Activity #1: Record sightings on the game drives & walks
This is the traditional game drive and safari walk with a difference! We encourage our guests to record sightings of large mammals during their drives and walks. These records form the backbone of our data to confirm the populations are continuing to recover. Sightings are added to our seasonal sighting record map that enjoys a proud place in the camp lounge and is the source of many interesting discussions.
GET MORE INVOLVED: For those guests who are interested, we encourage them to take facial close-ups of lions and leopards for our mammal census. Each individual is identifiable from the unique whisker spots found on each side of the face. Other characteristics such as ear tears, facial shapes and scars are also useful. The African wild dogs’ coat patterns are similarly unique to each individual and can be used to identify individuals. Side view pictures of wild dogs are most welcome for our data on Luambe’s wild dog pack.
Activity #2: Sleep on the banks fo the Luangwa River
Luambe Camp is the only camp in Luambe National Park and as a result, we are able to offer unique sleep outs and bush dining that are harder to do in the busier parts of the Luangwa. Experience what a night out in the Luangwa is like after a great meal and in complete safety with our guides and armed scouts.
These activities need to be arranged with management in camp but are a real highlight of a visit to Luambe!
Activity #3: Enjoy a sunset picnic whilst watching the Carmine Bee-Eeters
For only a few weeks a year, between September and the end of October, Luambe is splashed with colour by Luangwa’s favourite visitors – the carmine bee eaters. Large flocks of these migratory birds dig their burrows and lay their eggs in the vertical Luangwa riverbanks, offering guests the rare opportunity to savour a cup of ‘Carmine Coffee’ or enjoy cocktail sundowner’s during their breeding season.
But believe it or not, these birds are often the target of feather poachers. Regular monitoring of Luambe’s breeding colonies, keeping accurate nest and population counts is vital to know that they are being protected. Luambe Conservation Project records nest sites and numbers annually to ensure the populations are thriving
