The African continent is under siege. Over population and massive extractive industries from uncontrolled mining to deforestation threaten the continent. A few extraordinary individuals have dedicated themselves to conserving its most critical ecosystems. Visit the most extraordinary reserves representing the cutting edge of conservation in the African continent. Witness the beauty and majesty of Africa at its most powerful.
TANZANIA
Day 1 – 3
DAR ES SALAAM / SELOUS /LUKULA CAMP
Having spent the previous night recovering from your long flight, transfer to the airport for your private charter to Lukula Camp situated in the most remote, south western part of the Selous Game Reserve. Upon arrival you are met and escorted to the camp which is located in the heart of the magnificent Reserve. The secluded camp is built on the sandy banks of the Luwegu River, beautifully positioned under large, shady riverine trees. The camp provides a wonderful mix of authenticity, comfort, and classic safari style with influences of exotic Zanzibar. Lukula Selous is the only camp for hundreds of miles, offering an extraordinary, highly exclusive retreat back in time to the ‘real’ Africa in which one may relax, explore and reawaken the spirit to the wilds of nature and its inhabitants.
The camp has only 5 spacious, luxury tents set in the shade of the forest in the midst of millions of acres of pure wilderness. Each tent has a beautiful view across the river to the broad white sand banks where animals are often seen coming to drink. The sight and sound of hippo and plains game and the occasional predator is a daily occurrence enjoyed from your comfortable verandah or the privacy of your bamboo ‘gazebo’ which is safely elevated over the river. Each authentic, stylish tent features beautifully worked pieces of campaign furniture and is enhanced by Turkish carpets, cushions and brilliant fabrics brought from Zanzibar and afar. En- suite facilities include large open-air bathrooms with hot showers and the amenities of home on call, delivered by your private tent attendant.
Lukula Selous is a private photographic sanctuary of over 300,000 acres located in the middle of a vast wilderness of millions of acres. Only one group of guests is permitted into the entire area at any given time. Animals concentrate along the waterways that meander through this sector of the reserve. You have the opportunity to explore this wilderness in complete privacy, capturing the spirit of Lukula Selous under the watchful eye of expert professional guides. The Selous boasts a diverse habitat ranging from open flood plains interspersed with dense riparian forests that border the Lukula, Luwegu and Chi rivers, to open savanna which recedes to forested, rolling hills and steep ridges of exposed rock….a landscape seldom visited and unchanged by humans, rich in wildlife, spectacularly wild.
MOZAMBIQUE
Day 4 – 6
MOZAMBIQUE / INDIAN OCEAN /VAMIZI ISLAND
Leaving the Selous behind, travel by private aircraft to yet another remarkable and very different wilderness habitat. Vamizi Island Lodge is located in the Maluane wilderness area of the Indian Ocean. Maluane comprises one of the last unspoiled, unexploited ocean wildernesses in the world. Situated off the far northern coast of Mozambique along the East African coast, the area boasts what may be the most pristine coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and islands on earth. The islands also feature large areas of forest and inland savanna. Maluane's community-based and scientifically-sound conservation work began in 2001. Significant discoveries continue to be made. Its unrivalled marine life includes many endangered species.
The spectacular Vamizi Island Lodge opened in December 2005. Built on the northern side of the island on a long, white, powder-fine beach, the lodge comprises ten separate beach villas, each with its own large living room, spectacular bathroom and breezy veranda. The villas are all secluded looking out to sea from the shade of the forest that forms the center of the island. Endangered Samango monkeys play in the trees and explore the glades, hunting the resident land crabs. The décor of the Vamizi lodge incorporates the traditional design of the region, Swahili coast/Zanzibar meets African safari! The seafood is unparalleled!
Days at Vamizi are spent relaxing and enjoying the marine activities which include world-class blue water fishing and fly-fishing, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling in of the most pristine coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Lectures from researchers are also on offer.
Day 7 – 9
MOZAMBIQUE / NIASSA GAME RESERVE /LUGENDA WILDERNESS CAMP
You are chartered privately from Vamizi Island to the Lugenda Wildlife Reserve located in the Niassa province of Northern Mozambique. The largest conservation area in Mozambique, the Niassa Reserve covers parts of Cabo Del Gado Province and nearly one third of Niassa Province. Twice the size of the world-famous Kruger National Park, this huge wilderness preserve, covering 42, 000 square kilometers, is only just being discovered and contains the greatest concentration of wildlife in Mozambique. Niassa provides visitors with an experience of pure wilderness that is almost impossible to find in the world today.
Lugenda Wilderness Camp is made up of eight luxury tents which are discreetly situated on the banks of the Lugenda River beneath towering fig trees, each with its own patio deck with wide-angle views. The tents blend beautifully into the natural surroundings while offering every modern comfort - from king-size beds to en-suite bathrooms and ceiling fans. Near the banks of the river, the swimming pool tempts with its cool water while sun loungers and umbrellas invite you to lounge for hours.
