Zambia In-Depth

11 days—Experience Exceptional - South Luangwa - Lower Zambezi - Vic Falls

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$13400 USD

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Safari summary

Zambia is the Heart of Africa. A premier destination that captures the authentic spirit of a bygone safari era. A safari to Zambia is not just about observing the wildlife, you become part of it. Zambia is home to over 240 different mammals and over 400 types of birds.

Prepare for an exhilarating safari where the variety of immersive experiences is truly unparalleled. Whether you are on a traditional game drive in open vehicles, on a walking safari, uncovering the secrets of the bush during thrilling night drives, or floating past wildlife on a river expedition, every moment is an invitation to explore. You will be led by Africa’s finest guides, ensuring every encounter is safe, intimate, and unforgettable.

For a truly rewarding finish to your day, we suggest spending a night in a Sky Bed or in a “deluxe” fly-camp. Drifting off under the vast, glittering canopy of the African stars is a life-changing experience. With a perfect blend of quality accommodations and world-class service, Zambia offers a soul-stirring escape into the wild.

The four major wildlife areas are Kafue, South and North Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi:

- The beautiful South Luangwa is the main focus of Zambia safaris. It is larger than Yellowstone National Park, and you can spend a week exploring the various regions of this amazing area. Each camp and terrain is quite different. Camps and lodges are of a high standard.

- Home of the Walking Safari, the South Luangwa National Park has the reputation of running the finest guided walking safaris in Africa. Short walks can be done from camps as well as arrangements can be made for multi-day walking safaris. All walking safaris are accompanied by an armed ranger and an open vehicle as back up if you decide to take a rest from walking.

- The Lower Zambezi is one of the most magical areas in all of Africa. It's a relatively new park, with a few fabulous deluxe properties and plentiful wildlife. Game drives are available, but it is a great area for water-based game viewing. It is not uncommon to see elephant and hippo playing at the water’s edge.

- By special arrangements, add Kafue National Park to your safari. The park is located in the far southwest from Lusaka. The Kafue River and its tributaries bisect the park and a natural draw for the wildlife. Lions, leopards, African Wild Dogs, cheetah and elephants make Kafue their home as well as the rare Sable Antelope.

Zambia safaris are organized on an individual basis. Camps and lodges are selected based on what activities you would like to participate in, your comfort level, and budget. Each camp organizes their own activities, and Born Free will arrange for transport between camps and parks.

Solo Travelers: This is an ideal trip for a solo traveler as you join other guests on all activities. Properties are small and game drives and activities are offered with limited participation - so a solo traveler will never feel lost in a crowd.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	May, June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Zambia
	Parks	Lower Zambezi South Luangwa

Fine details

Safari highlights

Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Walking safari—with armed guard
Night game drives

What’s included?

Accommodation
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 01 - Lusaka, Zambia

Touch down in Lusaka! Our local Born Free host will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for the evening. Get some rest – your adventure begins in the morning!

Day 02

South Luangwa

A short flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to your safari into the South Luangwa. On arrival, the game viewing begins. One of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa is home to more than 60 mammal species, from large herds of giraffe and elephant that roam its grasslands to hippo and crocodile dwelling in its rivers. Head out on a game drive and seek out wildlife unique to Luangwa, including the Thornicroft giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, and enjoy a sundowner in the bush.

Day 03

South Luangwa

Rise early each morning to the smell of fresh coffee and tea. At first light, venture on a game drive to catch the excitement of wildlife predators who are more active during the cooler morning hours. After lunch, head out on another game drive. As darkness sets in, spotlights are used to pick out a new cast of nocturnal creatures, such as leopards, genets or civet cats, mongoose, elephant shrews, various owl species, and the less common porcupine and badgers.

Day 04

South Luangwa

Never a redundancy on a safari in Zambia!! Every day's activities and wildlife encounters are different. Morning and late afternoon game drives are the most important and when the wildlife most active. In the heat of the day, relax around the lounges that are open to rivers or lagoons, enticing the resident elephant and hippos to play or drink from their waters.

Day 05

South Luangwa

Journey deeper into South Luangwa and spend the next two days in another area of this game-rich park. Game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles also allow for close encounters with diverse wildlife, including day and night safaris using red spotlights. There is a choice of camps, some have hides where you can sit and observe the wildlife at close range. There is nothing as impressive as getting to see elephant feet at your eye level.

Day 06

South Luangwa

Experiences will vary from custom-built tents with cozy bedrolls to specially built platform rooms with outdoor roof bedding. There is always an attentive team to look after every detail as well as make sure that you are safe and secure from outside elements. All meals are prepared by a chef. You drift off, hearing the distant calls of the wild. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a full breakfast. Speak with Born Free and your consultant about this magical option.

Day 07

Lower Zambezi

This morning, board a flight to the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park, located almost due south of South Luangwa. The Lower Zambezi lies on the northern bank of the Zambezi River across from Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. The area offers an intimate, low-density safari experience. Over the next 3 days, soak up the river scene on canoe trips. See crocodiles, hippos, lions, and buffalo. For those who like fishing, the area is known for the fighting Tigerfish, strictly catch and release policy.

Day 08

Lower Zambezi

Start the day with an early morning game drive. After lunch, embark on a guided canoe safari. Approach the animals for an up-close perspective as they drink and bathe along the riverbanks. This afternoon, take a guided nature walk to hear from the professional resident guide on conservation in the area, tracking the wildlife, and how the ecosystem improvements have increased the resident game.

Day 09

Lower Zambezi

Day 10 - Livingstone/Victoria Falls

A short domestic flight takes you to the town of Livingstone, on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is a World Heritage site. Known as Mosi Oa Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders," the falls drop 350 feet into the gorge below. Spend two full days in Zambia exploring the Falls and surrounding area by land, water, or air. There is no shortage of activities here! This evening, embark on a dinner Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi.

Day 11 - Your Journey Onwards

Breakfast and leisurely morning in Livingstone. Head out once more to view the mighty Victoria Falls and with luck get a glimpse of the mystical rainbow that often appears through the mist. Your journey through Zambia draws to a close as you are escorted to the Livingstone Airport to board your international flight homeward.

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