Wednesday, November 14, 2012

NORMAN CARR SAFARIS FROM A RUSTIC WALKING SAFARI TO SOPHISTICATED LUXURY, GUESTS HAVE IT ALL


In the 1950’s, Norman Carr, a tireless and visionary conservationist,  pioneered walking safaris in Zambia’s Luangwa National Park – a concept that today has been embraced in other countries, though the best is still found here.  His legacy continues with Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), comprising a main lodge, Kapani; an innovative and exciting new luxury camp, Chinzonbo; and four Bush Camps, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.  Together, they combine sophisticated luxury and the simple rustic life of the bush.

Kapani, which means “place of mopane trees,” was built by Carr in 1986, and was his home until his death in 1997. It is located on an ox-bow lagoon and houses 18 guests in eight luxury suites, each with its own lounge and en-suite bathroom.  The lagoon house has spacious rooms, elegant furnishings and private views. Kapani is ideal for families and those interested in engaging with NCS local community and conservation projects.

Recently, NCS has welcomed a new investor to the family – Thierry Dalais. The visionary behind North Island – Seychelles, Dalais was captivated by the Luangwa Valley and everything this truly wild place has to offer adventurous travelers. A thrilling new development is well underway with the creation of Chinzombo Camp, a cutting edge safari experience infused with Norman Carr’s history and legacy. The camp is something completely new for Zambia incorporating unique and innovative concepts in design and green technology. Five spacious villas, each more than 1776 square feet, will be equipped with Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. Each villa has its own 10’ by 20’ pool. The sixth villa, at 3013 square feet, is designed for families, and has two bedrooms – one double and one triple – each with its own en suite bathrooms as well as a large swimming pool.

The NCS bush camps have all benefitted from upgrades in soft furnishings, infrastructure and new vehicles. All of the renovations have kept the rustic charm everyone loves, while making the camps more high-end and luxurious.

Norman Carr knew that to go on foot on a safari meant that one instantly becomes part of the surroundings as all five senses come into play.  There is a special exhilaration to being in an area with no roads or people – just wilderness.

The four Norman Carr Safari Camps have been set up so that a walk from one to the next is conducted at a non-strenuous pace with a fully qualified guide and an armed game scout. The camps are rustic and situated in remote areas but they are extremely comfortable and great for those who want to truly “get back to nature.”  Guests may also opt to stay at one camp only.

Luwi Camp is made up of four grass and thatched en suite bamboo chalets close to a hippo- and croc-filled lagoon.  Deep within the Luangwa wilderness, wildlife is instantly visible from the camp and the area is completely exclusive.  Meals are served al fresco with lunch under a shady tree and dinner under the stars. 

Nsolo Camp is a very romantic camp next to a watering hole under the shade of a large grove of trees.  Just three hours walk from Luwi; four spacious en suite rooms are set on a raised wooden platform with thatched roofs and private verandas.  Meals are served in the open or in the shade of the camp’s thatched dining area and are accompanied by the sight of wild life drinking at the waterhole. 

At the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers lies Kakuli Camp with its four traditional Mehru style safari tents with en suite bathrooms.  A chitenge, an open-sided thatched area with wide views of the river, houses the bar and dining area and is a great place to relax and watch the immense herds of hippo.  Deep in the bush on an elevated stretch of river bank overlooking a wide grazing lawn, there is always the feeling that something exciting is about to happen.  And most of the time it does.  The views here are spectacular.

Mchenja is Zambia’s premier bushcamp and takes luxury to a level not usually found in the Bush.  Set beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees (Mchenja means “ebony tree”), five stylishly designed tents have thatched roofs, en-suite shower and bathroom facilities. The camp overlooks a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa. There is a small pool alongside the bar within the main chitenje which is built around one of the fallen Mchenja trees.  Guests seek cool refuge here during the heat of the day.

Thierry Dalais and his family are also part owners of Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi. These two legendary companies are now working closely together to offer exclusive, wild and authentic safaris for the most discerning of adventurers.

Rates begin at $ 275 for Kapani Lodge, $ 450 at Kakuli Camp, $ 535 at Luwi and Nsolo Camp, $ 585 at Mchenja Camp, and $ 575 at Chinzombo. Rates include local transfers; all game viewing activities; soft drinks, local beer, spirits and house wines; laundry and National Park entry fees.  

Norman Carr Safaris will also arrange safari packages from seven to ten days which can include stays in Livingstone. For additional information or reservations, email kapani@normancarrsafaris.com, telephone 011-260-6-246015 or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com.

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