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  GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Contact Details:

The Wildlife Camp
P O Box 53
Mfuwe, Zambia
Tel/fax:  + 260 62 45026 or    + 260 62 46026
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 airport or in Chipata. We can assist you with visa waivers in case you enter Zambia the day you arrive at the Wildlife Camp

Please specify on your booking the need for a visa waiver, your full names (as written in your passport), nationality and passport number. This information is needed for all persons in your party, so we can contact the immigration office beforehand with full details.

When crossing the border, specify to the officials that a waiver has been sent by Wildlife Camp.

Please note, immigration needs at least 7 days notice for this visa waiver, so please make sure the information is sent on time.

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.

Zambian Airways and Airwaves fly to and from Lusaka 4-5 times per week, ask your travel agent for details or contact Patsy and she can help with these bookings. The airport has an attractive outdoor café called Moondogs, where you can sit in the shade and await your flight, while inside the airport building, is a bank and post office. 

We can assist you with visa waivers in case you enter Zambia the day you arrive at the Wildlife Camp.

Please specify on your booking the need for a visa waiver, your full names (as written in your passport), nationality and passport number. This information is needed for all persons in your party, so we can contact the immigration office beforehand with full details.

When passing immigration at the airport, specify to the officials a waiver has been sent by Wildlife Camp.

Please note, immigration needs at least 7 days notice for this visa waiver, so make sure the information is sent on time.
 

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.
 

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 don’t go off the beaten track. Your efforts will be worthwhile when you arrive at camp and quench your thirst at one of our riverside bars and watch the Luangwa River meandering peacefully by.


See location Map

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 influence.

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 to Wildlife Camp. Follow the signs for another 3 km.
 

Weather and Conditions:

As the park is situated in a valley, the temperatures in South Luangwa are a good few degrees higher than neighbouring towns in Zambia .

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.

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.
 

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 passport holders and most other European countries.  Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and other African nationalities are free of charge.  Visas can be bought at the border, or if you contact us in advance when you confirm your booking we can help with your visa requirements. Please specify on your booking the need for a visa waiver, your full names (as written in your passport), nationality and passport number. This information is needed for all persons on your party, so we can contact the immigration office beforehand with full details.

Please note, immigration needs at least 7 days notice for this visa waiver, so make sure the information is sent on time.
 

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.

Don’t forget to bring enough photographic film. Game activities always result in clients using up much more film than they intended to!

So 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 sprit of adventure!

 

Frequently asked questions:

 Will I see a Leopard?

Well ...... we’d love to say yes, and a large majority of our game drives do see this wonderful cat, but they are wild animals, and it is all down to luck of the day.  The park does have a larger population of leopards than most. So, good luck!
 

 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 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 do not 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 the 2007 ZAWA fees please have a look at our rate sheet 
 

What time does the game drive leave?

 

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