INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Zambia, a captivating land that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences on route.
Welcome to our special 4 x 4 self drive, but guided set departure tours.
Driving Toyota Double Cab vehicles ( we reserve the right to adjust vehicle specifics) and following a driver and guide who will lead you on our curated tours around the Central / Eastern side of Zambia.
Roads will be tarmac, dirt road and on some occasions on off road tracks but you will be following the experts who will always guide you on the best route and speed.
There are a maximum of three vehicles (six persons) based on twin share for each departure date.
Your accomodation is a mix of camping using the tents on top the vehicles and lodge accomodation in rooms with private facilities - so a nice mix and not too rough of a trip, but full of adventure!
Key places you will visit in Zambia
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.
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.
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.
You will not be driving into the National Parks alone and will not be undertaking your own self drive game viewing trips. All of these activities are included with your choice each day from the camps you will be based at. These trips from the camps or lodges are operated by experienced, licensed guides for their knowledge and your safety.
Pictures of your typical vehicles
When is this tour operating?
Planned for 20th July 2025 from Lusaka
This is a provisional date but as it is only a small group of three vehicles, if you have a group of friends that wish to do this, then we can tailor a tour and dates to suit you.
Planned for 24th August 2025 from Lusaka
This is a provisional date but as it is only a small group of three vehicles, if you have a group of friends that wish to do this, then we can tailor a tour and dates to suit you in 2025.
Where You Will Be Staying
Your comfort is our priority, and on this tour there is a mix of camping with "on roof" tents on the vehicles in registered camp sites and selected guesthouses or camps / lodges where you will be staying in their accommodations. So not as roughing it all the time as some would think but a balance of camping and rooms.
You will be staying in the equivalent of three to four-star accommodations when based in locations, known for their comfortable accommodation.
Meals as per the itinerary
Please see the itinerary for more the names of your accommodation the tour is based upon.
Itinerary
This carefully curated itinerary has been driven and checked by the owner of the vehicles and ensures that you experience the great outdoors, stunning landscapes and wildlife of Zambia:
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: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to KKIA airport for your deomestic flight to Mfuwe and onwards to Flat Dogs Camp for a three night stay in either a chalet or safari tent, all with private facilities.
Afternoon: On arrival you will be picked up from the airport and should have enough time to freshen up and take your first game drive into the national park.
Evening: Dinner at the camp - drinks not included.
Day 3: South Luangwa National Park
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In house activities of your choice - morning and evening game drives included.
Morning: Activities provided by the camp of your choice.
Afternoon: Activities provided by the camp of your choice.
Evening: Dinner at the camp, drinks not included.
Day 4 : South Luangwa National Park
In house activities of your choice - morning and evening game drives included.
Morning: Activities provided by the camp of your choice.
Afternoon: Activities provided by the camp of your choice.
Evening: Dinner at the camp, drinks not included.
Day 5: South Luangwa to Mutinondo Conservation area - North West of Luangwa
Your overnight stop as you cross westwrds across Zambia
Morning: After breakfast, depart Fl;at Dogs camp in comvoy for your safari around Zambia.
Afternoon: Afternoon arrival and camp set up at Mutinondo Wilderness Camp
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included.
Driving Time: 6.5 hours / 220 kms.
Day 6: Mutinondo to Kasanka National Park
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Continue your journey to your next stop over - Kasanka National Park
Morning: After breakfast, break camp and head out towards Kasanka National Park
Afternoon: Afternoon arrival at Pontoon Campsite, a campsite run by the Kasanka Trust, who run the "National Park" and has one of the highlights of Zambia - The Shoebill, which can be seen seasonally nesting in the region.
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included.
Driving Time: 4 hours / 240 kms.
Day 7: Kasanka National Park
Choice of in house activities included
Morning: After breakfast choice of activities provided by the guides, which will be discussed that morning
Afternoon: Continuation of activities from the morning
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included.
Day 8: Kasanka National Park to Chisamba.
Morning: After breakfast, break camp and head out of the Kasanka Park to Chisamba in the Central province for an overnight stop before heading into the Kafue region. Overnight stop at Fringila Campsite
Afternoon: Arrival into Chisamba and the Fringila Camp
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Driving Time: 8 hours / 470 kms
Day 9: Chisamba to Northern Kafue region of the Kafue National Park
Morning: After breakfast, break camp and head north towards Northern Kafue and your next base at McBrides Camp
Afternoon: Afternoon arrival at McBrides Camp which is very exclusive in this region.
Discussions with your guides as to what can be done over the next two days here.
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Driving Time: 4.5 hours / 235 kms.
Day 10: North Kafue
Choice of in house activities included
Morning: After breakfast choice of activities to be arranged with your guides.
Afternoon: Choice of activities as discussed with your guides.
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Day 11: North Kafue
Choice of in house activities included..
Morning: After breakfast choice of activities to be arranged with your guides.
Afternoon: Choice of activities as discussed with your guides.
