PREDATORS OF SOUTH LUANGWA

Wildlife

Sightseeing

Active

City Life

Culture

Relax

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Join professional photographer Paolo Sartori for an intensive photography expedition into the heart of the Valley of the Leopard. This journey is designed specifically for photographers who want to move beyond the standard safari experience and focus on the art of wildlife storytelling.
In the peak of the dry season, South Luangwa becomes a cinematic stage. As the bush thins and the river shrinks, we’ll spend our days tracking the valley’s famous leopards and staying out after dark to witness the raw intensity of the night-time hunt. With daily field coaching and dedicated time for technical review, this is a masterclass in the wild: a week of focused observation, refined light, and unparalleled predator action.

HIGHLIGHTS

Daily field coaching in wildlife photography, from shooting in difficult light to professional post-production
Access to one of the world’s highest leopard densities, alongside lions, wild dogs, elephants, and buffalo
Night safaris after sunset for rare opportunities to photograph nocturnal behavior and hunts
High-end safari tents combining true bush immersion with comfort, quality meals, and riverfront evenings
Maximum of 6 participants to guarantee space, access, and individual guidance in the field
Encounters with endemic species such as Crawshay’s zebra and Thornicroft’s giraffe
September timing to exploit peak wildlife concentration around limited water sources
Itinerary built around golden hours, avoiding crowds and prioritizing light and action

DEPARTURE DATES

Friday September 18 to Sunday September 27 2026

£5,220.00

1 available

Thursday September 18 to Saturday September 27 2027

£5,220.00

6 available

KEY INFORMATION

DAY 1 – Arrival and First Sunset

You’ll be welcomed at Mfuwe Airport by our trusted guides and transferred to our accommodation (transfer is about 40 mins). After settling in we’ll meet for a first group session where Paolo Sartori will walk you through the plan for the following days and share some essential field techniques to ensure everyone is ready to make the most of each encounter.
In the late afternoon we’ll head out for a relaxed first photo session by the river where elephants, hippos, fish eagles, puku and impala are often seen. It’s the perfect way to warm up, set your camera settings, and ease into the wild rhythm of South Luangwa.

DAY 2-9 – Sunrise to Stars

Days start before dawn, heading out into the cool air to track leopards and lions while the first light is soft and the predators are still on the move. As the sun climbs, we return to the sanctuary of the camp for lunch and a well-earned break. The midday hours are dedicated to the craft: time for one-on-one sessions with Paolo to review your morning frames, discuss technical theory, and refine your editing workflow.
In the afternoon, we return to the bush to chase the golden hour, positioning the vehicles by shrinking lagoons where wildlife congregates in the dramatic light. But unlike most of Africa’s national parks, our safari doesn't end at sunset. South Luangwa allows us to remain in the bush after dark, giving us the rare, exclusive chance to photograph the nocturnal world. Using specialized spotlights, we witness the raw intensity of the night-time hunt, and capturing elusive species like hyenas, civets, and genets before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Each day is flexible, crafted to follow the wildlife, respond to the
light and adapt to the needs of the group. On the evenings we may gather for short image reviews or informal talks depending on energy levels.

DAY 10 – Departure

One last sunrise drive to capture the valley in the morning mist. After a final bush breakfast, we head back to Mfuwe Airport. You’ll leave with a professional-grade portfolio and the memory of an immersive experience in one of Africa’s richest and wildest places.

Fly into Mfuwe Airport (MFU), the gateway to South Luangwa. We will meet you there for the 40-minute transfer to our lodge on the riverbanks, where the safari begins. The most common route is a connection through Lusaka (LUN), followed by a domestic flight to Mfuwe. If your international flight arrives in Lusaka too late for the same-day connection, we recommend arriving a day early: we can help arrange your accommodation and transfers in the capital to ensure a stress-free start to your journey.

