Zambia Luxury Honeymoon Safari
Experience exquisite dining, attentive service, world-class guiding and superb wildlife interactions on this premium honeymoon safari. Explore wildlife packed South Luangwa National Park and the beautiful Lower Zambezi National Park, before heading to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls.
Prices: On request
Duration: 9 nights
Availability: Year round
Destinations: South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls
Highlights
i) All accommodations combine exquisite luxury with safari authenticity
ii) Feel like you’ve landed in your own tract of private African wilderness
iii) Superb game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi
iv) A huge diversity of safari activities to choose from
v) Marvel at the majesty of the Victoria Falls
Overview:
We have carefully designed this premium luxury itinerary with honeymooners and luxury seekers in mind. The trip effortlessly combines the ultimate in African bush luxury whilst maintaining our core values of always offering exceptional and exciting wildlife encounters.
Zambia is an off-the-beaten track destination with relatively low visitor numbers but with world-renowned national parks teaming with an abundance and variety of game. Both Chiawa and Chinzombo have been selected based on their ability to offer you exceptional luxury whilst maintaining the authenticity and intimacy of the African bush. Both boast exceptional guiding teams who will lead you to and educate you on the wildlife you encounter.
The addition of Victoria Falls at the end is the icing on the cake to this once in a lifetime honeymoon trip.
Best time to visit?
So what is the best time of year to take this trip to maximise your overall experience? Without knowing you yet this is a difficult question to answer. With so many variables to consider we need to know what is important to you before we advise on the preferable time for you.
There are many variables to consider when attempting to recommend the best time to visit. Specific considerations include the whereabouts of migratory animals, the effect the density of the vegetation and height of the grass has on wildlife viewing, special wildlife moments such as the birth of baby animals, and the effect weather patterns has on wildlife behaviour. Other factors to consider are the variation in prices at different times of the year, visitor traffic, whether you prefer a lush or relatively arid environment and of course the annual climate, namely temperature and rainfall values.
For this reason we present detailed information for each individual destination in the locations section to help you understand what may work best for you. We will of course have an in-depth discussion with you prior to making a booking so you are completely happy with the time of year you decide to travel.
Included activities:
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Nature walks
- Canoeing
- Pontoon boat safaris
- Catch and release fishing
- Birding
- Seasonal boating safaris (January – April)
- Sunset river cruises
Optional activities:
- In-villa spa treatments
- Sleep out under the stars
- Activities at Victoria Falls (bungee jumping, white water rafting)
- Domestic flights as described in the daily itinerary
- Airport transfers as described in the daily itinerary
- 9 nights accommodation as stated
- All meals and drinks as stated in the daily itinerary
- All relevant taxes and surcharges
- International flight to and from Zambia
- Airport transfers in home country
- Meals and drinks not stated in the daily itinerary
- Applicable VISAS
- Tips and gratuities
- Health innoculations and medications
- Day 1 Your Ultimate Wildlife Adventure Begins
- Day 2 Chinzombo, South Luangwa National Park (D)
- Days 3-4 Chinzombo, South Luangwa National Park (B, L, D)
- Day 5 Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park (B, L, D)
- Days 6-7 Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park (B, L, D)
- Day 8 Thorntree River Lodge, Livingstone (Victoria Falls) (B, L, D)
- Days 9-10 Thorntree River Lodge, Livingstone (Victoria Falls) (B, L, D)
- Day 11 The End Of Your Ultimate Wildlife Adventure (B, L)
Chiawa Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
Overview: Chiawa Camp commands an idyllic location on the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of evergreen mahogany trees in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The design of the camp blends effortlessly with its surroundings, and provides a perfect combination of luxury and bush ambience.
Accommodation: 9 gorgeous safari tents on wooden decks. Each tent is spread out along the river and then up a flood plain area ensuring each one has a unique view of the river. Each has a king size bed (or 2 twins) swathed in mosquito nets and Egyptian cotton linens. En-suite facilities include his and hers washbasins, roll top bath, indoor and outdoor showers with views of the Zambezi, flush loos, and hot and cold running water.
Power & communication: Uninterrupted electricity. Free WiFi. Mobile phone network coverage is patchy.
Facilities & amenities: A lovely thatched lounge/bar area with upper and lower viewing decks and lots of comfy furniture. The dining room is similarly styled with an al-fresco dining area, set under a large winter thorn tree and overlooking the Zambezi River. Other amenities include a gorgeous swimming pool with shaded sun deck for the hot months, a small but well equipped ‘fitness shack’, a viewing deck overlooking a flood plain dotted with wildlife, two excellent viewing hides, and a small gift shop.
