An unforgettable week in Zambia. The abundance of wildlife, and the depth of knowledge of our guide were breath-taking. Each day we saw animals and birds in the national park, but also around our lodgings, and on the drive to Luangwa. We spent one morning in the nearby village, and found the school an inspiration, as well as the local craftspeople. I had used Naturetrek once before, and was impressed by their down-to-Earth way of working. This holiday ran just as smoothly, and I felt confident that any problems we may encounter would be overcome with honesty and efficiency.
M.J. Staffordshire, Apr 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
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- Tour report - April 2024
- Tour report - April 2023
- Tour report - November 2022
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - November 2018
- Tour report - December 2017
- Tour report - November 2014
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - February 2013
- Tour report - November 2008
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Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (Mammals)
Tour Code: ZMB02A 10-day mammal-viewing holiday based at a luxury lodge on the edge of the wonderful South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest national parks in Africa.
£4,295 (Inc flights)
£3,445
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Summary
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s foremost wildlife reserve. Bordered by the Luangwa River, it encompasses over 9,000 square kilometres of wilderness and is home to an abundance of mammals, birds and other wildlife. This dedicated mammal-watching tour is special in that it is a single-centre holiday, based for 7 nights at Kafunta River Lodge. From here we enjoy morning game drives into the national park and may choose to return each afternoon on optional night safaris in search of nocturnal mammals, including Lion, Leopard, Honey Badger and occasionally Aardvark. From September to November, flocks of colourful Southern Carmine Bee-eaters nest along the Luangwa River, whilst large pods of Hippo laze in the water and Thornicroft's Giraffe, Elephant, African Buffalo and many other mammals venture down to drink. African Wild Dogs are also being increasingly seen, especially on our December and April departures.
- Seven nights in a small luxury lodge on the edge of the Luangwa River
- Daily morning mammal-watching safaris in South Luangwa National Park
- Daily optional night safaris
- Fully open vehicles, excellent for photography
- Abundant mammals including Elephant, Thornicroft's Giraffe & Lion
- one of the best places in Africa – indeed the world – to view Leopards
- Increasing sightings of African Wild Dog
- Southern Carmine Bee-eater colonies (Oct/Nov only)
- Dry and ‘green’ season departures available
- Expertly guided by our local Zambian naturalists
Grading
A traditional vehicle-based safari holiday with optional game walks if conditions permit.This is a single-centre holiday based at Kafunta River Lodge, a small and exclusive lodge situated on the edge of the South Luangwa Valley and overlooking the Luangwa River. Kafunta can accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 twin-bedded thatched chalets, each having private facilities and a private verandah. A thatched, open-plan bar and dining area, provides meals and service to an excellent standard. There is also a swimming pool and patio where guests can relax overlooking the Luangwa River. The aim of the holiday will be to gain a thorough appreciation of the mammals (and, to a lesser extent, the birds) of one of the most famous and best National Parks in Africa. By concentrating only on this one park during this relatively short holiday, we will maximise our time in the field, minimising wearisome overland travel. By travelling at the end of Zambia's 'green season' in April, we may have to put up with the occasional rain shower, but are likely to be more than compensated not only by the beauty of this season, but also by the lack of other tourists. The October/November departure offers you the chance to see mammals around the waterholes towards the end of the dry season. Even in Zambia's high season, tourists are never as thick on the ground as in other parts of Africa, due to the limited accommodation in Zambia's National Parks, and the generally very high cost of this destination. The South Luangwa National Park also has other advantages over most African National Parks. Here, we may do some game-viewing walks in the Game Management Area (GMA) - grass levels permitting - on the edge of the park and within the area of our lodge grounds, and are permitted to go on night-drives in search of nocturnal mammals and birds not normally seen in other African countries, where night driving is forbidden (please note, however, that night-drives are not included in the cost of the holiday and are offered each day at an additional cost). In all, during our stay, we hope to see around 30 species of mammals, and perhaps nearly 200 bird species ... a truly unforgettable week of wildlife!
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A Single centre holiday based at Kafunta River Lodge, a small, exclusive lodge set on the edge of the South Luangwa National Park and overlooking the Luangwa River.
- Food: All food is included, except for dinner on Day 9.
Reviews
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Just as described in the brochure, Kafunta River Lodge was right in the middle of the action! Wildlife viewing was no effort with the lodge being situated on a natural spring where animals and birds came to drink. The lodge was amazing, the chalets, the communal areas, the grounds, the food and all the staff were wonderful. And the guides who took us out on safari were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the local wildlife. Naturetrek holidays always exceed expectations. They choose fantastic locations and accommodation and always ensure that you see as much as you can during your holiday.
