This itinerary pairs South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi - two Zambia safari parks that complement each other well and offer genuinely different safari experiences. South Luangwa is among the best places in Africa for on-foot wildlife encounters; the valley's high animal density and long tradition of walking safaris make it a natural starting point. Three nights at Flatdogs Camp, on the banks of the Luangwa River, gives enough time to move between morning drives, evening drives, and the optional night game drives that the park permits - one of the few in Africa that does. The second half shifts to the Lower Zambezi, where the river becomes part of the experience. Canoeing alongside hippos and elephants, boat cruises at dusk, and game drives along flood plains that border one of Africa's great rivers make for a different rhythm to Luangwa. Three nights at Baines River Camp allows for a range of activities without feeling rushed. Internal flights handle the Lusaka-Mfuwe leg; the Lower Zambezi transfer is a road journey of three to four hours from Lusaka.
You arrive into Mfuwe and transfer to Flatdogs Camp, set on the banks of the Luangwa River just outside the park boundary. The camp has an unhurried feel, with wildlife regularly visible from the grounds. Over two full days you have two activities per day to choose from: morning and evening game drives, optional walking safaris, and night drives - the latter permitted in South Luangwa where most parks are not. The valley's high concentration of leopards makes night drives particularly productive. Walking safaris offer a slower, more textured read of the ecosystem.
After a morning drive and breakfast, you fly back to Lusaka and transfer by road to Baines River Camp - a journey of three to four hours that brings you to the Zambezi floodplain by early evening. The Lower Zambezi works differently to Luangwa: the river is central to the experience. Two full days offer game drives along the bank, guided canoe safaris, boat cruises, fishing, and walks. Elephants and hippos are a constant presence on and around the water. On the final morning, you transfer back to Lusaka for your onward flight.
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Located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park — known as one of the least crowded and richest wildlife areas of the park — Zikomo Safari Camp is spread under a canopy of ancient shade trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. The lodge offers nine traditional chalets with private decks with wildlife and river views.
Located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park — known as one of the least crowded and richest wildlife areas of the park — Zikomo Safari Camp is spread under a canopy of ancient shade trees on the banks of the Luangwa River...
Kiambi Lodge is located in the Chiawa Game Management area of the Lower Zambezi Valley, at the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. Operating since 1999, the lodge offers a variety of accommodation, including luxury thatched tented chalets, air-conditioned chalets, self-catering accommodation and camping facilities, all with fantastic views of the Zambezi River.
Talk to usKiambi Lodge is located in the Chiawa Game Management area of the Lower Zambezi Valley, at the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers...
Kanyemba Lodge strives to provide a haven in which to enjoy the beauty and activities on offer in the Lower Zambezi. Catering for a maximum of 20 guests, the lodge comprises 6 stone and thatch chalets, each with their own large private deck overlooking the Zambezi River. Overlooking the river, the restaurant and bar allow for spacious and relaxed dining.
Talk to usKanyemba Lodge strives to provide a haven in which to enjoy the beauty and activities on offer in the Lower Zambezi...
Located just inside South Luangwa National Park and less than an hour drive from Mfuwe International Airport, Mfuwe Lodge was voted the Best Lodge in Zambia in 2009. Choose from eighteen thatched chalets, complete with private decks, on the banks of two wonderfully wildlife-rich lagoons.
Talk to usLocated just inside South Luangwa National Park and less than an hour drive from Mfuwe International Airport, Mfuwe Lodge was voted the Best Lodge in Zambia in 2009...
Located in the heart of Kafue National Park — one of the largest national parks in Africa — Mukambi Safari Lodge offers fantastic wildlife viewing from the comfort of its large viewing decks and luxurious infinity pool. A thatched building nestled on the banks of the Kafu River, the lodge presents a number of accommodation options, including family chalets, traditional safari tents and riverside villas.
Talk to usLocated in the heart of Kafue National Park — one of the largest national parks in Africa — Mukambi Safari Lodge offers fantastic wildlife viewing from the comfort of its large viewing decks and luxurious infinity pool...
Overlooking the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park — home to the natural wonder of the world, the Victoria Falls — The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa offers luxury rooms with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. The Lodge's Kalai Restaurant provides an array of Afro-Arabian fusion dishes in a traditional Zambian environment.
Talk to usOverlooking the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park — home to the natural wonder of the world, the Victoria Falls — The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa offers luxury rooms with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River...
Situated on the bank of the Zambezi river opposite Zimbabwe’s birdlife-rich Mana Pools, the family-owned Royal Zambezi Lodge offers 15 elegant safari suites overlooking the river. The lodge has a range of facilities, with a spa and wellness centre, outdoor pool, cocktail bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.
Situated on the bank of the Zambezi river opposite Zimbabwe’s birdlife-rich Mana Pools, the family-owned Royal Zambezi Lodge offers 15 elegant safari suites overlooking the river...
This was a wonderful introduction to the beauty and spirit of Zambia, and I highly recommend Absolute Zambia Safaris and thank Robert for making this adventure possible to anyone considering a tailor-made safari adventure in this incredible country.
Everything perfectly organized. We visited Malawi and Zambia. We were met at every arrival point, so that gave confidence. All transfers on time and well arranged with water and possibly packed lunches.
Comfortable transportation. Highly recommended!
My husband and I were on a 10-day trip to Zambia organized perfectly by Absolute Zambia Safaris.
We visited the lower Zambezi national park, South Luanga Park and Victoria Falls. The entire Iterinary along with flights and road transport whenever needed well planned as according to our requirement. Would recommend their guidance for anyone looking for a wonderful holiday in Zambia.
Fantastic planning and arranging of this trip by Robert of Absolute Zambia Safaris — everything was perfect from start to finish. We were picked up on time for all activities, the hotel was great — good food, nice pool, wifi, etc and good location, the white water rafting was great, Angel Pool was very much enjoyed by everyone and the sunset cruise was almost empty — so we had the entire upper deck of the boat to ourselves. The food on the boat was tremendous, and the sunset magnificent. Everyone said this was possibly the best holiday ever. We are very grateful to Absolute Zambia whose flawless organising of all of this made it happen.
Absolute Zambia Safaris organised a 2 week trip in Zambia for us — to South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone. We cannot thank them enough for their wonderful organisation, thoughtful communication and great value for money. This was our first visit to Africa and they made it a breeze, with excellent choices of accomodation, transport, and drivers etc. At all times we were well looked after and had absolutely no concerns regarding safety or anything else for that matter. Thanks so much Absolute Zambia, we will get back to you for our next holiday in Africa.
This itinerary would cost from $4,092 pp.
Pricing may vary by accommodation choice, group size and time of year.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
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Expert guiding |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Local transport |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
