AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The North Luangwa National Park covers an area of 4,500 sq. kilometres, and contains just three small bush camps. The park has only been open to visitors for the last decade or so. Around half the size of its ‘Southern’ counterpart, it is divided roughly in half by two by the Mwaleshi River, a clear perennial tributary of the Luangwa River which has its source on the western escarpment.

The park is an area renowned for its superb wildlife in a pristine environment. For more than thirty years the Park was declared a wilderness area by the authorities and entry was permitted only to game department rangers and researchers only. More recently, a few companies have been given the rights to access the area for tourism and a black rhino sanctuary has been established. Although you’re unable to visit the sanctuary headquarters, the sanctuary boundary was enlarged to include Mwaleshi Camp in 2018, offering a chance of black rhino sighting on foot. Notable differences to South Park are the remoteness (very unlikely to encounter other visitors), large populations of lion and hyaena, enormous herds of buffalo, and Cookson’s wildebeest in abundance. The Mwaleshi River runs clear for most of the season and provides a life-line away from the Luangwa.

Activities
Walking safaris are offered at Mwaleshi but a vehicle is available to offer short drives to access walking areas further afield. The daily routine is flexible but would normally include rising well before sunrise, and after a light breakfast, walk out of camp until the heat of the day (varies according to time of year). Back in camp for an early lunch followed by a siesta. The evening activity departs after tea and will be a shortened walk or combination walk/drive, returning to camp shortly after sunset.

During your stay, you may also have the opportunity to visit the Chipopoma Falls on the Western escarpment of the Park. This is a days outing away from Mwaleshi, accessed by the single track which leads to the escarpment and a walk to the falls. A chance to wallow (or swim), take lunch and a siesta before returning to camp, arriving as the sun begins to sink into the horizon.

If you’re very adventurous, try the ‘camp sleep-out’. This is an overnight excursion into a remoter part of the valley using basic mosquito nets and bedrolls surrounded by kerosene lanterns with a shared bush toilet a short distance away. Simple fare cooked over a campfire. The scout and guide will take turns doing sentry duty during the night – an extreme wilderness experience perfect for a family or group of friends travelling together. Please note that this sleep-out option is only available if all camp guests partake.

Seasons
Mwaleshi is open from mid-June through to October, and game viewing becomes more abundant as the dry season progresses.