Zambia Wildlife Safari
This 8 day Zambia wildlife safari takes you to two of Zambia’s premier parks. You’ll visit the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Luangwa Valley is a wildlife sanctuary situated at the end of the Great Rift Valley. It provides excellent land and water-based game viewing activities. Accommodation on this Zambia wildlife safari is in 3 Zambia safari lodges. Your stay will be the perfect combination between rustic surrounds and deluxe facilities. Don’t forget to indulge in culinary delights. You’ll try to balance local ingredients with international influences. You have a choice between an indoor dining area or dine in true African style. This is done around a blazing campfire with a bustling bush as your soundtrack.
Day 1: Lusaka – South Luangwa National Park
Our Zambia safari rep will meet you at Lusaka Airport. You will be briefed on the Zambia wildlife safari. This will be followed by a flight transfer to Mfuwe Airport. On arrival you’ll be escorted on a 40-minute road transfer to Nkwali Camp. This is in the midst of vast grasslands and ebony woodlands. After settling into your suite you’ll enjoy some time at leisure. You may enjoy drinks on the deck overlooking the river. You may also opt to relax in the crystal-clear waters of the swimming pool.
Your Zambia wildlife safari will embark on game viewing activities. This is in the afternoon after your cup of tea. You can choose a walking safaris, birding, game drives and river safaris. You may spot a variety of carnivores, antelope, bird and insect species. As an alternative, you may take a tour around the local villages. This will be an introduction to their unique culture. Visit the schools, houses, shops and markets occupied by the local people. Here you’ll learn a bit more about their daily lifestyles. Tribal textiles are a popular part of Zambia and a cultural expression. This can easily be taken home with you as a souvenir.
Your Zambia wildlife safari returns back to the lodge. This is in time for pre-dinner drinks around a campfire. Shortly after, you will be served with a freshly prepared meal. This can be either in the dining room or at an alfresco table. Enjoy a drink under the stars as the ambers of the fire warm you up. You’ll enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in your comfortable suite.
Day 2: South Luangwa National Park
Your Zambia wildlife safari wakes up to the sounds of the flowing Luangwa River. You will be ready to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. A morning game drive takes you to the South Luangwa National Park. Be on the lookout for zebra, hippo, elephant and a variety of antelope species are common. The endemic Thornicroft’s Giraffe is unique to the valley. Their heads can be seen towering over the mopane, leadwood and winterthorn trees. The drives are taken in open-top safari vehicles. This allows for unfiltered panoramic views on Zambia wildlife safari. You can also choose a walking safari guided by a National Park scout instead. Here you’ll follow the spoor of the wild into an untamed diversity of plant, insect and bird life. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and a siesta before afternoon tea.
Later you’ll cruise down the South Luangwa River. This is done in a two-seater canoe or on a sunset river cruise. You’ll spot the sly crocodiles lazing on the banks. You may also see the eyes of a hippo peeking out from the water. You’ll take a break from your canoe on one of the islands. This is to admire the spectacular sunset with refreshing sundowners.
Later your Zambia wildlife safari will sail back to the lodge. Be sure to witness the changing color of the African sky. Later you’ll enjoy a starry night around the campfire. Here you’ll be entertained by local tales of the fauna and flora. You will enjoy an indoor or outdoor dinner. Menus are influenced by a combination of local and international flavors. A relaxing and rejuvenating overnight will be in your suite.
Day 3 – 5: South Luangwa National Park
Your Zambia wildlife safari starts with early wake up. This is to be followed by a delicious breakfast. You will then venture into a drive through the park. You will be driving to Nsefu Camp, your next destination. Here you’ll settle into your comfortable thatched chalet. You may take a walk down to the camp’s waterhole. Here you’ll find congregation of wildlife like antelope, insects and birds.
After lunch, your Zambia wildlife safari heads out into the South Luangwa National Park. Today you’ll explore the depths of the wilderness on a game drive. You may also tread along the contours during a guided walking safari. Seasonal boating is available from the end of December to April. Explore the water channels and bird life that adorn the lagoons. This is as your Zambia wildlife safari paddles a way around. Your guide will provide an in-depth description of the fauna and flora. Educational and interactive activities include village tours. You may also visit the Wildlife Education Centre. Here you’ll learn more about the South Luangwa Valley and its wildlife. A tour to the nearby Kawaza Village will return you with new cultural insights. You can also get souvenirs of tribal textiles. Night drives venture out after tea time and return before dinner. You’ll be equipped with spotlight operated by your guide. The safari vehicle’s headlights will also provide light on this excursion. It is sure to be an exhilarating experience. You’ll spot the sparkling eyes of a bush baby. You may also watch as a lioness breaks away from the pride. This is to pursue her prey in the dark of the night. Your years should be open to the hooting of the owl. You’ll head back to a dinner table adorned with a freshly prepared meal. Dinning is indoors or alfresco. You may enjoy post-dinner drinks around a campfire.
Day 6 – 7: Lower Zambezi National Park
An early morning wake up starts your Zambia wildlife safari. This is followed by a road transfer to Mfuwe Airport. Aboard a flight you will head to the Lower Zambezi. Our guide will meet on arrival and take you to the boat crossing point. Your Zambia wildlife safari takes a 20-minute motorboat ride on the Zambezi River. This is to Chiawa Camp where you will stay in an en-suite safari tent.
An afternoon tea will be prepared before for the evening events. Your Zambia wildlife safari embarks on your afternoon game viewing activity. You will have a choice between a Zambezi River safari in a canoe or a sunset boat cruise. You may also opt for a fishing trip. A walking safari offers an opportune time to discover the intricate facets of the bush. In the evening you can opt to join a guide on a night drive. This leads to uninterrupted encounters with the nocturnal wildlife. The spotlights used to venture through the bush are carefully designed. They provide minimal obstruction to the animals. This therefore maintains an un-spoilt game viewing experience. You’ll return to the lodge for dinner later in the evening. Drinks can be done around the fire while stargazing and an early night’s rest.
Day 8: Lusaka
An early Zambia wildlife safari wake up rewards you with a final game drive. This is to be followed by a delicious breakfast. You will depart by boat to the boat crossing point. Your Zambia wildlife safari then takes a road transfer to the airstrip. Here you will aboard a flight enjoy a transfer to Lusaka Airport. You’ll be in time for your departure flight home.
