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| Emerald Season Safaris Information |
We are now open all year at Nkwali, Robin’s House and the Luangwa Safari House. We had the most successful first full Emerald Season in 2006. This is really is a most exciting safari experience – we love it. As this is not the peak season we are able to put together specialist safaris along with the packaged safaris and of course the rate is excellent value. Or you can book any dates that suit you.
The Emerald Season runs from November to mid May. At the start of the rains the river is so low we can walk across and the valley is dry and dusty. As the rains fall, from occasional storms (Nov/Dec) to storms passing through most nights (Jan/Feb), and then abating again (March/April) the bush changes to a dramatic vibrant green. At the peak the lagoons are brimming and tshe river is full. In 2007 the river flooded for the first time in 29 years. It did not effect safaris in January or March, but we were closed for the month of February. The chance of this happening again in the next 10 years are very, very slim. This should certainly not put you off coming in the glorious emerald season.
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River Journeys
River Journeys - Nsefu Camp opens 22 Jan to 31 March 2009. This 7 day safari combines Nkwali and Nsefu Camps. At Nkwali you will drive, walk and boat. At Nsefu the emphasis will be on exploring the flooded ebony groves and lagoon system, flowing channels and tributaries by boat. |
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Dash to the Bush
Spend a week with us at Nkwali – boating, walking, gameviewing, during this most wonderful time of year. The gameviewing is excellent during these months and the bush in total contrast to the dry season. |
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Dash to the Bush for Birders
For the birders – we have top expert birding guides, and can take you to many different habitats in the Luangwa, accessing the more remote riverine areas by boat and foot. We will take you to towards the Chendeni Hills, through the mopane, searching for the Arnot’s chat, swallow tailed beeaters, racket tailed rollers. |
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Extended Dash to the Bush
This is the Dash to the Bush with an extension to the Lower Zambezi – Chongwe River Camp.
A fabulous time to come and see these great parks at their most lush. |
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South Luangwa / Lower Zambia Combo
Combine two of Zambia’s destinations in a last minute getaway special. The fantastic Chongwe River House in Lower Zambezi and any Robin Pope Property in South Luangwa (Nkwali, Robin’s House or Luangwa Safari House). |
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R & R Safari
For those who would like to come to the bush to chill, relax, slow down, catch up on sleep, laze by the pool and read that pile of books you have been ignoring all year, here is the chance to enjoy the hospitality of Robin Pope Safaris and immerse in the beauty of the emerald season in an affordable way. |
Why Robin Pope Safaris for an Emerald Season safari?
We have 2 “alli” boats (swamp cruisers) for trips on the river. Uniquely, we have direct access to the park by boat, both day and night. We offer walks throughout the year And as Emily said when I asked “because we are awesome and we rock!”
Why visit the South Luangwa in the Emerald Season
Every year we encourage our guests to come in the “Emerald Season”. It is the most underrated experience in the bush. To us this is a most spectacular time of the year in the Luangwa Valley, It is also excellent value as the rates are lowered. The Emerald Season months are November- mid May. |
Nkwali Camp, Robin’s House and the new Luangwa Safari House are now open throughout the year.
November and December are months of rebirth. After a long dry season, the first storms arrive with plenty of drama - thunder and lightening.
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The bush is bursting with new life - the emerald green grass pushes through and the new leaves are growing. The green is incredibly intense everywhere - with the purples and pinks (and yellows) of the flowers scattered throughout. There is an influx of migratory birds with spirals of migrating storks and also the cuckoos and other “specials” like the Angola pita.
January to March – the river now rises rapidly and can come right to the top of the banks. This gives incredible boating experiences – when you can boat from the river into the lagoon systems. These months are the peak breeding months for the birds and there are colonies of weavers nests hanging over lagoons, trees simply full of heron and stork nests and the more secretive birds like gallinules and Angola pitas can still be found. The gameviewing continues to be excellent as much of the game stays on the dry ground – the roads! This is when we start regularly seeing wild dog in the area. |
April, May - As we end March the migrant birds are near the end of their breeding, the bush is lush and the skies incredibly blue.
The river is high and we can have a lot of fun boating around. The lagoons are full and the water birds everywhere. This is a wonderful time of the year. And it is peak time for Wild Dog viewing.
Through the months of April and May, the river slowly drops, the bush colours turn from green to golden yellow, the lagoons start to shrink and the migratory birds prepare for their long journeys. When asked, many residents of the Valley say this is their favourite time of the year.
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Why the Emerald Season?
This is a hugely underrated time of year in Zambia's South Luangwa Valley.
Excellent photography. Much less dust, dramatic skies with spectacular clouds and light. Wonderful birding with the migrant birds in breeding plumage, avarian kindegarden. Births and nursery herds of young (impala, warthog drop early Nov, and it is peak time for elephants, zebra and many more). The bush is green, beautiful and lush and the skies blue. Luangwa River is high and dramatic. Fewer people around.
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