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Day 12: North Kafue to Central Kafue
Morning: After breakfast, depart for the central region of the Kafue National Park with a two night stay at Kasabushi Camp.
Afternoon: Arrival in Kasabushi Camp on the West bank of the Kafue River
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Driving Time: 2.5 hours / 136 kms.
Day 13: Central Kafue.
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Choice of in house activities included - game viewing, boat cruise, bird watching or hiking.
Morning: Choice of activity with breakfast pre or post activity.
Afternoon: Continuation of activities as discussed and arranged with your guides..
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Day 14: Central Kafue to Southern Kafgue and the Lake Itezi-Tezi region
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The start of your trip south and with a lovely stay .The only camp in the quietest southern part of Kafue..
Morning: Break camp after breakfast and head "south" towards Itezi Tetzi and the Nanzhilla Plains Camp for a overnight stop using your own onboard tents.
Afternoon: At leisure to enjoy the peaace and quiet of this camp location.
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Driving Time: 4.0 hours / 205 kms.
Day 15: Onward from Itezi Tezi to Livingstone
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Onward journey to Livinstone and the mighty Victoria Falls..
Morning: After breakfast depart for Livingstone where you will be staying at The Waterfront on the banks of the Zambezi in a Garden room.
Afternoon: At leisure to enjoy the peaace and quiet of this camp location.
Evening: Dinner at The Waterfront, drinks not included.
Driving Time: 4.0 hours / 205 kms.
Day 16: Central Kafue.
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Choice of in house activities included - game viewing, boat cruise, bird watching or hiking.
Morning: hoice of activity with breakfast pre or post activity.
Afternoon: Continuation of activities as discussed and arranged with your guides..
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Day 17: South Luangwa.
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Choice of in house activities
Morning: An early light breakfast and departure for your four house sunrise game viewing trip followed by breakfast when you return.
Afternoon: At approximately 1600 depart on a afternoon / sunset game drive.
Evening: Evening meal at leisure on return from the game drive. Drinks not included.
Day 18: Return to Lusaka
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Flight back to Lusaka as the vehicles will stay in Mfuwe. The direct overland journey is approximately 13 hours non stop and so not recommended as a finish to your time in Zambia.
Morning: After breakfast depart for Mfuwe airport for the flight back to Lusaka, connecting with your international flight.
Or if the flights do not connect we can arrange for you to stay in Lusaka at the Southern Sun Ridgeway on bed and breakfast and then transfer you to the airport the day after.
Day 19: Central Kafue.
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Choice of in house activities included - game viewing, boat cruise, bird watching or hiking.
Morning: hoice of activity with breakfast pre or post activity.
Afternoon: Continuation of activities as discussed and arranged with your guides..
Evening: Dinner at the camp provided by your guide / chef, drinks not included
Day 20: South Luangwa.
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Choice of in house activities
Morning: An early light breakfast and departure for your four house sunrise game viewing trip followed by breakfast when you return.
Afternoon: At approximately 1600 depart on a afternoon / sunset game drive.
Evening: Evening meal at leisure on return from the game drive. Drinks not included.
Day 21: Return to Lusaka
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Flight back to Lusaka as the vehicles will stay in Mfuwe. The direct overland journey is approximately 13 hours non stop and so not recommended as a finish to your time in Zambia.
Morning: After breakfast depart for Mfuwe airport for the flight back to Lusaka, connecting with your international flight.
Or if the flights do not connect we can arrange for you to stay in Lusaka at the Southern Sun Ridgeway on bed and breakfast and then transfer you to the airport the day after.
Pricing
Pricing will include the following:
Transfers, transport and accommodations as stated in the final itinerary. Based on two persons.
Meals as stated in the itinerary - normally half board with meals taken with lodges or when camping prepared by the chef with the group.
A choice of activities in each camp - game viewing, sunset cruise (where applicable) walking safari's, fishing where available etc.
All national park fees are included where applicable.
A full tank of fuel on departure, with vehicles being returned full. Budget on approximately USD 1000 (equivalent) for fuel as you travel around.
Vehicles are fully insured including collision damage waiver when nominated drivers are driving.
Pricing will not include:
Drinks at any location - these can be bought from the camps or you can stop on route and stock up from supermarkets.
Any meals or food not included in the itinerary.
Any item or service not mentioned in the itinerary.
Gratuities for the escort team or accommodation where you are staying.
Road tolls on route which do fluctuate but $100 equivilant in Kwacha will cover the tolls per vehicle for your trip.
Please note that you will need a International Driving Permit for everyone that is traveling / driving as a standard UK licence is not accepted by the Police in Zambia.
All vehicles are manual transmission currently.
Please ensure you have cash during your trip as not all locations - Camps / fuel stations accept credit / debit cards due to location or internet outages .
Zambian Kwacha is not available outside of Zambia but next to your hotel in Lusaka is a ABSA bank that is affiliated to Barclays Bank with a ATM so you can withdraw local cash before your departure. Other ATM's will be available during parts of your journey but can be unreliable for international cards.