This active itinerary takes you through the very best parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Zambia. Led by expert naturalist guides and trackers, you’ll travel and explore on foot, in 4×4 safari vehicles, and by boat through some of the wildest places in Africa. Stand in awe at the massive Victoria Falls, where you’ll be doused by the spray of this massive curtain of water plunging into the basalt gorge below. Track wild dog, leopard, and elephant in South Luangwa National Park while staying in a remote and exclusive bushcamp. Sleep under the stars and walk from rustic camp to camp in Lower Zambezi led by some of the best guides on the continent. Explore the massive Kafue National Park, where predator sightings are plentiful and the amount of birdlife is simply incomparable.
We created this safari for those who want to immerse themselves in the wilds of Zambia, get way off of the beaten path, and have up-close wildlife encounters. First-timers and safari aficionados alike will appreciate the deep knowledge and skill of the walking guides here, and wildlife enthusiasts will have a hard time finding a better safari in southern Africa.
Welcome to Zambia! Arrive Livingstone and transfer to your accommodation – located on an island in the middle of the Zambezi River! If time allows, take a sundowner cruise up the Zambezi, keeping an eye out for wildlife coming down to the river to drink. Dinner is served under the stars before you retire to your thatched chalet. Fall asleep to the gurgle of the mighty river flowing past.
This morning you’ll visit the “smoke that thunders,” one of the true wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. The Zambezi River plunges over the lip of the basalt gorge with such force that the spray can be seen from dozens of miles away. The rumble and power is contrasted with the endless rainbows. This afternoon, choose from a variety of activities like a village or school visit (when in session), canoeing the river, touring the market, fishing, a bushwalk, or even a helicopter flight to get a bird’s eye view of the Falls – some activities at additional cost.
Board your light aircraft this morning for a flight to Mfuwe Airstrip on the edge of South Luangwa National Park. On arrival, you are met by your local guide and transferred to Mfuwe Lodge for a refreshment and safety orientation before heading off on your first safari into South Luangwa National Park. Your game viewing experience begins as you travel by open vehicle with an experienced guide.
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, you will continue by vehicle for several hours south to an untouched and unspoiled part of the park where you’ll become immersed in this wild part of Zambia. As you walk with your naturalist guide each morning, the emphasis is on learning about the ecosystem and its hierarchy of predator and prey and intimate wildlife viewing. The Luangwa River is one of the most intact major river systems in Africa and annual flooding creates wildlife-rich pools and lagoons. Your morning walks and afternoon drives will allow you to thoroughly explore all the wonders of the area.
Board your light aircraft this morning for a flight over the Great Escarpment and down into the Lower Zambezi River valley. On arrival, you’ll immediately head out on a game drive en route to your camp. Wildlife abounds here with lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo frequently seen nearby your camp.
For the next three days you’ll explore the National Park with a top naturalist guide by 4×4 and on foot. With plentiful water, this is a perfect habitat for hippos and crocodiles. Plains game like eland, kudu, and puku come to the water to drink but keep an ever-watchful eye out for predators like leopards and wild dogs. Walk between camps in this unspoiled wilderness with just your guide and tracker.
Depart Lower Zambezi for a short flight to Lusaka. You’ll be met on arrival by your driver and head out for the four-hour journey to Kafue National Park, the largest in Zambia. This is one of the best places to see wild dogs and the abundant antelope like lechwe, sable, roan, and puku, who are always on high alert for these successful hunters. Elephants, leopards, and hyenas are also commonly seen.
The diverse habitat of Kafue means that this is one of the best locations in Africa for birders. Kafue’s woodlands, grasslands, and forests boast an impressive 497 species of birds! Among them the Fulvous Whistling-Duck, African Green Pigeon, Pied Cuckoo, Saddle Billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Ground Hornbill, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Pink-backed Pelican, and Chaplin’s Barbet. Predators and prey species are also abundant, so every game drive is an opportunity for great wildlife sightings.
After a final game drive, depart Kafue for Lusaka in time for your international departing flight.
