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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