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This itinerary featuring Luambe and South Luangwa National Parks offers school groups the chance to encounter wonderfully diverse wildlife as they learn different scientific and research methods to progress the conservation efforts of the region.

Luambe National Park is mostly woodland savannah and home to the most famous African wildlife, such as leopard, hippo, buffalo and many more. During the group's time in this beautiful part of Zambia, the resident guides and wardens will teach students how to undertake scientific research to catalogue and document the different species found in the area. The park was completely unfunded until 1999 and, unfortunately, excessive poaching led to a severe decline in wildlife across the area. With new funding and different groups taking an active role in preserving the area, Luambe has become a prime example of how successful wildlife conservation and education can resurrect animal numbers and create a flourishing ecosystem.

 After spending some time focusing on the biology and preservation of wildlife and habitat in Luambe National Park, the itinerary then continues to into South Luangwa National Park for a safari break in one of the most desired wildlife locations in the world. You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here, such as elephant, Cape buffalo, hippo, lion, crocodile, warthog and spotted hyena. In addition to these animals, the Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra are all unique to Luangwa. The Luangwa Valley is thought to have the highest naturally occurring population of leopard in the world, so there is no finer location to spot one. 

Typical itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

    Depart from the UK to Zambia. This is an overnight indirect flight, arriving the following day.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Lusaka, overnight near Lusaka

    On arrival, the group will be met on arrival from their international flight. To avoid Lusaka’s heavily congested rush-hour, the first night of the trip will be spent in Chisamba on the northern outskirts of Lusaka which, despite the relatively short distance, may take up to two hours to reach.

  3. Day 3: Transfer to Luambe National Park

    This morning, transfer north by bus to Luambe National Park to begin your Zambian conservation adventure. This is a long transfer and will take most of the day. You will be greeted by the Luambe team who will discuss the field studies programme for the forthcoming days of studying wildlife and learning about conservation. 

  4. Days 4-8 : Conservation & Research work

    Over the course of the group's stay in Luambe, students will take part in assisting local researchers with their studies and collecting data. They will get to take part in a range of different conservation and research based tasks, from population surveys to setting up camera traps. In addition to this, studenets are likely have some of the best wildlife encounters as they immerse themselves in the bush with the local rangers.

  5. Day 9: Transfer to South Luangwa National Park

    After an early breakfast, leave Luambe and head south to South Luangwa National Park to take part in safari drives to experience an African wildlife safari at its finest. The first excursion will head out in the afternoon before returning to camp for the night.

  6. Day 10: Full day wildlife safari

    Today will be a full day of safari excursions and game drives to encounter some of the incredible wildlife found here. Safaris are conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles with fully qualified guides. Night drives with powerful spotlights are a highlight and give groups the chance to encounter different species. You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here - elephant, Cape buffalo, hippo, lion, Nile crocodile, warthog, puku, impala, spotted hyena, greater kudu and eland are all common. Unique to the Luangwa are the Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra, which are found nowhere else. 

  7. Day 11: Transfer to Lusaka & depart for the UK

    Early this morning, transfer back to Lusaka in time for the return flights to the UK, which are indirect, arriving back home the following day. This is a long transfer day. 

  8. Day 12: Arrive back in the UK

Key info

This suggested itinerary is based on personal recommendation and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Destination: Zambia
  • When to go: Mar to Oct
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Trip type: Fieldtrek
  • Subject: Biology
  • Itinerary highlights:
    • Conservation work in Luambe National Park
    • Wildlife safari in South Luangwa National Park
  • Related project: Zambia: Active Wildlife Conservation
  • Activities:
    • Nature walk
    • Safari
  • Accommodation: Camping and lodges
  • Ideal for: Ages 16 to 18
  • Travellers will need:
    • Strong interest in the chosen subject
    • A desire to learn more in its natural environment

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