Contact Details:
The Wildlife Camp
P O Box 53
Mfuwe, Zambia
Tel:+ 00 260 216 246026
E-mail: info@wildlifezambia.com
Supplies:
Food and other supplies if you are self-catering or camping with us, should be
brought with you. If you need to pick up supplies in Chipata there is a Shoprite
supermarket, Barclays and Zambian banks and all manner of other goods suppliers
that you may need to stock up on!
In Mfuwe village itself, basic groceries only are available. If you are self
catering we would advise shopping in Chipata for the duration of your stay in
the valley.
Should you find it difficult to plan that far ahead, remember our restaurant
caters for every hungry mouth and a full menu is available. There is something
for everyone!
Fuel:
If you are driving up, carry as much fuel as possible. There is a BP fuel station
here in Mfuwe. They do usually have petrol and diesel, but in case of lack of
supply, it is always wise to carry a couple of full jerry cans with your own
vehicle. Fuel is obviously more expensive out here as well.
Immigration:
Should you require assistance from customs or immigration officials during your stay in this part of Zambia, offices are available locally at Mfuwe International Airport or in Chipata.
Arrival by Air:
To get to Wildlife Camp, you can fly from Lusaka or Lilongwe, in Malawi, to Mfuwe International Airport which services South Luangwa National Park.
Proflight fly to and from Lusaka daily. Ask your travel agent for details or contact Retha and she can help with these bookings. (Bookings can also be done on-line at: http://www.flyzambia.com)
Airport Transfers:
We can pick you up upon your arrival at Mfuwe airport and drop you off again at the end of your stay. Please see the rate sheet for costs of this service and remember that Airport transfers are included into the full board package.
Arrival by Road:
The road up to the park from Chipata is an adventure. As you pass through rural
Zambian villages you will see some of the out of the way scenery often missed by
tours that dont go off the beaten track. Your efforts will be worth it when you
arrive at camp and quench your thirst at one of our riverside bars and watch the
Luangwa River meandering peacefully past the camp.
Directions: Drive to Chipata (about 15 km from the Malawi border in the Eastern
Province of Zambia).
Take the signpost to South Luangwa National Park (coming from Malawi, as you go
under the arch at the end of Chipata town turn right, or if coming from Lusaka,
it is a left turn just before you would go under the arch signalling the start
of Chipata town).
Follow the road for approximately 3-4 hours (about 140 km), keep following signs
to South Luangwa National Park. The road is mainly dirt with two small stretches
of tarmac. Parts of it are being graded each year, but rains have their influences.
When you have passed through the Jumbe police check stop, you will be almost onto
the good road again! When you reach the tarmac junction, the airport is to the left,
you must turn right to come to Wildlife Camp. Follow the good tar road for about 20
minutes and as you come to the BP fuel station, look for the left turn ahead of you.
The main gate to the national park is straight on and you need to turn left before
this to Wildlife Camp. Follow the signs for another 6 km. It is important to remember
that in Zambia there are no fences around the part so we have all the animals in and
around camp and being a bit further away from Mfuwe Village you are ensured of
hearing the sounds of the bush and not people!
Maps:
Backpackers information:
The local bus network between Lusaka and Chipata is very good. If you take the early bus
from Lusaka, you can make it here in one day. When you arrive in Chipata ask at the
station for the transport to Mfuwe - you can either get the "canter trucks" or hire a
taxi. For a small additional fee the taxis, will bring you to camp.
The taxis operate daily to the valley and leave here to return to Chipata in the early hours
of the morning. Once here, our friendly staff can advise you on the various options for your
onward journey. That is, if you ever want to leave.
Weather and Conditions:
Generally, the temperatures in South Luangwa are a good few degrees higher than neighbouring towns in Zambia as the park is situated in a valley.
The main rains fall between November and March and during this time, many roads can become impassable. The rainy season is the best time to visit if you are a keen birdwatcher. In April it is still quite hot, but will cool down through to July and become drier as we go into winter. From August to October is the height of the dry season, October itself is the hottest and driest, but also the best time of year for game viewing, as the animals are forced to visit the dwindling water holes to drink and the grass is dusty brown.
Walking safaris only take place between June and October, when the grass is low enough to allow good visibility.
