Situated far from all the major cities, the Luangwa Valley has been spared from masses of tourists, leaving it unspoilt and undiscovered. This area consists of 9,000 sq Km of lush reverine vegetation, with arguably the most diverse range of wildlife in Africa, and fantastic for bird watchers. Walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley. The Luangwa Valley is the southern extension of the Great Rift Valley that streches from North Africa down to the Zambezi River.
The Luangwa Valley has a long history of game protection and the safari operators in the Luangwa Valley since the 1960’s have been largely responsible for the ongoing conservation efforts.
The Luangwa Valley contains four National Parks. The South and North Luangwa National Parks, and the Laumbe and Lukusuzi National Parks. The latter two however have no safari facilities and poaching in these National Parks is an ever present threat.
The South Luangwa National Park is the Luangwa Valley’s most accessible and popular Park. The country side in the South Luangwa National Park is spectacular in its rugged beauty, and the conditions are idea for the thriving wildlife as well as bird species for which there are over 400 different types. This is also one of the best places in the world to see leopard. The Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest are also two animals that are unique to this region and are found nowhere else in the world.
Walking Safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley in the 1950’s. The Walking Safari ranges from casual nature walks in the vicinity of the camp to intense tracking of lion in the heart of the African bush. A walking safari is one of the finest ways to experience the natural and pristine wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park. The excitement of tracking lions and seeing them in a pride of up to 30 strong whilst on a walking safari is unparalleled.
The North Luangwa National Park is a secluded bush paradise. It shares the same wildlife and vegetation as the South Luangwa National Park, however, it is renowned for its great buffalo herds and huge lion prides. Few places in Africa can compete with the North Luangwa National Park when it comes to exclusivity and remoteness.
Most of Zambia’s best safaris are found in the eastern section of the South Luangwa National Park. Permanent Safari Lodges are the main basis for Safari activities, however, there are numerous seasonal bush camps situated in remote areas that offer an unrivalled safari experience, although it is strongly recommended that only experienced safari goers consider these camps as they are not for the faint hearted.
Luangwa Walking Safari: Africa Uncovered
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Walking Safaris
Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris back in the 1950’s and the Luangwa Valley today is still one of the best places to explore on foot. Game drives are also on offer but as Norman always maintained, to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings. To stand in silence and see the flick of a lion's tail as he disappears into the bush acutely aware of your presence as another apex predator is infinitely more exciting than sitting in a jeep somehow apart from the real wilderness.
The Luangwa Valley is the home of the walking safari and in recent years many private reserves and National Parks across Africa have tried to recreate the experience but nowhere yet comes close to the Luangwa. The level of training required before qualifying as a walking guide and the guide’s partnership with highly trained armed scout means we can enable guests to get close to big game on foot, like the safari hunters of old, but in safety and also without impacting negatively on the wildlife in any way.
All walking safaris in Zambia are led by an armed wildlife ranger – they’re called Scouts in Zambia; he is followed by the professional safari guide. In other countries walks are often led by one armed scout. The idea of having two fully trained experts at the head of each walk was conceived by Norman and has been tried and tested for decades with an unparalleled safety record and we firmly believe that it is the safest way to conduct a walking safari.
The bush is a potentially dangerous place and in an emergency situation – the Scout handles the wildlife potential hazard while the Guide concentrates on guests getting out of any danger zone.
It’s true - in a vehicle you cover more ground and are likely to see greater volumes of game, but as soon as you get out of the vehicle on foot in the bush you become a part of it, you can hear, smell and feel the bush as well as see it. It's infinitely exciting in a different way; many of our guests have called it a life changing experience. The smaller mysteries of the wilderness start to reveal themselves, how every aspect of the bush is inextricably linked.
Together with the skill of the guide and scout team guests are able to have a far deeper and more intimate experience. It’s no longer an exercise in ticking off sightings but the start of what for many people becomes a lifelong and ever growing passion.
Over many decades this way of walking has proved extremely safe both for guests – and as importantly, the wildlife.
Although young children are not allowed in the Park on foot (lower age limit of 12 years to walk), there is no upper age limit and one doesn't need a high level of fitness. Walks are conducted at a slow pace. We usually have a tea bearer walking with us and plan a break or two in the shade of a tree or watching the river flow past.
