Bespoke Zambia & Vic Falls
12 Day Zambia Paradise: Walking & boating safari, game drives day & night!
From
$12500 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 | June, July, August, September | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
- Fishing
- Night game drives
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Internal flights
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Hot air balloons
- International flights
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 01 - Welcome
South Luangwa
From Lusaka, Zambia, take a short flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to 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 game drives to walks, night viewing to find nocturnal species, and watching predators out on the hunt.
Day 02
South Luangwa
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.
Day 03
South Luangwa
Head deeper into South Luangwa and spend the next three days in another area of this game rich region. 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!!
Day 04
South Luangwa
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.
Day 05
South Luangwa
Spend another full day in this beautiful area, searching for more wildlife. Before heading back to camp for dinner, stop by the edge of the river for sundowners (cocktails).
Day 06
South Luangwa
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.
Day 07
South Luangwa
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.
Day 08
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.
Day 09
Lower Zambezi
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!
Day 10
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.
Day 11
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 2) Community Visit 3) Stone Carver and Handicraft Market featuring world renowned Shona Sculptures. In the early evening, enjoy a magical Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi.
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.
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