Zambia Wilderness Safari Expedition
Prices on request £0
An unbelievably exciting itinerary designed with the intrepid safari traveller in mind. Immerse yourself in true Africa on this wild bush camp walking and canoeing expedition.
Prices: On request
Duration: 11 nights
Availability: May through October
Destinations: South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
Highlights
i) Embark on epic walking safaris in the remote northern sector of the famous South Luangwa National Park
ii) Approach large game such as elephants, lions and hyenas on foot
iii) Transfer from one camp to the next on foot, passing resident game on the way
iv) Sleep in authentic bush camps and experience the sounds of the African night
v) Explore the Lower Zambezi National Park both on foot and by canoe on the Zambezi River
vi) Enjoy game drives and photograph a plethora of animals and birds
All about Zambia Wilderness Safari Expedition.
Overview:
Join us and experience one of the most authentic and exhilarating wildlife safari experiences in Africa. This itinerary has been designed with our most adventurous clients in mind. Immerse yourself into true wild Africa where you won’t just watch the action unfold but actually be a part of it. Leave the comfort of your safari vehicle and embark on one of Africa’s truly adventurous journeys as you transfer from camp to camp on foot, pass hippopotamus and elephants in your canoe, and sleep in traditional bush camps. This adventure is not for the faint hearted, but for those with a true sense of adventure it will provide a lasting memory.
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:
- Specialist walking expeditions
- Canoeing safaris
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Motorboat safaris
- Fishing
- Birding
- Mountain bike safaris
- Cultural visits (schools and villages)
Optional activities:
- All available activities are included in the price
The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the tour price.
- 11 nights accommodation as described
- All meals and drinks
- All safari activities as described above
- All ground transfers
- Domestic flight Lusaka to Mfuwe
- Domestic flight Jeki to Lusaka
- Domestic flight South Luangwa (Mwanya/Lukuzi) to Lower Zambezi (Jeki airstrip)
- All meals and drinks (except superior wines)
- All relevant taxes and surcharges
- Full financial supplier failure protection
- ATOL protection on all items
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the tour price.
- International flight to and from Zambia
- Airport transfers in home country
- Applicable VISAS
- Tips and gratuities
- Health innoculations and medications
- Personal travel insurance
- Day 1 Your Ultimate Wildlife Adventure Begins
- Day 2 Tafika Camp, South Luangwa National Park (all-inclusive)
- Days 3-4 Tafika Camp, South Luangwa National Park (all-inclusive)
- Days 5-6 Chikoko Trails @ Crocodile River Camp, South Luangwa National Park (all-inclusive)
- Days 7-8 Chikoko Trails @ Chikoko Tree Camp, South Luangwa National Park (all-inclusive)
- Days 9-10 Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park (all-inclusive)
- Days 11-12 Chula Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park (all-inclusive)
- Day 13 The End Of Your Ultimate Wildlife Adventure (B)
Our RecommendationsTafika Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp
Crocodile River Camp
Chula Island Camp
Kutali Camp
Tafika Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Overview: Tafika Camp is a remote camp north of the Nsefu sector in the north of South Luangwa National Park. It is located on the east bank of the Luangwa River with no other settlements within miles. It is ideal for those who enjoy the serenity of the bush. Nestled under the canopy of giant leadwood trees, the camp provides stunning views of the river affording ample opportunity to witness elephants crossing, hippos wallowing and kingfishers patiently pursuing their prey
Accommodation: Accommodates up to 14 guests in six spacious chalets with en suite facilities. Four chalets have twin double beds in each room; the honeymoon suite has an enormous king size bed; and a final chalet with two rooms, a king size bed and two doubles serves as the family suite. The family chalet has an add-on hide which overlooks the camp’s waterhole.
Facilities & Amenities: Central dining area. Minimal
Power & communication: The camp is run on solar power. Charging facilities are available centrally and not in rooms. There are rechargeable solar fans. There is no WiFi or mobile phone signal
Activities: Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, mountain bike safaris, cultural visits (schools and villages)
Children: Children of 6 years of age and above are welcome at camp. Only guests of 12 years and above are permitted on walking safaris.
