The Luangwa Valley in Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley and covers an area of over 9,000 square kilometres through which the meandering Luangwa River runs.
This area of Zambia is an unspoilt wilderness and the ox-bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo, and over 400 species of birds. Luangwa Valley is often dubbed as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and the changing seasons add to the region’s richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush emerald wonderland in the summer months.
The Luangwa Valley is well known for its good populations of the elusive leopard and its leopard density is said to be double that of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
The now famous "walking safari" originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand.
Robin Pope Safaris
In this area we use camps run by Robin Pope Safaris who offer exclusive game lodges, some of the finest luxury houses in Africa, and private walking safaris. Robin Pope Safaris is a family business run by Robin, one of the best known guides in Africa, and his wife Jo.
Kawaza School
Robin Pope Safaris have been pioneers of Responsible Tourism in Zambia for more than 18 years. Amongst their community projects has been the support of Kawaza School in the Nsefu Village area. Kawaza School now has the reputation in Zambia of being a great example of how help from tourism can improve a community. From all the camps we use it is possible for guests to visit the school.
Nsefu Village
The response of guests who have visited the school has been overwhelming and many of them have wanted more interaction. Therefore it is also now possible to stay at this village for a night or to spend a day there with a local family. Accommodation and food is totally African and there is the chance to meet the Chief, a local traditional healer and to spend a morning with the ladies collecting water and cooking. A guard accompanies guests at all times whilst they are in the village.