Mumbulu Trails
Authentic walking safaris in an exclusive part of the South Luangwa
About us
Mumbulu Trails is an intimate, family-owned safari camp set within an exclusive 15,000-acre private concession in the pristine northern sector of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Steeped in over three decades of heritage in the Zambian safari industry, owner James Zulu brings a legacy deeply rooted in the history of the Luangwa Valley. His expertise was shaped under the mentorship of pioneering figures—most notably the legendary Norman Carr—before refining his craft alongside esteemed outfitters such as the Shentons and Robin Pope.
Today, Mumbulu Trails is defined by a handpicked team of exceptional professionals, united by a shared commitment to delivering a seamless, deeply personal, and unforgettable safari experience.
Drawing inspiration from Norman Carr’s pioneering vision—credited with introducing the walking safari to South Luangwa in the mid-1970s—Mumbulu Trails revives the romance of immersive, foot-based exploration. Here, the wilderness is not merely observed but intimately experienced, step by step, in its most authentic form.
Following his tenure as Chief Warden of South Luangwa National Park, Carr selected the park’s northern reaches for his trails, captivated by its rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and the lifeblood of the Luangwa River’s tributaries. While Zambia’s safari landscape has evolved over the past half-century, the exclusivity and untouched beauty of the Mumbulu concession remain unparalleled.
There is, perhaps, no finer way to experience the African wilderness than in the privacy of your own exclusive camp. At Mumbulu Trails, every detail is curated to perfection—offering the luxury of complete flexibility, your own private guide, a dedicated safari vehicle, and a discreet yet attentive team ensuring your every need is anticipated.
The Mumbulu Trails
Between June and November, the Mumbulu Trails explore the wild and spectacular northeastern corner of the National Park. Positioned between the Luangwa and Mupamadzi Rivers, this concession represents the premier walking territory of South Luangwa National Park
Exploring our corner of the Luangwa
Our expedition begins along a luafwa—a seasonal river bend- carved by the meandering Luangwa. This landscape is defined by majestic Sausage trees that divide the terrain into golden savannas and lush islands of towering flora.
The seasonal floodplains, or dambos, are enriched yearly by floodwaters, creating highly productive grasslands that support vast herds of grazers and the predators that follow
The journey then ventures further north toward the Mupamadzi river system and our Kasansanya Camp. Situated at the confluence of a pristine tributary, the camp overlooks a bend in the Luangwa teeming with hippos and, seasonally, vibrant colonies of Carmine bee-eaters.
This rugged, wild terrain offers an abundance of wildlife sightings in total seclusion.
On moving days between camps, guests may choose to travel by vehicle, on foot, or a combination of both. This is a full day of immersion. While you enjoy a gourmet packed lunch and a restful siesta in the shade of the bush, our expert backup team relocates and prepares your next camp for a seamless afternoon arrival
2026 set departures dates
Set departures are useful for single travellers or groups who enjoy adventuring with others.
By sharing the departure, you are able to join a group and enjoy the Mumbulu camp and concession in a cost- effective way, as the camp and concession are otherwise usually booked on an exclusive basis.
Mumbulu Walking Trails :
Set Departure Dates
| 16 Aug to 19 Aug | |
| 29 Aug to 1 Sept |
| 16 Oct to 19 Oct | |
| 23 Oct to 26 Oct |
Mumbulu Private Safari Camp
Our 8-bed tented base camp is overlooking the Luangwa River, available solely on an exclusive basis for private groups of 4 to 8 guests. The mess tent is an agreeable central space where meals are served and where guest can relax.
Whilst our 4-bed tented fly camp « Kasansanya » offers the same confortable tents as our main camp, the emphasis is on immersing ourselves in the wilderness with the lightest footprint
Simplistic Luxury
At Mumbulu, we believe in “simplistic luxury”—the philosophy that while you are on a wild expedition, comfort should never be compromised
Our airy Meru-style tents feature clear mesh walls, immersing you completely in the sights and sounds of the bush. Each spacious suite includes high-quality linens, a hanging wardrobe, and a private en-suite bathroom with hot showers and flushing toilets
Our central hub offers a shaded respite for wildlife viewing through binoculars. The atmosphere is one of “comfortably charming” hospitality, featuring a dining area, a carpeted “chill-corner” with plush cushions, a full bar with plenty of ice, and the essential evening campfire.
The Dining
We prioritize a “home-hosted” culinary experience over formal haute cuisine. We source almost all fresh produce from local villages and markets to support the community. A curated selection of wines, beers, and spirits is provided, though guests are welcome to bring personal favorites
Leaving No Trace
Our camps are dismantled and packed yearly before the rainy season and we leave our area unspoiled without a trace of our passage. We try to minimize single use plastics and buy our food locally
The Wildlife Experience
The northeastern corner of the Luangwa River is a walking paradise—a secluded sanctuary where wildlife remains undisturbed. Very few places in the world offer this level of exclusivity. Because the Mumbulu Trails are booked for private use only, the landscape is yours alone to explore
To preserve the untouched beauty of this region, we have sensitively developed a game drive network that allows us to explore the dry land habitats adjacent to the floodplains without impacting the environment
We invite you to experience the traditional South Luangwa walking trails where it all began
The Carmine Spectacle
From Mid August to September, guests may start witnessing the breathtaking nesting colonies of Red-carmine bee-eaters.
The Luangwa is indeed a photographers paradise and Mumbulu camp regularly caters for photo groups that enjoy the privacy and esclusivity of our game rich concession
World-Class Diversity
Made famous by BBC documentaries, this area provides a rare combination of dramatic landscapes and high-density wildlife populations. For avid photographers and passionate filmmakers who enjoy exclusive sightings, we are able to build photographic hides on demand to maximize time with wildlife
Access
All Mumbulu safaris begin at Mfuwe International Airport (MFU)
International Connections
Mfuwe is serviced by regular flights from Lusaka (Zambia) and Lilongwe (Malawi). Major carriers to Lusaka include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Airlink
Domestic Flights
Proflight operates a 1-hour 30-minute flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe
Regional Charters
Private air charters from Lilongwe take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