Activities: Vehicle safari, night game drives, nature walks, game viewing by pontoon boat, canoeing, catch and release fishing and birding. Game activities are led by some of Africa’s most experienced guides.
Children: Families are very welcome at Chiawa Camp but the minimum recommended age is 8 years.
Accessibility: Arrival is usually by air into Royal Airstrip. Flight time from Lusaka is a mere 35 minutes and 90 minutes from Livingstone. Transfer into camp is then 60 minutes by road or 50 minutes by boat.
Chinzombo
South Luangwa National Park
Overview: Situated on a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, Chinzombo combines style and sophistication with excellent wildlife viewing in the Luangwa Valley. It is renowned as a place of luxury and the flagship property of its kind in and around South Luangwa National Park area, and indeed the whole of Zambia. Although wildly luxurious it does manage to retain its bush authenticity with grass and canvas walls and spacious living areas that melt into the exquisitely tranquil riverside setting.
Accommodation: With only 6 villas, all offering panoramic views of the Luangwa River and its abundant wildlife, the camp oozes intimacy and exclusivity. All villas include en-suite bathroom facilities including luxurious free-standing baths, double wash basins and a shower. Five of the villas offer double or twin occupancy whilst the huge family villa consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Facilities & Amenities: Fine dining, private verandah with pool, central mess tent.
Power & communication: The camp is linked up to mains electricity so you are able to charge your camera batteries and use electrical devices in your rooms. This is a real luxury in safari Africa. WiFi is available and free of charge although it must be noted it is relatively slow due to the remoteness of the camp. Mobile phone network coverage is unpredictable.
Activities: Day and night game drives, walking safaris, in-villa spa treatments, sleepout under the stars and seasonal boating safaris.
Children: Chinzombo welcomes children of all ages.
Accessibility: Chinzombo is usually accessed as part of a fly-in safari package linking to other wildlife destinations in Zambia or across Southern Africa. Light aircraft flights arrive at Mfuwe Airport where an onward overland journey of around an hour brings you to this delightful property.
Thorntree River Lodge
Victoria Falls
Overview: Thorntree River Lodge is set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls. It has been completely rebuilt with an environmentally-conscious design. The design is modern contemporary with tented roof structures to maintain the feel of authentic Africa.
Accommodation: The lodge boasts 12 twin rooms with 2 sets of inter-leading units. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool. The room is loaded with facilities and amenities including air-conditioning, complimentary mini bar, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Facilities & Amenities: The main lodge consists of a lounge with an open dining area, where the fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life. A gym and spa overlook the mighty Zambezi River, and there is a small library with WiFi for your use. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a boma area and infinity pool. A spectacular wooden decking, the scene of moonlit dinners, floats on the edge of the water and helps to achieve a seamless feel between river and lodge.
Power & communication: Full mains electrical power. WiFi throughout the property. Available mobile phone network coverage.
Activities: There are so many activities and things to do here you could spend a month and not get bored. Within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park you can enjoy typical game activities such as walking, boating, game drives, canoeing and rhino tracking on foot. It must be noted this national park is very tame in comparison to the areas we usually recommend. Those guests who are in the area for the adrenaline type activities the Falls and surrounding areas have become famous will be in awe of the variety on offer. Activities include canoeing and kayaking on the Zambezi, helicopter scenic flights, river cruises, horse-back safaris, bungee jumping, gorge swings, and exhilarating white-water rafting, amongst others.
Children: All ages are welcome.
Chiawa Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
Chinzombo
South Luangwa National Park
Thorntree River Lodge
Victoria Falls
Quick Facts
- Special Status: N/A
- Location: Eastern Zambia
- Land mass: 9,050 km²
- Mammal species: 60+
- Bird species: 400+
- Big 5 reserve: No (Rhino are absent)
Activities
- World class walking safaris
- Multi-day walking expeditions
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Fly camping
- Boating safaris (seasonal)
Highlights
- World-leading leopard destination
- African wild dogs
- Large abundance and variety of game
- A plethora of varied safari activities
South Luangwa National Park is the flagship park and jewel in the crown of Zambia’s safari circuit. Despite this it is little known outside of the enthusiastic safari community. This relative obscurity protects it from overcrowding for now.
