INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Zambia, a captivating land that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
This tour gives you the opportunity to experience a wide selections of regions of the country to leave lasting memories and maybe the taste for adventure to return and visit more off the beaten track locations.
Key locations in Zambia
South and North Luangwa, Luambe National Parks:
South Luangwa, North Luangwa, and Luambe National Parks in Zambia offer some of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences. South Luangwa National Park, covering 9,050 square kilometres, is renowned for its rich biodiversity along the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons, offering excellent game viewing, including leopards, elephants, and hippos. Walking safaris are a highlight here, immersing visitors in the park’s ecosystems. North Luangwa is a more remote and rugged wilderness, known for its pristine landscapes, fewer visitors, and Zambia’s only black rhino population. It offers exclusive walking safaris where guests can spot large herds of buffalo, elephants, lions, and endemic species like Cookson's wildebeest. Luambe National Park, smaller and quieter, lies between the two and is noted for its unspoiled beauty and wildlife diversity, offering a more intimate safari experience with birdwatching and sightings of elephants, hippos, and leopards. These parks collectively represent one of the finest, untouched wildlife habitats in Africa.
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 breathtaking 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.
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest park, offers diverse safari experiences across its northern, central, and southern regions. The Northern Kafue is famous for the Busanga Plains, a wetland ecosystem that floods during the rainy season, transforming into a rich grazing ground for wildlife like lions, elephants, and antelopes. The plains provide exceptional game viewing and are a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 species, including rare sightings.
In the Central region, the park features woodlands and riverine forests surrounding the Kafue River, offering boat safaris and walking tours that provide close encounters with wildlife like leopards, hippos, and crocodile.
The Southern region is more remote, attracting fewer visitors, but its grasslands and woodlands are home to a variety of predators, including cheetahs and wild dogs. The area offers an exclusive wilderness experience with a rich diversity of wildlife.
Victoria Falls & 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 tour is crafted so that you can experience the widest number of locations for your time in Zambia.
For those that have more time or have been to some areas before, we can alter the plans and incorporate Kasanka National Park, Liuwa Plains and the source of the Zambezi region and of course elements of the Northern Circuit which will include Lake Tanganyika.
When to Visit
May to August:
Due to the finishing of the rainy season in April, some locations may not be accessible in May and so a recommended focus towards the end of May onwards is suggested. 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. Upgrades of accommodation are available but of a limited choice, so please ask if you wish to look at alternative options to those mentioned in the suggested tour.
Please see the itinerary for more the names of your accommodation the tour is based upon.
Itinerary
This extensively curated itinerary ensures that you experience one of the widest range of locations Zambia can offer. Here’s a preview into your exciting journey:
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
Arrival at Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.
Check-in: After your transfer from the airport 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. Evening meal at the hotel is not included.
Day 2: Lower Zambezi
Morning: After breakfast you will be met and transferred overland to Gwabi River Lodge which is close to the confluence of the Kafue and Zambezi river.
You will be staying for three nights with activities included each day and half board, breakfast and evening meal, excluding drinks.
Afternoon: After your journey from Lusaka, why not have some lunch and then later that afternoon take a sunset cruise long the rivers and keep an eye out for the wildlife that will be all around you on the river banks and in the water.
Evening: Dinner at Lodge included.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and evening meal and activities are included, drinks are extra.
Day 3: Lower Zambezi
Morning: After breakfast you will have a choice of a visit to the Baobab Forest and meet a local community. Take a river safari and even have lunch on a sand bank on the river or even take in a fishing trip on the rivers for Tiger fish.
Afternoon: Activities of your choice.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge included.
Day 4: Lower Zambezi
A great opportunity to have a full day visit to the National Park, which will be a down river boat journey to be met by a safari vehicle and guide who will take you around the national park and then return up river in the late afternoon back to the lodge.
Morning: A early morning start for your National Park visit.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge before dark and time to freshen up and recount what you have seen in your time in this region.
Evening: Dinner at Lodge.
Day 5: Lower Zambezi to South Luangwa
Today will be traveling to another region of Zambia, South Luangwa valley.
