12-Day Zambia Wildlife Safari

You will land in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, from where you will take a domestic flight to Mfuwe and then a private transfer to South Luangwa National Park, the first stop on your safari. The opulent Time + Tide Luwi is where you’ll be staying; it’s about a two-hour journey from Mfuwe Airport, and you might see some wildlife on the way. With no other campers in sight for miles, Time + Tide Luwi is a solitary camp situated on the banks of the Luwi River. Unwind in the outdoor area while taking in the aroma of African jasmine emanating from adjacent blooms and the peaceful sounds of the river.

You’ll get up early in the morning to go on morning safaris to start the day before it gets too hot and the nocturnal animals can still be seen out. The camp’s distinguished safari guides will point out uncommon animals including Thornicroft’s giraffes, enormous herds of elephant, a variety of colorful birds, bathing hippos, and many others. Excellent leopard sightings are especially celebrated in South Luangwa.

Travel deeper into South Luangwa at Time + Tide Kakuli, which features cozy suites perched over the Luangwa River. Spend time on your private terrace to observe popular big game animals moving in and out of view, spot crocodiles and hippos under the water, and keep a look out for the brightly colored feathers of carmine bee-eaters.

Today you’ll transfer to Mapazi Camp, the third of your three South Luangwa camps. a brand-new camp situated in one of the prime walking safari areas. Only three walk-in tents make up this exclusive and secluded site.

You simply can’t experience this degree of detail from the safety and luxury of a safari vehicle, so go out on an adventurous bush walk. As you enter the bush and learn about the intricate ecosystems of the park as well as the strategies employed by experienced safari guides and park rangers to locate wildlife, feel as though your senses have been sharpened. Your South Luangwa exploration comes to an end, but make sure to take advantage of optional activities like birding safaris, boat safaris down the Luangwa with hippos and crocodiles, a visit to the nearby village of Kawaza to meet the Kunda people and learn about their way of life, and learning about the amazing work done by local conservation organization Conservation South Luangwa and their efforts in anti-poaching.

You’ll take a private transfer back to Kafue National Park, Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, before taking a domestic aircraft from Mfuwe to Lusaka. You will stay in one of the lovely thatched-roof cottages at Musekese Camp, which is situated in a remote region of the national park.

Visit some of Kafue’s top wildlife areas on a game drive, like the Busanga Plains, to view antelope, elephants, zebra, and lions. Red lechwe, sable, the African wild dog, as well as the elusive cheetah are rare animals to keep an eye out for. Observe hippos splashing in Lake Itezhi-Tezhi and look up to witness the many bird species that inhabit the trees surrounding the Busanga Swamp, including the African finfoot, half-collard kingfisher, and African skimmer.

Sadly, your wildlife trip in Zambia comes to an end as you return to Lusaka to continue your journey home. However, having seen the best of Zambia’s species, both large and small, you’ll return home with a camera full of pictures and a variety of tales to share with family and friends there.