J.E. West Midlands, Nov 22 -
What I enjoyed most was seeing ALL the animals we were fortunate enough to see and get good photos of. I especially loved the giraffes. And as something different, a dung beetle trying to roll its ball and 'wife' up a slope, and a chameleon. Very good guide, Joseph, and joined in the evening by Daniel. Both pleasant and very good at spotting.
M.A. London, Dec 19 -
Travelling in the green season meant fewer people. In turn this meant more space in the jeeps and more relaxed (but still very professional) service in the lodge. Trip leader- excellent, very knowledgeable and personable. Really superb.
J.K. Fife, Dec 19 -
I liked the fact that the focus was the wildlife, and when we came across anything incredible, we were able to stay and watch, rather than rush back to the lodge for a meal. The variety of wildlife was well beyond my expectations, and Joseph, our guide, was an extremely patient and knowledgeable. The drives into the bush were the best part of the trip (as they should be!), with our expert guide and amazing spotter, Joseph & Daniel. I also liked the fact that there were only 5 of us in the jeep - any more would have been too many, and we would not have had the excellent photo opportunities that we did. The staff at the lodge were very kind and helpful - they were always smiling and upbeat. A lovely bunch of guys! It was also good that there were so few of us staying at the lodge, and that we were all 'wildlife' geeks - we picked up lots of ideas for future trips, and were also able to advise others on trips we've taken in the past.
C.K. Fife, Dec 19 -
A wonderful wildlife trip to the South Luangwa National Park with Naturetrek. Away from the crowds of people often found in other National Parks, this was a truly memorable experience, with great views of all the iconic African species. We were based in the Kafunta River Lodge, right in amongst elephants and hippos, antelopes, giraffes, leopards, lions, water buffalo and lots of birds, both large and small. The Lodge itself is comfortable and well maintained with friendly and helpful staff and great food.
V.K. Nottinghamshire, Nov 18 -
The sheer variety of wildlife was amazing. Due to it being in the dry season many animals were clearly seen in and around any remaining water. The guides/drivers were exceptionally knowledgeable and made sure everyone saw all the wildlife. We also had plenty of time to just sit and watch the animal interactions.
Mr & Mrs F - Nottinghamshire, Nov 18 -
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed and benefited from this trip. In every way it was more than I ever expected, in terms of organization, information, value for money, preparation; and when I got there, it was just out of this world. Delightful, efficient guides, superb birdwatching, excellent service and accommodation, good transport, enviable local knowledge of wildlife, birds, fauna and flora, warm send-offs and welcomes-back, individual attention, complimentary laundry, good library/reference/experts available and outstanding food and hospitality. I am booking up to go back as soon as I can! Naturetrek - you are wonderful!
R.E. Cornwall -
A wonderful holiday, excellent location, lovely group of people, brilliant Safari guides, fantastic wildlife, nice and quiet. I highly recommend it.
P.H. Hertfordshire -
The local guides were brilliant...we more or less covered the mammal list, I saw leopards every day - the only thing I missed was the porcupine! Thank you for another lovely holiday.
S.H. Cheshire -
An excellent tour, well run, good company, super lodge, excellent food, and the birds and mammals full lived up to expectation.
B.P. Kent -
The accommodation at Kapani was excellent and greatly exceeded my expectations. The food was wonderful and the setting of the lodge is perfect. Rose, who runs the lodge, was efficient, friendly and a lovely person, and all the staff did a great job. Our guide, Sam, showed us lots of wonderful animals, including a pack of hunting dogs, a leopard and an African wild cat...I cannot fault his skill or his love for the park.
Anon. -
A short and very reasonably-priced holiday beside the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Safari trips by vehicle with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide for excellent viewing of most of the famous African mammals and exotic birds. Equally possible to view many from the relaxing terraces of a luxury safari lodge, which overlooks the flood plain of the river bordering the Park. Unforgettable close but safe encounters with deepest Africa...
M.A. Norfolk -
I travelled alone but joined 10 others for one of the best safari holidays I've ever had. The Kafunta Lodge we stayed in was excellent, the food was great, the staff friendly and welcoming and we saw some really good wildlife, as our naturalist guides were brilliant spotters. I knew that we stood a good chance of seeing leopards, but I didn't know we'd see as many as 6 in 6 days. One was in the classic leopard pose lying along a dead log. It was one of the highlights of the holiday for me.
