Behind Javier's Lens
Every safari tells a different story. This one is seen through the eyes of Spanish travel and nature photographer Javier Sánchez Martínez.
Together with his wife, Maria Queralt and their 17-year-old son, Miguel (an avid photographer himself!), Javier spent six unforgettable days exploring South Luangwa with us, from Kafunta River Lodge to our two bush camps. The result is a beautifully written account of their journey, accompanied by some remarkable images that capture not only the wildlife, but also the atmosphere of the valley.
We’re delighted to share an English translation of Javier’s original Spanish article, first published on his website, with his kind permission.
SOUTH LUANGWA,
THE BEST SAFARI WITH KAFUNTA
During the month of June, we were fortunate enough to explore the spectacular South Luangwa National Park with Kafunta Safaris. Together with my wife, María Queralt, and our son, Miguel, we enjoyed the experience offered by Kafunta’s three accommodations:
– First, we spent three nights at Sunset House, at Kafunta River Lodge, and three days in a luxurious and exclusive lodge with impeccable service. We will always remember Miguel swimming in the infinity pool while watching a family of elephants pass near the camp. During those three unforgettable days, we went on numerous game drives, discovering the abundance and variety of wildlife in South Luangwa, including the sighting of four impressive leopards, lions with their cubs, and solitary hyenas.
Afterwards, we moved to Three Rivers Camp, this time staying in luxury tents on the riverbank, with an upper area where you can sleep under the thousands of stars of the Southern Hemisphere. The highlight was the walking safari, where we experienced what it’s like to be in direct contact with the fauna and flora of the National Park, on an incredible trek through grasslands with large Thornicroft’s giraffes, endemic to South Luangwa, small lagoons with hundreds of birds, and forests with incredible ochre and autumnal colors. With our professional guide, we learned to recognize different tracks and signs and to understand that for those hours we were part of the environment, “another animal,” surrounded by wildlife.
Upon returning to the camp, we were visited by large elephants just a few meters away at the entrance.
Finally, we went to Island Bush Camp, the most adventurous accommodation, sleeping in stilt houses overlooking the river, surrounded at all times by numerous hippos. This is undoubtedly the most remote camp. At the last two campsites, thanks to the skill of our guide Solomon, we were lucky enough to find a pack of four wild dogs with their puppies, well hidden. We were able to follow these elusive predators even when they tried to hunt, first an impala and then a small giraffe. It was so impressive that we returned on several of our outings.
We were also very pleased with the photo report we were able to put together for Kafunta. The wildlife photos taken by our son Miguel, at only 17 years old, were stunning.
In short: the experience of these six days in South Luangwa and Kafunta will be unforgettable and a unique trip that we will always remember fondly. A top-notch safari, undoubtedly one of the most highly recommended in all of Africa, free from the overcrowding of other, more developed national parks. In South Luangwa, you find solitude while experiencing the thrill of discovering its incredible wildlife and witnessing the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
More about Javier Sanchez:
Javier Sánchez Martínez is a travel and nature photographer. In his extensive career as an editorial photographer, he has authored 28 books and contributed to more than 90 publications, in addition to collaborating with magazines such as Viajar, Descubrir, National Geographic Traveler, and Geo. He has received numerous international awards and participated in photographic exhibitions.
This article is an English translation of Javier Sánchez Martínez’s original Spanish travel journal and is reproduced with his permission. Photographs © Javier Sánchez Martínez and Miguel Sánchez García.
