TAKWELA CAMP – NORTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Situated at the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi Rivers – Takwela has stunning views across a resident hippo pod to pristine bush on all sides. This small, rustic and comfortable camp offers an intimate wilderness experience and the rare opportunity to visit a beautiful and unexplored area of the North Luangwa. By virtue of its remoteness, guests will enjoy exclusive access to over 50kms of Luangwa river frontage!

Takwela accommodates a maximum of eight guests in four ensuite chalets with two double beds in each and the camp is solar powered and built primarily from local natural materials and constructed with local skills.

Activities include guided day and night game drives and walking safaris in the mornings and afternoons with regular stops to take in the surroundings, view wildlife and examine spoor. Enjoy a leisurely pace with a midmorning tea and coffee break and on the night drive a sundowner for drinks and snacks. With just two other bush camps in operation in the entire park you are guaranteed the ultimate remote, wilderness experience.

LOCATION

Takwela is located in the North Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe and it is a further 40 minute flight to camp.

Alternatively, if coming from the South Luangwa Takwela is just a 30 minute scenic flight from Mwanya (Lukuzi) airstrip flying over the dramatic riverine landscape to Mwaleshi airstrip and then a 45 minute game drive and short canoe crossing into camp. From Mwaleshi Camp, it’s a beautiful 10km morning walk down the Mwaleshi river which is a great option for a camp-to-camp activity for strong walkers.

CAMP

There are just 4 thatched grass and reed chalets cooled by solar fans and set on the banks at the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi Rivers. The chalets have proper beds, mosquito netting, woven grass mats and local textiles and there is an open air ensuite bathroom with outdoor shower, toilet and basins.

The main areas are also constructed of grass and reeds under thatch and offer a lounge with comfy seating and a dining area and bar and there is an open wafwa in front of camp from which to view wildlife. The camp has solar communal charging area and there is no WIFI available.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Home to the majority of big game – including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – the Luangwa Valley also boasts two endemic sub-species: Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. An impressive concentration of both hippos and crocodiles makes the Luangwa River one of the most wildlife-dense in Africa.

Smaller mammals and over 450 recorded species of birds add to the game viewing experiences. The Luangwa Valley is home to four National parks: South Luangwa, North Luangwa, Luambe and Lukusuzi. Remote Africa Safaris operates in both the South and North Luangwa National Parks. South Luangwa National Park covers 9,050km2 in eastern Zambia.

North Luangwa National Park covers 4,636km2 in northern Zambia. It lies in Africa’s Great Rift Valley ecosystem, on the western bank of the Luangwa River. There is a wide range of species diversity within the park, including Zambia’s elephant stronghold, the world’s largest concentration of hippos, Zambia’s only black rhino population, one of the highest lion densities in the region and it is home to Zambia’s endemic Cooksons wildebeest. It is possible to see wild dogs in the area.

Mwaleshi Camp is seasonally operated and is open during the dry season from the 15th June to the 31st October every year. Due to its remote location, you can often experience exclusive sightings.

Walking Safaris – enjoy an intimate safari experience tracking wild animals on natural wildlife trails through wilderness that is only accessible on foot and untarnished by vehicle tracks.

Walking safaris are always led by an experienced Remote Africa Safaris guide, an armed National Park scout and accompanied by a tea bearer. Morning walks are approximately 4 hours long with a pace set by the present walkers. Enjoy a rest along the way for a hot cup of tea or coffee and sweet treat alongside a lagoon and soak up the natural surrounds.

On foot you are given the rare opportunity to experience the bush at nature’s pace and to be immersed in the wonders that present themselves at every turn. Go back in time and learn how to make fire the natural way with some sticks, elephant dung and a touch of skill. Discover the delights of the bush, from the fascinating insects that live within animal droppings, tiny elephant shrews, delicate wide-eyed antelope to towering giraffe, enormous elephant and huge herds of buffalo with prides of lion in tow.

Game Drives – are taken in open top vehicles for prime wildlife viewing and photography. Game drives accommodate a maximum of four guests guaranteeing unobstructed viewing and photography.

Night drives stop for a sundowner before dedicated spotters seek out nocturnal wildlife with a spotlight. The night drive lasts for about two hours with regular sightings of Luangwa’s nocturnal animals such as owls, genets, civets, hyena, lions on the move, leopard, four toed elephant shrew, several mongoose species and much more. The camp practices radio silence to ensure intimate and undisturbed wildlife sightings.

Specialist Birding – the South Luangwa showcases 469 recorded bird species, and the North Luangwa showcases 416 recorded species.

Remote Africa Safaris is a bird-lover’s paradise with sightings of Bat Hawks and Pel’s Fishing Owls; great flocks of Crowned Cranes; a breeding colony of Yellow Billed Storks and Carmine bee-eaters; and visits from the White Winged Babbling Starling and Yellow-Throated Long Claw. All Remote Africa Safaris guides are excellent and enthusiastic birders.

TAKWELA CAMP IS CLOSED FROM THE 1ST NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE 14TH JUNE EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OLDER. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS