Sanctuary Retreats Introduces African Walking Safaris with a Difference

Explore the pristine wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park – the home of the walking safari - with one of Africa's most experienced expert guides, all whilst enjoying the luxurious accommodation and fine dining that Sanctuary Retreats is known for.

Sanctuary Retreats have chosen the perfect location in the South Luangwa for the first walking safari camp which is also the first true luxury walking safari camp in the park. Sanctuary Zebra Plains is located in a particularly beautiful and untouched area, perched on a sand bank at the confluence of the Luangwa and Chibembe Rivers. The nearby Changwa Channel, home to what is believed to be the largest hippo population in the world, was recently featured in David Attenborough's “Life” series.

It was in this park that "walking safaris" first made their debut and it is undoubtedly one of the most exciting ways to experience the incredible sights, sounds and smells of the bush. The diversity of habitats surrounding the camp provide for some of the most spectacular walking in Africa over terrain that is ideal for exploring with plenty of shade and long sweeping views.

What sets the area apart is the concentration of wildlife. Zebra, antelope, buffalo and puku congregate on the plains alongside endemic species such as the Thornicroft's giraffe, Crawshay's zebra and Cookson's wildebeest. Predators include lion, leopard and the elusive wild dog whilst the rivers and tributaries are teeming with hippo, elephant and crocodile.

Garth Hovell, one of Zambia's most highly respected guides with almost twenty years of experience, will host guests at Sanctuary Zebra Plains and lead two walks each day. Even after twelve years of leading walking safaris, for Garth there is simply no match for the thrill of a walking safari: “On foot your senses are heightened by all that surrounds you to give you the ultimate safari high."



In order to fully explore the South Luangwa, guests will spend three nights at Sanctuary Zebra Plains with set departures on Monday or Thursday. One morning you might wander along a river bank, observing elephants before canoeing across to a large island across from camp to get up close to plains game. Later that day you may choose to explore nearby Zebra Plains where buffalo, zebra and eland gather in large herds on the open savannah, a rarity in the wooded terrain of the South Luangwa. Another day your destination might be the Changwa Channel, home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos on earth.

Sanctuary Zebra Plains has just four traditional tents – two doubles and two twins – accommodating a maximum of six guests. All tents have real beds, woven rugs, campaign furniture made by a local sustainable workshop, mosquito nets, en suite facilities and flush toilets. Water for al fresco showers is mixed to your preferred temperature by a tent attendant. The main mess tent has a dining area although most of the meals will be served in the open in carefully selected vantage points. There is also a small library and bar area.

This is a seasonal camp operating from June to October each year. The camp has been designed to leave the lowest possible carbon footprint and will be packed up completely with no trace that it was ever there between seasons.

We suggest combining a walking safari with a stay at Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp or the newly renovated Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, also in the park. These permanent properties offer morning and evening game drives, the perfect complement to Sanctuary Zebra Plains.

Special Opening Offers:
Book a stay for two at luxury walking safari camp Sanctuary Zebra Plains and the second guest's stay is half price – a saving of up to US$825.

Or combine a stay with the Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge and enjoy six nights for the price of four – a saving of up to US$930

Valid for new bookings, travel must take place 1 June – 31 October 2011.

For more information about Sanctuary Zebra Plains, please visitwww.sanctuaryretreats.com, email info@sanctuaryretreats.com or call +44 (0)207 190 7739.