With a total land mass of 9050 km² South Luangwa protects a very respectable area of pristine African wilderness. It is located in the Luangwa Valley in the north-east of Zambia, nestled between the remote North Luangwa National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
The park is reachable overland from Lusaka but the more medium budget, and certainly high-end safaris, fly in and out of the Mfuwe Airport close to the park’s border. Flying is much more efficient and helps to easily combine South Luangwa with other locations in the country and across international borders. Due to its location and domestic flight schedules it is most easily combined with the two aforementioned national parks, as well as further south with Victoria Falls.
South Luangwa National Park is unfortunately only recognised as a Big 4 location. The notable absentee, as is the case in many wildlife reserves across Africa, is the black rhinoceros. Its fate caused by uncontrolled poaching. Despite the best efforts to reintroduce this magnificent animal attempts have unfortunately failed so far.
The park has all the other big game you would expect to see on safari. It is perhaps recognised as the best place in the whole of Africa for observing leopards, only rivalled by the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa. If you are desperate to see leopard then visit South Luangwa for a great opportunity. As well as leopard, it is home to all the other cast of predators including lions and spotted hyena. Cheetah are present but the environment is less suited to their hunting style. Wild dogs reappeared back in 2015 and sightings are being reported as pretty reliable given their well-documented elusiveness.
The predators are supported by a diverse number of prey species including impala, greater kudu, warthog, bushbuck and waterbuck. The park is also home to three special sub-species that are endemic to the Luangwa Valley, these being Cookson’s wildebeest, Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s Zebra. Other ungulate highlights include the 18,000-strong hippopotamus population, the densest in the world, that populate this stretch of the Luangwa River.
Birders will be especially keen to witness the 400 plus species of birds, especially the thousands of carmine bee-eaters that migrate to the Luangwa River for 3 months of the year.
Best Time To Visit
The climate of South Luangwa National Park can be simplified by dividing it into the dry season and wet season, with two transitional shoulder seasons. Each season, and indeed the months within each season, offers you a different experience. There is no time of year that offers you the best of everything so we provide you with a balanced account throughout the year so you are able to make an informed decision on the best time to visit based on your preferences.
The dry season runs from June to October. It is at this time of year wildlife viewing is at its best. The season, as its name suggests, is characterised by blue skies and no rain. A perfect time to be on safari. As Zambia is in the Southern Hemisphere this time of year is winter. The coolest months are July and August when night temperatures drop enough to necessitate warm clothing for early morning game activities. However, the sun quickly raises the mercury so expect to be basking in 30 degrees Celsius by lunch. Temperatures increase as the season draws on with October being extremely hot and dry and uncomfortable for those who do not enjoy such high temperatures.
Wildlife viewing is at its best in the dry season as the animals migrate towards permanent sources of life-giving water. This predictability and reliability makes game viewing much more reliable and predictable. Huge volumes of wildlife can be seen in one place which makes for great photographic opportunities. The negative aspects of the dry season are the premium price tags the camps carry at this time of year and also the dry and dusty park isn’t as beautiful as in the wet season.
The wet season runs from December to March. Rainfall is a feature of most days in the form of heavy showers and thunderstorms yet it rarely rains all day. Travel can be difficult at this time of year and some roads may become washed out. The presence of water throughout the park and beyond its boundaries allows wildlife to disperse into the hinterland making game viewing generally more of a challenge. However, many species of animals give birth at this time of year so it is the best time to travel for the cuteness factor.
Prices are at their lowest at this time of year but it must be noted most of the remote camps are closed. However, permanent lodges stay open and offer attractive rates. The wet season is definitely the best time if you are looking for an exclusive safari where other tourist vehicles are a rare sighting. Although South Luangwa National Park certainly isn’t a busy park it can suffer occasional crowding around water sources in the dry season.
The transitional shoulder seasons are November and April and May. At these times of year they represent a transition from the dry to wet season and wet to dry season respectively. These months are considered to offer a compromise between the two main seasons.
Quick Facts
- Special Status: N/A
- Location: Eastern Zambia
- Land mass: 4,092 km²
- Mammal species: 60+
- Bird species: 400+
- Big 5 reserve: No (Rhino are absent)
Activities
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Canoeing
- Premium walking safaris
- Boating
- Fishing
- Birding
Highlights
- Beautiful destination based around the Zambezi River
- Extremely high standards of guiding
- High-quality and authentic camps
- Premium-quality walking safaris
- Night drives
- Canoeing safaris
- Reliable wild dog sightings
The Lower Zambezi National Park is located in Eastern Zambia. It is a relatively small to medium sized park with a land mass of 4092 km². It is ideally located on the banks of the Zambezi River, with South Luangwa National Park to the north and the spectacular Victoria Falls to the south.