When Norman Carr first started exploring the Luangwa Valley with guests, he was usually accompanied by porters laden with the supplies and kit needed to make camp. Life is a little easier today and we like to provide our guests with a few more creature comforts than could easily be carried on foot.
We have not, however lost sight of the excitement of the raw and real experience of camping out in temporary bush camps. The pioneering sense of adventure and closeness to the wild when walking from camp to camp is still at the heart of what we do. Now we do it in real comfort and style but, most importantly – still with some of the best guides in Africa.
Our four bush camps have been carefully sited in areas close to waterholes or rivers, sites which have been chosen for their special beauty and wildlife importance. The camps are very different from each other and have been placed strategically so that guests can walk between in a circuit.
A safari including a combination of bush camps gives you the best of the varied and diverse habitats of the Luangwa Valley and an experience of ‘safari’ in the true sense of the word.
Luwi and Nsolo Bush Camps are both deep in the middle of the South Luangwa National Park, the only camps on the course of the Luwi River, a tributary of the Luangwa. Often the real safari starts in these camps – exploring the Luwi River valley and heading down river to the Luangwa – they find Kakuli placed on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers built on a high bank overlooking huge hippo pods and productive grazing lawns. Just up river is Mchenja, our most luxurious and sophisticated bush camp and a wonderful place to end your safari adventure.
The distance between each camp can be covered in 3 – 5 hours depending upon the wildlife along the way and levels of fitness of the guests. One can never tell what you will see. You may divert to sit and watch a herd of elephants or be attracted by the alarm calls of a troop of baboons as they sound out the presence of a predator.
Either way, when you arrive at your next camp your bags will be in your room and you will be welcomed with a warm smile and a cold drink. If you prefer to walk some of the way then rest your legs and game drive the rest - we can of course arrange that.
Original can be found here
The Luangwa Valley is the home of the walking safari and in recent years many private reserves and National Parks across Africa have tried to recreate the experience but nowhere yet comes close to the Luangwa. The level of training required before qualifying as a walking guide and the guide’s partnership with highly trained armed scout means we can enable guests to get close to big game on foot, like the safari hunters of old, but in safety and also without impacting negatively on the wildlife in any way.
All walking safaris in Zambia are led by an armed wildlife ranger – they’re called Scouts in Zambia; he is followed by the professional safari guide. In other countries walks are often led by one armed scout. The idea of having two fully trained experts at the head of each walk was conceived by Norman and has been tried and tested for decades with an unparalleled safety record and we firmly believe that it is the safest way to conduct a walking safari.
The bush is a potentially dangerous place and in an emergency situation – the Scout handles the wildlife potential hazard while the Guide concentrates on guests getting out of any danger zone.
It’s true - in a vehicle you cover more ground and are likely to see greater volumes of game, but as soon as you get out of the vehicle on foot in the bush you become a part of it, you can hear, smell and feel the bush as well as see it. It's infinitely exciting in a different way; many of our guests have called it a life changing experience. The smaller mysteries of the wilderness start to reveal themselves, how every aspect of the bush is inextricably linked.
Together with the skill of the guide and scout team guests are able to have a far deeper and more intimate experience. It’s no longer an exercise in ticking off sightings but the start of what for many people becomes a lifelong and ever growing passion.
Over many decades this way of walking has proved extremely safe both for guests – and as importantly, the wildlife.
Although young children are not allowed in the Park on foot (lower age limit of 12 years to walk), there is no upper age limit and one doesn't need a high level of fitness. Walks are conducted at a slow pace. We usually have a tea bearer walking with us and plan a break or two in the shade of a tree or watching the river flow past.
When Norman Carr first started exploring the Luangwa Valley with guests, he was usually accompanied by porters laden with the supplies and kit needed to make camp. Life is a little easier today and we like to provide our guests with a few more creature comforts than could easily be carried on foot.
We have not, however lost sight of the excitement of the raw and real experience of camping out in temporary bush camps. The pioneering sense of adventure and closeness to the wild when walking from camp to camp is still at the heart of what we do. Now we do it in real comfort and style but, most importantly – still with some of the best guides in Africa.
Our four bush camps have been carefully sited in areas close to waterholes or rivers, sites which have been chosen for their special beauty and wildlife importance. The camps are very different from each other and have been placed strategically so that guests can walk between in a circuit.
