Kalamu Trails

Kalamu Walking Trail – 4 Day Trails Exploration

This three-night Trails Exploration is the ideal way to experience South Luangwa National Park, renowned as the best – and first – walking destination in Africa.

After the first night in the luxurious Kalamu Lagoon Camp, guests explore the untouched banks of the Luangwa River on foot, spending subsequent nights in Chinengwe Riverbed Camp and the unique Kalamu Star-bed Camp respectively. This pristine wilderness area, in a remote and wild corner of the park, is perfect for an unforgettable journey into pure wilderness.

The South Luangwa National Park covers about 9 050km2 (5620 mi2) of the Luangwa Valley floor, cut through by the Luangwa River. Dense vegetation, mature woodlands and oxbow lakes create a naturelover’s paradise that offers both unique bird watching and exciting game viewing. A secretive leopard might be spotted in the dense undergrowth or a herd of buffalo seen drinking at an old oxbow lake framed by giant sausage trees. Puku, impala and waterbuck are the most conspicuous mammals while bushbuck and Sharpe’s grysbok are regularly seen in the denser vegetation. Lion, spotted hyaena and crocodiles head up the food chain here and a plethora of hippo congregate in the Luangwa River. Thornicroft’s giraffe is endemic to the Valley and yellow baboons are regularly seen.

Set in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the Park, Kalamu Trails sets out to explore the Luangwa River and its diverse environs.

As with all Explorations, Kalamu Walking Trails are led by highly skilled and qualified professional guides with an incredible passion for the natural regions in which they work. Your journey of discovery is enhanced by their vast knowledge of the natural world, history and culture of the area. Years of experience in the field and a depth of understanding of animal behaviour and the environment will leave you with a sense of wonder. Many of our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. They are also available to lead private safaris and specialist trips.

Unique features of this Exploration:

• Discover the wonders of South Luangwa National Park, famed for its walking safaris.
• Experienced, knowledgeable and passionate guide travels with the guests throughout.
• Explore the untouched banks of the Luangwa River by foot or vehicle.
• A pristine area in a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park.
• Enjoy unique accommodation: Chinengwe Riverbed Camp on the second night and Kalamu Starbed Camp on the third.
• This trail greatly enhances a stay at Kalamu Lagoon Camp.
• The season operates from 06 June 2011 to 10 October 2011, with departures every Monday.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Kalamu Lagoon Camp, South Luangwa

Settle into Kalamu Lagoon Camp and enjoy an afternoon exploration of the area by game drive. Overnight in camp.

Kalamu Lagoon Camp is situated in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of 8 safari-style reed and canvas tents, each en-suite with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The camp’s dining and bar area are under a canopy of giant ebony trees overlooking a beautiful permanent lagoon just off the Luangwa River. A pool and viewing deck area located to the side of the camp offer spectacular views of the lagoon. Activities at Kalamu Lagoon Camp include day and night game drives. The latter offer not only the chance of that elusive leopard but also creatures like genet, civet, elephant shrew and white-tailed mongoose.

Day 2:  Chinengwe Riverbed Camp, South Luangwa

On the first morning, after a continental breakfast, we depart Kalamu Lagoon Camp by vehicle. We head eastwards where we will be dropped off at Mphande Plains. From here we trek down towards the Mapandwe Stream and head downstream to the Luangwa River, where we have lunch on its banks. In the afternoon, we continue our walk westwards and explore the Chinengwe area, arriving at Chinengwe Riverbed Camp in time for a sundowner and a shower.

Chinengwe Riverbed Camp is a tented camp situated in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of three dome-style tents erected on the base of the Luangwa River, right on the edge of the water. Each tent has its own bucket shower and hand wash basin, with hot water brought to the tent by staff when you wish to shower. The camp’s dining area is set up in the riverbed, with meals served around the fire.

Day 3:  Kalamu Star-bed Camp, South Luangwa

Today, we cross the river in a mokoro and explore the northern bank, up to the Kalauzi Stream, stopping for lunch at the confluence of the Kalauzi Stream. Later in the afternoon we cross back over to the southern side where we will walk along the banks of the Luangwa River to Kalamu Star-bed Camp.

Kalamu Star-bed Camp is situated in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of three timber platforms, raised three meters above the ground, with twin beds under mosquito nets and the stars as the roof! Each platform has its own bathroom with hot and cold running water. The camp’s dining area is set up on the river bank with meals served around the fire.

Day 4:  End of trail

After an early morning continental breakfast at Kalamu Star-beds, we trek downriver in the direction of Kalamu Lagoon Camp. At our tea stop, we will be met by a vehicle which will transport us back to Kalamu Lagoon Camp in time for brunch on the lagoon.

End of Safari

Includes:

• Acommodation on a per person sharing basis
• All meals
• All soft drinks, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and house wine at dinner, as well as a limited selection of local liquors (excluding premium brands)
• National Park fees
• Activities
• All internal air transfers as specified in the detailed itinerary

Excludes:

• Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary)
• Flight taxes, visas, compulsory comprehensive insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes
• All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.)
• Gratuities
• Optional extra activities
• All pre and post safari tours including meals and accommodation and any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control

Notes:

• Each departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 confirmed guests and operates with a maximum of 6 guests per safari, in 3 rooms.
• We will gladly create tailor-made departures, subject to the availability of space.
• Should all other bookings on an Exploration cancel, reducing the group to one guest, we will convert the booking to an FIT package, in all likelihood at an increased price.
• Age Limits – Children from the age of 16 are welcome on all scheduled departures. For parties with children under 16 (the minimum age is 12), a private tailor-made safari will be quoted for on request.
• Operations reserves the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality at no additional cost.
• A recommended add-on to Kalamu Trails would be additional nights at Kalamu Lagoon, Kafue’s Rivers and Plains, or a Ruckomechi and Mana Canoe Trail combination.
• The season operates from 06 June 2011 to 10 October 2011, with departures every Monday

 Important additional safari notes:

• Tour direction: Please note that this safari starts and ends at Kalamu Lagoon Camp
• Private safari options: Tailored Explorations are available on flexible dates, accommodation and itineraries, for groups of up to six guests. These are also ideal for families or for small groups from four guests.
• Exclusive experience: Kalamu Lagoon Camp is open to other Wilderness Safaris guests. All activities are private for the group on this safari.
• Flashlights/ torches: Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries.
• Camera battery charging facilities: Spare batteries are essential (we recommend that you bring 3 spare batteries) and an image storage device of some sort is recommended. Make certain you have enough card storage – most people take more photographs than they expect to. Chinengwe Riverbed Camp does not have facilities for recharging batteries and storage devices; however there is a charging point off an inverter at both Kalamu Lagoon Camp and Kalamu Star-bed Camp.
• Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.