Accessibility: Fly into Mfuwe Airport and then transfer to camp 1.5-2 hours overland or by charter flight to Lukuzi.
Availability: 1st May to 15th November
Chikoko Tree Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Overview: At Chikoko Tree Camp, the chalets are raised to tree canopy level, providing a shady and comfortable vantage point from which to enjoy the magnificent view of the plains and animal activities along the seasonal Chikoko Channel in front of camp.
Accommodation: The camp comprises 3 twin chalets accommodating a maximum of 6 guests at any one time. Each chalet is en suite with safari style bucket showers and flush toilets.
Facilities & Amenities: Facilities are minimal as one would expect at a bush camp of this nature.
Power & communication: The camp runs on solar power. The charging area is centrally located. There is no WiFi or mobile phone network.
Activities: Walking safaris only
Children: Those aged 12 years and over are welcome at camp. 12 years is also the minimum age for walking safaris
Accessibility: Fly into Mfuwe Airport and then transfer to camp 1.5-2 hours overland or by charter flight to Lukuzi. If accessing the camp from Tafika you will travel by 4×4, followed by a canoe across the river and then walk into camp.
Availability: 25th May to 31st October
Crocodile River Camp
South Luangwa National Park111
Overview: Crocodile River Camp is located in the walking only sector in the far north of South Luangwa National Park. The camp skirts an old river bank lined with majestic ebony trees and overlooks a dry ox-bow lagoon, offering panoramic views of game frequenting these grazing grounds
Accommodation: The camp comprises 3 twin chalets accommodating a maximum of 6 guests at any one time. Each chalet is en suite with safari style bucket showers and flush toilets.
Facilities & Amenities: The camp benefits from a waterhole. Otherwise facilities are minimal as one would expect at a bush camp of this nature.
Power & communication: The camp runs on solar power. The charging area is centrally located. There is no WiFi or mobile phone network.
Activities: Walking safaris only
Children: Those aged 12 years and over are welcome at camp. 12 years is also the minimum age for walking safaris
Accessibility: Fly into Mfuwe Airport and then transfer to camp 1.5-2 hours overland or by charter flight to Lukuzi. If accessing the camp from Tafika you will travel by 4×4, followed by a canoe across the river and then walk into camp.
Availability: 1st June to 31st October
Chula Island Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
Overview: Chula means frog in Goba – the local language in the vicinity of its location. It is located on the Katengahumba /Discovery Island amongst Natal mahogany trees and sandy beaches. The island is like Jurassic Park being full of surprises and new discoveries such as hidden lagoons and open dambos. The game inhabiting this area is unbelievable and guests do not actually need to venture further than this island paradise.
Accommodation: 4 fly camp tents. Each has its own en suite outdoor bathroom with running water, flush toilets and classic safari style bucket showers.
Facilities & Amenities: As expected of a camp of this nature there is little by the way of facilities and amenities. The safari experience is all the entertainment you will require.
Power & communication: There is no WiFi available and mobile phone network coverage is poor. Power in the tents is limited with the central mess tent being the only place available to charge electrical equipment.
Activities: Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, canoeing, motorboat safaris and fishing.
Children: 12 years and older are welcome in camp.
Accessibility: The camp is most easily accessed by air into the Jeki Airstrip within the national park.
Kutali Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
Overview: Kutali Camp is found in a remote location on Kulefu Island inside the Lower Zambezi National Park. Both Kutali and Kulefu mean far away place, a fitting description of the camp. Located on the banks of the river within a classic winter thorn forest. Kulefu Island offers excellent Canoeing and walking possibilities and is just a river crossing away from mainland for our game drives.
Accommodation: 4 fly camp tents. Each has its own en suite outdoor bathroom with running water, flush toilets and classic safari style bucket showers.
