I've just read that you can't camp at Flatdogs here between june and september.....a pity as I was planning to stay there !
Is there another place where budget travellers can stay (with own tent...which organises walks and game drives).
Arriving by public transport from Chipata.
Thanks Luc
The reason they do not offer camping at this time is due to the rains and the Luangwa River flooding. The extent of the flooding varies but when it is really bad then all accommodation will be off-limits.
Track and Trail camp offers camping sites further away from the river than Mushroom and Croc Camp and one of the spots is actually on a raised platform with its own power and lighting.
Flatdogs should be fine as it is away from the river though they do have a lake which may flood.
Just email the above two places and make sure things are running smoothly
i forgot to add that I stay at Track and Trail every time I am in S.Luangwa and I cannot fault it, all the ones along the river are very good, flatdogs would actually be my last choice as it is that much further away and loses the river setting
Thanks for the suggestions.....
Do you think I will have problems getting there from Chipata?
I've heard there is at least 1 minibus a day...I'll be arriving in Chipata from Lilongwe so not sure on timings.
The minibus is one a day usually though sometimes there are more, it leaves Mfuwe at 1am 'officially' but its more like 3-4am. The trip takes about 5-6 hours so if you are at the bus station in Chipata at 9am you should be able to jump on it and go the other way. If you try and take a cab you will be quoted quite high prices, the best I have ever got one for is $80. There really is just one road from Chipata to Mfuwe, if you can get to the road it should be very easy to hitch, I managed it going the other way as most of the campsites run to Chipata once a week for supplies and such.
You should be able to get a taxi from the border at Machinji to the bus station in Chipata for a few dollars, when you get there look for the blue minibuses and ask for Mfuwe, if there are not any there then you will easily be able to get a cab but remember to negotiate!
The road is very tough though so be prepared for a harsh ride, oh and don't wear anything white!
Oh, one more thing, if you get a minibus it should be able to drop you off at your campsite if you ask (a cab will also do this). If you get dropped off in the town of Mfuwe you can easily hitch to one of the camps in any of the 4x4's on the road, most will be going to one of the camps by the river. It is dangerous to walk it
I stripped the thread on the ball joint on my landrover steering clean off on that road. the corrugations are brutal
Thanks for the info Ric.....I read your blog by the way,lots of interesting and amusing stuff and some great photos ;-)
Hi Luc,
I don't know if you're still looking for a place in SL but if so you should really check out Marula Lodge. It's the only place in the valley with a proper backpackers dorm and self catering kitchen (and camping coming soon - maybe it is even already done) and it is really great! I spent a while in the valley at the beginning of this year and I have to say, I was most impressed with Marula by a long shot.
The others are nice but Marula is definitely best value for money and truly amazing and welcoming hosts. It feels more like being part of a family than being a guest. They were recently taken over by new management and it seems to have made a world of difference from when I was last there a few years ago. Oh and also, their spot on the river is absolutely PRIME - hippos and elephants around all the time...it's great. I think their website is www.marulalodgezambia.com - for anyone who is going to this area (which is an AMAZING area anyway), I really recommend this place.
Anyway, hope this helps. I'd be interested to hear what you pick!
