Originally published 10 December 2009

Get close to the wildlife, South Luangwa National Park

To mark their 60^th Anniversary of safaris in the Luangwa Valley (which includes the North Luangwa National Park and South Luangwa National Park), Norman Carr Safaris are offering a special community and conservation safari.

Combine getting stuck into some community work in and around local villages, with time on safari. With nothing staged or contrived this is a perfect opportunity to meet the local community, learn about local Kunda culture, as well as giving something back. 

Projects you can do

The range of community projects is extensive and you will discuss with your private guide what you are interested in doing. You might chose to spend a morning watering saplings or planting trees, or perhaps making cards at a local workshop from recycled paper and elephant dung. Those travelling with children might enjoy a visit to the Yosefe School where there is invariably a game of football to get involved in. Alternatively, if your interest is the wildlife then you might like to enjoy a cup of tea with the researchers of Africa Wild Dog Conservation Project. Whatever your interest, you will be welcomed with open arms and encouraged to get well and truly stuck in!

Time on safari

Following time in the community you can head into the Luangwa Valley for a safari. Staying in Norman Carr’s tiny bushcamps you can enjoy walking safaris, day and night game drives and of course, time just sitting in the shade of your banda watching the birds, hippos in the river and other game that seems always to be around on a safari in the Luangwa.

Day-to-day itinerary

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Lusaka overnight.
Day 2: Arrive at Lusaka Airport. Flight from Lusaka to the Luangwa Valley.
Transfer to Kapani Lodge. Afternoon relaxing or enjoying a game drive in the South Luangwa National Park. Overnight at Kapani Lodge.
Day 3: Morning 'getting stuck in' at community projects. Afternoon relaxing or enjoying a game drive. Overnight at Kapani Lodge.
Day 4: Morning 'getting stuck in' at community projects. Afternoon relaxing or enjoying a game drive. Overnight at Kapani Lodge.
Day 5: Transfer into the South Luangwa National Park. Afternoon walk from Luwi Bushcamp. Overnight at Luwi Bushcamp.
Day 6: Morning and afternoon walks from Luwi Bushcamp. Overnight at Luwi Bushcamp.
Day 7: Morning walk to Nsolo Bushcamp. Overnight at Nsolo Bushcamp.
Day 8: Morning walk to Kakuli Bushcamp. Afternoon game drive from Kakuli Bushcamp. Overnight at Kakuli Bushcamp.
Day 9: Morning and afternoon game drives or walks from Kakuli Bushcamp. Overnight at Kakuli Bushcamp.
Day 10: Morning game drive. Flight back to Lusaka. Transfer to the Taj Pamodzi. Overnight at the Taj Pamodzi.
Day 11: Transfer back to the airport. International flight to the UK. Arrive in the UK in the early evening.

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