Bespoke Zambia & Vic Falls

12 Day Zambia Paradise: Walking & boating safari, game drives day & night!

From

$8895 USD

pp

Safari summary

The 12 day Zambia Paradise takes you to three major wildlife areas of Zambia - Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi - and ends with a visit to majestic Victoria Falls.

Kafue National Park, the largest park in Zambia. It provides an exceptional remote wilderness experience. Wild dogs and Sable Antelope are among the rarer species found within the park.

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. They were originally organized by Norman Carr in the 1960’s and many were guided by Robin Pope. Although Norman Carr passed away in 1997, his legacy lives on. Norman Carr Safaris and Robin Pope still operate the best walking safaris in the region. Short walks can be done from their camps as well as multi-day walking safaris with a back up vehicle. 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.

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.

Featured Inclusions: Flights within Zambia; All activities, non-premium beverages, laundry, Born Free Concierge Service, 24/7 Emergency US & Africa Contacts, Pre-Journey Briefing Booklet, Customized Backpack, Luggage tags, Personalized Bound Final Itinerary.

Full list of inclusions and tariff details will be sent upon inquiry.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Game drives
Activity level Easy activity
Best months April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
  • Fishing
  • Night game drives

Itinerary

Day 01

South Luangwa

DAYS 01-02 SOUTH LUANGWA  - CAMP 1 |  WELCOME TO BOTSWANA! From Lusaka, Zambia take a short flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to your safari into the South Luangwa. South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination. It lies between the Luangwa River and the Mchinga escarpment. It is home to over 60 species of mammals and 450 species of birds. The Luangwa River takes a slow course through the park. Zambia safaris have a high quality of guiding- from the game drives, to the walks, and night viewing to find nocturnal species and watching predators out on the hunt. South Luangwa provides an ideal habitat for leopards, often seen on night and day drives. Early morning game drives await you each day. During the heat of the day absorb your surroundings as you sit around the lounges that are open to rivers or lagoons. There are often resident elephants and hippos. After lunch head out on another game drive in hopes of finding a pride of lion with playful cubs, a herd of elephant and wild dogs. BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER  

Day 03

South Luangwa

DAYS 03-05 SOUTH LUANGWA - CAMP 2 Head deeper into South Luangwa and spend the next three days in another area of this game rich region. On arrival at camp you will be introduced to the resident guide and armed escort scout. For your second camp, we would recommend a camp that features walks in addition to the game drives. Some camps have hides where you can sit and observe the wildlife at very close range. Nothing like getting to eyeball impressive elephant feet!! Tonight, search for nocturnal species in vehicles equipped with wildlife protective spotlights. Look for the reflecting eyes of the night species. This optimizes their night vision. Evening drives provide a good opportunity to find leopard, genets or civet cats, mongoose, elephant shrews and various owl species. Less common are porcupine and badgers. Before heading back to camp for dinner, stop by the edge of the river for sundowners (cocktails). BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER  

Day 06

DAYS 06-07 SOUTH LUANGWA - CAMP 3 Travel to the most southern sector of Luangwa, set away from the main part of the river, but close to the shallow clear flowing Kapamba river. Each day will vary according to the wildlife activity and what you would like to do. Daily activities can be flexible. Usually, you would go out on foot in the morning and then by vehicle in the evening, staying out after dark and searching for various nocturnal species. There is also a choice of a Southern Sky Sleep Out.  For the bit more adventurous, let the stars be your ceiling as you sleep out in a fly camp made up of only a mosquito netted tent and bed roll. This is an outstanding overnight safari fully supported in the safety of our rangers and full staff. BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER  

Day 08

Lower Zambezi | Mana Pools | South Luangwa | Zambezi

DAYS 08-09 LOWER ZAMBEZI Bid farewell to the South Luangwa as you board a flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Lower Zambezi lies on the northern bank of the Zambezi River across from Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. The park does not have large numbers of wildlife, but is nonetheless a special and magical area that you will never forget. There are game drives with possibilities of seeing lion and elephant. Visitors never feel overcrowded. While the park does not offer a large variety of habitats, the variety of activities makes it a can't miss destination. With a river that is navigable year-round, comes waterborne activities such as boating and canoeing to contrast with the usual game drives and walking safaris. As with most Lower Zambezi camps, guests can choose between a wide variety of activities, with game drives and walks on offer each day. And you just can't beat the experience of spending a day out on the river cruising with a drink in hand watching the elephant, hippo, crocs and birds! BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER  

Day 10

Victoria Falls

DAY 10 VICTORIA FALLS Fly from the airstrip 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. This afternoon, explore Victoria Falls on foot. The lodge offers a choice of activities including numerous high-adrenaline outings. The must-do optional extra is a scenic helicopter ride over the Falls. BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER Special Activities: Zambia is full of adventurous options. Helicopter & microlight flights, gorge swings, and one of the best white-water rafting trips in the world. Please request costs from a Born Free Safari Specialist.  

Day 11

Victoria Falls | Zambezi

DAY 11 VICTORIA FALLS  |  À LA CARTE ACTIVITIES This morning you have your choice of "À la carte" activities that are offered by the lodge, and are included in the price of the trip.   Choices include: 1) Helicopter Flight over the Falls - Highly recommended and the best way to view Vic Falls is this 13 minute scenic helicopter flight. 2) Community Visit - This is a chance where guests can really give back to the community, while exploring the markets and town of Victoria Falls. Our projects will change subject to what support is most needed at the time (it could be an orphanage, local clinic, school or mature adult home). You will be given a list of organizations that currently need support, then embark on a mission to source the items and bring them to the needed area. It takes just a few hours but can impact the people a lifetime! 3) Stone Carver and Handicraft Market featuring world renowned Shona Sculptures. And of course take another walk to view Vic Falls. As the "largest curtail of falling water" passes through the air, it forms a mist that rises so high that it's visible over fifteen miles away. This mist and the booming sound of the falling water is what is referred to as "the smoke that thunders." The mist is like rain and when it is sunny out an ever-present rainbow is formed. In the early evening, enjoy a magical Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi. BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER  

Day 12

DAY 12 YOUR JOURNEY ONWARDS Leisurely breakfast this morning with a chance to see Vic Falls one more time, perhaps with a sighting of the mystical rainbow that often appears through the mist. Your journey draws to a close in Livingstone, Zambia. After taking in one of the best safari experiences in the world, you will feel Africa calling for you to return. BREAKFAST

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