Our Safaris - Gavin Opie Safaris

Zambian Safaris

The South Luangwa National Park is a haven for Zambia’s wildlife, known for its lion and leopard, as well as the rare African wild dog. The Luangwa is heaven for bird lovers too, with over 470 species and counting. And let’s not forget the epic landscapes and endless night skies that make this one of the world’s most magnificent safari destinations.

South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park was established in 1972 and today it is one of the finest wildlife holiday destinations in Africa.

The park is an unspoiled wilderness with the vast Luangwa River meandering through landscapes of lush forests, open plains, glittering lagoons and verdant water holes. It’s this varied habitat that allows for such a huge concentration of African wildlife including elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, buffalo and many more.

It was here that Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in the 1970s, and experiencing African wildlife on foot remains one of the world’s most awe-inspiring adventures. The South Luangwa is also one of the few safari parks in Africa to allow night drives. With so much to see and experience, the South Luangwa is truly an unmissable safari destination.

Walking Safaris

The ultimate African wildlife experience, walking offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the wild up close, away from the thrum of a vehicle engine. Sights, sounds and smells are heightened and become even more exhilarating. And you’ll discover smaller flora and fauna that you perhaps didn’t even know existed.

A walking safari can last from anywhere between two to four hours depending on the temperature, what you see, and of course your preference. You’ll walk at a leisurely pace and certainly do not need to be mountain-climbing fit to partake – the pace is set at a gentle and enjoyable hike.

Gavin leads most of our walking safaris accompanied by an armed wildlife scout, often leaving from Nkonzi Camp itself. Whether you’re walking in the morning or afternoon, this is a treat for the senses, as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa from the ground up!

Wildlife Hides at Nkonzi Camp

Nkonzi Camp has two wildlife hides designed for immersive wildlife viewing. The first is positioned next to a permanent natural spring, easily accessible by vehicle or on foot during a walking safari. This prime location attracts elephants, wild dogs, many antelope and an abundance of birdlife. It’s a fantastic spot for avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The second hide is conveniently situated within camp itself, giving you the freedom to visit at your leisure. It’s a tranquil space to watch the local birdlife while enjoying the sounds of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or new to safaris, our wildlife hides promise to enhance your stay and create lasting memories.”

All Day Game Drives

For guests staying at Nkonzi Camp for four nights and longer, we offer a complementary all day safari drive. Departing camp at 6.00am, we set off for an exhilarating full-day adventure through some of the remotest areas of the South Luangwa National Park. This significantly increases our chances of witnessing extraordinary wildlife sightings and behaviour in a diverse range of habitats.

As the day winds down, we return to camp in time for sunset, a perfect end to a day of exploration. An early dinner awaits, made with fresh, local ingredients, and a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences with fellow guests. This unforgettable day is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay at Nkonzi Camp.

Morning Game Drives

Morning game drives are very special. The animals of the South Luangwa are at their most active and it’s a fantastic time for wildlife sightings. Birding is best just after dawn as birdsong carries perfectly in the still, early morning air. And of course, the soft morning light is a delight for everyone, especially photographers.

Our morning game drives depart at around 06.00am after a light breakfast around the camp fire. While the early morning wake-up might be a shock to the system, seeing the park in all its dawn glory more than makes up for it. We pause mid-drive for a refreshing tea break with mugs of steaming coffee, freshly-baked muffins and an opportunity to stretch legs. Morning game drives typically return to camp between 10.30 and 11.00am, providing ample time to relax, unwind, or enjoy a rejuvenating shower before gathering for lunch at midday.”

Afternoon/Night Drives

This unique experience allows you to witness the park from a different perspective, unveiling the secrets of the night. You’ll depart camp at around 4pm, just as the predators are getting ready for the night’s hunt. As the sun starts to set, we take a leisurely pause for a ‘sundowner’ cocktail in a scenic spot, giving you the chance to soak in the breathtaking beauty of an iconic African sunset.

Once the sun has set, we continue our adventure under the stars. Equipped with powerful spotlights, we embark on a thrilling search for nocturnal animals as they come to life in the cooler evening air. After dark you’ll have the chance to spot elusive species such as civets, genets, hyenas and leopards. Witnessing predators hunt is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re listening for the roar of a lion in the dark, or watching a hyena slink in and out of the shadows. We aim to return to camp around 7.30pm, allowing you just enough time to relax and share stories of the day’s adventures before gathering for dinner at 8.00pm.

Kafue National Park

Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, the Kafue is one of the country’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. It links with reserves in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Angola to preserve ancient migration routes and is home to high numbers of elephant, increasing populations of lion and wild dog, and the highest diversity of antelope species in Africa. You can visit this vast wildlife refuge with our eight night Into the Wild package.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Spectacular scenery and the chance to canoe the mighty Zambezi River make the Lower Zambezi one of Zambia’s must-see destinations. On the opposite side of the Zambezi lies Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, so both sides of the river form one enormous wildlife sanctuary. With relatively few lodges, this is an unspoiled wildlife hot spot only thirty minutes from Lusaka by air. You can visit this breathtaking park with our eight night Explorer’s Dream package.

Transfers

Return airport transfers are included in our rates. Our driver will be at the airport to personally meet you, help with luggage and guide you to the transfer vehicle. The cost of transfers between camps is also covered and where stated in our package safaris, flights are included. For any questions about transfers, please drop us a line.

Getting Here

Several airlines fly into Lusaka International Airport; Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian Airways, South African Airlink, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Rwandair. From Lusaka, Proflight Zambia flies to Mfuwe and many other destinations around the country. We book numerous flights each year with Proflight, so just drop us a line for assistance with travel planning.

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Zambian Safaris

South Luangwa

Walking Safaris

Wildlife Hides at Nkonzi Camp

All Day Game Drives

Morning Game Drives

Afternoon/Night Drives

Kafue National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park

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