Unwind in the wild

Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park has teamed up with The Personal Touch to open The Bush Spa this May, the first of its kind in the area. Guests will now be able to enjoy an indulgent pampering after a day’s safari or to simply just relax with a signature massage whilst watching the wildlife saunter past their open fronted treatment rooms.

Overlooking the oxbow lagoon and onto the savannah plains beyond, the settings are hard to beat and treatments have been carefully adapted to match these magnificent surroundings. A carefully selected contemporary range of both East and Western spa treatments are offered here - some are traditional favourites, whilst others are signature therapies designed and adapted by The Bush Spa to blend harmoniously into this serene and wild environment.

Africa has an abundance of rich plant life containing an array of curative properties and The Bush-Spa embraces their ancient healing heritage. Products that contain blends of indigenous plants including: Kalahari Melon, Marula Oil, Baobab Oil, Honey Bush Tea, Green Rooi Bush tea, Buchu, African Ginger, Mongongo Nut and Cape Aloe are but a few of the wonderful therapeutic ingredients that the Bush-Spa incorporates into their signature therapies to create their truly unique Zambian inspired treatments.

Treatments range from a Herbal Flower Foot Bath to ease swollen ankles after a long flight, hot stone massage or an Eastern Shiatsu hydrotherapy massage to relax stiff muscles following a bush walk – all whilst you sit back and enjoy the view, and possibly more game spotting. A range of body wraps and scrubs are also offered using these traditional ingredients and techniques vary depending on the different aromatic oils and scrub materials being use according to the season.

With almost 15 years of experience behind her, Nathalie Zanoli, also founder of The Personnel Touch, leads the team of hand-picked therapists ensuring they have that essential sense of touch and are meticulously trained in the technical skills needed when working in the bush. In line with the company policy of providing income and opportunity for the local community, all therapists are from Zambia.

All visitors to the region, whether staying at the 18 chalet Mfuwe Lodge or at one of the nearby camps, are welcome at The Bush Spa. Visit Bush-spa.com for more information.

A 7 night walking safari, including 3 nights at Mfuwe Lodge, one treatment per day and a 4 night walking safari between the Bushcamp Company’s camps costs from £2,410 per person and includes international flights, internal transfers as well as full board accommodation and safari activities.

http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Hotels/article-178903.html

Remote Africa

Remote Africa Safaris operates quality game viewing safaris in both the North Luangwa and South Luangwa National Parks of Zambia.

Renowned for excellent guides and the ultimate luxury of private space in a pristine wilderness area, guests enjoy an exciting variety of activities such as walking trails, day and night drives, microlight flights, mountain biking or a quiet afternoon painting beside the Luangwa. Remote Africa is unique in offering canoeing and boating on the Luangwa River in full flood during the Emerald season (Feb-April). Visits to the local village and school give an insight into the culture and life style of the local people.

Remote Africa Safaris has four intimate camps, each accommodating 6 to 12 guests. Built entirely from natural materials using the skills of local villagers, these comfortable camps blend harmoniously with the environment.

Tafika Camp, in the South Luangwa, is the base camp and home of John and Carol Coppinger with a relaxed family atmosphere. Tafika boasts excellent leopard viewing and exhilarating microlight flights.

Following the footsteps of David Livingstone, who passed through the area in December 1866, Chikoko Walking Trails offers the most authentic walking experience in the Luangwa Valley. Guests walk between Crocodile River Camp and Chikoko Tree Camp along hippo footpaths- no roads, no cars! Real Africa!

Flying North to the North Luangwa National Park, Mwaleshi Camp overlooks the clear Mwaleshi River in a walking wilderness known for its lion, herds of buffalo and Cookson’s wildebeest. Mwaleshi is a unique experience of peace, comfort, simplicity and untouched, untamed Africa.

Remote Africa Safaris is the “once in a life time experience” you will be drawn to repeat over and over again!

http://www.remoteafrica.com/default.asp

Visiting Zambia and South Luangwa National Park in the “Green Season”

Some amazing safari images can be seen by following the link to the original below:

“My most recent visit, March 2008, was during the so-called ‘emerald’ season. Game viewing at this time of year is a whole different ball game but equally thrilling. ‘Emerald’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘green’. The view from the 20-seater plane as we landed at Mfuwe Airport confirmed to me the appropriateness of this label. The scene was a far cry from the dusty, brown images usually conjured up when the words African Safari are mentioned.”

“March and the ‘emerald season’ brings with it wonderfully colourful migrant birds as well as providing a brilliant chance of seeing wild dog (from mid-February to mid-March). I experienced 7 different wild dog sightings of 3 different packs. Game viewing is excellent as many of the lagoons are full so animals gravitate towards the higher ground. Lions as well as wild dog are often seen walking on the roads.”

http://coxandkings.blogspot.com/2008/04/south-luangwa-valley-zambias-pot-of.html