Facilities & Amenities: As expected of a camp of this nature there is little by the way of facilities and amenities. The safari experience is all the entertainment you will require.
Power & communication: There is no WiFi available and mobile phone network coverage is poor. Power in the tents is limited with the central mess tent being the only place available to charge electrical equipment.
Activities: Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, canoeing, motorboat safaris and fishing.
Children: 12 years and older are welcome in camp.
Accessibility: The camp is most easily accessed by air into the Jeki Airstrip within the national park.
Tafika Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Chikoko Tree Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Crocodile River Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Chula Island Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
Kutali Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park
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 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.
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Tafika Camp aerial view
Tafika is located on the Luangwa River remote from any other tourist areas
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Tafika Camp
The large and open rooms are outdoorsy and comfortable
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Tafika Camp afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is served ahead of the afternoon game activity
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Tafika Camp
Start the day with a thrilling al-fresco breakfast on the banks of the Luangwa
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Tafika sundowners
Sundowners in a perfect spot are the ideal way to end a day on safari
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Tafika Camp activities
Mountain biking amongst large game is a rare and privileged activity
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Tafika Camp night drive
The cover of darkness brings a completely different feel to the bush
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Tafika Camp
Enjoy game drives both day and night
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Tafika Camp
The South Luangwa N.P is renowned for beautiful sunsets
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Tafika Camp cycling safari
Approach large game from the comfort of your bike!!!
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Tafika Camp hide
Experience fearless wildlife from close quarters in the Tafika hide
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Tafika Camp game drives
Lions are a regular and reliable sighting in South Luangwa National Park
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Chikoko Tree Camp
Open and elevated rooms enhance your sense of outdoor living
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Chikoko Tree Camp
Experience the unique design of the camp
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Chikoko Trails
Walking allows you to come across all manner of sightings
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Chikoko Trails
Small groups allow you to get close to special wildlife moments
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Chikoko Trails
Experience the essence of Africa entirely on foot
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Crocodile River Camp
The camp is located in the remote northern sector of South Luangwa N.P
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Crocodile River Camp
Relax in your hammock swing outside your chalet
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Chula Island Camp
En suite tents
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Chula Island Camp
Tents are spaced out to provide privacy
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Motorboat safari
Your carriage awaits
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Milky way night sky
Nowhere is the milky way so obvious than in Southern Africa
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Al-fresco bush dinner
Enjoy dinner under the stars
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Kutali Camp
Enjoy wildlife viewing from the comfort of your own tent
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Kutali Camp
Each tent has its own outside en suite area
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Kutali Camp
En suite tents
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Kutali Camp
En suite tents located in a cool winterthorn forest
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Kutali Camp
Enjoy serene views over water channels surrounding Kulefu Island
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Kutali Camp
The central mess tent
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Baby elephants top the cuteness charts of most safari guests
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Boating safaris
Explore the area from an entirely different perspective
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Motorboat safari
Close encounters with big game are always possible from the water.
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African sunset cruise
Enjoy sundowners whilst cruising the waterways
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Motorboat safari
Close encounters with game at the water's edge is common
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Walking Safari
Enjoy a much deserved beverage after a walk through the bush
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Canoeing safari
Elephants emerge from the dense forests
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African lion
Keep your eyes peeled!
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Sundowners in the bush
Enjoy sundowners in the middle of erm....... nowhere
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African elephants
Large herds of elephant and buffalo roam the forests
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African elephant
Exceptional sightings are everywhere
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Dead tree river
Watch as hippos emerge and submerge at sunset
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Common hippopotamus
Hippos are regular sightings on boating and canoe safaris
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Kudu
Magnificent antelope common in Southern Africa
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African leopard
Look up into the trees for leopard sightings
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African leopard
A mother and cub take a drink
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Leopard
Although nocturnal leopards can be seen by day
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Lion hunting impala
Will you be luck enough to experience a hunt?
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Lion cub
No words required
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Saddle-billed stork
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Serval
The serval is a rare sighting on safari
