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The Robin Pope Walking Safaris offer an amazing wilderness experience in the South Luangwa National Park. It gives participants the chance to explore remote corners of this prolific wildlife park both on 4WD safaris and on foot - the latter giving a more intimate experience with nature.
Guide
Each safari is led by seasoned and passionate guides who are enthusiast and enjoy educating, enlightening and often entertaining guests with tales of the surrounding bush. The mobile walking safari will also be joined by an armed national park game scout.
Camp Team
Whilst at one of the safari camps or lodges in South Luangwa National Park you will be hosted by a camp manager and cared for by a team of willing and professional staff. During the five nights on the mobile walking safari, the group is accompanied by a small team who will set up and run the camp at each remote location.
Accommodation
Days 2 and 3 of your safari are spent at the lovely Nkwali Lodge which overlooks the Luangwa River and the National Park beyond. The chalets at Nkwali are constructed using bamboo and plaster for the walls and thatch for the roofs. Each room is built under shady trees and has an en suite bathroom.
Whilst on the Robin Pope walking mobile safari (Days 4 to 8) you'll stay in a series of at least three simple mobile camps. These camps are completely mobile and will move ahead in the care of the camp team on transfer days - set up ready at the next location for your arrival on foot. Their location and the moving days are decided by the guide and team and depend on wildlife movements in the area.
You'll sleep in a large walk-in tent with zips that open at either end allowing a cooling breeze to pass through. The tents are usually furnished with twin camp beds and mattresses made up with sheets and blankets. Towels are also provided. The dining table is set up under a shady tree with the 'bar' table and small gas fridge nearby keeping drinks chilled.
An open-air enclosure is set up and rigged with a bucket shower which is filled with water warmed over the fire as required. Two 'bush' toilets, his and hers, are shared by the camp. Each is a canvas enclosure containing a short drop hole covered by a toilet chair and a bucket of sand or ash to 'flush' with.
The last three nights of your safari (Days 9 to 11) will be spent in one of two excellent safari camps owned by Robin Pope Safaris. Speak to us at Wild about Africa to find out exactly which camp is scheduled for your particular safari date. Both camps are situated overlooking the Luangwa River and offer activities including guided morning walks, day and spot-lit night safari drives.
At Nsefu Camp you'd stay in one of six rondavels (circular thatched chalets) built up on wooden platforms. Each has a comfortable double or twin beds, an en suite bathroom and louvered doors and windows that open out to a view of the river. The camp's thatched lounge and bar overlook a waterhole and meals are taken on the river bank or in the covered dining platform.
In contrast, Tena Tena Camp utilises five large walk-in safari tents. These are specially designed with large windows that can be rolled up for a great view of the bush and a thatched roof which helps keep the interior cool. Each tent opens onto a large open-air, en suite bathroom with shower and flush toilet. As with Nsefu, there is a central lounge and bar tent and a nearby waterhole. Meals are enjoyed at various locations along the river bank or in the covered dining platform.
Vehicles
4WD Toyota Landcruisers have been converted into open game viewing vehicles. There is no roof on the vehicle allowing for total 360 degree vision whilst on safari drives. Occasionally, when being transferred to and from the airport on main roads transport might be in an enclosed safari vehicle for comfort.
Battery Charging Facilities
It is possible to charge batteries in any of the rooms at Nkwali as the camp uses mains electricity. Nsefu and Tena Tena Camps run off generators and it is possible to leave your batteries with the management to charge for you during the morning or the afternoon when the machine is on. You will not be able to charge batteries whilst on the walking safari so make sure you travel with enough spares to cover this period.
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