South Luangwa National Park
Overview
8-days (7-night) motorcycle safari dedicated to the enjoyment of riding in some of Africa’s wildest bush roads, immersed in the most teeming nature and wildlife. This unforgettable motorcycle safari offers a new and unique way to explore the untamed African bush as never before, where purist bikers and adventure seekers can take freedom and excitement to the next level.
Every Safari is guided by a motorcycle-riding professional guide and can count on a 4×4 support vehicle to provide assistance, carry all luggage, supplies, camping gear, and conduct game viewing activities in the National Parks.
Highlights
- Total adventure, in its purest form!
- Explore the Luangwa Valley and National Park
- Ride through villages and wilderness
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Lusaka international airport, you will be welcomed by your guides and assisted in final preparations (local SIM card, forex, etc.) before your Safari starts. Short transfer across town and check-in at Sandy’s Creations, a beautiful accommodation immersed in wonderful gardens with two swimming pools, bars and restaurants. At the Lodge, you will take possess of your motorcycle and have time to familiarize with the vehicle before the Safari starts.
Dinner in Lusaka not included.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Immediately after breakfast, all luggage will be loaded on the support vehicle before starting off to Petauke at 07.00 (350km leg on tarmac road). The road starts straight, but after a while starts climbing up on the Maninekela mountains, before descending in the valley of the Luangwa river through the Muchinga escarpment. We will cross the Luangwa River at the border with Mozambique and have a lunch break in a very picturesque spot. We will then continue for another 100km until Petauke where we will lodge for one night. Dinner at the lodge is not included.
After breakfast we will proceed on a long and challenging off-road stretch (gravel roads, dust village roads, and sandy dry riverbeds crossing) for about 140km. Along the road, it’s important to pay attention to the abundant wildlife that could pose a potential threat. Arrival at Malama Umoyo approximately by lunchtime (5 hours) and we will check in in a double chalet (there are only 3 chalets at Malama Umoyo, each with 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom). Lunch prepared by our accompanying chef at the lodge. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation in the unspoiled paradise of Malama, the wildest sector of the National Park and the exploration of the surrounding National Park and GMA on board of our support vehicle. Dinner at the lodge, prepared by our accompanying chef.
Early breakfast and off-road riding for approximately 50km in the middle of the National Park area, surrounded by wildlife. We will reach Mfuwe in the late morning and proceed through the Upper Lupande Game Management Area, crossing two rivers before reaching the Nsefu sector of the National Park. This area is the wildest of the park. Upon arrival, we will set camp in a Wilderness Bushcamp and lunch prepared by our accompanying chef.
Afternoon Game drive in Nesfu. Dinner and evening around the fire.
Wild Camping
Sunrise breakfast at camp. Day entirely dedicated to Game viewing activities on board of our support vehicle in the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa. All meals at the camp, prepared by our accompanying chef and night Wild Camping.
Morning breakfast at camp, before starting off to Chipata (40km bushtrails + 100km Tarmac road), the capital city of the eastern province. We will then continue for additional 150km to Petauke, where we will spend another night at Chimwemwe Executive lodge.
Meals not included
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 350km leg on tarmac road back to Lusaka, where we plan to arrive around lunchtime. Check in at Sandy’s Creations and time to relax after the long ride. Before the day will be over, you will return your motorcycles. Dinner in Lusaka not included.
Breakfast at the lodge and time available to relax and close your luggage. Depending on the time of your flight, you will be transferred to Lusaka international airport.
End of arrangements.
Rates
The Rates Include:
- All accommodations specified in the itinerary on a sharing basis
- All National Parks Entry Fees
- All meals specified in the itinerary
- Support Vehicle (with fuel and professional driver), Motorcycle rider guide, chef
- All game viewing activities specified in the itinerary
The Rates Exclude:
- Motorcycle rental and fuel for own motorcycle
- Personal Protective gear
- Alcoholic beverages
- Activities not offered by African View Tours and Safaris and not specified in the itinerary / specified as “optional”
- Personal comprehensive insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Anything not stated under “standard inclusions”
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
