The Nsefu Sector in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is an area I know well, and I am delighted that the BBC’s Kingdom, which has been five years in the making, is finally coming to our screens. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough this promises to be an exciting new series offering an insight into four carnivore species living side-by-side in one area of this renowned national park.
The South Luangwa was my home for four years, some of which was spent in the Nsefu Sector (an unglamorous name for a superb wildlife area). It is a part of the national park to which I frequently return, and this series will highlight just some of the reasons why.
It’s remote, wild, and raw. Largely inaccessible by vehicle for six months of the year, the wildlife is undisturbed, living a truly natural existence. I have had a sneak peak of some of the footage, captured by friends who have been working on the series, and can say it looks nothing short of amazing.
Getting hooked on this part of Africa is not unusual – Zambia is a safari connoisseur’s idea of paradise, with expert guiding, authentic camps, amazing wildlife and birdlife, and fabulous landscapes. With a range of habitats across the national park there is huge variety in this, one of my favourite African safari destinations.
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of the BBC team, I’ve a couple of itinerary suggestions here. Obviously, everything can be tailored but this gives an overview of what is possible.
Itinerary 1
South Luangwa Highlights
This park is so large you could easily spend a couple of weeks combining camps in different areas. However, if you are time short, a week, combining Tena Tena and Nsefu will give you plenty of chance to see the series’ main characters. Much of the hyena filming took place near Tena Tena with the leopard, lion and wild dog closer to Nsefu.
Both camps open for the dry season at the end of May and remain open until November, when the rains start again. In the early season you can expect cooler temperatures allowing you to be out for longer in the day, including all day drives. By the end of October the temperatures are high – early 40s is common. This time of the year, wildlife congregates around remaining water sources with predators drawn in as well. It is an exciting time to visit, with the migratory carmine bee-eaters add a splash of colour.
Click here to take you through to the itinerary.
Itinerary 2
Zambia in depth
With more time, you can immerse yourself in Zambia’s diverse, wildlife rich and pretty national parks, getting a real sense of the variety of habitats, scenery and wildlife.
Starting with four nights in the Lower Zambezi National Park, you will have the opportunity to combine your wildlife drives and walking safaris with boat and canoe safaris on the Zambezi River, offering a different perspective and plenty of sightings of water birds.
From here you would proceed to Kafue National Park and the Busanga Plains. The largest of Zambia’s parks, and one of the largest in Africa, it is often overlooked. It’s a place of great diversity – the open grass plains and miombo woodlands play host to large prides of lions, and more species of antelope in Africa than anywhere else.
Your holiday would finish in the South Luangwa National Park, at two camps. One located south of the main gate and offering wildlife viewing in the main area of the park. The second, Tena Tena, will take you into the Nsefu sector where filming took place.
Click here to take you through to this itinerary.
To sum up, Zambia really is a dream destination for anyone interested in an authentic safari. With plenty of predators and prey species, great birdlife and a selection of superb camps and lodges it’s a real delight. If you would like to explore this wonderful country further, including the area where Kingdom has been filmed, please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help.
