10-Day Luxury Safari In South Luangwa & Zambezi

Airport meet and greet by our English-speaking guide, transfer to Latitude 15 Degrees hotel in Lusaka, a cosmopolitan city sitting at about 1,279 meters (4,196 ft) on a limestone plateau. There is a burgeoning local art scene, an elephant orphanage, botanical gardens, and a reptile park outside of town, but the city is surrounded by farmland and mainly serves as a gateway to game reserves and parks in other parts of Africa.

Accommodation: Latitude 15 Degrees
Meal plan: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Early breakfast and the adventure begins with a flight from Lusaka into Mfuwe, met upon arrival and transferred by road to Zungulila Camp.

Perfect for small private groups, this intimate classic tented safari camp delivers an authentic African safari experience. The newest camp in the collection, Zungulila is a charming camp that embodies the essence of old Africa and a bygone era, with breathtaking views onto the Kapamba River and an expansive plain where natural springs attract huge herds of game. Zungulila is eminently peaceful, and you may be tempted to stay forever!

The boma area in the main dining area is the perfect place to relax with a drink, as is the river itself - sundowners in the river are always popular. Each of the chalets and the main area have expansive views of the plains leading to the Kapamba River and afford wonderful opportunities for watching the large herds of buffalo and other game that frequent the area.

If you long to explore Africa as it used to be, then come to Zungulila. The expert guides will lead you on foot through some of the park's most untouched wilderness, where large herds of buffalo roam the grassy plains and thirsty elephants come to drink at the springs and along the river.

Activities are focused around walking, but a number of game drive loops have opened in the area and so to get even further afield, day and night game drives are also on offer. In the evening, after wading through the river, we invite you to join your hosts for sundowners, or sit around the campfire for a drink, before recounting the day's adventures over a starlit supper overlooking the river.

Four spacious Meru style tents built under thatch roofs feature their own private veranda, as well as stylish interiors, ensuite bathrooms, hot-and-cold running water, outdoor showers and sunken plunge-pools.

South Luangwa is 9,060 km2 (3,500 mi2) in size and has incredibly diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests of mopane, ebony and sausage trees to wide open savanna punctuated only by the occasional lonely baobab - all hugged by the wide and winding Luangwa River. The river is the most intact major river system in Africa and the lifeblood of this park. The now famous “walking safari” originated here and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness firsthand. The changing seasons add to the park’s richness, from dry bushveld in the winter to lush wonderland in the summer months.

60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species live in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. Aptly named the Valley of the Leopard, it is widely considered one of the best places in Southern Africa to look for these elusive cats. With an estimated 50 hippos per kilometer of the Luangwa River, it's a very popular destination for them too.

Accommodation: Zungulila Camp
Meal Plan: all Inclusive basis

Set on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed eponymous river, Kapamba is surrounded by some of the park's richest wildlife. Watching an elephant take a dip in the river can be quite an experience when you're lounging in your own private plunge pool. The central bar and dining room is positioned under a huddle of matumi and sausage trees, with a wide deck that stretches out with views of the Kapamba River. And if that's still not close enough for you, why not enjoy a drink from the middle of the river itself, your feet dipped in the cool, crystal shallows.

Get out into the bush and explore the rich diversity of the surrounding area on guided morning and afternoon walks. On special occasions the guides can also arrange an afternoon wading through the cool waters of the Kapamba where a scenic sundowner or special meal will be waiting for you.

Get out into the bush and explore the rich diversity of the surrounding area by jumping into a Land Rover for a driving safari (day or night).

Only four spacious en-suite chalets feature dark russet walls, oversized beds with linen throws, big mosquito nets and copper accents, as well as indoor showers open to the outdoors for incredible views.

Enjoy a drink from the middle of the river itself, your feet dipped in the cool, crystal shallows. Experience the wildlife in the area with walking safaris, night game drives and bird watching. Highly trained guides to show you around the area.

Open from April to January, overlooking the tranquil Kapamba River, South Luangwa, Zambia

Children over 12 are welcome, open-fronted rooms boast wide verandas with river views.

