7 Nights – Exploring the North Luangwa

Mwaleshi, located in the vast wilderness of North Luangwa National Park, is a 45 minute flight from Mfuwe Airport. Hidden within a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River, the camp is a truly special and remarkable place, unlike any other. There are few roads in this remote area and the majority of activities consist of morning and afternoon walks, following existing animal trails through pristine savannah. All senses become attuned to the surrounding bush as guests experience the magical diversity of the area. Although the landscape is generally flat, the paths can be uneven, so lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
With just four thatched chalets rebuilt annually out of natural materials, en suite bathrooms open to the stars and uninterrupted views of the spectacular Mwaleshi River, the camp offers you a genuine feeling of solitude and seclusion. Life in camp is comfortable yet refreshingly simple. Game is prolific and the North Luangwa National Park is the only place one is likely to glimpse black rhino, which, following their extinction in Zambia in the 1980s, were successfully re-introduced here. Mwaleshi Camp is situated within the rhino sanctuary, improving chances of sighting this iconic species. A Luangwa Valley endemic, Cookson’s wildebeest, are abundant in the Mwaleshi area as are spotted hyenas. Birders will not be disappointed and the local diversity includes species that are not regularly spotted elsewhere in the Luangwa.

Takwela Camp, the latest camp operated by Remote Africa Safaris, opened in July 2019. Situated on Remote Africa’s private land at the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwaleshi Rivers, Takwela has stunning views across a resident hippo pod to pristine bush on all sides. The area is known as ‘Chitukuko’ which means ‘place of development’ in the local Tumbuka dialect. ‘Takwela’ is aptly named, as the direct translation is, ‘we have taken off’.
Takwela accommodates a maximum of eight guests in 4 en-suite chalets, with two double beds in each. The camp is just a 25 minute scenic flight from our Mwanya (Lukuzi) airstrip in South Luangwa, flying over the dramatic riverine landscape to Mwaleshi airstrip and then a 45 minute game drive into camp. Transfers to / from Mwaleshi camp is part of a morning activity although direct transfers can be made with a one hour game drive or three and a half hour walk. Walking safaris and game drives are offered to explore this beautiful and remote area.