A safari including a combination of bush camps gives you the best of the varied and diverse habitats of the Luangwa Valley and an experience of ‘safari’ in the true sense of the word.
Luwi and Nsolo Bush Camps are both deep in the middle of the South Luangwa National Park, the only camps on the course of the Luwi River, a tributary of the Luangwa. Often the real safari starts in these camps – exploring the Luwi River valley and heading down river to the Luangwa – they find Kakuli placed on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers built on a high bank overlooking huge hippo pods and productive grazing lawns. Just up river is Mchenja, our most luxurious and sophisticated bush camp and a wonderful place to end your safari adventure.
The distance between each camp can be covered in 3 – 5 hours depending upon the wildlife along the way and levels of fitness of the guests. One can never tell what you will see. You may divert to sit and watch a herd of elephants or be attracted by the alarm calls of a troop of baboons as they sound out the presence of a predator.
Either way, when you arrive at your next camp your bags will be in your room and you will be welcomed with a warm smile and a cold drink. If you prefer to walk some of the way then rest your legs and game drive the rest - we can of course arrange that.
Original can be found here
Walking holidays in Zambia
Exhilarating to the point of addiction... that’s what walking with big game feels like if you’ve only ever seen animals from a safari vehicle.
Expert Africa offers a safari experience in the South Luangwa - Zambia’s premier park - whereby the second person essentially safaris for free.
Staying in at least two of Norman Carr Safari’s five well-established camps (Kapani, Kakuli and Mchenja, which offer a mixture of driving and walking activities; and Luwi and Nsolo, focusing almost solely on walking safaris), you’ll enjoy top-notch guiding, learn to sniff out elephants and to follow the tracks of hyenas.
You don’t need to be especially fit to walk in Zambia – the walks are about taking time to spot the signs of the wildlife and to learn how the ecosystems work.
And you’ll be accompanied not only by a professional guide, but also an armed game scout, and often a tea-bearer carrying refreshments. Walks cater for a maximum of six guests, but between two and five is the norm.
Originally appeared here
Expert Africa offers a safari experience in the South Luangwa - Zambia’s premier park - whereby the second person essentially safaris for free.
Staying in at least two of Norman Carr Safari’s five well-established camps (Kapani, Kakuli and Mchenja, which offer a mixture of driving and walking activities; and Luwi and Nsolo, focusing almost solely on walking safaris), you’ll enjoy top-notch guiding, learn to sniff out elephants and to follow the tracks of hyenas.
You don’t need to be especially fit to walk in Zambia – the walks are about taking time to spot the signs of the wildlife and to learn how the ecosystems work.
And you’ll be accompanied not only by a professional guide, but also an armed game scout, and often a tea-bearer carrying refreshments. Walks cater for a maximum of six guests, but between two and five is the norm.
Originally appeared here
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Luangwa Luxury Adventures
South Luangwa National Park
Luangwa Luxury Adventures
Chinzombo (opening 2013) - Norman Carr Safaris innovative, elegant and exclusive camp will offer a level of luxury and service new to the Luangwa Valley.Six spacious and sophisticated suites situated in a magnificent Luangwa riverside location with direct river access to the National Park - all suites will have private plunge pool, cooled sleeping areas and internet connection. Combined with our remote bush camps this safari provides the perfect balance of extreme luxury and wild adventure
Four nights at Chinzombo exploring the 60 acres around camp which teems with wildlife, crossing the river by boat in to the heart of the national park and luxuriating in the elegance and comfort of the huge suites can be followed by four nights at Mchenja Camp or, for the more adventurous and wild at heart, spend two of the nights at one of our bush camps – Luwi, Nsolo or Kakuli for a taste of traditional safari.
Guests can opt for spa treatments and visits to local community projects at Chinzombo and privately guided safari from the bush camps for an extra supplement.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
A brand new camp for Norman Carr Safaris!
Norman Carr Safaris 2012 – 2013 – new partners, a new logo, a new camp and all the latest news!
Norman Carr Safaris has been operating wildlife safari in Zambia’s Luangwa valley for over 60 years. The inspiration of visionary conservationist and responsible tourism pioneer Norman Carr – his family and staff continue in his footsteps to this day.
With new partners - namely the Dalais family and Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi – this ever innovative company is able to announce their plans for the future and share the next chapter of the Norman Carr adventure.
