Flatdogs Camp occassionally offers special safari packages that can be booked directly with smiles
THE MAGIC OF THE SOUTH LUANGWA
WHY SOUTH LUANGWA?
The South Luangwa National Park is a pristine wilderness in eastern Zambia, and is part of the broader Luangwa Valley. The Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of life, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants.
Added to this, there is an amazing density of game, particularly along the riverine strip. Our guests often comment that ‘there’s something around every corner'.
The Luangwa Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of life, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants! Added to this, there’s an amazing density of game, particularly along the riverine strip and our guests often comment that ‘there’s something around every corner!’
There are several “big 5” destinations in Africa. But few of them can offer the true wilderness feel, professional guiding and diverse habitats that the South Luangwa National Park offers. The home of walking safaris and night drives, to allow visitors to experience game sightings in completely different ways to many other safari destinations
AFRICA'S BEST KEPT SECRET
Although not a “big 5” destination due to the sad demise of the rhino in the 1980’s, the Luangwa combines fantastic wildlife with extremely high-quality guiding, Luangwa often comes out near the top of the list of Africa’s most sought after parks. Yet, as a relatively unknown safari destination, you are not sharing it with thousands of others!
South Luangwa has many herbivores, three of which stand out as being endemic to the area. Thornicroft’s giraffe has different markings to the giraffes in the rest of southern Africa. Those that are familiar with the others will see the difference and immediately see why our giraffes are often described as the most beautiful!
Elephant and buffalo are numerous with both having the freedom to wander throughout the GMAs (Game Management Areas aka conservation areas) surrounding the park, and the park itself. With no fences allowed in the GMAs the camp is regularly visited by these large herbivores. Antelope, especially impala, bushbuck and puku, arealso present in large numbers, thus providing plenty of on the hoof take away for the predators of the valley!
The main predators in the Luangwa Valley are lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog. Lion, hyaena and leopard are commonly seen with wild dog numbers on the increase, and although traditionally they used to only be seen in the rainy season, we are now seeing wild dog more regularly and in larger numbers throughout the year.
The South Luangwa is renowned as being the place to see leopard. Leopard hunt nocturnally, and South Luangwa is one of Africa’s few national parks to allow spotlit night drives. Through the continued insistence on ethical and respectful guiding policy, leopards here in the Luangwa have become used to vehicles and are now considerate enough to continue hunting and feeding in their presence, leading to the outstanding sightings we are lucky to enjoy here.
The bird-life in the South Luangwa National Park is also exceptional, especially during the rainy summer months (December to March), however there are beautiful and interesting birds to be seen and enjoyed all through the year, and learning about them is often an unexpected pleasure on a guided safari. Here are some of the more fetching species we commonly see!
Welcome to Luangwa Bush Camp Safari - 8 days, Flatdog Camp & Nkonzi Bush Camp
4 nights at Flatdogs Camp exploring the central areas of the National Park, plus 4 nights at Nkonzi Camp - a rustic tented bushcamp experience in the heart of the South Luangwa.
Welcome to Flatdog and Remote Africa Walking Package - 7 days
Flatdogs and Chikoko Walking Trails team up for a great 6 night experience. 3 nights at Flatdogs and 3 nights shared between the isolated Chikoko trails walking camps gives you an all round classic Luangwa safari experience.
Welcome to Southern Bush Camp Package with Kuyenga ,South Luangwa - 8 days
Kuyenda bushcamp in the southern part of the South Luangwa has a very special feel, it was home to Phil Berry, one of the leading conservationists in the South Luangwa until his recent retirement. The camp has a very personal and traditional bush camp style. In combination with Flatdogs Camp, this safari enjoys the best of the main Mfuwe area as well as the peace of a remote bushcamp.
Welcome to Luangwa Explorer Safari - 8 Nights , South Luangwa.
Want to explore the unknown? Luambe Camp offers a great chance to get out into an undisturbed part of the Luangwa Valley as well as contributing to the conservation of a wild new area. Flatdogs camp is of course the perfect place to start your adventure...
Welcome to Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa Special Package - 9 days
The Lower Zambezi National Park is an ideal contrast to the South Luangwa for wildlife enthusiasts – the width & depth of the mighty Zambezi River allows for safaris by boat as well as canoe safaris – a tranquility un-equalled in this scenic Park. In combination with the higher concentrations of game found in the South Luangwa, this safari samples the best of these two beautiful National Parks.
Welcome to Safari and Beach - South Luangwa with Lake Malawi Package - 9 days
Safari from Flatdogs Camp in the wildlife haven that is the South Luangwa National Park and then spend a chilled four days on the beautiful island eco-retreat that is Blue Zebra lodge on Nankoma island in Lake Malawi.
Welcome to Classic Zambia- Lower Zambezi, Kafue and South Luangwa Package - 13 days
This itinerary takes in the best three wildlife destinations in Zambia, staying in authentic owner-run camps with the top wildlife safari guides in all three of these incredible National Parks. It doesn't get better than this!
Welcome to Best of Luangwa Returns Package - 9 days
Enjoy the wilderness first hand from the comfort of the Jackalberry Treehouse, then transfer to the luxurious Lion Camp in the northernmost area of the Park for a complimentary perspective!
Welcome to Both Sides South Luangwa Package - 7 days
Combining the game-rich main area on the Western bank of the Luangwa with the Nsefu sector of the Park on the Eastern bank of the river offers great contrast, with opportunities to see the Chichele hot springs, stork and carmine bee-eater colonies (in season) as well as the exceptional game numbers found in the Mfuwe area.
Welcome to Conservation Community and Cultural Safari Itinerary Package - 8 days
This specially designed safari combines game viewing in one of the best safari destinations in Southern Africa with the chance to delve into the community & conservation projects operating in the area, helping to make your safari to the South Luangwa an authentically sustainable experience for both the animals and the people who live here.
FAMILY SAFARI TO THE VICTORIA FALLS, SOUTH LUANGWA & LAKE MALAWI PACKAGE
An exciting family safari holiday adventure taking in the incredible Victoria Falls and activities on and around the Zambezi river, followed by a wildlife safari in the South Luangwa National Park plus the chance to meet rural Zambian people and learn a little more about their lives. Last but not least are four blissful nights at the beach on Likoma island in the heart of Lake Malawi. This safari is suitable for children of all ages, but probably best suited for children of 6 years and over.