LUWI CAMP – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Set deep in the heart of South Luangwa National Park with no other camps for miles around, Time + Tide Luwi is a rustic and remote bushcamp which is named after the seasonal temporary river that flows nearby between January and April.

Its five cosy rooms are nestled under a grove of ancient mahogany trees overlooking a floodplain that attracts hippos and elephants. Rebuilt every year – the rooms are designed to fully immerse you in the bush experience. Each has a feather-top bed, open air ensuite bathroom and a peaceful outdoor seating area for watching the wildlife.

Take a nap in the hammock beside the main lounge and enjoy a pre-dinner gin and tonic in the open-air bar. Relive your favourite moments of the day over a delicious Zambian-inspired meal in the wild.

Nearby a wildlife hide overlooks an oxbow lagoon—perfect for photography. Combine safari walks with day and night game drives to explore this remote area of the park.

LOCATION

Luwi is located in a remote area along the Luwi River in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe and it is a 2 hour game drive to camp.

CAMP

The camp has just 4 reed and thatch rooms with beds swathed in mosquito nets overlooking the grassy plains of the South Luangwa and are cooled by natural breezes and a fan. The rooms are set under a thatched reed roof with reed matting and there is a sitting area just outside the room with table and chairs – ideal to sit and watch bird and wildlife. The ensuite bathrooms have an outdoor shower, sinks and toilets enclosed with rustic reed matting and open to the elements.

In the main lodge there is a dining area, a comfy lounge, a bar and a campfire. All your electrical devices can be charged in the lounge area and the camp is solar powered and has to phone signal or WIFI.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The peak season is September, October and November when it is increasingly very hot – most of the wildlife congregates around the river and dwindling water sources – this is a great time to see predators and life is hard for many as they await the rains in early November.

Once the rains arrive in November the Luangwa River is flowing at its highest levels and this secret season is perfect for exploring on foot and by boat. With many migrant species flocking to the river this is an excellent time for birdwatching. September to November is the best time of year to see the iconic carmine bee-eaters nesting in the dry riverbanks.

From October to April is one of the best times to see wild dogs – although these can be seen at any time of the year. The populations of wild dogs have increased vastly over the last 10 years and on a recent visit we enjoyed watching a number of families hunt and play on the pans.

The coolest months of the year are from the end of May to August which is winter in the southern hemisphere and a perfect temperature for walking safaris. It can get quite cold at night and layers are recommended – by around 9am you are peeling off the layers!

Day and night game drives – discover wildlife with your guide in a morning or evening game drives. Just before dark enjoy a sundowner and then your guide will drive you back to camp in the evening to give you the chance of seeing the areas nocturnal wildlife.

Walking Safaris – discover the smaller wildlife, learn about tracking and wildlife tracks and the medicinal uses of trees and shrubs whilst walking thought the bush with your guide and an armed ranger.

Wildlife Hides – spend some time in one of the hides to get closer to the wildlife and get some fantastic photos!

Sleepout under the Stars – this extraordinary experience allows you to reconnect with nature and each other in a simple and fun way. Just like the early explorers you fall asleep under a canopy of a million twinkling stars listening to the sounds of the night-time bush. A cosy bedroll, bush loo and culinary team ensure that this experience is as comfortable as it is memorable.

LUWI IS CLOSED FROM THE 1ST NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE 19TH MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDRENAGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS