For more details of who we are and what we do - then please scroll down:
Walking Safaris in Zambia, Africa
Zambia is the home of walking safaris. Norman Carr Safaris, as the first company to have practiced them over 50 years ago, is Zambia's original safari company.
Many people will ask, "why go on a walking safari in Zambia, when you are likely to see more wildlife from a vehicle?". The best answer is simple enough ... "go into the bush and see for yourself!"
For those of you trying to make up your mind about a walking safari holiday, let's see if we can help. When in a vehicle you cover more ground and are indeed likely to see more animals but "see them" is all you can do. As soon as you are on foot in the bush you become a part of it, you can hear, smell and feel the bush as well as see it.
To see a lion up close from a vehicle is a wonderful experience but to watch him watching you from 50 meters away, flicking his tail and darting for cover is a privilege. It's infinitely more exciting, it's a memory that will live with you forever.
All walking safaris in Zambia are conducted with an armed escort scout leading the way, he is followed by your professional safari guide. The idea of having two fully trained experts at the head of each walk was originally conceived by Norman Carr and we believe, to this day, that it is the safest way to conduct a walking safari. Zambia has an excellent safety record and one we are proud of, this is essential since the aim of our walks is to track big game and to get our guests up close and personal with the animals they have come to Africa to see.
Although young children are not allowed in the Park on foot (lower age limit of 12 years to walk), there is no upper age limit and one doesn't need a high level of fitness. Walks are always conducted at a slow pace. We usually have a tea bearer walking with us and plan a break or two in the shade of a tree or watching the river flow past.
One should remember that when on a walking safari holiday, you will not spend your time exclusively on foot. We tailor all our safaris to meet the wishes of our guests and you will usually split your time between walking and driving.
Family Safaris in Zambia, Africa
Although stalking a pride of lion on foot could hardly be regarded as the ideal extra curricular activity for a 9 year old, there are plenty of safari activities that are ideally suited to the children whilst on a family holiday in Zambia.
The African bush holds many treasures for all its visitors and there are few things more rewarding than seeing the awe in a youngster's face as he is brought close to a herd of elephant or crouches to watch a dung beetle rolling its carefully prepared bundle across the ground. Family safaris in Zambia can satisfy all generations and are becoming more popular as a holiday getaway of choice.
At Norman Carr Safaris we appreciate that whilst most families will want to stay together for their gameviewing, there will also be times when the older generations want some time alone, either on a more extensive walking safari than is suited to the youngsters, or perhaps just in the bar or at dinner of an evening.
At the start of any family safari we will discuss how you want things to work. We are used to organising special meals at special times, we offer junior gameviewing checklists and activities both in the vehicles and on foot (you would be surprised how many different types of dung can be found in the bush just around camp), and we can offer babylistening services, posting a member of staff on guard outside your room whilst you relax over dinner.
If you are considering Africa as a destination this year then we suggest you consider a family holiday in Zambia. Please contact us remembering to give us as much information as possible about your family and what you are looking for. This will provide us with the basis to offer you the very best of family safaris in Zambia.
Honeymoon Safaris in Zambia, Africa
Dreamy sunsets and starry African nights, what could be more special than a romantic honeymoon safari in Zambia.
Let us at Norman Carr Safaris suggest an itinerary and put together the perfect honeymoon safari holiday through Zambia. Typically we would combine the excellent wildlife and remote luxury camps of the South Luangwa with the opulence of a tented camp in the Lower Zambezi, and what trip through Zambia would be complete without a night or two outside Livingstone close to the Victoria Falls.
You will be pampered at every opportunity, moonlit dinners floating on a private barge in the Zambezi, sundowners overlooking the Luangwa River and of course flowers everywhere and champagne on tap.
It is also possible to organize your wedding in Zambia and we can help you to do it. The most popular destination for the ceremony is Livingstone, either on Livingstone Island itself, set as it is, right in the middle of the Falls, or on one of the private islands a little up-stream. These ceremonies tend to be better suited to those looking for a quiet exclusive wedding with a difference.
A wedding in Zambia is certainly a way of simplifying the arrangements for your big day, but wherever you decide to tie the knot the wonders of a romantic honeymoon safari in Zambia await you afterwards.
We have prepared a special package for our recommended honeymoon safari holiday in Zambia, details of which can be viewed here, or alternatively contact us to discuss your requirements further.
Birding Safaris in Zambia, Africa
There are two elements essential to the enjoyment of any African birding safari – plenty of birds, and excellent guiding. In Zambia's South Luangwa National Park we are lucky enough to have birds aplenty and the guides at Norman Carr Safaris are among the best in Africa.
The European winter (our Emerald Season) months are the most exciting for birding safaris in Zambia, all of the migrants are present and many local birds are in full breeding plumage and song.
Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in South Luangwa National Park, some of the highlights include Western Banded Snake Eagle, Lilian's Lovebird, Collared Palm Thrush and the stunning Fire-crowned Bishop in its summer finery.
Abraham Banda, the Kapani camp manager, is one of Zambia's best regarded naturalist guides and birding safaris are his specialty. He heads up our team of very experienced guides all of whom have an excellent knowledge of the birdlife in and around the Luangwa Valley.
Whilst on your birding safari in Zambia's Luangwa Valley, whether staying at Kapani or one of our remote bush camps, you will encounter various different habitats. Each habitat offers its own selection of birds and mammals. The mixed riverine woodland includes lagoons and backwaters where a wonderful variety of waterbirds can be found. We can visit extensive forests of tall Mopane woodland which are home to exclusive species such as Arnot's Chat and Racket-Tailed Roller or venture into the Miombo woodlands looking for the smaller canopy dwellers found there.
At Norman Carr Safaris we will be happy to make recommendations for your African birding safari. We have prepared a special Emerald Season birding safari package, details of which can be viewed here. Alternatively, please contact us to hear about our suggestions for your birding safari in Zambia, irrespective of the time of year you choose and how long you have to spend.
Emerald Season Safaris in Zambia, Africa
The greener months of December through March are a most exciting time to be on safari in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Since 2007, with the opening of Mchenja camp in late January, we have been able to offer the full range of activities and accommodations for green season safaris in Zambia.
Norman Carr Safaris is the only Zambian safari operator to open a luxury bush camp in the Luangwa at this time of year. Mchenja opens around the 20th January and closes again in early April. We gain access to camp by boat and activities are either on foot or by boat. A few days at Mchenja combines very well with the gamedrives and prolific wildlife on offer in the areas around Kapani Lodge.
During these Emerald season safaris the bush is in its fullest flush of growth, rivers and lagoons are brimming and boating safaris take you eye to eye with hippos and crocs. The air is clear and excellent for photography, you will find magnificent skyscapes and sunsets with the occasional dramatic tropical downpour.
A wealth of migratory birds in breeding song and plumage make the bush a wonderful place to explore at this time of year. It is indeed a time of plenty so there is no shortage of wildlife either, the green season months are usually the best for seeing wild dogs in the South Luangwa.
We have prepared two specific emerald season safari packages, our Rivers & Rainbows safari and a Green season birding package. Alternatively please contact us to find out more about green season safaris in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park.
Photographic Safaris in Zambia, Africa
In days gone by an African safari was usually a hunting experience. Today, the emphasis is still on stalking game, intent on the perfect shot, but with photographic safaris we are more concerned with aperture and shutter speed than prevailing wind direction.
Norman Carr Safaris has been running photographic safaris in Zambia for over 50 years. The equipment used has changed somewhat over the years but our emphasis on attention to detail and getting our guests up close to the animals of the Luangwa Valley has not altered at all.
When in the bush with Norman Carr Safaris you can be confident that you are with some of the best safari guides in Zambia. All of our guides have been trained to be sympathetic to the needs of our guests and most of them are keen photographers themselves. They understand that for a photographic safari in Zambia to be a success you need more than just good gameviewing, attention must be paid to composition, angle and clarity of light and proximity to subject.
All of our guests are keen to return home with photographic memories of their African safari, but some are more concerned about the process than others. If photography is of particular interest to you we suggest that you let us know before your arrival so that we can try to match you up with one of our specialist photography guides. You may prefer, by prior arrangement, for us to provide a private vehicle and guide so that you can call all the shots on your photographic safari without worrying that other guests don't share the same interests.
We will always do what we can at the time but with a little warning we should be able to ensure that your photographic safari in Zambia is as productive and successful as possible.
Wining and Dining
Norman Carr Safaris has earned a reputation for the quality and range of food served. Whether you are in the main lodge or one of the remote bushcamps you can expect cuisine of the highest standards.
The chefs in all of our camps will be more than happy to cater to any personal requests. If your food preferences could possibly be regarded as out of the ordinary then it would be easier if you informed us in advance of your arrival, however simple choices of vegetarian, vegan or other fare should just be discussed with your hosts on arrival.
Days in the bush usually start early so a light breakfast is served at dawn before your first safari. A lavish brunch will be awaiting your return to camp and is served at around 11:00am. Afternoon tea is taken at about 3:30pm before the evening safari and dinner is served around 8:30pm.
There will be plenty of opportunity to let your hosts know of any dietary preferences you may have.
All house wines, beers and soft drinks are served on a complimentary basis, however we are pleased to offer a selection of premium wines and champagnes at an extra charge.
Luxury Kapani Lodge
Kapani is an exclusive camp situated on the banks of one of the Luangwa River's many ox-bow lagoons. It is located close to the main Mfuwe area of the South Luangwa, one of the finest National Parks in Zambia.
It is a luxury safari lodge, accommodating just twenty guests and is open throughout the year. This is an ideal place from which to start your Zambian safari experience. Above all else the wildlife gameviewing in the area close to this camp is as good as you will find anywhere in Zambia, if not Africa.
Each of the eight standard suites has its own lounge with bar fridge and the beds have overhead fans inside their walk-in mosquito nets. Our two Lagoon Houses are even more spacious with private views and are ideal for honeymooners or those looking for a little more space and seclusion.
The camp is on mains electricity and offers most modern facilities. A thatched building in the centre of this luxury safari lodge houses the lounge and library. It is pleasantly cool in the hot weather and warm and cozy in the cooler months with an open fire.
According to the season, dining is al fresco with dinner taken either on the terrace, the spacious deck, or by the swimming pool. Private dinners can also be arranged for guests seeking a little more seclusion.
The bar and dining area is set on a deck overlooking the Kapani Lagoon and adjacent grazing lawns. Some guests choose to miss the odd safari trip into the National Park in favour of staying in camp to see what wildlife will come wandering by.
The location of the camp in the main Mfuwe area of the South Luangwa ensures an excellent safari experience at all times of the year. The game drives and walks from this camp are as good as you will find in any of Zambia's National Parks.
We have a small gift shop offering books, clothes and local crafts as well as a secluded swimming pool at the far end of camp.
Rustic Luwi Bush Camp
Luwi is a seasonal bush camp nestled under huge mahogany trees on the banks of a permanent lagoon. It is situated deep in the heart of the National Park and is one of the only Luangwa safari camps to be positioned well away from the permanent waters and rich vegetation of the main river.
Due to its remote location there are not many roads in the area so activities are centred on walking safaris. This fact makes Luwi Bush Camp one of the most enthralling camps in Zambia. The wildlife in the area is prolific and to track it each day on foot is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Accommodation is in four huts that are made of grass and thatch with polished mud floors. Each room is designed differently utilising trees and natural vegetation wherever possible. The design of these rooms lends the camp a rustic appeal and provides a truly African bush experience.
A small thatch provides shade over the bar area but other than this there is no central covered area. Daytime meals are served in the shade of the trees above whilst dinner is taken under the stars accompanied by the many sounds of the Zambian night.
There is a large lagoon adjacent to camp that teams with hippo and crocodile. This permanent water source attracts wildlife from far and wide making the camp area constantly busy with animals.
With the emphasis on the use of natural materials in its construction, this camp is certainly one of the most traditional of all of the Luangwa safari camps.
Typically your day will start early, around the camp fire when you will discuss the noises and animals heard through the night. Your morning walking safari is likely to take three to four hours returning you to camp in time for a hearty brunch. If you are transferring to Nsolo Bush Camp from Luwi then you will pack your bags in the morning and set off on foot finishing your safari at Nsolo where you will find a cool drink waiting, brunch on the table and your bags in your room. However, if you are remaining at Luwi, then you can relax in the afternoon, viewing the wildlife attracted by the lagoon, before a further safari later in the day.
Luwi was one of the South Luangwa National Park's first remote safari camps. Norman Carr sited the camp back in the 1980s and today this camp, more than any other in Zambia, offers guests a true walking safari and a taste of the traditional African bush experience.
Thatched Nsolo Bush Camp
Nsolo Bush Camp is situated on a bend in the Luwi sand river that runs through the heart of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, just three hours' walk from Luwi Bushcamp.
Accommodation in this luxury safari camp consists of four individually designed chalets each on raised wooden decks with high thatched roofs and private verandahs.
The rooms are very spacious with the stylish furnishings that one would expect from one of Zambia's luxury walking safari camps. As with most of our bush camps the bathrooms have no roofs and are set under the shade of the trees above.
At Nsolo you don't usually have to search hard for your African safari experience. The wildlife frequents a waterhole in the dry river-bed in front of the camp and often your most exciting gameviewing is from the comfort of your own deck or from the central chitenje that houses the bar and small camp library.
Nsolo is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. It was sited by Norman Carr in 1987 and Shaddy, the Camp Manager and guide, has been studying the wildlife and conducting walking safaris from this camp for over 10 years.
As with Luwi Bushcamp, this is one of the South Luangwa's more remote, luxury walking safari camps and there is only a limited network of roads in this area. As a result most of the gameviewing activities are centered on walking safaris although short night drives are usually offered as well.
The Luwi river system is renowned for its lion population. Various pride territories overlap in this area and the cats use the dry river bed as a thoroughfare and a means not only of locating their prey, who come to drink, but also of locating their rivals who must be warned away.
There are few African experiences more exciting than heading out on a walking safari early in the morning, having heard lions calling through the night, finding fresh tracks and following them up. With voices hushed and hearts beating your mind is suggesting there is a lion behind every bush. This is a true African safari experience. This is big game viewing on foot and at its best.
Riverside Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli is a seasonal bush camp on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers. For many it marks the end of a walking safari from camp to camp following the course of the Luwi River.
Whether Kakuli is used as a stopover in the middle of a walking trail or as a base for a more static wildlife safari, the gameviewing and night drive safaris in this area are some of the best in Zambia.
There are five spacious, traditional safari tents under shady thatched roofs, each with an open-air bathroom. All of the tents overlook the river with stunning views up and down this hippo-packed stretch of the Luangwa.
A lovely thatched chitenje acts as the centre of camp. It is on a wooden deck overlooking the grazing lawn that leads down to the two rivers and is a perfect spot in which to relax and watch the river and the wildlife meander by.
This area of the Park is renowned for offering guests some of the best gameviewing opportunities in Zambia. Safari activities from Kakuli will usually be a mixture of game drives and walking safaris. Guests are able to decide each day if they want to venture out on foot or with the vehicle.
Most evenings however, you will want to explore the area after dark. This stretch of the Luangwa is fantastic for wildlife. It is bustling with predators and the best time to see them in action is during those first few hours of darkness. Night drive safaris from Kakuli have been known to provide guests with some of the most exciting gameviewing in Zambia. It is certain that your wildlife safari at Kakuli will be one to remember.
Luxury Mchenja Bush Camp
Mchenja, meaning "ebony", occupies a stunning setting beneath a magnificent grove of these trees on the banks of the Luangwa river. It is just a short morning's walk upstream from Kakuli Bush Camp and is in an area teaming with wildlife.
Although this camp takes luxury in the bush to a level not previously seen in Zambia, it is a bush camp designed to combine excellently with our other more rustic locations.
The camp comprises five stylishly designed tents each under its own thatched roof and with a deck in front overlooking the Luangwa river. The tents have inside baths with an outside shower room.
There is a small pool alongside the bar within the thatched main chitenje, allowing guests to seek cool refuge after their morning's safari activities.
As a luxury bush camp, Mchenja is the perfect destination to complete a walking safari that has combined stays at a number of our camps. Alternatively, those guests seeking a little more comfort and pampering may choose to combine a longer stay here, with a number of nights at the main lodge.
Guests staying at Mchenja can choose whether they want to view their wildlife on foot or from an open gameviewing vehicle. As is the case with Kakuli, the gameviewing in this area is superb and night drives are usually very worthwhile. In addition to the ebony grove at camp there are two other stunning groves close by meaning that this most magnificent of trees plays a big part in your safari experience whilst at Mchenja.
Mchenja is the only Zambian bush camp to open in February and March. At this time of year the river is high, we gain access by boat and activities are either on the river or on foot in the drier, sandy areas that surround camp.