Morning: After breakfast you will transfer over land direct to Lusaka airport for your Proflight to Mfuwe airport.
On arrival you will be met at Mfuwe airport and transferred to the Thornicroft Lodge or similar for a three nights stay including two game drives each full day you are there.
Afternoon: Depending on your arrival time, you might be able to squeeze in a evening game drive, if not relax and settle in to your rooms and lodge facilities.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge included. Drinks extra.
Day 6: South Luangwa
Morning: Enjoy a early morning departure on a game drive into the National Park. On you return you can enjoy a late brunch and then relax by the pool or in your room and recharge your batteries after the early start.
Afternoon: At 1600 you will be met by your private guide and taken into the park for the evening sunset and night game drive. Around sunset there will be a stop for sundowners whilst the sun sets over the landscape.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge . Drinks extra.
Day 7: South Luangwa
Morning: Enjoy a early morning departure on a game drive into the National Park. On you return you can enjoy a late brunch and then relax by the pool or in your room and recharge your batteries after the early start or after a break take a visit to the local village which is a great way to experience true Zambian culture. The guides will take you through a tour of the Mfuwe Local market, craftsman's market, Tribal Textiles, Mulberry Mongoose, the local village, clinic and School. During this excursion, you will interact with the locals and experience their hospitality.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge. Drinks extra.
Day 8: South Luangwa to Luambe National Park
Today will be a overland journey to Luambe Camp one of the smallest, quietest parks in Zambia.
Morning: Depart after breakfast for your The journey from South Luangwa to Luambe Camp in Luambe National Park typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. The drive covers roughly 70 km on dirt roads through the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa. The route offers scenic views and occasional wildlife sightings, making the journey part of the safari experience itself
Afternoon: On arrival, time to freshen up and go on your first game drive.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local local drinks.
Day 9: Luambe National Park
In house activities included up to twice a day included.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 10: Luambe National Park
In house activities included up to twice a day included.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 11: Travel to North Luangwa National Park.
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North Luangwa is a more remote and rugged wilderness, known for its pristine landscapes, fewer visitors, and Zambia’s only black rhino population. It offers exclusive walking safaris where guests can spot large herds of buffalo, elephants, lions, and endemic species like Cookson's wildebeest.
Morning: After breakfast, the drive from Luambe Camp to North Luangwa River Camp typically takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and the specific route taken. The distance is approximately 170-200 kilometres, but the journey can be slow due to the terrain, which includes dirt roads and river crossings, but this is all about t he total experience.
Afternoon: On arrival, time to freshen up and go on your first game drive.
Evening: Evening meal served at the camp. Drinks not included.
Day 12: North Luangwa National Park
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In house activities included up to twice a day included.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Evening meal served at the camp. Drinks not included.
Day 13: North Luangwa National Park
Activities included up to twice a day included
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Evening meal served at the camp. Drinks not included.
Day 14: North Luangwa to Mfuwe, South Luangwa
Overland transfer south to Mfuwe.
Morning: After breakfast, The drive from North Luangwa River Camp to Mfuwe can take approximately 7-8 hours, depending on road conditions. The route is about 220 km, mostly on unsurfaced roads, which can be rough or sandy in sections. The journey passes through Luambe National Park and South Luangwa's Nsefu sector, offering opportunities to see wildlife along the way.
Arrival at Thornicroft Lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River.
Afternoon: On arrival, take a late dip in the pool or freshen up and enjoy a drink from the bar before evening meal.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge excluding drinks.
Day 15: South Luangwa to North East Kafue National Park region
A flight back to Lusaka and then overland to Kafue.
Morning: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Mfuwe airport for your flight to Lusaka. On arrival you will be met and have a 5- 6 hour overland transfer to Kafue River Lodge, your stopover lodge for the night.
Afternoon: On arrival, in the late afternoon / early evening. Freshen up and enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 16: Northeast Kafue to Busanga Plains
The Busanga Plains area is perfectly situated to see large numbers of red lechwe, but is also well known for the big lions, buffalo, elephant, wildebeest and relaxed roan antelope.