Accommodation & Meals

9 nights’ accommodation in a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Luangwa River
All meals included during your stay at the camp
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in camp or as packed meals in the field
Double/twin rooms (single supplement available upon request at the time of booking)
Snacks and beverages provided during game drives

Safaris & Photography

17 private safari game drives in a dedicated vehicle optimized for photography
Guaranteed "window" seat for every guest to ensure unobstructed lines of sight and space for gear
Exclusive night drives with specialized lighting to photograph nocturnal predators and behavior
Continuous photography coaching and image processing guidance from Paolo Sartori
Daily one-on-one sessions and group Q&A to refine your technical and creative skills
Access to private digital groups (WhatsApp/Facebook) for pre-trip planning and post-trip collaboration

Transfers & Logistics

Round-trip ground transfers between Mfuwe Airport (MFU) and the lodge
All National Park entry fees and local tourism taxes
Professional local tracking guides with expert knowledge of the South Luangwa ecosystem

Support & Guidance

Full-time assistance from the Esploro Travel team throughout the journey
Pre-departure support, including detailed gear lists and travel documentation
On-trip technical support for camera settings, backups, and file management

International flights to and from Mfuwe (MFU)
Travel insurance (mandatory, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation)
Mealtime drinks, wines, and liquors
Non-mealtime snacks and drinks
Gratuities and tips for the local crew, trackers, and lodge staff
Visa fees for entry into Zambia (if applicable to your nationality)
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and laundry services
Extra nights or early arrivals in Lusaka or Mfuwe
Anything not expressly mentioned in What’s Included

Easy

This tour is designed to be comfortable and accessible for anyone in reasonable health - there are no strenuous physical requirements or extended hikes. However, participants should be prepared to manage hot daytime temperatures, typically averaging between 28–35°C (82–95°F), while evenings and early mornings are cooler, averaging around 15–20°C (59–68°F). The days are structured to include restful periods at camp, ensuring you’ll feel refreshed and ready for every wildlife encounter.

Photography Level

This journey welcomes both passionate beginners and seasoned photographers. As long as you are comfortable with the basics of your camera—specifically shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—you will be right at home. Throughout the expedition, you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your specific skill level, helping you develop your technical and creative storytelling regardless of your starting point.

September is the peak of the dry season, offering the most intense wildlife action of the year. As inland water sources vanish, animals congregate in massive numbers along the Luangwa River, making sightings frequent and predictable. The bush is at its thinnest and the grass is low, providing the best possible visibility for predator photography.
Expect hot, dry days between 30–35°C (86–95 °F), creating the iconic "golden dust" light. Early mornings and night drives are much cooler (15–20°C, 59–68 °F), so a light fleece is essential. This is the prime season for the valley: clear skies, cinematic light, and dramatic predator-prey interactions.

Clothing & Safari Wear

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones (khaki, tan, or olive)
Light long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
Comfortable sneakers or closed-toe shoes for camp
Light fleece, hoodie, or windbreaker (essential for the 15–20°C mornings and nights)
Hat or wide-brimmed cap for the open vehicle
Sunglasses (polarized recommended for river glare)

Photography & Tech Gear

Camera body (mirrorless or DSLR) plus a backup body if possible
A 100–400mm or 200–600mm zoom for maximum flexibility.
400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 lenses are ideal for distance and low-light performance.
Wide/Standard Zoom (24–70mm or 24–105mm) – Essential for storytelling shots and wildlife that gets very close to the car.
Teleconverters – 1.4x or 2x for extra reach if needed.
Storage & Power – High-capacity memory cards and extra batteries for several thousand shots per day.
Workflow – Laptop and external SSD for daily backups and post-production sessions.
Dust Protection – Battery-powered blower, brush, and cleaning kit (crucial for dry season conditions).
Sturdy Bag – A camera backpack that fits under your vehicle seat for easy access.

Personal Essentials

Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF for 35°C heat)
Insect repellent (containing DEET)
Reusable water bottle
Daypack to keep gear organized in the vehicle
Headlamp or small flashlight for moving around camp after dark

Travel Essentials

Travel Insurance – Mandatory for participation. Ensure your policy covers 4x4 safari activities, wildlife encounters, and emergency medical evacuation.
Power Plug Adapter – Zambia uses Type G sockets (the British 3-pin style). Note: Ensure your gear is compatible with 230V.
Power Bank – Highly recommended for charging your phone or smaller devices during long game drives and in remote areas.

