south luangwa national park walking safari giraffe

The Ultimate Zambian Walking Safari

13 night trip
From $10.2K / person Pricing info

Your upcoming trip

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.

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13 nights from

$10.2K / person

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or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667
Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (915 reviews)

Victoria Falls

Day 1

Start: Livingstone International Airport

Road transfer

You will be met on arrival at Livingstone International Airport and driven to your next lodge.

30mins

Check in to your Victoria Falls property

Victoria Falls, Zambia
3 nights
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About Victoria Falls in Zambia (Livingstone)

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What you can do in Victoria Falls

Days 1 - 4

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.

What you can do in Lower Zambezi

Days 4 - 7

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.

South Luangwa

Day 7

Flight transfer

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

Check in to your South Luangwa property

South Luangwa, Zambia
2 nights
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About South Luangwa National Park

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Joanna 400 johnny eve
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What you can do in South Luangwa

Days 7 - 9

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!

South Luangwa

Day 9

Road transfer

You will be collected from your lodge and driven to your next lodge.

1hr

Check in to your South Luangwa property

South Luangwa, Zambia
2 nights
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About South Luangwa National Park

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What you can do in South Luangwa

Days 9 - 11

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!

North Luangwa

Day 11

Flight transfer

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

About North Luangwa National Park

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What you can do

Days 11 - 14

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.

Lusaka

Day 14

Flight transfer

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

End: Lusaka International Airport

Chat to an expert
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
Joanna 400 johnny eve
Save trip
More info
13 nights from

$10.2K / person

Add start date for accurate pricing and availability
Chat to an expert
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
eve
or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667
Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (915 reviews)

Inclusions

What's included

Domestic transfers, accommodation, inclusive meals, drinks and activities where specified

What's excluded

International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities

Chat to an expert

Refine your trip with our travel experts for advice, availability and access to special offers. Learn more

eve
Travel Expert

What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 915 reviews
Guest
Oct 2024 • 17 nights in Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa
We will definitely use them again! That says it all. Very easy to work with, covered every detail and more. It was... Read more
Jess
Oct 2024 • 12 nights in Tanzania
We are very happy with Timbuktu and Joanna. Communication is great as was the overall trip. Also, the organization... Read more
Kevin
Oct 2024 • 8 nights in Uganda and Kenya
Our trip was tailored to meet our needs and we got to experience all of the things that we were hoping to. Every... Read more
Scott
Oct 2024 • 7 nights in South Africa
From the moment we met Jenna we knew we were in good hands. She caught our vision, created options, worked with our... Read more
Guest
Oct 2024 • 11 nights in South Africa and Mauritius
We were so happy with the services given to us by Annie at Timbuktu. As it was our first time in Africa, she walked... Read more
Sandy
Oct 2024 • 21 nights in Botswana and Zambia
Meg once again arranged a perfect trip for us back to some of our favorite areas but filled with new experiences. I... Read more
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