South Luangwa National Park.  3 nights are spent at Kafunta River Lodge in a standard chalet on a full board basis including game activities. Walking safaris are available between 1st June and 30th June only. 

The South Luangwa is a great place to discover the untouched African wilderness, as it is truly one of Africa’s best hidden secrets. There are over 50 different animal species, some of them unique to the Luangwa Valley such as the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson wildebeest. There are great opportunities to view leopards and lions, and a high density of hippos and crocodiles in the river. The Luangwa Valley is also a birdwatchers paradise with over 450 species of birds.

Game drives take place every morning and afternoon and are accompanied by Kafunta’s qualified safari guides. As you are taken through the South Luangwa National Park in open 4x4 vehicles, you are able to observe indigenous mammals and birds as well as migrant birds.

The morning safari starts at sunrise after a light breakfast. The morning has a special light and you are able to observe the abundance of wildlife of the South Luangwa National Park. During the safari we stop for a short tea-break. You return to the lodge for a delicious brunch around 10:30am.

The afternoon safari includes a stop for sundowners and is combined with the night drives. The night drives provide the unique opportunity to see the great variety of nocturnal animals and the chance to see lions and leopards in their time of ease. With a bit of luck you might experience the big cats hunting. The safari starts in the late afternoon. There is a stop for sundowners while watching the magnificent African sunset and we then continue the safari. The night drives are accompanied by the experienced safari guides and spotters, who are skilled at finding a great variety of nocturnal game with the powerful spotlight. We return to the Lodge around 8pm for dinner.

The walking safaris are a great opportunity to be at one with nature. The qualified and highly experienced safari guides and armed National Park rangers will escort you safely into the true and unspoilt African bush. The Luangwa Valley is one of the few places in Africa where it is possible to walk amongst wildlife, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in sights, smells and sounds. During the walking safaris the guides provide you with detailed explanations of spoors, vegetation and the ecology in general - an unmatched wildlife experience that you will remember lifelong.

During your stay you will also get the opportunity to visit the local community to find out more about their way of life and culture. The Kuanda people are a friendly and proud people who welcome visitors and are happy to share their culture and traditions. The guides will join you on these excursions and will advise you about correct behavior and courtesy. During your 3 hour visit to the village you will learn about the daily life of the people as well as their traditions. (B,L,D)

Please note that you will share the safari vehicles with other guests at the lodge, and combine excursions with them. 

Lower Zambezi National Park.  3 nights are spent at Chongwe River Camp in a standard safari style tent with en suite open air facilities on a full board basis, including scheduled game viewing activities, park fees, local brand drinks and laundry.

Chongwe has a stunning location overlooking the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. The western entrance to the Lower Zambezi National Park is a short drive away. Exceptional bird life and great game viewing opportunities are available on both day and night drives by open safari vehicle, canoe and motorboat. Walking is available at the discretion of the camp manager.

One does not have to leave camp to see wildlife. Relax with a drink and be entertained by the variety of game that comes down to the river to drink. Canoeing and fishing is also available.

The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, a four thousand square kilometre pristine sanctuary, teeming with game, and said to be one of the continent's most picturesque wilderness areas. The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, but most of the game is concentrated on the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the parks animal species. Enormous herds of elephant are often seen at the rivers edge. The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard. The Chongwe River demarcates the western boundary of the park. The area supports a large population of the bigger mammals: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, crocodiles, impala, warthog. Nocturnal animals found here include hyena, aardvark, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger. The bird life along the riverbanks is exceptional. Magnificent fish eagles can be seen and heard for miles around. Nesting along the cliffs are white fronted and carmine bee eaters. Other residents are the red winged pratincole, the elegant crested guinea fowl, black eagle, and vast swarms of quelea. In summer the stunning narina trogon makes its home here. Other specialities are the trumpeter hornbill, Meyer's parrot and Lillian's lovebird.  (B,L,D)

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour guides are always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes they will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Many nationalities are able to obtain visas at the local borders or point of entry. It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about malaria and malaria tablets. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-300 per week for meals, personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware there may be days when you will spend virtually nothing at all and others when you will exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money at one time. 

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes.

Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely exclusively on using ATM’s. They are not always widely available or reliable though this situation is changing.

How much should I take?· 

• Please note that there is a strict 12KG limit on the flight to Mfuwe, and that soft bags only are allowed on the flights. 
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many lodges there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes.

Personal Effects:

Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs or allergies can also be catered for however the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. Please note we will attempt to provide for these special requests, however they cannot be guaranteed - please ensure the tour guides are aware of any special requests.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com