Despite being in the heart of the Mozambique wilderness, the food at Lugenda is fresh and simply delicious. Leisurely breakfasts and lunches are taken in the living area overlooking the Lugenda river-bed. High tea is served before the afternoon game drive and you can watch the spectacular African sun set over the mountains during sundowners. At night you can enjoy a charming river-bed or boma dinner, while taking in the African night sounds and gazing at the breathtaking Mozambique night sky. Guided walks are available in the early mornings to explore the smaller flora and fauna of the bush.
Niassa National Reserve is truly a Mozambique wildlife paradise, providing refuge for over 200 endangered Cape Hunting Dog (African Wild Dog), as well as other predators such as lion, leopard and spotted hyena, and game such as kudu, bushbuck, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, reedbuck and hippo. Three sub-species, the Niassa Wildebeest, Boehm's Zebra and Johnston's Impala are endemic to the Niassa area. This is one of the last areas in the world where such a wide array of wildlife thrives without any management by humans.
Day 10-12
MOZAMBIQUE/ GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK /EXPLORE GORONGOSA
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip to board your charter plane to Gorongosa National Park. Situated in the center of Mozambique, Gorongosa was once considered a contender as best Park in Africa! Sadly it became center stage to the decades long civil war and was decimated. Now on the way to recovery and reclaiming its former glory, Gorongosa is receiving international attention. The signing of a ground-breaking agreement 2 years ago allows for the park to be privately managed for a period of 20 years, only to be handed back to the Mozambican government as a successful tourism and conservation landmark. This agreement was inspired and has been funded by philanthropist Greg Carr. Carr is obsessed with the project’s success and is well on his way to achieving his goals.
Our comfortable base for this leg of our epic journey is Explore Gorongosa’s intimate and eco-innovative luxury tented camp situated on the fever tree-lined Msicadzi stream bordering the acres of floodplains that dominate Gorongosa’s landscapes. These floodplains are home to much of the wildlife that has filtered its way back into this unfenced wilderness, as well as the large grazers brought in as part of the restoration project to supplement the resident populations. There are an astounding 14 different antelope species found in the park including herds of over 100 sable. The lion population is increasing and these beautiful big cats are seen often. Elephant and buffalo are also on the increase, and hippo, crocodile and incredible bird viewing is available on the innumerable waterways of Gorongosa. The park is flooded annually so nutrient rich flood waters revive the feeding grounds of pelicans, flamingos, storks, herons, ibises, and other water birds each summer.
Situated at the southern most end of the Great African Rift Valley, Gorongosa has incredible biodiversity. It is a privilege reserved to only a few to explore this great wilderness. Activities include expert-guided walks and drives (day and night) through this fascinating mix of wilderness, wildlife, rare plants and birds, culture, history ,war and recovery. Your hosts in camp are a group of local Mozambicans all hired from within the park’s buffer zone and trained as part of a creative community based ecotourism initiative. It may be possible to join the Gorongosa conservation team on their wildlife re-introduction or game capture exercises. You are welcome to visit the local village and collect fresh produce from the communal garden project and join the village head for a cup of tea in his home to discuss the lives of these war-scarred yet enthusiastic people.
VERY LIMITED CAPACITY, MAXIMUM OF 10 TRAVELERS, PLEASE CONTACT EXPLORE INC FOR DETAILS SOON! Call 888-LYONESS or email
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The camp has only 5 spacious, luxury tents set in the shade of the forest in the midst of millions of acres of pure wilderness. Each tent has a beautiful view across the river to the broad white sand banks where animals are often seen coming to drink. The sight and sound of hippo and plains game and the occasional predator is a daily occurrence enjoyed from your comfortable verandah or the privacy of your bamboo ‘gazebo’ which is safely elevated over the river. Each authentic, stylish tent features beautifully worked pieces of campaign furniture and is enhanced by Turkish carpets, cushions and brilliant fabrics brought from Zanzibar and afar. En- suite facilities include large open-air bathrooms with hot showers and the amenities of home on call, delivered by your private tent attendant.
African coast, the area boasts what may be the most pristine coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and islands on earth. The islands also feature large areas of forest and inland savanna. Maluane's community-based and scientifically-sound conservation work began in 2001. Significant discoveries continue to be made. Its unrivalled marine life includes many endangered species.
beautifully into the natural surroundings while offering every modern comfort - from king-size beds to en-suite bathrooms and ceiling fans. Near the banks of the river, the swimming pool tempts with its cool water while sun loungers and umbrellas invite you to lounge for hours.
Carr is obsessed with the project’s success and is well on his way to achieving his goals.
