Day 1: Lusaka to Kafue National Park – Zambia

This 13-day Zambia Safari begins when you check in at Lusaka airport for your light aircraft charter flight to Northern Kafue National Park. Northern Kafue National Park, part of the larger Kafue National Park, is a particularly intriguing and less-visited region of this vast protected area. It offers a blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and a sense of adventure for those willing to explore its more remote corners.

Your safari guide will warmly greet you upon arrival at the Busanga Airstrip and drive you to your Kafue safari camp via a scenic 45-minute route.

The Kafue National Park safari camp accommodation is a charming, seasonal bush camp nestled in the southern part of the expansive Busanga Plains within Kafue National Park.

With just five thatched rooms, this intimate camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique region’s diverse wildlife and birdlife. Each room features semi-open en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, sinks and bucket showers that are filled on demand, blending rustic charm with essential comfort. Settle in and relax after your journey, in anticipation of your unforgettable wildlife safari in Zambia.

• Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Camp with Thatched Rooms in Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park

Zambia Safari Note:

Please be aware that light aircraft flights have a strict luggage limit of 20 kilograms per person. Ensure your belongings are packed in soft-sided bags, as hard cases or wheeled luggage cannot be accommodated.

Days 2 to 4: Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park – Zambia

The Busanga Plains safari camp serves as our base for exploring the Busanga Plains over the next two days of our Zambia Safari. We embark on morning and afternoon game drives through the vibrant landscape in search of wildlife. You also have the option to extend your safari adventures into the evening on thrilling night drives back to camp.

Busanga Plains is a stunning remote region in the Kafue National Park in Zambia. It’s known for its unique landscape, which features expansive floodplains, seasonal wetlands, and lush grasslands. These conditions create an ideal environment for many wildlife and bird species.

The area is particularly famous for its large populations of antelope, such as lechwe, puku, zebra and sitatunga, which are well-adapted to the wetland environment. Additionally, Busanga Plains is a great spot for spotting predators like lions, wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs, attracted by the abundant prey. Notably, the lions here have adapted to the seasonal flooding of the plains, and it’s not uncommon to witness them swimming and leaping across channels in pursuit of the water-loving lechwe. The region is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with numerous species including the rare Wattled Crane and the endangered African Skimmer. In addition, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see large herds of roan and sable antelope, which are not found in other Zambian parks you will visit.

Your meals, drinks (including house wine, beer, and spirits) and safari activities are all included in your stay at Busanga Plains safari camp.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Camp with Thatched Rooms in Basanga Plains, Kafue National Park
• Activities included: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives

Day 5: Kafue to Lower Zambezi National Park – Zambia

We leave Kafue National Park on day 5 of our Zambia Safari. After breakfast, your guide will drive you back to Busanga Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Jeki Airstrip and our next safari destination, the Lower Zambezi National Park.

The Lower Zambezi National Park is a spectacular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Situated along the southern bank of the Zambezi River, it covers about 4,092 km² (1,580 mi²) and is known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It is a pristine and relatively remote wilderness area, offering a unique and immersive experience for those seeking wildlife adventures and natural beauty in Africa. The park boasts diverse landscapes, encompassing floodplains, woodlands, and riverine environments. The Zambezi River and its breathtaking views are a major highlight and a focal point of the park’s charm. Lower Zambezi National Park is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and buffalo. It also hosts a variety of antelope species such as kudu, impala, and puku. Birding enthusiasts will delight in the park’s rich avian diversity, featuring species like fish eagles and lilac-breasted rollers.

Your safari guide will meet you upon arrival at Jeki Airstrip and, depending on availability and your preference, transfer you to one of two safari bush camps.

Both safari camps offer a unique, authentic wilderness experience in the Lower Zambezi National Park. From these bush camps, we embark on a four-night camping safari and an in-depth exploration of this stunning park and its diverse wildlife.

