-$3445 pp  tbc
March 2012   Sorry this safari is now full. Please contact us for other great safari ideas 

7 NIGHTS INC. DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

The Zambian Carnivore Programme is a non-profit Zambian registered trust dedicated to conserving large carnivore species and their habitat in one of Africa's most wildlife-rich countries. Formerly known as African Wild Dog Conservation, now focuses on all large carnivore species in the country by conducting a variety of applied research activities, supporting anti-poaching and habitat conservation work, training and employing Zambian nationals in the wildlife conservation field,The  team is based with Nkwali camp and will be pleased to accompany you on activities and share their work with you.

The wild dog population in the South Luangwa has made a come back over the last decade and it is wonderful to see them on a regular basis after a number of years of virtually no sightings.  The peak of the sightings are in the Emerald Season and March is a key month. The dogs travel huge distances so sightings are not guaranteed but the chances are good.

You will spend time with project manager Dr Matt Becker and his team, tracking the fascinating wild dogs, learning about ecological survey techniques in the field including lion identification and prey surveys, attending lectures and visiting AWDC's education partner Chipembele Wildlife Centre. The schedule is flexible as predators are unpredictable but one of the activities each day will be with the reserchers in the field . This trip gives you a chance to gain some exclusive insights into the Predator project.  In addition to the above activities, you will also enjoy game drives and/or walking safaris in the park with a guide from Robin Pope Safaris.

7 nights at Nkwali Camp

The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. 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.

Day 1 On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin's private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. The first night of your stay, one of the full-time project staff from  the Carnivore Programme will give an introductory talk on the predators and wildlife in the valley and involved in the project. This will include species natural history, their endangered status, key threats as well as the aims of the current programs which are running. You'll also get a demonstration of our tracking equipment which will be used to find wild dog packs and other wildlife when they join you out in the field.

Day 2 At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent - and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. This morning you will be joined by Matt or his colleagues for the game drive. Gain exclusive insights into African the research as you track for various carnivores through the National Park - see their tracking equipment and techniques in action! They'll also explain about lion identification and prey counts which are used in their annual predator and prey surveys. You'll get to use these new skills in species identification and scientific technique as you drive around one of the most beautiful areas in Africa.

Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Tea will be served in the afternoon and then off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually one returns to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30

Day 3 Another day to enjoy the game viewing at Nkwali on walks or drives or you may wish to go on an all day picnic. Taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk or explore further a field in the park. Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon and you will then be able to take a siesta or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landsape around you. Returning to camp when you are ready. In the evening you will be joined by a reserchers for another talk,. This evenings lecture will focus on competition between lions, hyenas and African wild dogs, why researchers record these inter-predator competitions, and what it means. They'll also tell you all about exciting hot-off-the-press findings for Zambian wild dogs and other associated wildlife in the area from their research.

Day 4 Chipembele Environmental Education Centre

Education, and in turn the reduction of human-wild dog conflict, is key to the survival of this endangered species. With a visit to the Chipembele Education Centre you'll learn all about wildlife conservation education in general as well as the education programs in place for the African wild dog. There's both a fun children's school-based curriculum as well as adult targeted posters and both are integral to conservation efforts. You will also be able to learn about other education programs run by Chipembele for different species running in the area too. After your return in the afternoon, you will be able to choose to go out on an evening game-drive, or just relax in camp watching the sunset over the river.

Day 5-7 These last days are very flexible, reserchers  will join you on either a morning or evening game drives to track the wild dogs. The rest of your days will be free to do activities with your Robin Pope Safaris guide. A walking safari, game drive, or boat cruise on the river. Whichever activities you choose, they are sure to be spectacular. Weather dependent, you will also have the chance to visit Kawaza Village, to experience a bit of the local culture. Please let your guide know if you are interested in going to the village.

Nkwali Camp

Day 8 After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka and your connecting flight.

Notes:
Includes all meals & drinks (exc some imported brands) , activities, transfers, domestic flights.
Depending on your international flight you may need a night in Lusaka which we can arrange for you.
This is a unique and popular safari, please book early.