Zambia is the home of the walking safari, and the two top places to stride out on foot are the South and North Luangwa National Parks.
The South Luangwa is a safari classic, full of rustic bush camps, overnight walking trails, and the chance to game drive in search of big cats and even bigger game.
But the North Luangwa is where you’ll really engage your senses; with only a handful of camps and no roads, it’s just you, your walking boots and the wildlife.
Combine your walking with adventure activities at Victoria Falls (or a spot of R&R) and boat trips, game drives and canoe safaris in the Lower Zambezi, and you might just have the perfect Zambia itinerary.
$10.2K / person
You will be met on arrival at Livingstone International Airport and driven to your next lodge.
30mins
A highlight on any Southern Africa trip, seeing Vic Falls in all its pounding, dramatic, mesmerising glory is unforgettable – and there is plenty to keep you busy in the area. Firstly, we recommend a walk (guided or unguided) to get a feel for the sheer enormity of the waterfall, before taking to the skies and marvelling from above in either a helicopter or a microlight. Both offer incredible views and big, bucket-list ticks.
To really get the adrenalin going, there’s a selection of daredevil activities to choose from – bungee jumping, gorge swinging, white water rafting and trips to the iconic Devil’s Pool spring to mind – but if something more sedate is on the cards, there are languid boat trips on the Zambezi, sundowner cruises and wonderful afternoon teas to enjoy.
If safari is on your mind, there are a couple of options to choose from. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers good game viewing of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra (sadly no big cats) as well as fantastic rhino tracking opportunities and walking safaris. Otherwise, take a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for the Big Five and river cruises to see the hundreds of elephant the park is rightly famous for.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to Livingstone International Airport for your flight to Lower Zambezi. You will be met on arrival and driven to your next lodge.
3hrs 15mins
As you might have guessed, the Lower Zambezi National Park and its myriad activities are centred around the mighty river running through it. Droves of animals travel to the river, including herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo - and you might even see them grazing on the tiny isles in the middle of the water. Idle down the river on a canoe, eyeing hippo, crocodile and a flurry of birdlife, or explore by boat followed by sundowners on the riverbank. There is abundant tiger fish in the Zambezi if you fancy a few hours of angling too.
For a close-to-nature experience, leave at dawn on foot to examine fresh tracks and clues from the night’s activities. All lodges conduct a morning or afternoon game drive, but a night drive offers a different cast of wildlife, where bushbabies ogle you from the trees, shy civets and servals slink past, and you could watch lion and leopard on the hunt.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to the airstrip for your flight to Mfuwe Airport South Luangwa. You will be met on arrival at Mfuwe and driven to your next lodge.
3hrs 45mins
Deep in eastern Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park sits firmly off the tourist trail. Remaining a true wilderness and haven for elephant, African painted dog and leopard (watch their stealthy activities on a night drive), a visit to South Luangwa is a safari in the purest form.
In fact, it is the origin place of walking safaris and they remain a staple at every camp in the park. Led by some of the finest guides on the planet, you’ll set out to follow the tracks of the big cats, examine the handiwork of birds and insects, and learn to ‘read’ the bush. For the most adventurous, there’s also the option to plan a multi-day expedition where you’ll trek through sandy riverbeds and overgrown forests, spending each night in a fly-camp under the stars.
Don’t get us wrong, open-topped game drives are incredible as well as boating safaris, specifically after the rainy season when the Luangwa River has risen dramatically. It’s home to one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile in Africa, and a plethora of birdlife!
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to your next lodge.
1hr
Deep in eastern Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park sits firmly off the tourist trail. Remaining a true wilderness and haven for elephant, African painted dog and leopard (watch their stealthy activities on a night drive), a visit to South Luangwa is a safari in the purest form.
In fact, it is the origin place of walking safaris and they remain a staple at every camp in the park. Led by some of the finest guides on the planet, you’ll set out to follow the tracks of the big cats, examine the handiwork of birds and insects, and learn to ‘read’ the bush. For the most adventurous, there’s also the option to plan a multi-day expedition where you’ll trek through sandy riverbeds and overgrown forests, spending each night in a fly-camp under the stars.
Don’t get us wrong, open-topped game drives are incredible as well as boating safaris, specifically after the rainy season when the Luangwa River has risen dramatically. It’s home to one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile in Africa, and a plethora of birdlife!
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to North Luangwa. You will be met on arrival and driven to your next lodge.
2hrs 45mins
In Zambia's remote North Luangwa National Park, the wild heart of Africa beats loud and clear. This untouched wilderness is less frequented by tourists, offering a truly exclusive and raw safari experience. Embark on guided walking safaris led by seasoned conservationists, where every step unveils the secrets of the bush. This park is a sanctuary for the elusive black rhino, offering rare glimpses of these magnificent creatures. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 350 bird species that adorn the skies. The Mwaleshi River, flowing through the park, attracts dense concentrations of wildlife, including lion, hyena, and vast herds of buffalo. At night, the park comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, providing an eerie yet thrilling symphony that underscores the wildness of this pristine paradise.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to the airstrip for your flight to Mfuwe Airport. From Mfuwe Airport you will take your flight to Lusaka International Airport.
2hrs 30mins
$10.2K / person
Domestic transfers, accommodation, inclusive meals, drinks and activities where specified
International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities
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