It is possible to reach the park by road from Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. However, this isn’t practical for a multi-destination itinerary so a fly-in option is much more popular. The park links well by air with South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, and Livingstone (Victoria Falls).
The Lower Zambezi is an exciting national park to visit due in no small measure to its exceptional array of activities on offer. Its location on the banks of the great Zambezi River ensures exciting water-based activities are offered by most of the high-quality camps and lodges we recommend. Canoeing and boating safaris on the water are complemented by land based vehicle safaris and night drives. Walking safaris are another option available to you. We love national parks and game reserves that are able to offer such a vast array of wildlife perspectives. It enhances the adventure and increases your chances of seeing more species of animals. The park is also renowned for its high quality camps and excellent guiding.
Wildlife abundance and diversity are excellent at the Lower Zambezi National Park, making it an ideal destination for a wildlife based holiday. The river is densely populated with crocodiles and hippopotamus. Carnivores are well represented by lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and even the elusive African wild dog. Smaller carnivores include serval, caracal, honey badger, African civet and common genet. Herbivores are well represented with solid populations of bushbuck, waterbuck, impala and puku, as well as buffalo, elephants, and rare antelope species such as eland and roan. Notable absentees are giraffe that have never historically occurred here and black rhinoceros that have been poached to extinction.
The absence of the black rhinoceros prevents Lower Zambezi from being a Big 5 destination but this is more than made up for by the combination of wildlife abundance and diversity, vast array of exciting activities and premium guiding quality.
Best Time To Visit
The climate of Lower Zambezi National Park can be simplified by dividing it into the dry season and wet season, with a two transitional shoulder seasons at the end of each. Each season, and indeed the months within each season, offers you a different experience. There is no time of year that offers you the best of everything so we provide you with a balanced account throughout the year so you are able to make an informed decision on the best time to visit based on your preferences.
The dry season runs from June to October. It is at this time of year wildlife viewing is at its best. The season, as its name suggests, is characterised by blue skies and no rain. A perfect time to be on safari. As Zambia is in the southern hemisphere this time of year is winter. The coolest months are July and August when night temperatures drop enough to necessitate warm clothing for early morning game activities. However, the sun quickly raises the mercury so expect to be basking in 30 degrees Celsius by lunch. Temperatures increase as the season draws on with October being extremely hot and dry, and uncomfortable for those who do not enjoy such high temperatures.
Wildlife viewing is at its best in the dry season as the animals migrate towards permanent sources of life-giving water. This behaviour ensures game viewing is much more reliable and predictable. Huge volumes of wildlife can be seen in one place which makes for great photographic opportunities. The negative aspects of the dry season are the premium price tags the camps carry at this time of year and also the dry and dusty park isn’t as beautiful as it is in the wet season.
The wet season runs from December to March. Rainfall is a feature of most days in the form of heavy showers and thunderstorms, yet it rarely rains all day. Travel can be difficult at this time of year and some roads may become washed out. The presence of water throughout the park and beyond its boundaries allows wildlife to disperse into the hinterland making wildlife viewing generally more of a challenge. However, many species of animals give birth at this time of year so it is the best time to travel for the cuteness factor.
Prices are at their lowest at this time of year but it must be noted most of the remote camps are closed. However, permanent lodges stay open and offer attractive rates.
The wet season is definitely the best time if you are looking for an exclusive safari where other tourist vehicles are a rare sighting. Although Lower Zambezi National Park certainly isn’t a busy park it can suffer occasional crowding around water sources in the dry season.
The transitional shoulder seasons are November and April and May. At these times of year they represent a transition from the dry to wet season and wet to dry season respectively. These months are considered to offer a compromise between the two main seasons.
Quick Facts
- Special Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Location: Borders South Zambia and West Zimbabwe
- Height: 108 metres
- Width: 1708 metres
- Volume: 500 million litres per minute
- Did you know: Victoria Falls is recognised as the largest waterfall on earth due to having the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
Activities
- Bungee jumping
- Helicopter flights
- Microlight flights
- Devil’s pool swimming
- High wire activities (gorge swing, flying fox, zipline)
- Tandem skydiving
- Canoeing on the Zambezi River
- Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park game drives & rhino tracking on foot
Highlights
- Spectacular views of the world’s largest waterfall
- Take to the sky and view the falls from a unique vantage point
- Relax at one of the lodges or camps on the edge of the Zambezi
- Navigate the raging Zambezi on a white-water rafting trip of a lifetime
- Take to the water for a more gentle approach canoeing or sunset cruises
- Test your nerve for heights with a bungee jump
Mosi-oa-Tunya as it is known locally, or more commonly recognised as Victoria Falls, lives up to its Zambian name, it is quite literally The Smoke That Thunders.
