Having started leading safaris back in 1975, Robin Pope knows Zambia better than most, eventually opening his own safari company 11 years later. Best known for his mobile walking safari, it’s hailed as one of the leading wilderness experiences available today.
You’ll start your walking safari with an overnight stay at the Nkwali base camp, before being driven north to the game rich Mupamadzi River, which you’ll follow at a steady daily rate of approximately 10 kilometres per day, for five days.
Your expert guide will focus not only on the mighty Big Five, but also on Zambia’s smaller, lesser-known creatures like the aardvark, serval, civet and mongoose, in addition to the country’s thriving bird life, such as the African fish eagle and shoebill. There is much more to Zambia’s wildlife than just the Big Five, and here you can discover it for yourself.
Depending on how much ground you cover, you’ll lay your head down at a number of camps throughout your journey, after enjoying delicious meals every night with either the stunning African sunset or the glimmering stars as your backdrop. Each camp is rustic yet modern, well-equipped and comfortable.
Robin Pope’s mobile walking safaris offer you an incredible, immersive way to experience Zambia’s fascinating wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Staying at several different locations to maximise your experience
- Dining under the stars, sometimes you can see the Milky Way it is so clear
- Walking with some of the best safari guides in Africa
- Sipping on sundowners as you look across the plains
Start your Journey
South Luangwa National Park
On arrival into Mfuwe airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is roughly an hour through colourful local scenes of rustic villages, agriculture and African bush. With a wide view of the Luangwa River, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. Should you arrive during the day, you'll enjoy a lunch overlooking the lagoon, while arrival later in the day will see you greeted with an afternoon tea, before going on a game drive at night.
South Luangwa National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile safari adventure. You'll be driven 90km to the Mupamadzi River along a bush road, through the most remote sectors of the park. Arriving at camp around mid-day, you'll enjoy a spot of lunch before settling into your tent and making yourself at home. Following a relaxing siesta, you'll be lead on an afternoon walk around camp, returning later in the evening for sundowners, ready to dine under the stars.
South Luangwa National Park
Take in the sunrise on an early morning walk, exploring the remote, varied and untamed terrain. Here you will discover the many facets of the bush, tracking lions, spotting buffalo, and learning about the unique fauna and flora of the Zambian savannas. During your walk, your mobile camp will be packed up, moved and setup in your next location, with lunch ready and waiting for you as you arrive. After taking an afternoon rest and settling into your new camp, you'll embark on your final walk of the day.
South Luangwa National Park
Today you will explore the surrounding area of your new camp on a series of walks as you progress down the Mupamadzi River.
South Luangwa National Park
Moving on to camp number three, you will continue down the Mupamadzi River, discovering the wildlife dependent on its waters, such as hippos, crocodiles and warthogs.
South Luangwa National Park
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you'll take the four hour transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena, whose staff will meet and take you by boat across the river – just a short drive from the camp.
On arrival, you'll have the chance to unwind and adjust to your final camp, where you can stay for as long as you wish.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
Dream Carefree
Go ahead and dream big. Hayes & Jarvis experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.
Plan Carefree
One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.
Travel Carefree
Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.
Let's Chat
We have answers to all your questions.
Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists
Sign up for our newsletter
Receive the latest travel inspiration and destination news.
Three Easy Steps to a Tailor-made Holiday
The Hayes & Jarvis Way
Since 1952, our travel experts have been traversing the world to connect you with the very best our 60+ destinations have to offer. Tell us what your dream trip entails and we will craft it for you with precision and passion.