SOUL OF THE

LUANGWAAn eight day retreat in the African Wilderness

Primal Pathways leads unique wilderness retreats into the most pristine and remotewildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Join us on anobservation of divinity as we reacquaintourselves with the heart and mind of nature.

Zambia’s remote Luangwa Valley, at theSouthern tip of the Great Rift Valley, isrenowned as being one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Watered by thewinding Luangwa River, these volcanic soilsstretch seven hundred kilometers long andone hundred kilometers wide - boastingimpressive biodiversity and prolific wildlife.

Very few rivers of this size are so unaffectedby man - no dams along its length and nocommercial agriculture on its banks. For millennia, the river has meandered in its natural state across the valley floor, erodingvolcanic rocks, depositing mineral rich siltsand leaving scenic ox-bow lagoons along itschanging course.

In such a vast and harmonious expanse,each body holds its own space. Everyday,life’s grace surrounds us, touches us, includes us. It treats us as one of its own,humans and animals alike - all molded andbaked from the minerals of the earth’s soils.

Whatever has come and passed in this riftvalley is still evident in the silent wisdomthat drives its cycles. This is a place wherethe past and future live together with thepresent.

The range of camps on the trail is designed to complement the theme of journey as we step progressively closer to the ground, learning thebeauty of simplicity. The accommodation is romantic and tasteful, with rustic Zambian charm.

Located in the richest game-viewing area of SouthLuangwa National Park, the area is ideal walking safari country, and a network of carefully plannedlow impact roads will provide us with excellent coverage of our surroundings. The varied terrain includes picturesque lagoons, ebony forests,

baobab forests and productive grassland plains -all bordered by the meandering Luangwa andMwamba Rivers.

We explore the area both on foot and from the vantage point of an open-air safari vehicle. In thevehicle we are a fly on the wall, witnessing undisturbed animal behavior. On foot we submerse in a rich sensory environment. Regardedas the human animal, our every step is witnessedand engaged with life around us.

THE ITINERARY

Nestled discretely apart on the banks of the Luangwa River, Kaingo’s chalets were designedwith the sole purpose of transporting you safelyinto the world of the Luangwa, without a single distraction.

The camp is solar-powered. The complete absenceof generator noise means that nothing interfereswith the sounds of the African wilderness.

* Each trailist will get to experience a speciallyarranged sleep-out at the elephant-hide platform, tailored to a maximum of two people. Setin an ebony tree on the Luangwa River, the romantic sleep-out is about peace and solitude.Experiencing a night out in the African bush, on avery comfortable king size bed, listening to thenocturnal noises of the wilderness, is something that you will never forget.

DAY 1-4 KAINGO CAMP

* Elephant-hide platform, set in an ebony tree.

Leaving Kaingo on foot we access the remote andpeaceful Mwamba Camp on a relaxed three hourbush-walk. On the banks of the dry Mwambariverbed, this intimate six bed camp is set underhuge evergreen ebony trees.

Everything about this bush camp is natural: thethatch huts, packed mud floors, the hot water

bucket showers under the stars, and skylights overthe beds. The accommodation reflects a thoughtfulbalance between back-to-nature simplicity andessential comforts.

Nowhere is the spirit between human dwellingsand the wild so at peace and undisturbed as atMwamba Camp.

DAY 4-6 MWAMBA CAMP

On this night the wilderness becomes our home.We will not return from our walking safari, but sleep

under a grove of ancient Baobab trees and a nightfull of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

DAY 7 SLEEP OUT IN A GROVE OF BAOBABS

We reconvene at Mwamba camp for our finalevening to bring the journey to a close - quietly

giving thanks for the enduring bonds that havebeen awakened in this great wilderness.

DAY 8 MWAMBA CAMP

Led exclusively by Specialist Wilderness Guideand Eco-Philosopher, Brent Harris, our eight-dayexploration of the Luangwa Valley presents a rareopportunity for participants to witness the undisturbed spirit of the African wilderness.

Brent grew up barefoot amongst Zulu and Xhosafriends on a farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.His natural respect for life and affinity with theways of animals was instilled during this rural upbringing.

Brent's thirst for interaction with nature lead himon solo adventures through the Amazon and intoa privileged bond, rehabilitating a Puma in thecloud forests of Bolivia.

"For eight hours a day we would hike together through the forest, discovering waterfalls and hiding together under fallen Traveller's Palmleaves to escape rainstorms."

On extensive solo expeditions into the AmazonRainforest, travelling on foot, sleeping in a hammock and eating fish he caught in the rivers,Brent found his true calling: to explore our vastconnection with nature.

In 2001 he returned to Africa to begin his formalguiding training at Phinda Game Reserve. He wasthe first guide to be licensed under South Africaʼsnational qualification structure (THETA).

Brent spent a number of years guiding at NgalaPrivate Game Reserve, Kruger National Park. Herehe was mentored by renowned Shangane trackersJohn Marimane and Eric Mabelane. They sharedthe tremendous traditional knowledge of theirpeople with him.

In 2009, after guiding in South Africa’s Karoo,Brent’s fascination turned to Zambia. He hasworked as both guide and management at various camps in Kafue and South Luangwa National Parks, and continues to explore the vastreaches of this expansive wilderness.

To allow for an intimate experience of thewilderness, each trail is limited to six people.Join us as we slow down and acquaint ourselves with the deep spirit so evident inthe Luangwa Valley.

To reserve your place, please contact journeys@primalpathways.orgor call 1.415.968.9981

BRENT HARRISFounder

“Only those actsthat enrich the earthare truly in serviceto humankind.”

Photos: Brent Harris, Dana Allen, Izzy Defourney and Shenton Safaris

For more information contactjourneys@primalpathways.org

or call 1.415.968.9981