It is amongst the most spectacular of earth’s waterfalls. A result of the contents of the Zambezi River, 2 km wide at this point, plunging over the rock face to produce spray that can be seen more than 20 kilometres away.
Victoria Falls is recognised as the largest waterfall in the world. Although it is neither the tallest nor the widest its combination of both these dimensions ensure it is the planet’s greatest sheet of falling water. An astonishing 500 million litres each minute pass over the precipice to continue its journey towards the Indian Ocean.
Visitors flock to this natural wonder of the world for obvious reasons. The sheer magnitude of the Zambezi River, the waterfall itself and the surrounding vegetation make for spectacular viewing. However, this area is also known for being a bit of an adventure playground with a huge variety of adrenaline-fuelled activities to keep you busy. There are of course much more relaxing ways of passing your time for those who want to relax before or after a safari.
The activities are highlighted above and can either be organised by your agent at Ultimate Wildlife Adventures or arranged locally upon arrival at your lodge or camp.
The Falls are easily accessible via the airports close to Livingstone in Zambia or the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This ensures it is logistically easy to combine safari in these two countries with times at the Falls. The waterfall’s proximity to Northern Botswana ensures it is often combined with an overland safari. Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls works as an excellent combination.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is dependent on what it is you personally want to gain from experiencing the world’s largest volume of falling water. In essence, there is no one time of year that offers you the best of everything the Falls has to offer. Each season, and indeed the months within each season, offers you a different experience. Therefore, we provide you with a balanced account throughout the year so you are able to make an informed decision on the best time to visit based on your personal interests.
As with all locations the climate is a huge consideration when deciding the best time to visit. Price of accommodations and the volume of other tourists is also important to most. A huge factor to consider when planning a trip to Victoria Falls is the water levels as this dictates the experience massively and also which activities are available.
The seasons at Victoria Falls are uniform with the surrounding game viewing parks with regards temperatures and rainfall. The wet season runs from November to April and is characterised by daily temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, daily rainfall and inevitably high humidity. November sees the start of the rains with December to February being the wettest months before a drop off in March and relatively little in April. May is somewhat a shoulder season before the onset of the long, dry winter beginning in June and running through to October. Here temperatures drop considerably to lows of around 7 degrees Celsius so warm clothing is advisable for evenings and early mornings. Temperatures quickly recover to 26 degrees during the day thanks to the reliable presence of the sun above clear skies.
The water level is obviously dictated by the rainfall and the ferocity of the water cascading over the Falls is largely dictated by rainfall ‘collected’ in the Zambezi River in the preceding months. Therefore, water levels are highest after the longest unbroken period of rainfall and lowest after long periods of dry weather.
The water level is at its lowest from October to December following the dry winter period. This really isn’t the greatest time to visit for those expecting to see Victoria Falls in all its might as the falling water is reduced to a relative trickle and may have even stopped cascading on the Zambian side. March to June are the months where water levels are at their highest, producing the spectacular show that one expects to see. Walking amongst the Falls is spectacular but expect a drenching. The Falls are spectacular by air and live up to their local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders, being visible from miles away. July to September sees a drop in water levels but this may be a good time to visit for those wanting a clearer view of the Falls to take photographs.
Activities are dictated by the water levels. White water rafting is seasonal and is divided into the low water rafting season and high water rafting season. The former runs from July to roughly mid-February and is the best time to visit as all the rapids can be navigated with excitement but safely. Mid-February until July is the high water season. Operations will still run at this time of year but the first 10 rapids are skipped as they are deemed too dangerous to navigate. In years of extreme water levels operations may cease in this period. Devils Pool and Livingstone Islands are also seasonal and only available in the lower water level months. Activities from the sky are arguably best when the Falls are at their most ferocious.
As with all locations the surrounding vegetation is at its most beautiful at the end of the rains and is reduced to an arid, dusty landscape by the end of the long dry season.
Visitor volume is at its greatest in the dry season months of June to October, peaking in July and August and this is reflected in the prices charged by the lodges and camps.