We designed this active safari itinerary for intrepid travelers looking to get out into some of the wildest wildlife sanctuaries in Zambia. You’ll explore the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks with your expert naturalist guide in open 4×4 vehicles, by canoe and boat, and on foot. The walking safari options in Zambia are exceptional and you’ll have the opportunity to track resident leopards and elephants. There’s even an option to sleep out under the stars in the wilderness, just like the early African explorers!
Your adventure starts upriver from Victoria Falls where you’ll stay in a riverside chalet on the banks of the Zambezi River. A short flight takes you over the Great Escarpment to the Lower Zambezi River valley, where you can paddle a canoe (with your guide) past hippo pods and crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank. In the South Luangwa, the highlight of the adventure is the walk between camps with your guide and ranger while your luggage gets shuttled ahead. Your senses will be heightened as you track wild dogs, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, and wildebeest. These are some of the most remote protected areas on the continent, which is what makes them so very special. Guests have the option to upgrade to luxury accommodations in Livingstone and in Lower Zambezi. Walks are always by choice and a vehicle is always available should guests opt for a game drive instead.
Welcome to Zambia! Arrive Livingstone and transfer to your accommodation – Chundukwa or Tongabezi. If time allows, take a sundowner cruise up the Zambezi River, keeping an eye out for wildlife coming down to drink. Dinner is served under the stars before you retire to your river chalet set out over the Zambezi. Fall asleep to the gurgle of the mighty river lulling you to sleep.
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 bush walk, 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 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.
The next two days you’ll explore the National Park with an expert naturalist guide by 4×4, boat, canoe, and on foot. Choose from half or full-day activities depending on what wildlife has been seen recently. 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.
A morning game drive brings you to the airstrip, and a flight further into the heart of Zambia brings you to South Luangwa National Park. Widely considered one of the best wildlife safari areas in Africa, this wilderness area is home to a stunning concentration of wildlife. South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari and your walking guides here are second to none and exceedingly well-acquainted with the local wildlife.
Head out on an early morning walking safari with your guide and armed tracker. This area is known for its elephants, lions, and leopards, and getting the opportunity to track these animals on foot is thrilling. It’s your choice this afternoon to head out on another walk, or range further in your 4×4 vehicle to explore other areas farther from camp.
You will depart camp with your guide and ranger today and walk through the bush to your next camp while your luggage is shuttled ahead by vehicle. This is an incomparable opportunity to get deep into the bush of South Luangwa. This area has recently become well known for wild dog sightings, so you have an excellent chance of seeing these successful hunters. Giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, and baboons are also prevalent here. Spend your next day walking or driving – it’s your choice. There’s even an option for a sleepout under the stars – inquire for more details.
Fly from Mfuwe to Lusaka this morning in time for your international departure. Consider an extension to cosmopolitan Cape Town, the Okavango Delta of Botswana, or even trekking for gorillas in Rwanda.
