South Luangwa

Return to the Wild

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Return to the Wild?

Stays at Return to the Wild start from around US$1.7K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Return to the Wild

About Return to the Wild

A night in the dry Luwi riverbed, for the most adventurous of spirit…

Imagine falling asleep to the sound of lions roaring, counting the stars in the sky through the top of your mozzie net... Well, you can turn that dream into a reality with a 'Return to the Wild' sleep-out in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. You’ll leave either Luwi or Nsolo camp on foot in the afternoon and walk along the spectacular bleached-sand Luwi River before reaching your fly camp for the night. After that, all that’s left to do is pour a G&T, watch the sun sink below the horizon and spend the night around the campfire.

South Luangwa , Zambia

From $1.7K per person/per night

Safari

3 Rooms

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Property details

The property

The fly camp is a simple, no-frills affair - but there's no burnt toast or soggy sandwiches here! The kitchen is a braai area, ready for beef fillet and pork chops in the evening, and eggs and bacon in the morning. A full bar comes in the shape of a cooler box, and there’s even ice for your G&T. Fires are lit around the camp, and the guide and scout usually take turns to stay awake and keep lookout for any unwanted attention.

The rooms

Well, we might not call them tents, but the bedrolls, mattresses and four-poled mozzie nets are perfectly rustic and comfortable. The ‘loo’ is a long-drop, complete with custom-built ‘throne’ and shielded by a screen, but there’s no shower. As for toiletries and clothes, bring along a small day-pack with the essentials – the rest of your luggage will be waiting for you at the next camp.

Activities

The Return to the Wild fly camp is usually part of a longer walking itinerary, and can be accessed from sister camps, Luwi and Nsolo – you’ll leave from one and arrive at the other the next morning. Walking is the name of the game, and there’s no vehicle on site at the fly camp (well, there might be one hidden nearby, but we wouldn’t want to ruin the adventure!), so make the most of exploring the stunning area on foot, with one of the top walking guides.

Why we love it

There aren’t many places left on the continent that offer such a 'real' fly camping experience - and it's one of the best we've ever done.

Insiders Tip

Camp is set up before you arrive, but make the most of the experience and get stuck in shaking out bedrolls, chopping veggies for dinner and preparing the campfire like a true explorer!

Something to think about

You’ll have to book a night at a nearby Luwi or Nsolo and an added supplement for the sleepout, which is why it might seem a tad more expensive than a normal room.

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Plan your stay

How to book Return to the Wild

How do I book Return to the Wild?

Return to the Wild can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Zambia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Zambia trips featuring Return to the Wild or get advice and suggestions from one of our Zambia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Return to the Wild?

Stays at Return to the Wild start from around $1.7K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

The home of the walking-safari, chic yet rustic bush camps and incredible guides.