R.I. Surrey -
It fulfilled all my dreams. Kafunta Lodge where we stayed, could no have been bettered. The care of the guests never faltered and there were wonderful touches, such as a "sundowner" break in the evening safari where we all quaffed gin and tonics and nibbled tasty snacks while looking at amazing views. We ate in different dining areas in the lodge, and once in a treetop dining room - superb. The guides could not have been more delightful and knowledgeable and I saw all the animals I had hoped to see. How they spotted some of the smaller ones I shall never know. The food at the lodge (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner!!) was of a high standard and the chefs were happy to provide vegetarian or gluten free options. The manageress (Lisa) was always hand and the little touches, like flannels to wipe our sticky hands on return from a safari are most welcome. Not to be faulted.
G.D. London -
I could not believe my eyes when we arrived at the lodge. The wildlife was there in front of us. We were warmly welcomed and looked after extremely well for the whole of our stay. Our daily game drives in the mornings really came up with the animals and birds. The afternoon drives after more animals were punctuated with sundowners and then lamping on the way back when we saw everything from leopard on the hunt right down to elephant shrews. Our local guides were extremely knowledgeable and answered any awkward questions with ease. Though not in the national park we had elephants through the lodge and signs of lion on the footpaths.
V.V.D. Essex -
My first trip with Naturetrek exceeded my expectations. I had already been impressed with the booking experience and I have friends who recommended the company to me. The Kafunta River Lodge in Zambia is an excellent location, even in the early green season. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with staff who care passionately about the environment, wildlife and the customer. Wildlife viewings were amazing, our party of 7 were transported in 2 open-sided trucks so we all had excellent viewing options. The rooms at the lodge were very good with verandas overlooking many birds, baboons, antelope and hippos. Animals, including lions, roamed around the lodge, All in all a great way to spend Christmas.
D.K. Devon -
Excellent holiday and location, the local guides were very good and helpful. Great value for money excellent views of all the animals, with four excellent leopard sightings.
P.B. Sussex -
Excellent value for money, we had great animal sightings every day, plenty to keep a big cat enthusiast happy.
C.B. Sussex -
This was an excellent trip with a great group of people. The lodge is very pleasant and the little pool very inviting. Food was consistently good, especially brunch which we shared with the squirrels most days. Staff lovely and very helpful. A great way to spend a week. Staying in one place meant we began to know the area and its wildlife in a bit more depth. The thunder storms were spectacular! Thanks again for a great trip.
J.B. Northumberland -
It was an amazing trip. The guides were fantastic…all the staff were brilliant and we had an awesome (or should I say pawsome) time!
N.F. Essex -
A wonderful trip - a return visit to a place I have never forgotten.
A.L. London -
On the whole the holiday was one big 'wow'. Thank you so much to all the staff, I found them extremely helpful, friendly, caring and nothing too much for them to do for us, which helped toward the enjoyment.
B.W. East Yorkshire -
Accommodation and food very good. Staff all very friendly and helpful. The local guides (Andrew and Martin) were excellent and always willing to move the jeep a few feet to the left, right, back a bit, forward a bit to get the best view of an animal or bird! Very knowledgeable and approachable. We went to see Leopards, and were not disappointed. Lions seen on first day. Lodges comfortable and cleaned twice a day. Sit on your veranda and watch Giraffe, elephants, Warthogs, Bush Buck, Puku, gibbons, monkeys and numerous birds pass by. Fantastic experience.
L.H. Clwyd -
This was an excellent trip in which I saw and learnt a great deal. Our guide, Martin, went out of his way to find as much for us to see as was possible, including excellent tea and sundown stops on each safari. His knowledge was inspiring and use of the English language exceptional. At this time of year the mammals are more difficult to find as the park is lush, but this didn't prevent us from seeing almost everything. In fact it was good to see the mammals/birds looking so well with plenty of food and water available. The accommodation was also excellent with good facilities, which we didn't have time to put to good use. The food was of a high standard and plentiful and the staff couldn't do enough for us throughout our stay. I would highly recommend this holiday and hope to travel with Naturetrek in the future.
L.B. Vale of Glamorgan -
A very memorable trip - one of the best we have been on. We saw an amazing array of birds and mammals, with highlights including the many sighting of leopards (stalking puku, being chased by baboons, in a tree eating impala), lions with cubs playing, wild dogs resting and eating, the giraffes, elephants, hippos, baboons.. too many to list them all! And we loved the sun-downer drinks in the night safari. The lodge was excellent, with wonderful food - even had turkey on Christmas day!
