Table of Contents
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- Highlights
- Day-by-Day Programme
- Day 1: Lusaka – Mfuwe, South Luangwa
- Day 2: South Luangwa
- Day 3: South Luangwa
- Day 4: South Luangwa
- Day 5: South Luangwa, Mfuwe – Royal Airstrip, Lower Zambezi
- Day 6: Lower Zambezi
- Day 7: Lower Zambezi
- Day 8: Lower Zambezi – Lusaka
- Includes
- Excludes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Highlights
- Enjoy the day by taking part in the various game viewing options, or you may wish to relax in camp and enjoy the tranquil surroundings
- The game is excellent and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe
- Canoeing for a morning or even the whole day in the Zambezi is another option that is well worth the effort
Day-by-Day Programme
Places to visit: Lusaka, Luangwa and Zambezi. This safari covers 3 of Zambia’s premier tourist destinations – The South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and the Islands of Siankaba in Livingstone.
The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
The Luangwa River flows into the Zambezi River’s just below the Lower Zambezi National Park. This park, scenically bordered by an impressive escarpment, has excellent game that can be viewed from either the river or by land. Quietly drifting quietly past a huge elephant feeding is a great experience.
Day 1: Lusaka – Mfuwe, South Luangwa
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport, you will be met by our representative. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. Overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms.
Depending on your arrival time, in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Dinner & Overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 2: South Luangwa
At dawn, breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta.
Tea will be served in the afternoon and then off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night, giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually, one returns to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally.
Dinner & Overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 3: South Luangwa
Another day to enjoy the game viewing at Nkwali or you may wish to go on an all day picnic. Taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk or explore further afield in the park. Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon and you will then be able to take a siesta or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you.
Returning to camp when you are ready, you may decide to continue straight on your evening drive and return to come after sundowners – this is a very flexible day.
Dinner & Overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 4: South Luangwa
Your last day in the South Luangwa – walking or game driving as you wish as well as enjoying the food and good company before heading off to the delights of the Zambezi River.
Dinner & Overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 5: South Luangwa, Mfuwe – Royal Airstrip, Lower Zambezi
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Royal Airstrip where you will be met by a representative from Chongwe River Camp. The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. The chalets are large, well-appointed Mulati tents under thatch, with a luxury open-air bathroom on suite. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, they command fabulous views over the Rivers. The bathrooms are an experience on their own, open air with fittings made from natural materials found near the lodge.
You will arrive in time for a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the choice of game viewing on the vehicle or you can jump in a boat and experience life on the Zambezi. Back to the camp in time for an alfresco dinner and chat around the campfire.
Dinner & Overnight at the Chongwe River Camp.
Day 6: Lower Zambezi
Today, you continue with the drives or walk,s or you may wish to take advantage of the fantastic fishing opportunities. The Zambezi is home to one of the world’s premier game fish: the tiger. The variety in the Zambezi, Hydrocynus vittatus, can grow up to 10 -12 Kg and is a superb fighter. A strict catch and release policy is adhered to.
Canoeing for a morning or even the whole day is another option which is well worth the effort – although an experience guide will be with you and you can actually just float along if you wish. The Lower Zambezi is renowned for superb canoeing safaris – the most unobtrusive way to encounter big game.
Dinner & Overnight at the Chongwe River Camp.
Day 7: Lower Zambezi
Enjoy the day by taking part in the various game viewing options or you may wish to relax in camp and enjoy the tranquil surrounding.
A sundowner boat trip would be the perfect end to the day.
Dinner & Overnight at the Chongwe River Camp.
Day 8: Lower Zambezi – Lusaka
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Royal Airstrip for your flight to Lusaka.
~ End of Tour ~
Request Price
Includes
- Full Board Accommodation as per itinerary
- Bar
- Laundry
- Game viewing activities
- Transfers
- Internal flights
- National Park fees
- Only at Chongwe River Camp
● Canoe trips
● River cruises
● Fishing Trips
Excludes
- International Flights to/from Africa
- Park Angling Permits
- Travel insurance cover/medical cover
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- Holiday supplements if travelling during Easter period and December
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Luxury for Less Zambia Safari?
A Luxury for Less Zambia Safari is a travel experience that allows visitors to enjoy high, quality safari adventures without the extremely high costs often associated with luxury travel. It usually includes comfortable lodges or tented camps that offer great service, good food, and beautiful views of the wilderness. Travelers still get to experience guided game drives, expert guides, and excellent wildlife viewing. The difference is that the itinerary is designed to be more budget, friendly while maintaining a premium safari feel. This type of safari is perfect for travelers who want comfort and adventure at a more reasonable price.
What wildlife can be seen on a Zambia safari?
Zambia is known for its incredible wildlife and offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa. Visitors often have the chance to see animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and many species of antelope. South Luangwa National Park is particularly famous for its high concentration of wildlife and excellent leopard sightings. The rivers and lagoons in the parks attract hippos, crocodiles, and many birds. Because Zambia’s parks are less crowded than some others in Africa, wildlife encounters often feel more natural and intimate.
What activities are included in a Zambia luxury safari?
A Luxury for Less Zambia Safari usually includes several exciting activities that help visitors experience the wilderness in different ways. Game drives are the most common activity, allowing travelers to explore the parks and search for wildlife with experienced guides. Zambia is also famous for walking safaris, where guests can explore the bush on foot while learning about nature and animal tracks. Some safaris include canoe trips on rivers like the Zambezi, offering a unique way to see wildlife from the water. In the evenings, guests may enjoy bush dinners or relaxing moments around the campfire under the stars.
When is the best time to go on a Zambia safari?
The best time to visit Zambia for a safari is usually during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also thinner, which improves wildlife viewing during game drives. The green season from November to April brings lush landscapes and many young animals, although some roads may become muddy. Each season has its own beauty, but the dry months are generally the most popular for safari travelers.
Which parks are best for a Zambia luxury safari?
Zambia has several outstanding national parks that are perfect for a luxury safari experience. South Luangwa National Park is often considered the highlight because of its incredible wildlife and famous walking safaris. Lower Zambezi National Park offers beautiful river scenery and activities such as canoe safaris and boat cruises. Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest parks and provides a more remote and wild safari atmosphere. Visiting a combination of these parks allows travelers to experience different landscapes and wildlife during their Zambia safari adventure.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