Photography & Experience

Q: Do I need to be a professional photographer?
A: Not at all. This tour welcomes everyone from passionate beginners to seasoned pros. As long as you know the basics of your camera—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—you’ll be right at home. Paolo provides personalized coaching tailored to your specific skill level throughout the trip.

Q: What will I learn during the masterclass?
A: We cover the full creative process: mastering natural light, optimizing settings for high-speed action, framing compelling wildlife portraits, and post-production. Paolo Sartori will also guide you through file organization and backup strategies to keep your work safe.

Q: Why is the group limited to 6 people?
A: We keep the group small to guarantee every photographer a "window seat" in our custom safari vehicle. This ensures unobstructed views and plenty of physical space for your gear, while allowing Paolo to provide dedicated one-on-one time to every participant.

Wildlife & Safaris

Q: Which predators are we most likely to photograph?
A: South Luangwa is world-renowned for its leopards, which we’ll track both day and night. You can also expect frequent encounters with lions (prides of up to 20), and spotted hyenas. Most importantly, this is one of the few places in Africa where African wild dog populations are increasing, offering a rare chance to see them hunt.

Q: What other large mammals will we encounter?
A: The Luangwa River hosts the highest concentration of hippos in the world. You’ll also photograph massive herds of elephants and African buffalo, alongside Nile crocodiles and endemic species like the Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra. The plains are also home to puku, impala, and various other antelope species.

Q: Is this a good trip for bird photography?
A: Spectacularly so. September is prime time for Southern carmine bee-eaters, which nest in massive, colorful colonies along the riverbanks. You’ll also have the chance to shoot African fish eagles, the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, lilac-breasted rollers, Bateleur eagles, and saddle-billed storks, among many others.

Logistics & Accommodation

Q: How do I get to the park?
A: Fly into Mfuwe Airport (MFU) via Lusaka. We’ll meet you at the airport for a 40-minute transfer directly to our lodge.

Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: We stay in a luxury tented camp right on the banks of the Luangwa River. It’s a perfect blend of wild immersion and premium comfort, with gourmet meals and high-end service.

Q: What happens if I’m traveling alone?
A: Prices are based on shared double occupancy. If you prefer your own space, a single supplement is available at the time of booking, allowing you a private luxury tent throughout the expedition.

Q: Is the trip physically demanding?
A: No. The tour is designed to be accessible to anyone in reasonable health. There are no strenuous hikes. The main challenge is the heat, with daytime temperatures reaching 28–35°C, but our days are structured with restful periods at camp during the hottest hours.

Preparation

Q: What camera gear should I bring?
A: A mirrorless or DSLR system is essential. We recommend a primary zoom (like a 100-400mm or 200-600mm) and a standard zoom (24-70mm) for close encounters. If you have a prime telephoto (400mm or 600mm), it will shine in the low-light dawn and dusk sessions.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, it is mandatory. Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation and the specific outdoor activities involved in a 4x4 safari.

Q: Is there an ethical code for sightings?
A: Absolutely. We work with expert local guides who use tracking skills rather than radios to find wildlife. We prioritize quiet, respectful encounters, often enjoying sightings without any other vehicles around, ensuring a stress-free environment for both the animals and the photographers.

Travel With

PAOLO SARTORI

Paolo Sartori

Born in the Italian Alps, Paolo grew up skiing, climbing, and exploring the mountains that would shape his eye for storytelling. Today he’s an award-winning photographer and filmmaker whose work bridges adventure, conservation, and human connection. After years of expeditions around the world, he’s found a deep bond with Africa — a land of raw beauty and endless stories. Whether he’s documenting wildlife in Namibia or leading Esploro’s photo workshops, Paolo brings a filmmaker’s sense of narrative and a photographer’s instinct for light, always focused on one thing: telling stories that matter.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION

A deposit of 2300€ is required to confirm your spot. This deposit is only refundable for 48 hours after booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. If life happens and you need to change plans, refunds are available on the remaining balance, excluding the deposit, based on the following timeline. You will receive a 100% refund of the balance if the cancellation is made more than 90 days prior to departure, a 50% refund between 90 and 60 days before departure, while no refund will be issued for cancellations made less than 60 days before the trip starts.

Full details in Terms & Conditions