Accommodation: Kapamba River Camp
Meal Plan: All Inclusive

There's something about sleeping under canvas that ignites a sense of adventure in everyone. At Chindeni you can combine that thrill with style and comfort in one of its four opulent tents. Gaze out from your private veranda onto the lagoon which attracts birds and animals from miles around. Or settle back with a gin and tonic in the central lounge and dining area - a glorious expanse of varnished decking arranged on several levels around the surrounding ebony trees, boasting, of course, the same spectacular view of the serene lagoon and its inhabitants.

Whether you are in the mood for intrepid exploration or perhaps some more sedentary wildlife viewing, Chindeni will deliver. Avid game viewers and birdwatchers can set out on superb walking safaris in the surrounding area and take in all there is to offer.  You can also experience game drives to get out and around the camp and spot more incredible wildlife. Or you can just park yourself in a deckchair at camp and watch the abundance of game that is drawn to the lagoon.

Only four spacious en-suite magnificent canvas tents have private decks and each feature two queen-sized beds or one king bed, shower, toilet, and double vanities. The dining area is on stilts above the oxbow lagoon with an adjoining lounge area for relaxing in the open air.

Gaze out from your private veranda onto the lagoon which attracts birds and animals from miles around.

Experience the wildlife in the area with walking safaris, night game drives and bird watching, highly trained guides to show you around the area. 4 canvas tents with wooden floors, four-poster beds, cosy sitting rooms, en suite bathrooms and vaulted canvas ceilings, Open from May to December

Overlooking an ox-bow lagoon and the Chindeni Hills, Children over 12 are welcome. See incredible wildlife just by stepping onto your own private deck jutting out over the lagoon.

Accommodation: Chindeni Hills
Meal Plan: All Inclusive

This laidback and friendly border town on the edge of the Zambezi River is named after famous Scottish explorer and missionary Sir David Livingstone, the first non-Zambian to encounter the majestic Victoria Falls in 1855. It serves as a hub for exploring the further reaches of Zambia and offers a multitude of activities for adrenaline junkies, including white water rafting, gorge swinging, jet boating, microlight plane rides, elephant back safaris, and bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge which, at 111 meters (364 ft), is one of the highest bridge jumps in the world.

While fisherman angle for Tigerfish upstream, downstream the Zambezi River rages with up to grade 5 rapids, such as the aptly named ‘overland truck eater.’ During the drier months, a rock pool known as Devil’s Pool forms on the edge of the Falls, creating the ultimate infinity pool. During a full moon, especially from June to August, visitors have the chance to witness a lunar rainbow over the Falls at night.

Chundukwa River Lodge is a destination in itself, half an hour’s drive from Livingstone, 36km upstream of the Victoria Falls. Retreat, relax, recover, horse-ride, bird-watch, cruise on the Zambezi, explore the Victoria Falls and try some of the adventure and safari activities in the area. This patch of paradise has been in the family for over 50 years. The lodge is renowned for its riding stables with horses for all abilities, child-friendly farmyard animals, delightful staff and delicious meals.

The essence of the Chundukwa experience comes through in the combination of the Victoria Falls Day Trip, together with time spent enjoying all that the lodge has to offer. Whether you are seeking to see and experience the Falls in as many ways as possible, or adrenaline-inducing adventures, or just a tranquil bush experience, Chundukwa can book and arrange all your activities for your time and put together an itinerary tailored to you.

The Fully Inclusive package includes a sunset or sunrise boat cruise, as well as a private guide and vehicle to take you to Victoria Falls, transfer you between your chosen activities, and guide you around Livingstone. There is a stable yard with horses for riders of any experience. Birding, white rhino tracking, engaging with the local culture, and taking historical tours mean that you'll never be short of something to do.

The Kingfisher River Chalet is perfect for honeymooning couples. This thatched, open-fronted, wooden chalet sits on stilts on the edge of the river and features a king size bed with mosquito net, bathroom with double sinks, outdoor shower, beautiful old teak flooring and panoramic views over the Zambezi river. An additional bed can be added.

30 minute drive from Livingstone, 36km upstream of Victoria Falls, River facing chalets, Activities include day trips to the Falls, horse riding, birding, bush walks, bike rides, rhino tracking, community and historical visits, and river cruises.

Accommodation: Chundukwa River Lodge
Meal Plan: All inclusive