.

How to Join Us

Our groups are always kept deliberately small, so if this incredible safari is of interest to you, then now is the time to register, as we’d very much love to have you join us.

To register your interest or ask us questions about the trip please get in touch with Fiona and Raj. We can be reached by phone +44(0) 7786 067271 or via email info@travelandphotography.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you and helping to make your safari dream a reality.

Edward Selfe:

Edward has been a keen photographer since the age of 10, learning from his Dad with an old film SLR. He moved to Zambia early in 2009, to pursue his love of wildlife and the outdoors. He has built up 10 years of wild-Luangwa experience and honed his knowledge of its astonishing array of life. He holds Luangwa’s coveted Grade 1 walking licence, a credit to his exceptional understanding of mammal behaviour. Combining his two loves he has turned his passion into a successful wildlife photography and guiding business. Edward’s guiding style is one of ‘exploring with his guests’ and he loves nothing more than to discover new areas, try new techniques or sit and wait for a sighting to develop. As a highly skilled naturalist, he is as interested in wildlife as he is in photography. His website can be viewed here.

Raj Hunjan:

Raj is an award winning automotive photographer who works around the world supplying images to both magazines, organisations and individuals who commission his work. He is a passionate petrolhead with a background in the motoring press where he has experience as a writer, photographer and editor. Whilst his main focus is often on automotive photography where he regularly works trackside with race teams and supercar owners, his true passion is wildlife and he is just as at home on location spending hours in a hide photographing wildlife with Fiona. He has travelled and photographed wildlife throughout East and Southern Africa over the past decade and like Fiona has worked with various conservation charities including the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, supporting them in Uganda with their work with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. His website can be viewed here.

Fiona MacKay:

Fiona has a deep and abiding love of the natural world and has spent many years traveling the world photographing wildlife and wild places. Her images captivate and inspire people to connect directly with the wild as it truly exists. For 5 years she managed a Safari Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. During this time her passion and knowledge of the intricacies and rhythms of the african bush became deeply embedded in her soul. She has spent the last decade pursuing her love of wildlife photography, travel and writing. Over the years she has become an award winning wildlife photographer, who’s work has been exhibited internationally. She has been a shortlisted finalist in the British Wildlife Photography Awards, ZSL Animal Photography Prize and Nature’s Best Wineland Smith Rice Awards. Her images have been featured alongside her writing for Africa Geographic and Travel Africa Magazines. She has worked with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Conservation Foundation and supplies images for magazines and charities to raise funds and awareness for conservation. Her website can be viewed here.

Our Ethos:

Fiona’s photography is instinctive and creative which couples perfectly with Raj’s knowledgable technique driven approach and Edward’s in depth knowledge of this incredible area, its animals and his sympathetic approach to photographing his home.

We understand and celebrate that everyone’s eyes work differently and that people ‘compose’ the world through their eyes in very different ways. Seeing our groups different interpretations at the end of each day is one of the best parts of our job. We will offer our experience to help you translate the image you see to the image you achieve.

Be prepared as our enthusiasm for Africa, her animals and people can be quite infectious. We want you to leave us ignited by our passion for Africa, for nature and more importantly for life, inspired by what you have seen and done and with memories and friends to last a lifetime.

What Past Guests Say 

“A dynamic duo, producing amazing safaris. It was great having them to capture every moment and around every corner there was a new opportunity to explore. Their enthusiasm was boundless & we loved every single moment, couldn’t recommend them highly enough, although perhaps not to highly as we don’t want them to be so popular we can’t join them in the future.”

We Believe in Responsible Tourism

For many years Fiona lived and worked in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, which we still have close ties to now. She witnessed first hand and was often involved with working to tackle the challenges faced by the people tasked to protect the wildlife and the important habitats they depend upon. As a result we are closely involved with and continue to actively support conservation initiatives throughout Africa.

We derive a lot of pleasure from spending time with these animals and in these environments so we believe that as photographers and tourists we have a responsibility to do all we can to help and support the continuing conservation of these animals and places and inspire others to do the same.

With this in mind we will be making a donation on behalf of the group to a conservation charity operating in the regions in Zambia we visit, who are actively involved with mitigating human wildlife conflicts and also supporting anti-poaching initiatives in the area.

We highly recommend ensuring you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

We will be staying in a Malaria area, so please seek professional medical advice to ensure you have taken the necessary precautions prior to travel.

You are required to have a valid yellow fever certificate to enter Zambia. Please make sure you carry your certificate with your passport to be shown on arrival.

Please be aware of the reduced luggage allowance on the small aircraft transfers. It is advisable to use soft holdall style bags, this reduces weight and makes them easier to transport.

Tipping advice – If you have enjoyed excellent service, you are more than welcome to reward staff with a tip, it is not compulsory. We suggest US$5 per person per night for camp staff and the same for guides as a good guideline but any gratuity will be greatly appreciated by the staff.

A comprehensive packing list will be provided on confirmation of your booking.