Animals In Action
Zambia - An extraordinary, week-long, in-depth safari during one of the most exciting periods of wildlife activity in the South Luangwa National Park.
Departure Dates
Trip Summary
An extraordinary, week-long, in-depth safari during one of the most exciting periods of wildlife activity in the South Luangwa National Park. Each day you will be able to take advantage of outstanding photographic opportunities. You will have the chance to meet local experts and personalities at bush breakfasts, lunchtime presentations, evening barbeques or sundowners on the banks of the river.
Walking safaris will also be on offer, giving you the chance to see, hear, feel and smell Africa. For anyone who has a passion for African wildlife and would like to learn more on safari, this is the ideal trip.
Highlights
- Private flights to and from Mfuwe Lodge
- 10 specialist speakers
- Day and night game-drives
- Viewing migrant bird species and elephants
- Participation in and learning about ongoing research projects in the South Luangwa National Park
- Outstanding photographic opportunities and tips from expert wildlife photographers
- Meet local experts and personalities
- Walks with expert guides through the African bush
- Outings to Mfuwe Village to visit a school and the South Luangwa Conservation Society
Days 1 - 8
November 17 – 24, 2007
Check back soon for a more detailed itinerary. Educational and insightful wildlife and cultural encounters include:
The Mango Trail Every November the Wild Mango, Cordyla africana, produces copious quantities of bright yellow fruit that the valley's elephants can't resist. One massive tree stands in the grounds of Mfuwe Lodge, and every day a matriarch, known as "Wonky Tusk," leads her family up the steps, through reception to the tree to feed on the day's crop. Katy Payne and Derek Solomon will be on hand to talk about the elephants' behavior.
Elephant Watch Late each afternoon hundreds of elephants, lead by various matriarchs, follow a set route across the Luangwa River to go into the villages to raid the crops. You will have the opportunity to assist with a research project identifying matriarchs and other individuals crossing the river. Once again Katy Payne will be on one of the safari vehicles helping to identify important group members and discussing the many behaviors that you will see during this amazing spectacle.
The Chili Fence Project Unfortunately elephants are notorious crop raiders, and hundreds leave the national park each night to venture into the local villages to feed on crops such as maize, millet and commercial mangoes. Recent trials in Zambia and other parts of Africa show that the use of hot chilies mixed with grease and old engine oil and smeared onto strings or ropes around a plot, effectively repel these animals. Join Rachel McRobb from the South Luangwa Conservation Society on a workshop at a nearby village and help them to erect the fence and smear the repellent.
Art in the Bush Bring your paints and sketchbooks and join Jonathan Truss on outings in the bush to improve your techniques or simply learn about wildlife art in the field.
Community Interaction There will be outings into Mfuwe village to visit the Chiwawatala primary school, sponsored by Mfuwe Lodge, and meet its children and teachers. At "Tribal Textiles," a community based project, you will be able to see how the stunning hand-painted textiles are made. The South Luangwa Conservation Society is responsible for anti-poaching activities in the park - meet the scouts and learn about their work.
Photo of the Week Competition Submit your best digital photographs each day and obtain expert advice from the three professionals. Then enter one or more for the competition to be judged on the final day with the opportunity to win prizes.
Fishing Parties By early November all of the migrant birds will have arrived in the Valley boosting the total number of potential species to over 470. "Fishing Parties" formed of huge numbers of storks, herons and egrets feed avidly in the drying pools as fish become easy prey and enormous colonies of brightly colored Carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the Luangwa River—a photographers dream come true.
Gala Dinner and Performance The local theatre group will present their play "The Horn of Sorrow:-a superb presentation on the plight of the rhino in Africa.
Dr. Katy Payne
A Fellow in the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, Katy and two colleagues discovered that elephants use infrasound, sound below the range of human hearing, in communication. For twelve years she and a team of associates studied communication between elephants in Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe and then published many of her findings in a popular book "Silent Thunder-the hidden voice of elephants." She continues her work in the Elephant Listening Project based at Cornell.
Jonathan & Angela Scott
Wildlife TV presenters, photographers, artists and authors, they will share their photographic expertise whilst on safari with you giving hints and tips on both slide and digital photography. Back at the lodge they will give an insight into their exciting lives documenting Africa's wildlife for the BBC/Animal Planet series, Big Cat Diaries, Elephant Diaries & Chimp Diaries.
Jonathan Truss
Another TV personality, Jonathan is a renowned wildlife artist. His recent appearance on ITV1's Holiday Showdown was described by producers as "the funniest show they've ever done." As well as offering tips on wildlife painting, Jonathan will give an illustrated presentation on "wildlife art through the ages" and during the week will be working on a canvas that will be for sale at the end of the week.
Phil Berry
Having spent over 40 years working and living in the South Luangwa National Park, he was also a former Warden. A local legend, and a world authority on giraffe, Phil will lead daily outings in the Park and will talk on the history of the South Luangwa National Park and its many entertaining characters.
Derek Solomon
A leading ornithologist and animal behavior specialist, Derek has been leading special interest safaris in southern Africa for over 15 years. Over the years Derek has also conducted short courses on many wildlife topics and has lectured widely in southern Africa. Derek will talk about animal communication, and during his drives you will have the unique opportunity to listen to and learn about the sounds of the Luangwa made by many of the Luangwa's mammals and birds through his specialized sound equipment.
Manda Chisanga
Ranking amongst the best local safari guides in Africa he is also an excellent wildlife artist, and specialist on traditional and medicinal plants. He will lead practical outings to learn about the many uses of the vegetation in the park, and will also give an illustrated presentation "Plants of the Bush." For the more adventurous there will be the opportunity to taste some of the local fruits in season, or even test some of the remedies!
Laura Barwick
She is a much sought after wildlife picture researcher. Having worked for the BBC, Nature and Splashdown Picture Libraries, she now works as picture editor for various publications including the BBC's new series "Earth." She is also on the panel of judges for the BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Together with Jonathan and Angela, Laura will be on site to look at your slides or digital images and offer a critique and useful advice.
Rachel McRobb
CO of the South Luangwa Conservation Society.
Trip Costs
Dates: November 17 – 24, 2007
Group Size: Limited to 30 guests
Costs: $6,100 per person double occupancy, Single Supplement $1,575
Included in the Core Program: Accommodations at Mfuwe Lodge, all meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the final day, all local alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (French champagne and premium brands are extra), private charter air between Lusaka and Mfuwe Lodge, transfers on the first day and the final day, Bushtracks professional Expedition Leader, permits, and park fees.
Not Included in the Core Program: Travel to and from starting and ending point of trip, gratuities, passport and visa fees (if applicable), items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.), all alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at hotels, airport and government taxes (if applicable).
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We’ll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.