TRACK & TRAIL RIVER CAMP Track & Trail River Camp is a privately owned lodge located on a breathtaking spot on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. We are an owner run lodge that is specialized in photographic safaris and offer our guests all the comforts, while being situated in untouched wilderness. Track & Trail River Camp is located in the Luangwa Valley, within the Lupande game management area and only a five minutes drive from the main entrance of the South Luangwa National Park. The camp offers a unique natural experience. Facilities and accommodation are scattered along the river frontage, surrounded by bushes are the more secluded luxury tented accommodation build on elevated hard wooden platforms. Track & Trail River Camp’s down to earth feel is reflected in its relaxing atmosphere and its naturally-designed architecture. Local traditions of hospitality are combined with modern comforts such as an elevated swimming pool with unrevealed river views, open air gym, spa, restaurant offering international dishes and a ‘Lime tree’ bar. www.trackandtrailrivercamp.com - [email protected] ACCESS Track & Trail River Camp is accessible by road all year around, a 4x4 WD is recommended and in the green season a requirement. Driving, one can approach from three sides. The usual route is from Chipata. The road is a 130km drive and takes about two to three hours to Mfuwe, just outside the Park. When travelling from Lusaka, it is possible to take a short cut from the Great East Road at Petauke, up alongside the Luangwa River to Mfuwe, though only to be attempted well into the dry season. The Northern access is from Mpika on the Great North Road or Lundazi, near Zambia’s eastern border with Malawi. Just below Mpika, there is a road running down the Munyamadzi Corridor between North and South Luangwa Parks. It is passable but only in 4WD. The mountain pass down the escarpment is very rocky and bumpy but the view over this, the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, is quite spectacular. By air, the closest airport to Track & Trail River Camp is Mfuwe international airport, about 30km from the camp. Charter planes from outside the country can fly direct without clearing customs at Lusaka international Airport. There is one main scheduled flight operator offering services to and from Lusaka International Airport at present time, Proflight. From Lilongwe (Malawi) scheduled flights are offered by Nyassa Air Taxi. Lusaka international is the main airport in Zambia and some of the scheduled and charter airlines that fly into Lusaka include British Airways, South African Airways, Emirates and also KLM as from may 2012. www.trackandtrailrivercamp.com - [email protected] CLIMATE Our wet season starts late December t until March Our dry season starts April until early December The first rains start late December and will last until mid-March. During this time, rain lasts usually one - two hours, and falls mainly at night. Winter nights in July and August are cool, with winter days being warm and pleasant. September to December brings hot days and warm nights. October is the warmest month of the year and is hot during the day as well as at night. After the first rains usually between December and March, the weather becomes warm and pleasant. April and June are temperate months. The South Luangwa National Park Near the north-eastern border of Zambia lies the Luangwa Valley - it supports one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife to be found anywhere in the world. South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The park’s 9050km2 is host to a wide variety of wildlife birds and vegetation. Walking Safaris originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience nature first hand. The quality of guiding is of a very high standard and all driving and walking guides have to pass an examination and many hours of practical in the field. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species, the only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. Wildlife Common animals sighted all year round at Track & Trail River Camp are elephant, giraffe, hippo and crocodile. Within the South Luangwa National Park, lion, leopard and hyena are regularly sighted. Buffalo are abundant and wild dog are not uncommon. The best months to visit for good game viewing are from May to December. However, from January to March all animals are also frequently seen. Birdlife With over 400 different bird species that includes 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot whatever the season. www.trackandtrailrivercamp.com - [email protected] ACTIVITIES Game drives At Track & Trail River Camp you can join us for a morning or a night drive, the safaris are conducted in open safari vehicles to fully experience the surroundings. Our game drives are taken by professional and knowledgeable guides that will tell you all about the fascinating flora, fauna and birdlife of the Luangwa valley. Walking safaris The Luangwa Valley is one of the few places in Africa were it is possible to do a walking safari. Our safari guide and armed National Park scout will bring you in direct contact with all the park has to offer and not only to see the African eco system, but also to smell, feel, touch and hear the African wilderness. A walking safari is a perfect opportunity to experience that ‘up close and personal feeling’. Private -special interest – safaris What better way to explore the Luangwa Valley, Zambia in your own pace then a private safari. If you have specific interests that you would like to focus on, without being disturbed by the daily routine of the safari guides program together with our other guests, we provide the exclusive use of our guides and vehicles. Whether you are an enthusiastic birder or a keen photographer, in this way you can take all the time you want to enjoy specific wildlife sightings. Your private safari will be a memorable experience of undisturbed wildlife viewing only surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush. Fishing Fishing is available from April to October in the South Luangwa National Park’s lagoons and the Luangwa river. Some amazing fish that can be experienced in our river are: Tilapia (bream), Catfish, Vundo, Bottlenose and Tiger fish. Fishing can be relaxation and excitement at the same time and while you are enjoying the panoramic landscape around you we will organize a delicious bush brunch for you. Wildlife Photography safaris Are you a keen photographer or did you just purchase a camera and you want to learn more about the use of your camera, then take advantage of the unique opportunity to go out with a wildlife photographer and professional safari guide. We have a special equipped vehicle and take individuals and groups, just focusing on photography and wildlife. ACCOMMODATION Views across the Luangwa river. Surrounded by the sounds of the bush. Select from our river front chalets & luxury tents or our more secluded luxury tents designed with both traditional style and comfort in mind. Our secluded luxury tents are ideal for a romantic getaway. Chalets Each of our 4 double storey chalets has a private balcony with stunning river views. Our spacious chalets feature high ceilings, are furnished with hard wooden furniture, have an ensuite bathroom and can sleep 4 people. Luxury tents Our 5 luxury tents combine traditional style with modern comfort/design with a private veranda, a spacious sitting & sleeping area and en-suite bathroom. The luxury tents are decorated with hard wooden furniture, natural materials are used to blend in with the surroundings. All our accommodation is provided with electricity, a fan for some airy refreshment and coffee & tea making facilities. Sleeping under the stars…. The more adventurous travelers are welcome at our campsite were each of our 6 camping spots has a ‘bbq island’ with cold running water, a light and electric plug-in (220V) power points. There are several summer huts for privacy and shade and two 4-metre high platforms were a tent can be pitched on top. Sleep on top under a blanket of stars and see the surroundings from a different angle. It will give you a great view! Ablutions are clean and tidy with hot water. The campsite is situated away from the main lodge area. We carefully select big group enquiries, to guarantee privacy and tranquility for all our guests on site. FACILITIES Bar & Restaurant Our Lime Tree Lounge and outside dining area with traditional thatched roof are at river frontage. Here dining options are designed to make your stay diverse, exciting and slightly adventurous. And….if you want to challenge your own cooking abilities, simply ask for your own table bbq and choose & prepare your food just the way you like it. Our bar is overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, a great location for our guests to swap holiday adventure stories or join us around the campfire. Elevated swimming pool Our centrally located elevated swimming pool lets you take a refreshing plunge without missing out on the view. Enjoy a long, lazy afternoon, lounging at the pool. Open air gym Our gym is equipped with all the necessary cardio and fitness equipment for a great body work out. Spa The perfect end - or beginning - to a perfect day - your safari experience is not complete without a signature treatment to relax the body in our onsite spa.