D. W. London -
Kafunta is in a really beautiful location and it was lovely to be able to watch the animals and birds from the lodges, terraces and the hide. The richness and diversity of wildlife far exceeded my expectations - it must be the best place in Africa for viewing leopards - and I was amazed that the animals were so relaxed, unafraid and they provided endless photo opportunities. The vehicles were comfortable and very well designed to maximise viewing for everyone on board. The staff were wonderful - friendly, obviously well trained and clearly enjoying their work. The food and general comfort were excellent.
A.R. London
Dates & Prices
2024
2025
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Naturetrek Bargain mammal Holidays
These tours are best suited to keen, active mammal-watching enthusiasts – whether expert or beginner – and people looking for an action-packed mammal-focused tour.
Our bargain mammal-watching tours offer:
- An expert English-speaking local naturalist leader
- Outstanding value for money
- Dawn-to-dusk mammal-watching with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
- Enviable mammal lists!
- Focused searches for endemic species, while also looking for non-endemics
Naturetrek’s selection of bargain mammal-watching holidays includes tours to the Americas in Brazil, Peru and Panama. In Africa our selection includes Botswana, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in Asia we offer bargain mammal tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Borneo.
Our specialist recommends...
“I’d recommend Ecuador – Amazonian Mammals for a good introduction to South America’s rainforest mammals. In Africa, it’s hard to beat our Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park holiday for its combination of Leopards, other ‘big game’ and first-class accommodation! In Asia, try India – Bandhavgarh National Park for Tigers and other Indian mammals.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Safari Holidays – Experience Earth’s Greatest Continent for Wildlife
Why choose Africa for wildlife safaris?
When people think of visiting Africa, safari holidays are regularly at the top of the list. Riding in an open-top jeep along dusty tracks and looking out across sun-baked savannahs teeming with big game is arguably one of life’s best experiences.
For the nature enthusiast, Naturetrek’s African safari holidays offer unparalleled opportunities. Africa is the world’s greatest continent for wildlife, being home to many of the planet’s most iconic mammals and birds.
Many of these animals are relatively easy to observe and exist in scarcely believable abundance, guaranteeing that our African safari tours are always full of amazing sightings.
From the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to Namibia’s Etosha National Park and the superb Kruger National Park in South Africa, our African wildlife safaris will take you to all the continent’s most unmissable destinations.
Classic African safari holidays
We offer classic safari-style packages to Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia.
On these African safari tours you will stay in or very near the prime game-rich areas such as national parks and reserves, heading out daily for wildlife watching in vehicles. There will usually be additional chances to join night drives and look for nocturnal species.
On the majority of our African wildlife safaris, even those in our bargain range, we are able to use superb accommodation, including in remote locations. Tented, fully serviced camps with private facilities are the norm.
Expert naturalist guides
All of our African safari tours are led by expert naturalist guides. Most of our tours are led by superb local guides (the quality of guiding in many parts of Africa is second to none), while some of our longer tours are joined by a UK leader.
What wildlife might I see?
Africa is the best place in the world for seeing large concentrations of big game such as African Bush Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe and Blue Wildebeest. On Naturetrek’s African safari tours we visit some of the world’s most famous national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti, Kruger and Okavango Delta, as well as some less well known regions, in search of a full range of the continent’s most spectacular mammals, from Hippos, Wild Dogs and White Rhinos to Leopards, bushbabies and African Wildcats.
The birdlife is equally staggering, with an enormous variety of charismatic species found across the continent, from bee-eaters and hornbills to finches, weavers and a stunning diversity of birds of prey. Naturetrek’s African wildlife safaris offer a chance to search for a superb variety of species and avian spectacles, such as flamingo-lined lakes in the Rift Valley, bizarre Shoebills in Uganda’s swamps, and giant Ostriches strutting across endless savannahs.
See our list of the best African Safari Holidays
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer a superb choice of expert-led African safari holidays ranging from 9-day bargain tours in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to a 17-day birdwatching and mammal-viewing safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. For those who have previously enjoyed a traditional safari, I would recommend our ‘South Africa’s Rare Mammals’ tour, which targets some of the continent’s most rarely seen creatures, such as Aardwolf, Black-footed Cat, Cape Porcupine, African Wildcat, Brown Hyaena and the iconic Aardvark
Paul Stanbury – Operations Manager
Big Cat Safari Holidays
Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.
We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.
We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.
We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.
Our specialist recommends...
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
Tour Reports
- Tour report - April 2024
- Tour report - April 2023
- Tour report - November 2022
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - November 2018
- Tour report - December 2017
- Tour report - November 2014
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - February 2013
- Tour report - November 2008
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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