Welcome to the kingdom of the hippos and a birdwatcher’s nirvana. A place for seasoned safari aficionados who cherish the few remaining wild locations on Earth. As the world’s most carbon-neutral national park, Luambe is a remote and enchantingly untamed gem halfway between North- and South Luangwa National Parks in Zambia.

Luambe Conservation Project is the only safari lodge in the park, which means that you can enjoy the solitude of going on game drives and nature walks through the Luangwa River Valley and the grasslands of the Chipuka Plains far away from any crowds. Essentially, you can have an entire national park all to yourself to enjoy wonderful sightings of buffalo, elephant, Crawshay’s zebra, Thornicroft’s giraffe, hyena, lion and various species of antelope. Be on the lookout for the camp’s resident leopard – often spotted at Luambe’s waterhole (within torchlight distance of the dining area) when she comes to drink at night.

The camp is built on the eastern bank of the Luangwa River and overlooks the biggest pods of hippos in the entire river. A few hundred of these big mammals have made a large pool their perennial home, a short stroll from your tent. Sit back with a refreshing drink during the day and enjoy watching their tomfoolery from the comfort of a shady tree, and be serenaded by their chortles as they leave the river to graze at night.

Every year between September and October – and only for a few weeks – the area is painted in fluttering crimson as Luambe’s favourite visitors return, carmine bee-eaters. Large flocks of these migratory birds dig their burrows and lay their eggs in the vertical Luangwa riverbanks, offering guests the rare opportunity to savour a cup of ‘Carmine Coffee’ during their breeding season. This is a signature moment at Luambe, when you are taken to a sensational nesting spot to enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea) while watching these highly social birds begin to stir and flutter at first light. This is an unforgettable experience for any avid twitcher. Luambe National Park is a haven for over 200 species of birds including Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, white-backed night heron, racket-tailed roller, Lilian’s lovebirds and raptors like African fish eagles, and martial and tawny eagles. Guided birding tours from Luambe is a not-to-be-missed activity.

Highlights

• Authentic safari camp with stellar views of the Luangwa River
• The only camp in the remote and untamed Luambe National Park
• Spot shy nocturnal creatures like porcupines, honey badgers, serval and leopards around the camp's waterhole
• Watching the antics of large pods of resident hippos right in front of camp
• Experience rare 'Carmine Coffee' moments between September and October
• Exceptional birdwatching with over 200 recorded species in Luambe National Park

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• NIGHT DRIVES

'Perched on the banks of the Luangwa River, this intimate camp offers a really personalised stay. Staying here makes you think of Africa of years ago - truly untouched and wild. The guided walks and game drives offer unusual wildlife and great insights into the conservation efforts to keep this wilderness pristine and untouched by the modern world. This is great value for money for a stay in a part of Africa that will take your breath away - it's everything you could want, all tied up in one neat package.'

Rooms

Safari En-Suite Tent

Luambe’s spacious safari tents are equipped with comfortable beds, draped with frothy mosquito nets. Beautiful wooden furniture provides small touches of luxury, while the en suite bathrooms are splendidly equipped with double vanities that look out onto the Luangwa River. Each tent has an outside sitting area – perfect for watching the gorgeous African sunsets with a drink in hand while being entertained by the resident wildlife in the river.

Facilities

Luambe Conservation Project is set within a lush cathedral mopane forest on the banks of the Luangwa River. Spacious en suite safari tents run on solar power and offer exceptional views of the river and its abundant wildlife, especially the huge hippo pods.

Dining

Luambe serves cooked or continental breakfasts in the dining area overlooking the river, while lunches can be enjoyed in front of your tent. Meet for a pre-dinner drink at the camp’s bar before savouring your delicious 3-course meal beside the campfire under the stars.