Kapani and history of the company

Kapani and history of the company

Norman Carr established Luangwa's first safari camp in 1950. Back in the days when an African safari was a hunting experience, Norman developed the pioneering idea of taking people to look at animals and photograph them rather than to shoot them.

This first safari camp was set up in partnership with the then Paramount Chief Nsefu and his people. This idea of involving the local people in the management of the wildlife was way ahead of its time. It was almost 50 years later that conservationists started developing the principles of "Community Based Natural Resource Management", in other words encouraging the traditional owners of the natural resource to take responsibility for its usage. Norman Carr's pioneering approach proved to be the forerunner to a cornerstone of modern day conservation policy.

The first 35 years of the company saw Norman set up and establish a number of safari camps across the Luangwa Valley, some of which are still in existence – Nsefu, Lion Camp, Chibembe and Chinzombo to name a few. In 1985 whilst running his safaris out of the old Mfuwe Lodge, Norman started construction on what would be his final safari camp, Kapani Lodge. He selected an elevated site overlooking the Kapani Lagoon. He knew the unpredictability of the Luangwa River well, and that this site would never flood and would never fall into the river.

Everyone associated with Norman Carr Safaris (NCS) is immensely proud of the heritage of the company. The principles of conservation and community responsibility established by Norman over half a century ago still run strongly through the company. We have been leading the way in responsible tourism in Zambia for over 60 years and we intend for that to continue.

In early 2012 we announced our new partners – the Dalais family and Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi – who along with co-owners and Directors Dave Wilson and Christina & Adrian Carr are pleased to share the next chapter of the Norman Carr Safaris adventure.

Throughout its history, NCS has always innovated; the first community based tourism, the first camps, the first walking safaris, the first community projects, the first luxury bush camps, the first all Zambian expert guiding team, the first Zambian female guide, the first majority Zambian Operations Board - the list of firsts is long!

We’re proud to continue this tradition and will continue to lead the way in innovation, the use of new ‘green’ technology, staff training and development and community involvement.

For Norman Carr Safaris, it has always been and continues to be all about CONSERVATION THROUGH TOURISM.

Original: http://www.normancarrsafaris.com

And a picture gallery: http://www.normancarrsafaris.com/#!/gallery/Camps/Kapani

Norman Carr Safaris receives recognition

Norman Carr Safaris receives recognition at the first SATOA Travel Awards

13 Sep 2012 by Philly Denlegh-Maxwell

Many congratulations to Norman Carr Safaris, whose family friendly Kapani Lodge received recognition at the inaugural SATOA Travel Awards. Kapani received the ‘Best Accommodation in Africa’ award at the event, which took place at the Zimbabwe Embassy on Wednesday 12 September.
Honour Schram de Jong accepted the award on behalf of the team at Norman Carr Safaris.


Kapani Lodge is a comfortable family lodge situated on the banks of one of the Luangwa River’s many ox-bow lagoons. It is located close to the main Mfuwe area of the South Luangwa, one of the finest National Parks in Zambia. Its location ensures an excellent safari experience year-round as well as access to numerous community activities. The lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests across its rooms, suites and ‘Lagoon House’, offers al fresco dining options and has a large, secluded swimming pool.
Norman Carr, the father of Zambian conservation and tourism built Kapani in 1986 and made it his home until his death in 1997. He earned the reputation as a tireless conservationist and was the founding father of photographic walking safaris and the concept of “eco-tourism” in Zambia. His legacy continues to live through his family and dedicated staff – Kapani is still the home of the Carr.
SATOA is a non-profit travel and tourism association which promotes travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean. Members include hotels, game reserves, lodges, tour operators, ground handlers, car hire companies, tourism boards, airlines and representation companies among others. This was the organisation’s inaugural annual Travel Awards.

Read original:

http://www.prco.com/uk/property-pr/norman-carr-safaris-receives-recognition-at-the-first-satoa-travel-awards/

Norman Carr Safaris to Open Luxury Lodge in Zambia’s Luangwa

Norman Carr Safaris is planning a new luxurious and sustainable camp in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Christina Carr, director of Norman Carr Safaris, characterized the new property as a “wildly luxurious,” sustainable bush camp in Zambia’s game-rich Luangwa, valley of the leopard. The new camp is called Chinzombo. It is being designed by South African architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, designers of North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Little Vumbura Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The architects are known for low-impact eco design incorporating the work of local craftspeople.

Carr said that Chinzombo represents “another step in the evolution of the Rech and Carsten luxury bush camp design philosophy,” with modernist architectural forms combined with organic geometry, regional materials and indigenous Zambian building methods. The property is being built where Norman Carr stayed during Luangwa’s Emerald Season,

Chinzombo will have six villas, one that can accommodate a family of five or more. Villas are Wi-Fi-equipped. The villas stand under shade trees on a ridge over a loop in the Luangwa River. The villas have large, air-conditioned bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and private plunge pools on shady decks overlooking the Luangwa River. Materials are natural, and includes locally produced leather, reed-work and canvas. Floors are made of recycled composite timber. There is no concrete or brick. Décor utilizes raw linen, timber, copper and hand-made crockery. The property will open for business March 1, 2013.

Original article here

Norman Carr Safaris