If you are planning a visit during the dry season, particularly October or during any bank holiday weekends, please contact us as soon as possible to secure your room bookings, as these periods are very popular times in the Luangwa valley.
Laundry:
Laundry services are available here at the Wildlife Camp and included into the full board package.
What to Expect:
A friendly welcome, comfortable rooms and campsite, hot showers, flushing toilets, home cooked food, and a fully stocked bar. Best of all, a cooling swimming pool and magnificent views Enjoy!
Visa Requirements:
Zambian visas are needed by UK and US passport holders, most other European
countries as well as Australians and New Zealanders. Please make sure you have
checked with the embassy on requirements before arrival as these do change without
any prior notice. Most visas can be obtained at the border and please have the
correct amount of cash available as change can sometimes be a problem.
South Africans and other SADC nationalities are free of charge.
What to Bring:
Always bring bush-coloured clothes with you. When taking part in game
drives or walks, you need to blend in with the bush to have a greater
chance of getting close to animals. White is a definite no-no.
If you are visiting in the rainy season, a raincoat is a must! Short
sleeved shirts are required for all year round and maybe a fleece or
sweater for those cooler evenings, or a long sleeved shirt to cover up
from mosquitoes.
Mosquito nets are provided in all rooms, but you should ensure a
plentiful supply of insect repellent.
Dont forget to bring your camera and enough memory to store all the
African-memories. Game activities always result in clients using up
much more battery and memory than they intended to!
A suggested check list for a visit to Wildlife Camp would include:
Passport (see above for visa requirements)
Money and credit card (always ensure a good supply of US$ cash, it
is the only commonly used currency in Africa)
Camera and Binoculars
Walking boots (well broken in) and socks (if you intend to do walking safaris)
Good torch and spare batteries
Sandals
Pool wear
Sunglasses
Hat
Sun cream
Water bottles
Wet wipes
Towel / sarong
Raincoat
Shorts
T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
Long trousers for evenings or walks
Basic first aid kit to include:
Insect repellent
Antihistamine cream
Malaria prophylaxis
Plasters, dressings and micropore tape
Antibiotic dusting powder (essential to stop cuts turning to tropical ulcers in the heat)
General purpose antibiotic tablets
Disinfectant / sterile wipes
Sterile needles
And of course a sense of humour and a spirit of adventure!
Frequently asked questions:
Will I see a Leopard?
Well, wed love to say yes, and a large majority of our game drives do see this wonderful cat, but they are wild animals, and unpredictable. The park does have a larger population of leopards than most.
Do you provide mosquito nets and is malaria a risk?
Yes, we do provide nets in all rooms and yes malaria should be taken seriously as it is everywhere in Africa. As long as you are taking the relevant precautions, (tablets, repellents and cover up in the evenings) there is no reason why you should worry unduly about contracting malaria.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes you can. We charge 5% commission and the card must be valid in date and signature. We cannot accept American Express cards.
What is the best time of year to visit?
As mentioned above, the most popular time is Aug October when game viewing is best and walking safaris are in full swing. If you are coming to Luangwa for bird watching the green season in the rains is the most popular.
Can I drink the water?
Our water comes from a borehole and is therefore safe to drink.
Can I have something to eat?
You sure can! Our restaurant caters to every taste. Please make sure to
order your meals in time. Our staff needs some time to prepare meals, so
we suggest ordering your dinner before you go on your game drive. That way
you can discuss your leopard or other interesting sightings over a nice hot
meal. Our restaurant times are from 07.00hrs to 13.30hrs and again from
17.00hrs until all orders have been served.
Please inquire about our Full Board service. This includes all your meals, plus two activities a day. Let us do the thinking and organising. You just sit back, relax and enjoy the surroundings!
Will the park entrance fees be added to our bill?
No, All entrance fees are payable directly to the park, therefore we advise you to bring enough cash to have ready at the entrance gate.
For current ZAWA fees please contact Retha.
What time does the game drive leave?
The morning drives leave camp at 06.00hrs and return around 10.30hrs.
Our night drives leave camp at 16.00hrs and return around 20.15hrs.
The walking safaris set off at 06.00hrs and return around 11.00hrs. Afternoon walks or revised times can always be discussed with management, just let us know.