The first safari camp is nestled beneath a picturesque Winterthorn forest on the secluded Kulefu Island, located in the remote eastern part of the park. The second safari camp is set on Katengahumba Island, separated from the mainland by the renowned ‘Discovery’ channel, offering stunning, unobstructed views over the Zambezi River. Both camps feature bespoke luxury tents with high-quality linen and mattresses, and amenities including flushing toilets, running taps, and traditional bucket showers.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Tented Safari Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park

Days 6 to 8: Lower Zambezi National Park – Zambia

Embark on wildlife adventures that immerse you in the sights and sounds of the Lower Zambezi National Park over the next few days.

Both Lower Zambezi camps used on this Zambia Safari offer authentic wildlife experiences with all safari activities guided by highly qualified professionals. In Zambia, safari guides are highly trained and accredited to the same standards as school teachers.

Explore the Lower Zambezi National Park on daytime and nighttime game drives and walking safaris or go on a canoe safari for a different perspective. You can also try angling for the famous Tigerfish that inhabit the Zambezi River. The safari guides are passionate about photography and eager to help you get the best wildlife photos. Imagine silently gliding in a canoe alongside a majestic bull elephant grazing on the lush riverbanks—a memory you will cherish for life.

Mornings begin early to explore the Winterthorn forest on foot, tracking animals and listening for alarm calls before returning to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, you can canoe through the serene so-called Discovery Channel, enjoying the tranquil light, before cruising back to camp by boat.

• Meals included: All Meals & Drinks
• Accommodation included: Tented Safari Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park
• Activities included: Game Drives, Walking Safaris & Canoeing Safaris

Day 9: Lower Zambezi National Park to Mfuwe & South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Day 9 sees us concluding our Lower Zambezi National Park safari adventure with a drive back to Jeki airstrip for our flight to Mfuwe Airport near South Luangwa National Park.

Upon arrival at Mfuwe Airport, your safari guide will meet you and drive you to your next safari camp in South Luangwa National Park for the last leg of our Zambia Safari. The drive to the safari camp is approximately 30-40 minutes. Settle into your tent and enjoy a leisurely lunch upon arrival, then gather in the courtyard at 15:30 for tea before we venture into South Luangwa Park at 16:00 for an afternoon game drive. Your guides are dedicated professionals, skilled in identifying animal calls and tracking wildlife, ensuring you experience the best sightings.

As the sun begins to set, your guide will find a scenic spot for you to relax and enjoy the sunset with a refreshing drink. As dusk falls, the adventure continues with a spotlit game drive, searching for nocturnal creatures such as leopards, lions, porcupines, civets, genets, owls, and hyenas. Return to the safari camp around 20:00 for dinner and a laid-back night in the bush.

The next four days on safari in Zambia are spent at a luxury-tented camp in South Luangwa National Park. The luxury ensuite safari tents offer an immersive experience, blending seamlessly with the surrounding African bush. With expansive windows on all sides, you can enjoy unobstructed views and sounds of wildlife, from animals feeding nearby to hippos communicating in the river. Each spacious tent features a king-sized bed or two singles, complete with a large mosquito net, electric lighting, UK-style plug sockets, USB ports, a room safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The semi-open ensuite bathrooms are equipped with a hot shower, flush toilet, and basin, ensuring comfort while staying connected to nature.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in South Luangwa.
• Activities included: Afternoon to Night Game Drive
• Travel: Light Aircraft Flight to Mfuwe & Road Transfer to South Luangwa

Days 10 to 12: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is celebrated for its outstanding wildlife viewing and breathtaking natural scenery. Spanning approximately 9,050 km² (3,500 mi²), it ranks as one of Zambia’s premier national parks, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. The park features varied landscapes, including lush woodlands, expansive grasslands, and riverine areas along the Luangwa River, which plays a crucial role in sustaining the park’s wildlife.

Our safari experience in South Luangwa begins early each morning with a light continental breakfast, including toast, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, tea, and coffee all available from 05:30. By 06:00, we’ll head out on a morning game drive led by experienced guides who will share their in-depth knowledge of the park. Return to camp by 10:00 for a hearty breakfast or brunch, based on your preference. Afterwards, you can relax during the heat of the day, perhaps enjoying a swim in the pool or taking a nap after your early start.

For a more immersive experience, go on a walking safari with up to six guests per group (in season). These walking safaris in South Luangwa provide an opportunity to track predators on foot and experience the thrill of the wild up close.

