A Specialist Carnivore Week Safari in the Luangwa Valley

Learn about Zambia’s carnivores in South Luangwa National Park for six days with the Zambian Carnivore Program (ZCP). You will not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Luangwa big carnivore conservation effort firsthand!

A specialist safari dedicated to the carnivores of the Luangwa Valley

Using a four-pronged strategy, the Zambian Carnivore Program (ZCP) works to preserve habitats and big carnivores in Zambia. Conservation Science: Research and monitoring conducted over an extended period of time with the goal of determining what is threatening the survival of large predators in Zambia and how to mitigate their impact on the ecosystem; Protecting Natural Areas: Responding to Urgent Dangers Recognized by Science; To foster a culture of locally-led conservation in Zambia by identifying and developing a cadre of highly-qualified, enthusiastic, and dedicated conservation leaders; and Living together in harmony: lessening the burden while amplifying the advantages, comprehension, and admiration of preservation.

Specialist Safaris: Carnivore Week

ZCP operates some of the longest-running field-based initiatives on the continent in the Luangwa Valley, the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem, and the Greater Kafue Ecosystem. Currently, the organization covers 39,500 km2 spanning seven national parks, seven game management areas, and five ecosystems. Carnivores and ecosystems are the focus of their integrated study method, which examines the interplay between natural and anthropogenic forces. Having worked on topics as diverse as human expansion into wildlife habitats, predator-prey research, and population dynamics. Collaborating with the nation’s wildlife management agency, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and more than twenty local and international NGOs and academic institutions, we are implementing a wide range of conservation measures, including those pertaining to land-use planning, conservation of expansive landscapes, species restoration, and the prevention of human-wildlife conflicts. Our seventy-plus member staff is 85 percent Zambian, with the majority of managers being women, and we run the biggest and most extensive capacity-building program in the country for students interested in conservation work in the field. Our programs start in secondary school and continue all the way up to international PhD level education. Their joint studies inform conservation efforts in Zambia, the surrounding area, and the continent as a whole by providing the limited scientific data on large herbivores and carnivores in their native habitat.

Itinerary of Carnivore Week Safari day by day

Day 1: Nkwali Camp

Overlooking the National Park, Nkwali Camp is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, which features a beautiful bend. From here, guests can frequently observe leopards as they stroll the riverbank. Guests at Robin Pope Safaris’ private camp get exclusive use of the park’s facilities, including a private game viewing area behind the camp and boat or pontoon access to the park. Wildlife viewing is centered around the river, its tributaries, and the riverine strips in the 9050 sq. kilometer South Luangwa Park.

A member of the Zambian Carnivore Programme’s (ZCP) permanent staff will provide an introductory presentation about the program on the evening of your arrival. An introduction to the ZCP, its mission, and their ongoing initiatives will be provided. While they’re out in the field with you, you’ll also see how they use their tracking gear to locate carnivores.

Day 2: Nkwali Camp

Nkwali Camp | Safari Zambia | South Luangwa

Campfire breakfasts are offered first thing in the morning. Toast and oatmeal were both cooked over an open fire. Guests can access the park via boat from either the camp or the pontoon nearby, and the morning drive will depart shortly after. Fantastic wildlife can be found there, including endemic giraffes (the Thornicroft Giraffe) and large herds of elephants. A picturesque vantage point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River will be the setting for a mid-morning snack of tea, coffee, and cake. Joining you on the gaming drive this morning is ZCP. See their tracking gear and methods in action while you track carnivores through the National Park and get special insights into their study! As part of their yearly predator and prey surveys, they will also go over lion identification and prey counts. While driving through one of Africa’s most picturesque regions, you’ll have the opportunity to put your newly acquired knowledge of species identification and scientific methodology to the test.

Go back to camp for lunch at about noon. There will be time for a swim or a nap after lunch. The day will begin with tea, and then we’ll go on a game drive that ends in the early hours of the night, allowing you to witness the wonders of the nighttime environment. The typical time to return to camp is around 20.00 hrs, and dinner is usually served at 20.30 hrs.

Day 3: Nkwali Camp

Enjoy Nkwali once again on foot, in a car, or even with a picnic all day long. Bringing a scout allows you to explore more of the park or go on longer walks. As you savor your picnic lunch in the shade of a tree or by the side of a lagoon, feel free to unwind and spend a few hours reading, gazing at the breathtaking environment, or maybe taking a little nap. Do not hesitate to return to camp anytime you are ready. In the evening, ZCP will attend another discussion. This evening’s discussion will focus on the inter-predator conflicts that ZCP has researched. Specifically, we will look at the dynamics between lions, hyenas, and African wild dogs. We will also discuss what these dynamics mean for the future of the wild dog species. They will also tell you about their interesting new research on the local wildlife, which includes wild dogs from Zambia.

Day 4: Nkwali Camp

Elephants take over Nkwali Camp

The Environmental Education Centre in Chipembele 1. Key to the survival of this endangered species is education, which in turn reduces human-animal conflict. The Chipembele Education Centre is a great venue to get a general overview of wildlife conservation education and ZCP’s specific educational initiatives. ZCP’s conservation initiatives are complemented by engaging educational materials for youngsters and posters aimed at adults. You can also find information about Chipembele’s other local education programs for various species. Your options for the evening following your return in the afternoon include going on a game drive or simply relaxing in camp and watching the sun go down over the river.

Day 5 – 7: Nkwali Camp

In the latter days, you have a lot of leeway to choose when you go on your game drive to find the carnivores; ZCP will accompany you either way. You and your guide from The Bespoke African Safari Co. will have the remainder of the days at your leisure to participate in activities. A river cruise, walking safari, or wildlife drive. No matter what you decide to do, it will be absolutely unforgettable. If the weather permits, you may also get the opportunity to visit Kawaza Village and immerse yourself in the local culture. If visiting the village is something you are interested in, please inform your guide.

End of the Specialist Carnivore Week Safari in the Luangwa Valley

Inclusions

• Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
• Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
• Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
• Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
• Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip

Exclusions

• Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
• Tips and personal expenses
• Visa and tourism fees
• Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
• International airfare

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this Carnivore Week Safari Itinerary? Essential Trip Information provides, visa info, How to get to Zambia, Zambia the Best Time to visit – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.