15 Day Walking Safari in Luangwa National Parks, Bangweulu Swamps, and More in Zambia

Rather than just doing game drives and exploring the area in a vehicle, an exploration on foot opens up different experiences and a new perspective on the natural surroundings. You will often not hear the sounds of birds in a vehicle, nor will you see the soldier ants carrying their loot after a raid on the termites.

Bundu Adventures' aim is not to offer the ‘classic’ walking safari experience that renowned operators in the Luangwa Valley are famous for. They offer a safari with occasional short walks in areas that are suited to be explored on foot. Length and location of the walks may vary according to time of year and rainfall during the previous rainy season, and of course, the various locations that you'll be in.

The walks are not strenuous, but normal fitness and health are required to enjoy the excursions on foot.

Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka

After arrival at Lusaka Airport at around lunchtime, you'll be transferred to Protea Safari Lodge near Lusaka. Overnight stay will be in modern rooms and you can have dinner at the restaurant of the hotel (not included).

Day 2: Kasanka National Park

Transfer from Chisamba to Kasanka National Park (around six hours driving). The rare and very shy Sitatunga Antelope can normally be seen grazing close to the campsite. You'll do a walking trip in the afternoon. Camping will be inside the National Park. (Full board - FB)

Days 3 and 4: Bangweulu Swamps

After breakfast, transfer to Bangweulu Wetlands (around four hours). These remote swamps are unique in ecology, fauna, and flora. The water covers huge areas of the swamps until about April each year, when the waterline slowly recedes, and water birds congregate to feed in the pools and channels.

In the afternoon of Day 3, you will do a game drive to explore the area. On Day 4, you will be looking for the elusive Shoebilled Stork (depending on the water level, you'll either walk or take a canoe; the walk can also involve wading through the swamp). This interesting, strange-looking bird has become very rare in most parts of Africa, but there in the Bangweulu, they are fairly common.

Seeing the herds of thousands of lechwe in this seemingly endless landscape will also be an unforgettable African experience!

• Camping at Nsobe Campsite (2x FB)

Days 5 and 6: Mutinondo Wilderness

Early in the morning, you'll drive to your next stop, Mutinondo Wilderness (five to six hours driving). Huge ‘whalebacks’ (granite boulders) scattered in between the Miombo Forest create the unique landscape of Mutinondo. You will have a full day to explore and enjoy the special atmosphere in this area. Then, you'll either do two short walks or one long walk on Day 6.

• 2x camping (2x FB)

Day 7: Kapishya Hot Springs

After breakfast, you'll drive to your next stopover, Kapishya Hot Springs (four to five hours driving). In the afternoon, you will take a walk to the Chusa Waterfall. Before and after the hike, you can relax in the hot springs. Situated nearby is the historic house, Shiwa N'Gandu (possible visit at your own expense instead of the walk; entrance fees will apply).

• Camping on the banks of the Manshya River (FB)

Day 8: North Luangwa National Park

Drive to the north-western boundary of North Luangwa National Park (around three hours driving). You'll set up your camp at Samala Camp near the Mano Gate. In the afternoon, you will take a walk along the river, and it is possible to take a refreshing bath in the mountain stream.

• Camping at the Samala Campsite at the park’s border (FB)

Day 9: North Luangwa National Park

This day’s stage will take you from 1,400 m altitude down the escarpment to the hot Luangwa Valley. While you drive, the temperature gets hotter, and the lush Miombo Forest gives way to the hot savannah (around three hours driving).

You will do a short walk in the close surroundings of the campsite with a scout. Big herds of hippos call this area their home, and elephants and various species of antelopes can be seen from the camp.

• Camping at the campsite just outside the National Park (FB)

Day 10: Through Luambe NP to South Luangwa NP:

Pack up and drive via Luambe National Park to the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park (around three hours driving).

South Luangwa NP is known for its abundance of African wildlife: Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s gnu, Crawshay’s zebra, and big herds of buffalo and elephant. In the afternoon, you will do a game drive in the Nsefu sector of the park (no walking trip planned on this day).

• Camping on the Luangwa River close to Chibembe Nature Reserve (FB)

Days 11 and 12: South Luangwa National Park - Mfuwe area

Through traditional villages, drive to the central area of the South Luangwa National Park, where you'll set up your tent at Wildlife Camp (around one and a half hours driving). On these days, you will explore the area with a game viewing vehicle on the game drive along the river, which often produces spectacular sightings. Hippo families occur in high numbers in the river, unequalled in Africa.

• 2x camping on the banks of the Luangwa River at Wildlife Camp (2x FB)

Days 13 and 14: Walking safari in South Luangwa NP

After another morning game drive, you will pack a small backpack and start your walking trip in the afternoon to the bushcamp, which is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River under huge natal mahogany trees, providing shade during the hot days. Wildlife is in abundance and can be spotted from the bushcamp. A fully qualified guide and scout will lead the trek.

The next morning, sunrise and birdsong will wake up the bush. After breakfast, it will be time to pack up and head back to camp on foot - another three hours through Africa’s wilderness. In the afternoon of Day 14, you will do a last game drive for sunset.

• 2x camping (2x FB)

Day 15: Departure

• Transfer to Mfuwe Airport and departure

Change of itinerary for October tour

The safari will be conducted vice versa (start in Mfuwe on 17.10 and depart from Lusaka on 31.10.2026).