You will no doubt wish to combine your stay at Kawaza with a visit to South Luangwa National Park for game viewing. The national park’s main entrance gate is approx. 10km from Kawaza.

Experts have dubbed South Luangwa National Park as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of game around the Luangwa river and it’s ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The park’s 9,050 sq km is host to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand.

There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. Luangwa is especially famous for its leopard sightings.

The park entrance fee for international visitors is 20USD. An extra levy is applied if you take your own vehicle into the park.

All safari camps and lodges in the valley organise safari drives and walks, along with providing accommodation and meals. Lodges range from the luxury end of the market through to basic accommodation, so there is something for all budgets. Check out some of the following:

Flatdogs Camp - Flatdogs Camp, located next to the park’s main entrance gate, offers camping and self-catering facilities on a par with the up-market lodges at a fraction of the price. A very popular and quirky set-up.

Wildlife Camp - Offers safaris for the budget traveller, providing rustic en-suite chalets and a beautiful campsite on the riverside. Owned by the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia.

Robin Pope Safaris - RPS is the most established and successful safari operator in the South Luangwa National Park . Their three camps offer personalised safaris combining genuine African bush with simple yet stylish luxury. Robin Pope’s mobile safaris are renowned for being one of the all time safari experiences.

Norman Carr Safaris - The late Norman Carr is a conservation legend in the Luangwa Valley and is regarded as the father of the walking safari. NCS operate several luxurious lodges and camps in the area.

Kafunta River Lodge - Wonderful small lodge with friendly service, knowledgeable guides, stunning views of the Luangwa Valley and not just a pool but a natural hot spring as well.

Mfuwe Lodge - Excellent location in the heart of the park. The chalets are built in an old-school colonial style looking out onto the lagoons and watering holes, meaning great viewing from your own balcony. Even the bathtubs have views!

Tafika Camp - The family-run Tafika Camp affords guests the opportunity of river safaris with boating, canoeing, exceptional bird watching and breath taking scenes of the Luangwa.

Chichele Presidential Lodge - Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Chichele occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park.

For those who would prefer to book their trip to Zambia through a tour operator there are several specialist companies that promote Zambia. You can ask them to build a stay at Kawaza into your itinerary.

Specialist UK tour operators include:
Wildlife Worldwide
Expert Africa

For more information on the Luangwa Valley and Zambia visit Zambia National Tourist Board’s website.