Morning: After breakfast you will then travel overland to Kasonso Busanga Camp which will take 6 - 8 hours with stops on route . You will see wildlife on the route and so keep your eyes open.
Afternoon: Depending on arrival time you may be able to go out on a game drive or just relax in your safari tent before pre-dinner drinks.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 17: Busanga Plains
In house activities of your choice included.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 18: Busanga Plains
In house activities of your choice.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the camp after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 19: Busanga Plains to North East Kafue
Morning: After breakfast you will then travel overland to Kafue River Lodge which will take 6 - 8 hours with stops on route . You will see wildlife on the route and so keep your eyes open.
Afternoon: Depending on arrival time you may be able to go out on a game drive or just relax in your chalet before pre-dinner drinks.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 20: North East Kafue to the Central Kafue National Park area.
Kaingu Lodge is situated in the Namwala Game Management Area (GMA) on a spectacular and remote stretch of the Kafue River. The Kafue National Park, just opposite the lodge and only a 10-minute boat trip away, offers magnificent game that you can enjoy viewing from our comfortable open game drive vehicles.
Morning: After breakfast you will have a overland transfer to Kaingi Lodge which will take approximately 3 hours.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 21: Central Kafue National Park
In house activities of your choice.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the lodge for a full breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 22: Central Kafue National Park
In house activities of your choice.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the lodge for a full breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 23: Central to Southern Kafue National Park
Your final region of the Kafue National Park., Nanzhilla Plains Camp, the only camp in the quietest southern part of Kafue.
Morning: After breakfast depart for the Nanzhilla Plains Camp which is approximately 6- 7 hours overland journey through this region. .
Afternoon: Depending on arrival time depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local drinks.
Day 24: Southern Kafue National Park
Choice of in house activities.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the lodge for a full breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Depart on a game drive from around 1600 depending on the sunset and then back to the lodge after sunset.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 25: Southern Kafue National Park
In house activities of your choice included.
Morning: A early morning game drive with a stop for tea / coffee during the 4 hours. Then back to the camp for a full breakfast of your choice.
Afternoon: Choice of activity.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local drinks.
Day 26: Southern Kafue to Livingstone and Victoria Falls
The final region of your Ultimate Zambia Safari takes you to Livingstone and the UNESCO Victoria Falls and the majestic Zambezi River.
Morning: After breakfast you depart for the overland transfer to Maramba River Lodge on the outskirts of Livingstone. The journey will be 5-6 hours with stops on route.
Afternoon: On arrival take time to freshen up and take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi with snacks and drinks included.
Evening: Dinner at leisure - not included.
Day 27: Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and Livingstone
Time to visit the mighty Victoria Falls, have a cultural tour and time to shop or relax after your epic safari time.
Morning: After breakfast depart for the Victoria Falls including entrance to take in the huge waterfall. Guided tour not included but can be added. Afterwards journey into Livingstone for a tour of the historic museums and local handicrafts places. Why not get some lunch whilst in the town?
Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure after the mornings tours or extended the morning into the afternoon.
Evening: Dinner at leisure - not included.
Day 28: Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and Livingstone
--------------------------------------------------Your last day in Livingstone and so time is free to partake on optional excursions that could include: pre-booked excursions such as:
Visiting a local village to experience a cultural experience.
A visit to Mosi oa Tunya national park to have a Rhino spotting walking tour.
A visit to the elephant cafe.
A helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls - this needs to be booked locally.
A half day fishing on the Zambezi River
A "Boma" evening meal and cultural experience.
A visit to Livingstone island and a swim in the devils pool.
A bungee jump over the Falls - Booked locally.
Morning: Optional excursions.
Afternoon: Optional excursions.
Evening: Dinner at leisure - not included.
Day 29: Livingstone to Lusaka
Depart for your flight from Livingstone to Lusaka to connect with your international flight or stop over for your last night in Lusaka before departing the next day. This will depend on flight times and airlines.
Morning: After breakfast depart for Livingstone airport for your Proflight to Lusaka.
Pricing
Prices will vary according to availability, season and party size, so please contact us for a specific quotation at this time.
Our price quoted will include accommodation as named or alternative if full.
Prices will be based on twin-share accommodations.