River and Plains Safari | Safari Zambia

INTRODUCTION

Zambia has some spectacular wildlife, a rich culture and staggering landscape. This tour offers elements of what the country can offer in a suggested Safari tour.

This tour covers the great Kafue and Zambezi rivers, the "forest" area of South Luangwa and the vast plains of Kafue.

The tour itinerary is a sample and differant accomodations in all four regions can be suggested or provided can be suggested depending on your requirements.

Key locations visited in Zambia

Lower Zambezi

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park is a hidden gem in Zambia. It offers an unparalleled safari experience with its breath-taking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and tranquil waters. For many the wildlife can be seen from the Zambezi River on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe banks and so many people choose to spend time on the river as well as in the National Park or combinations of both.

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park, located in eastern Zambia, is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the Luangwa River, the park offers an authentic and less commercialized safari experience. Covering over 9,050 square kilometres, it is part of the larger Luangwa Valley ecosystem, which is home to an abundance of wildlife and bird species.

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest and most diverse national parks, spans an impressive 22,400 square kilometres. Located in western Zambia, Kafue offers a wild and pristine safari experience, boasting rich wildlife, varied landscapes, and fewer tourists compared to more famous parks. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit to this incredible destination.

Livingstone , Victoria Falls and Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the famous Victoria Falls, is located in the southern part of Zambia near the town of Livingstone. The name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" means "The Smoke That Thunders," a fitting description for the awe-inspiring waterfall. This region offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Zambia.

This is just an example of what you can do with this tour being the most popular from the UK and Europe. Variations are available for accommodations, duration's and travel options., so please ask when enquiring.

When to Visit

May to August:

These months are cooler and offer a great experience, although early mornings and after sunset, evenings can be cooler and so a outer garment maybe required. Animals are abundant and many have had their young.

There is still plenty of activity, but less people around especially as many of the lodges are small in size and the temperatures have not risen too high.

September to November:

As the dry season progresses, temperatures rise and frequently peak in October. The water levels are lower and wildlife tends to focus on rivers and whatever water is available and so game viewing can be more advantageous.

Where You Will Be Staying

Your comfort is our priority, and we have selected the value-for-money accommodations for your stay for all our tours.

You will be staying in the equivalent of three to four-star accommodations, known for their comfortable accommodation and importantly located conveniently close to everything you have travelled to Zambia to see and experience.

Please see the itinerary for more the names of your accommodation the tour is based upon.

Itinerary

Our carefully curated itinerary ensures that you experience the best locations Zambia can offer. Here’s a sneak peek into your exciting journey, but like any itinerary, everything can be changed to suit you.

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Arrival at Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.

Check-in at the Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel, a four-star hotel in the centre of Lusaka with bar and restaurant.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast.

Evening: Leisure time after the long flights from the UK.

Day 2: Lower Zambezi & Kafue River convergence

Morning: Travel over land south towards the town of Chirundu and your first stop on the mighty Kafue and Zambezi Rivers.

Check-in at the Gwabi River Lodge on the banks of the Kafue River for three nights on the Kafue and Zambezi rivers in the Lower Zambezi region.

Afternoon: After your journey, a freshen up and some light lunch, why not take a afternoon sunset cruise to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zambezi River.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Half board – breakfast and evening meal. One activity per day included.

Day 3: Lower Zambezi

The day is yours to explore the river, visit the Baobab Forest, have a go at fishing or even part of the day and enjoy the tranquility of the pool at the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast, activities that you have selected to do.

Afternoon: Choice of activities or relax by the pool.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

Day 4: Lower Zambezi

Why not take an extended day trip to the Lower Zambezi National Park. This will be an early start depending on your final choice / available lodge. Based upon Gwabi River lodge you will leave very early and travel down to the National Park by boat where you will be met by a four wheel drive safari vehicle with guide.

Morning: Very early morning departure for a full day via boat and safari vehicle.

A packed lunch will be provided for this day.

Afternoon: Return from the National Park.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

Day 5: Lower Zambezi to South Luangwa Valley

From one region to another spectacular location in Zambia.

Morning: After breakfast leave the lodge for a direct transfer to Lusaka airport for your one hour domestic flight to Mfuwe airport, South Luangwa. You will be picked up and transferred to Thornicroft Lodge or similar.

Afternoon: Depending on the flight time, you will arrive at the lodge and may have time to go out on your first game drive with a short drive to the park gate.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge after your return from the game drive.

Day 6: South Luangwa - two game drives per day

Morning: After an early light breakfast, you undertake your morning game drive for four hours. On arriving back, there will be time to relax and rest before the afternoon game drive - recharge the body and the camera batteries.

Afternoon: After some tea / coffee and light snacks, depart for your late afternoon game drive. A highlight of this time of day is a sundowner drink as the sun drops behind the horizon.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge after your return from the game drive.

Day 7: South Luangwa - Two game drives per day

Afternoon: After some tea / coffee and light snacks, depart for your late afternoon game drive. A highlight of this time of day is a sundowner drink as the sun drops behind the horizon.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge after your return from the game drive.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and evening meal.

Day 8: South Luangwa to Kafue National Park

Morning: After breakfast you will be transferred to Mfuwe airport for your Proflight to Lusaka, where you will be met and then have a 5- 6 hour overland transfer to McBrides Camp in Central Kafue NP. Accommodation will be in their chalets with private facilities.

Afternoon: Time to freshen up and relax with a sundowner after your journey from South Luangwa.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge after freshening up. Drinks not included.

Day 9: Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is a Plains environment and so options include vehicular game drives or river based viewing.

Morning: After a early tea / coffee it is off on a game drive with brunch on your return.

Afternoon: Afternoon into evening game drive or sunset river cruise - your choice.

Evening: Dinner at the lodge, drinks not included.

Day 10: Kafue National Park

In addition or as a alternative to the game drives, why not take a walking safari, bird watching or have an island lunch (extra fees payable locally maybe be incurred).

Morning: After a early tea / coffee it is off on a game drive with brunch on your return.

Afternoon: A sunset cruise cruise or afternoon into evening game drive.

Evening: Evening meal at the lodge, drinks not included.

Day 11: Livingstone and Mosi oa Tunya National Park

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Onwards now to Livingstone and the Mosi oa Tunya National Park that includes Victoria Falls.

The early morning departure starts with a overland transfer to Lusaka Airport which will be approximately five hours with stops on route.

Then a one hour flight to Livingstone and a short transfer to Maramba River Lodge.

Morning: After a early breakfast depart on your overland transfer from Kafue to Lusaka airport.

Depending on the flight availible / time of year you will then take a short flight of an hour to Livingstone on Proflight.

Afternoon: Late afternoon / early evening arrival into Livinsgtone and then transfer to Maramba River Lodge.

Evening: Evening meal at leisure ( not included).

Day 12: Livingstone and Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Morning: After breakfast depart for the Victoria Falls with entrance included.

After visiting the Falls there is the option of visiting some of Livingstone's Museums that chronicle the founding of Livingstone and its major milestone history.

Afternoon: Depart on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and enjoy a sundowner whilst the sun sets over the river.

Evening: Evening meal at leisure (not included).

Day 13: Livingstone and Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Morning: After breakfast take a walking tour through Livingstone followed by a visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park for a walking safaris with expert guides.