NCS and Chongwe Safaris are now linked in a close “family” partnership. Not only will they be able to share knowledge and skills but they will be able to offer a wide range of exciting new safari experiences.
The creation of a new camp - Chinzombo just upstream of Kapani Lodge on the banks of the Luangwa river starts shortly. Something completely new for the Luangwa Valley, it will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the exquisite surroundings of the beautiful, tranquil site.
Chinzombo used to be Norman's green season base when he was running Chibembe Camp way back in the 1970’s and the Carr family and staff, together with their new partners are thrilled to be giving this unique place a new life. The gigantic, ancient shade trees, the peace and tranquillity, the views from its riverside location and teeming wildlife that wanders through camp plus the private access direct in to the most game rich area of the National Park make it something really special.
The 6 "villas", one of which is a suite with extra space for families and small groups, will all have private plunge pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities, and most importantly - one of the best guiding teams in Zambia creating unique and exclusive adventures for the most discerning safari guests.
Chinzombo will be the perfect place from which to explore the majestic wilds of the Luangwa Valley in style, luxury and exclusivity. The NCS bush camps Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli will retain their essence of wild adventure, a few added touches like fans in the rooms, new game viewing vehicles and new bathroom fittings, linens, crystal, crockery and cutlery will just enhance the experience in these, the wildest feeling camps in the area and the only camps along the course of the captivating Luwi River. The focus will still be on pure, wild adventure.
Mchenja Camp will have upgrades throughout. It will also focus on wildlife and adventure but with even more little luxurious touches and indulgences. Kapani Lodge – the NCS base for so many years will remain HQ. The lodge will also be getting a facelift and will be launched as a new type of offering for families, small groups and those who want to experience the Luangwa but are on a lower budget.
From early 2013 Kapani will re-open at unbelievably affordable rates. Dining will be communal and buffet style, game drives won't be private but shared with a few other like minded guests. What guests miss in flexibility and exclusivity - they will gain back in the low rates and affordability of the experience.
Norman Carr Safaris
Norman Carr Safaris has been operating wildlife safari in Zambia’s Luangwa valley for over 60 years. The inspiration of visionary conservationist and responsible tourism pioneer Norman Carr – his family and staff continue in his footsteps to this day.
With new partners - namely the Dalais family and Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi – this ever innovative company is able to announce their plans for the future and share the next chapter of the Norman Carr adventure.
NCS and Chongwe Safaris are now linked in a close “family” partnership. Not only will they be able to share knowledge and skills but they will be able to offer a wide range of exciting new safari experiences.
The creation of a new camp - Chinzombo just upstream of Kapani Lodge on the banks of the Luangwa river starts shortly. Something completely new for the Luangwa Valley, it will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the exquisite surroundings of the beautiful, tranquil site.
Chinzombo used to be Norman's green season base when he was running Chibembe Camp way back in the 1970’s and the Carr family and staff, together with their new partners are thrilled to be giving this unique place a new life. The gigantic, ancient shade trees, the peace and tranquillity, the views from its riverside location and teeming wildlife that wanders through camp plus the private access direct in to the most game rich area of the National Park make it something really special.
The 6 "villas", one of which is a suite with extra space for families and small groups, will all have private plunge pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities, and most importantly - one of the best guiding teams in Zambia creating unique and exclusive adventures for the most discerning safari guests.
Chinzombo will be the perfect place from which to explore the majestic wilds of the Luangwa Valley in style, luxury and exclusivity. The NCS bush camps Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli will retain their essence of wild adventure, a few added touches like fans in the rooms, new game viewing vehicles and new bathroom fittings, linens, crystal, crockery and cutlery will just enhance the experience in these, the wildest feeling camps in the area and the only camps along the course of the captivating Luwi River. The focus will still be on pure, wild adventure.
Mchenja Camp will have upgrades throughout. It will also focus on wildlife and adventure but with even more little luxurious touches and indulgences. Kapani Lodge – the NCS base for so many years will remain HQ. The lodge will also be getting a facelift and will be launched as a new type of offering for families, small groups and those who want to experience the Luangwa but are on a lower budget.
From early 2013 Kapani will re-open at unbelievably affordable rates. Dining will be communal and buffet style, game drives won't be private but shared with a few other like minded guests. What guests miss in flexibility and exclusivity - they will gain back in the low rates and affordability of the experience.
Norman Carr Safaris
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
