A safari which combines outstanding safari experiences with a look in to the colonial history of Zambia and Africa. Combining a safari in the Luangwa Valley and to stay at the Shiwa N'gandu estate staying as a house guest of one of Africa's oldest colonial  families .

Your safari begins in one of Africa's unspoilt wilderness areas regarded as possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. Offering an unparalleled safari experience staying in Zambias best known, yet  small intimate safari camps, where walking safaris led by skilled trackers and armed rangers are combined with game drives during the day and at night amongst the prolific wildlife of the Valley through which the meandering Luangwa river runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.

After you have thoroughly enjoyed your wildlife experience in the Luangwa Valley, you travel on further north in Zambia to experience Shiwa N'gandu the Estate of the late Sir Stewart Gore Browne, a most amazing piece of African history, built in 1928 against all odds. A beautiful house and at the center of Zambias history. The house has recently been restored and offers guests a chance to stay as house guests of Sir Stewarts family and experience colonial Africa as described in "Africa House" the book by Christina Lamb. An opportunity of a life time.

NKWALI CAMP
Days 1 and 2 After being met at the airport your guide will drive you to Nkwali through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp overlooks a wide bend of the Luangwa River into the South Luangwa National Park and is ideally situated for the start of your safari. All rooms have a view of the river and open air bathrooms. The game in this area is excellent - and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic Thornicroft Giraffe.
A typical day at Nkwali has you waking with the dawn to enjoy breakfast round a camp fire before heading out on a morning activity. A delicious lunch is enjoyed on the bank of the lagoon, which is frequently visited by our local wildlife. The afternoon is the quiet part of the day - for siesta or swim in the pool. In the mid-afternoon you meet up with your guide before heading out for an evening adventure, finding a beautiful location to watch the sun go down with a well earned drink in hand. The opportunity to discover the nocturnal world by spotlight is a wonderful treat before heading back to Nkwali for dinner.

TENA TENA CAMP
Days 3 and 4 After an early breakfast, a gamedrive through the park and across the river takes you into the Nsefu Sector, which is recognised as a phenomenal game viewing area.Tena Tena is remote and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 tents, each with a dressing room, open-air bathroom and private veranda that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken on the deck overlooking the lagoon.
During your stay you have the opportunity to drive or walk through the ebony groves or, depending on the heat and time of year, to explore further afield with an all day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional day's safari. There is also the option of visiting the community at Kwaza to experience life in a real non-tourist village.

SHIWA HOUSE
Days 5 to 7 Transfer to Shiwa Ng'andu with a game drive through the Nsefu Sector and a short plane journey over the escarpment seeing waterfalls and wilderness on your way. Shiwa House is located in the heart of Northern Zambia and the house overlooks the famous Shiwa N’gandu “Lake of the Royal Crocodiles”. This has to be one of the most photographed houses in the whole of Africa. The house has recently been restored in keeping with the style and your hosts Charlie and Jo Harvey (Charlie is great grandson of Sir Stewart Gore Browne who built the house in 1928) are now taking in guests in four double rooms with ensuite facilities. The Estate boasts a 10,000 hectare game ranch with 22 mammal species, fishing and birding on the lake, historic walks around the estate, horse trails, river walks and day trips to the Kapishya Hot Springs. The house is steeped in history and the library remains the manor’s heart and guests have access to archival material and one of the largest private collections in Zambia. Dr Kaunda wrote his book here and befriended the late Sir Stewart Gore Browne and indeed when he died he was the only white African ever to be honoured with a State Funeral. There is a 1200m airstrip at Shiwa where guests will be flown back to South Luangwa and on to Lusaka. The end to a memorable and historic safari. To quote an inscription above the grand fireplace in the Library:During your stay with Jo and Charles Harvey you can explore the house and estate learning the history of Sir Stewart Gore Browne and his family.  On walks around the estate you will come across everything from shy sitatunga and duiker to historical buildings including essential oil mills and traction engines. While exploring you can find Sir Steward Gore Browne's grave with beautiful view of the lake or climb Nachipala Hill, where David Livingstone took bearings on his last journey some weeks before his death. Breathtaking views from 6000 ft.For those who can ride, guided horse trails are available. Many an hour can be sent searching through archives and historical photos piecing together the story of Shiwa. Delicious hearty meals are created mostly from produce locally grown on the farm.

Day 8 After a hearty breakfast you will depart for Lusaka, via Mfuwe, to meet your connecting flight  Camp Information

NOTES:
This safari can easily be extended  to include a walking safari in the remote North Luangwa. Please ask for details.

Includes flights starting and ending in Lusaka