Lufupa River Camp: A Serene Escape in Zambia's Wilderness

• HelloMuli bwanji
  [moo-lee bwan-jee]
• GoodbyeZikomo
  [zee-koh-moh]
• YesEe
  [ay]
• NoAyiyi
  [ah-ee-yee]
• Please/You're welcomeZikomo
  [zee-koh-moh]
• Thank youZikomo
  [zee-koh-moh]
• Excuse me/SorryPepani
  [peh-pah-nee]
• How are you?Muli bwanji?
  [moo-lee bwan-jee]
• Fine. And you?Ndili bwino. Inu?
  [in-dee-lee bwee-no. ee-noo]
• Do you speak English?Mukhulupirira Chingerezi?
  [moo-koo-loo-pee-ree-rah cheen-geh-reh-zee]
• I don't understandSindikumvetsa
  [sin-dee-koom-veh-tsa]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNdimakufuna kuyang'ana menu, chonde
  [in-dee-mah-koo-foo-nah koo-yang-ah-nah meh-noo, chon-deh]
• I don't eat meatSindikudya nyama
  [sin-dee-koo-dyah nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Tukukula!
  [too-koo-koo-lah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNdimakufuna kuyimba, chonde
  [in-dee-mah-koo-foo-nah koo-yim-bah, chon-deh]

• Help!Chilungamo!
  [chee-loon-gah-moh]
• Go away!Pita!
  [pee-tah]
• Call the Police!Pemphelani Polisi!
  [pehm-pheh-lah-nee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Pemphelani Daktari!
  [pehm-pheh-lah-nee dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNdimakwiya
  [in-dee-mah-kwee-yah]
• I'm illNdimazuka
  [in-dee-mah-zoo-kah]

• I'd like to buy...Ndimakufuna kugulitsa...
  [in-dee-mah-koo-foo-nah koo-goo-lee-tsa...]
• I'm just lookingNdimakukhala ndikulipira
  [in-dee-mah-koo-kha-lah in-dee-koo-lee-pee-rah]
• How much is it?Yambirani ndalama yanu?
  [yahm-bee-rah-nee in-dah-lah-mah yah-noo]
• That's too expensiveIzi zambiri zosowa
  [ee-zee zahm-bee-ree zoh-soh-wah]
• Can you lower the price?Mukhoza kusowa ndalama?
  [moo-koh-zah koo-soh-wah in-dah-lah-mah]

• What time is it?Ntchito yake ndi nthawi yotani?
  [ntchee-toh yah-keh in-dee n-tah-wee yoh-tah-nee]
• It's one o'clockNdi nthawi yotsiku
  [in-dee n-tah-wee yoh-tsee-koo]
• Half past (10)Ndi nthawi ya mawa (10)
  [in-dee n-tah-wee yah mah-wah (10)]
• MorningMawa
  [mah-wah]
• AfternoonM'mawa
  [m-mah-wah]
• EveningUsiku
  [oo-see-koo]
• YesterdayPatapita
  [pah-tah-pee-tah]
• TodayLero
  [leh-ro]
• TomorrowMawa
  [mah-wah]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Ziwiri
  [zee-wee-ree]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nai
  [nah-ee]
• 5Sanu
  [sah-noo]
• 6Chisanu
  [chee-sah-noo]
• 7Tsopano
  [tsoh-pah-noh]
• 8Tosope
  [toh-soh-peh]
• 9Pachanu
  [pah-chah-noo]
• 10Chumi
  [choo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Muli kuti...?
  [moo-lee koo-tee]
• What's the address?Adilesi ndi ndani?
  [ah-dee-leh-see in-dee in-dah-nee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mukhoza kundipangitsa (pa mapha)?
  [moo-koh-zah koon-dee-pahng-ee-tsa (pah mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Muli nthawi yotsiku (bus)?
  [moo-lee n-tah-wee yoh-tsee-koo (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Chikiti (ku ....)
  [chee-kee-tee (koo)]

Before the arrival of European explorers, the area surrounding Lufupa River Camp was inhabited by the Ila and Batwa peoples. These indigenous groups lived harmoniously with nature, relying on the rich ecosystems of the Kafue River and its tributaries for sustenance. The Ila were known for their cattle-herding skills, while the Batwa people were renowned for their deep knowledge of the forest and riverine environments.

The first European to set eyes on the Kafue River region was the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone in the mid-19th century. His accounts of the vast wildlife and the potential for missionary work attracted other European explorers and missionaries. By the late 19th century, Zambia, then known as Northern Rhodesia, became part of the British Empire. The area around Lufupa River saw increased activity as Europeans established missions and trading posts.

In 1950, the British colonial government established Kafue National Park, which encompasses the Lufupa River Camp area. The park was created to protect the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Kafue River Basin. It is one of the largest national parks in Africa, covering an area of approximately 22,400 square kilometers. The establishment of the park marked a significant shift towards conservation and eco-tourism in the region.

Following Zambia's independence from British rule in 1964, the government placed a renewed emphasis on the development and conservation of its natural resources. Kafue National Park, including the Lufupa River Camp area, benefited from various conservation initiatives and infrastructure improvements. The construction of better roads and airstrips made the area more accessible to tourists, boosting eco-tourism and providing local communities with new economic opportunities.

Lufupa River Camp was established as a premier eco-tourism destination within Kafue National Park. The camp is strategically located at the confluence of the Lufupa and Kafue Rivers, offering spectacular views and abundant wildlife sightings. The camp's establishment marked a new chapter in sustainable tourism, with a strong focus on environmental conservation and community involvement. It has since become a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Lufupa River Camp is located within the northern region of Kafue National Park in Zambia. The nearest international airport is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, approximately 400 kilometers away. From Lusaka, travelers can reach the camp by chartered flights to the Lufupa airstrip or by a combination of road transfer and boat ride. The road journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, and it is advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle due to the rough terrain.

Within Lufupa River Camp, transportation is typically provided by the camp itself, including game drive vehicles and boats for river excursions. For those exploring the surrounding areas, 4x4 vehicles are recommended. Transfers to and from the camp can be arranged through tour operators or the camp's management. There is no public transportation available within the camp area.

The official currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). While credit cards are accepted at Lufupa River Camp, it is advisable to carry some cash for tips and any purchases at local markets. ATMs are available in major towns, but it is best to withdraw sufficient cash in Lusaka before heading to the camp, as ATMs are scarce in remote areas.

Lufupa River Camp is generally safe for tourists. However, it is important to follow camp guidelines and remain vigilant. Wildlife encounters are common, so always stay within designated areas and never walk alone at night. Crime rates targeting tourists are low within the camp, but it is wise to keep valuables secured. When traveling through urban areas, avoid displaying expensive items and be cautious in crowded places.

In case of emergency, the camp management is equipped to handle medical situations and can arrange for evacuation if necessary. It is crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. The nearest medical facilities are located in Mumbwa, about 3 to 4 hours away by road. For urgent assistance, contact the camp staff immediately.

Fashion: Do wear neutral-colored clothing suitable for safari, such as khaki, beige, and green. Avoid bright colors that may attract wildlife. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Zambia is predominantly Christian, so dress modestly when visiting local communities. Public Transport: Public transport is not available within the camp. Use the camp's transportation services for safe travel. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. It is customary to address elders with respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid drinking tap water; always use bottled water provided by the camp.

To experience Lufupa River Camp like a local, participate in guided walking safaris and boat cruises to get up close with the wildlife. Engage with the camp staff and local guides, as they can provide valuable insights into the area's flora and fauna. Visit nearby local villages to learn about the culture and way of life. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the stunning sunsets along the Lufupa River.