If you’re interested in local culture, a visit to the nearby Mfuwe village can be arranged as part of your Zambia Safari. Explore the market, visit the anti-poaching unit, or learn about the community projects, including local schools and educational initiatives. Classroom visits are arranged to minimize disruption and the experience can be tailored to your interests.

End your days on safari in South Luangwa National Park with starlit dinners under the African sky and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild in your en-suite luxury safari tent.

• Meals included: All Meals
• Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in South Luangwa.
• Activities included: Two Game-Viewing Activities per day

Day 13: Mfuwe to Lusaka – Zambia

Our 13-day Zambia Safari to Kafue, Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa concludes today when you are driven back to Mfuwe Airport for your return flight to Lusaka.

Zambia Park Fees Note

The Zambian National Park entry fees are subject to change by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and thus may increase without notice. Any increases in the park fees are not included in the price of this Zambia Safari.

Victoria Falls Tour Add-on

Our short Victoria Falls Tours are ideal add-on trips for this Zambia Safari. These Victoria Falls Tours make an affordable and easy combination adventure. We highly recommend our Victoria Falls Adventure Tour Package (Zambia), or our Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package (Zimbabwe), for before or after your Zambia Safari.

Zambia Safari Accommodation

Kafue National Park Accommodation:

Our safari accommodation in the Busanga Plains of the Kafue National Park is an intimate seasonal bush camp of five charming thatched chalets, each equipped with open-air en-suite bathrooms at the rear. These bathrooms offer flushing toilets, plumbed sinks, and warm bucket showers for comfort.

The main raised deck provides stunning views over the expansive Busanga Plains from where to relax and take in the views. There is also a bird hide and relaxation area for respite from the day’s heat. For your convenience, the main deck also includes power outlets for charging cameras and other devices and a small bar stocked with refreshments to enjoy.

Lower Zambezi National Park Accommodation:

The two Lower Zambezi safari camps offer a harmonious blend of comfort and rustic charm, embodying the essence of a seasonal bush camp with impeccable style. The first safari camp is nestled beneath a picturesque Winterthorn forest on the secluded Kulefu Island, located in the remote eastern part of the park. The second safari camp is set on Katengahumba Island, separated from the mainland by the renowned ‘Discovery’ channel, offering stunning, unobstructed views over the Zambezi River.

Both camps feature just five exquisitely designed safari tents, ensuring an exclusive experience for up to ten guests at a time. Each tent is meticulously positioned to provide unparalleled views of the majestic Zambezi River.

The bespoke tents at both camps promise ultimate comfort with high-quality linens, plush mattresses, and well-appointed en-suite facilities, including flushing toilets, running water taps, and traditional bucket showers.

One camp’s main area is a spacious canvas tent nestled beneath Natal Mahogany trees, perfect for dining, reading, and wildlife watching. Similarly, the other camp’s main area is set under towering Winterthorn trees and offers a superb setting for meals, relaxation, and enjoying the surrounding nature.

Both safari camps offer breathtaking views and cosy charm, promising an exceptional and unforgettable bush camping experience.

South Luangwa National Park Accommodation:

Our South Luangwa National Park safari accommodation is in luxurious en-suite safari tents, perfectly situated along the banks of the Luangwa River. Enjoy breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the African night, with hippos calling, owls hooting, and lions roaring nearby.

Each spacious riverside tent features a full-sized bed, a dressing area, a writing desk, ample charging points with electricity mains, and a shaded open-air bathroom with a hot shower, flush toilet, and basin. Mosquito nets, electric fans, and fully gauzed windows ensure added comfort and a peaceful night’s sleep under the African sky.

One of the six riverfront tents is specially designed as a family tent, featuring a double bed, two single beds, and a generous en-suite bathroom, comfortably accommodating up to four guests.

There is also a honeymoon tent that offers privacy and stunning views of a nearby waterhole, where you can spot elephants mud-bathing and giraffes, bushbucks, and mongooses enjoying a drink. Additionally, there are three slightly smaller yet equally comfortable classic tents—two located by the riverbank and one overlooking the waterhole—ideal for solo travellers.