Valid Thru March 31, 2012
From $2723.00 per person
Why visit the South Luangwa in the Emerald Season?
This is a spectacular time of year, when the Luangwa River rises and floods, causing the already "crowded valley" to turn intensely green and burst with new life. The South Luangwa National Park is home to one of the greatest collections of wildlife in the world - including leopard, lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo and more than 400 species of birds. Robin Pope Safaris pioneered walking safaris here, and has been in operation for 25 years. Their guides have an immense knowledge of this incredible area.
November and December are months of rebirth. After a long dry season, the first storms arrive with plenty of drama - thunder and lightning. The bush is bursting with new life - the emerald green grass pushes through and the new leaves are growing. The green is incredibly intense everywhere - with the purples and pinks (and yellows) of the flowers scattered throughout. There is an influx of migratory birds with spirals of migrating storks and also the cuckoos and other "specials" like the Angola pitta.
January, February, March - the river now rises rapidly and can come right to the top of the banks. This gives incredible boating experiences - when you can boat from the river into the lagoon systems. These months are the peak breeding months for the birds and there are colonies of weavers nests hanging over lagoons, trees simply full of heron and stork nests and the more secretive birds like gallinules and Angola pitas can still be found. The game viewing continues to be excellent as much of the game stays on the dry ground - the roads! This is when we start regularly seeing the wild dog in the area.
April, May - As we end March the migrant birds are near the end of their breeding, the bush is lush and the skies incredibly blue. The river is high and we can have a lot of fun boating around. The lagoons are full and the water birds everywhere. This is a wonderful time of the year. And it is peak time for wild dog viewing. Through the months of April and May, the river slowly drops, the bush colours turn from green to golden yellow, the lagoons start to shrink and the migratory birds prepare for their long journeys.
River Journeys - 7 nights
This safari combines Luangwa River Camp, Nkwali and Nsefu Camps.
At Luangwa River
Camp and Nkwali you will
drive, walk and boat. Most of the game here is resident all year and the
game viewing is always excellent. This is also the best season for wild dog viewing
in the Park. A relaxed boat up or down the Luangwa River will be your
transfer to and from Nsefu.
At Nsefu
the emphasis will be on exploring the flooded ebony groves and lagoon systems,
flowing channels and tributaries by boat. There will also be excellent walking,
including a boat and walking combination to reach one of southern Africa's
largest yellow billed stork colonies in full action.
| Itinerary: |
A combination of Luangwa River Camp, Nkwali and Nsefu for 7 nights |
| Transfer days: |
By boat Nkwali/Nsefu - Tues, Thurs and Sat only |
| Included: |
All safari costs (activities, national park fees, bar and laundry) |
| Not Included: |
Flights, departure taxes and visa |
| Rates: |
From US$2723 per person |
| Dates: |
Valid Thru 31 Mar 2012 |
Dash to the Bush - 7 nights
Spend a week at Nkwali boating, walking, and game viewing during this most wonderful time of year. The wildlife is excellent during these months, in total contrast to the dry season.
| Itinerary: |
7 nights Nkwali or 6 nights Nkwali and 1 night Chaminuka |
| Included: |
All safari costs |
| Not Included: |
Flights (domestic and international) |
| Rates: |
From US$2286 per person |
| Dates: |
Valid Thru Nov, Dec, Jan - May 21, 2012
|
Extras:
|
Lusaka/Mfuwe flights return US$510
|
Extended Dash to the Bush - 10 nights
|
