South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Luangwa River Camp is ideally situated opposite one of the most productive game areas of this part of the National Park with a unique access directly across the river either by boat or by car depending on the time of year.
This small camp with maximum of ten guests ensures that our excellent guiding team is able to tailor your safari to you providing a highly personalized experience.
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Watch the Luangwa River Camp video for a short introduction
This small and intimate camp features just five bush suites; its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp. The subtly decorated bush suites with brick walls and thatch roof each have ensuite bathrooms with sunken bathtubs looking out onto your own private corner of Africa. Both the bedroom and bathroom feature large sliding doors leading onto a decked area allowing a lovely breeze into the room and great views onto the river.
The main area stretches over various elevated decked levels amongst which a tempting double plunge pool with a waterfall linking the two is situated. Seating areas around the pool or in the shade of the open plan bar on the highest level all offer uninterrupted views across the river and into the National Park. Luangwa River Camp offers all the creature comforts of a lodge yet retains the intimacy and privacy of a bush camp. The combination of the fantastic wildlife, knowledgeable guides, superb service and friendly team make Luangwa River Camp an experience not to be missed.
Our guiding team is very passionate and will certainly impart some amazing bush insights at a level that will surprise you. Take a walking safari or game drive; or even both. Night game drives are an excellent way to see the nocturnal creatures of the bush. For those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are sewn into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village to experience an authentic Zambian village, interact with the locals and even sample a local meal.
Responsible Tourism
Operating lodges and camps in protected ecosystems in Africa alongside local indigenous communities and wildlife comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Robin Pope Safaris is committed to responsible tourism. We conduct our business in a manner that benefits the environment and wildlife conservation, the people who work for us, and our neighboring communities. In this way our tourism operations, and the presence of our guests, has the capacity to protect natural wildlife areas, alleviate poverty through good employment practices and contribute positively to the local community. We work together with community development, wildlife conservation and responsible tourism specialists to ensure that we operate in accordance with these principles.
Caring for the environment
Robin Pope Safaris takes pro-active steps to ensure that we run in an environmentally responsible manner. This is important in protecting the fragile ecosystems upon which the wildlife and local people rely upon for their survival and in which we operate.
Steps we take:
Wildlife Conservation
Robin Pope Safaris undertakes many activities, and supports a diversity of projects that contribute to the conservation and protection of wildlife. We also ensure that wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed by our operations.
Activities we undertake:
Professionally Trained & Highly Qualified Safari Guides
Our guides are trained to the highest possible standards and all have professional safari guiding qualifications.
Anti-Poaching
In Zambia we financially support the vital anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in order to keep South Luangwa’s wildlife safe from poachers.
We also support both financially and practically our local Kakumbi Community Resource Board.
In Zimbabwe we support the Zambezi Elephant Fund. This fund works with local authorities, as well as a collaborative group of alliance partners to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.
Carnivore Research The Luangwa Valley is home to Zambia’s second largest wild dog population, its largest lion population and one of its largest leopard populations.
Conservation Education
Changing ‘hearts and minds’ of community members living alongside wildlife to understand the importance and value of wildlife are crucial in its conservation.
Support of Government Wildlife Bodies
Robin Pope Safaris supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean governments through the payment of tourism levies and fees, by reporting snared animals to the wildlife authorities, promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.
Community benefit
For over 30 years, we have been committed to ensuring that our local communities benefit from our presence through employment. We understand the interdependence between local communities and the wildlife and natural resources that tourism depends upon. As we operate in rural areas that lack other development opportunities, we are in a great position to impact positively on local people’s lives.
Healthcare
Robin Pope Safaris founded the Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund, which contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre; which provides healthcare for more than 20 000 residents.
Education
Robin Pope Safaris believes that investing in education provision in the local community is one of the best contributions we can make to our neighbours. Education is key to ending the cycle of poverty in rural African communities.
Trade Not Aid
We purchase as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade. We also contract local craftsmen for new buildings and in the refurbishment of our existing properties and support local artisans by selling their wares in our gift shops.
With our active support, community members from Kawaza Village set up and manage the first authentic cultural village tourism enterprise in Zambia. We encourage trade with Kawaza Village and are their main supplier of guests, marketing them internationally through our website and our tour operator partners and acting as their Booking Agent.
Caring for our staff
To care for our staff, we ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training. We employ solely on the basis of merit and employ local staff in all areas of our operations.
Training & Promotion
We have a number of training mechanisms in place for our staff and have a policy of in-house development and promotion from bottom to top.
We always reward good work and encourage our staff to further their education – both through our in-house training courses and externally. We sponsor employees that show high commitment and potential to develop themselves to senior management level.
The following camps compliment Luangwa River Camp well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867