(No availability) 11 Day Best of Zambia Luxury Safari in Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, and South Luangwa
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Classic Zambia Safari
From the mighty Victoria Falls to the floodplains of the Zambezi River and the iconic South Luangwa National Park, this trip covers all of the highlights of Zambia. The range of places you visit and experiences you enjoy make this the perfect introduction to this most captivating of safari destinations.
Key information
- Starts in Livingstone, ends in Lusaka
- English-speaking guide
Highlights
- Visit the incredible Victoria Falls and Lower Zambezi Park
- Explore South Luangwa National Park
- Unparalleled game viewing experience
- A birders paradise
- The perfect way to see the best Zambia has to offer
- 10 nights of stunning accommodation
- Meals are provided
Styles
Accommodation
You will stay at beautiful and intimate lodges and camps where the incredible knowledge and helpfulness of the staff will make your stay far more interesting and fascinating.
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is located 35 minutes from Livingstone in a lovely, secluded position on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River with views to the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank.
Accommodation comprises seven cottages set around sweeping gardens and lawns – some on the riverbank and some overlooking the private lake with its beautiful birdlife. The double, twin, or family en-suite bedrooms are open to the high thatch (nice and cool in the hot sun), with mosquito nets, overhead fans, and air conditioning. Every room has a terrace with lounging furniture for sunbathing, birdwatching, private dinners or just relaxing.
Activities at the lodge include visits to Victoria Falls, sunset, dawn, and daytime cruises, guided birding, visits to the local village, and trips to Livingstone to explore local markets.
Baines' River Camp
Found on the banks of the Zambezi River, just to the west of the beautiful Lower Zambezi National Park, Baines’ River Camp is a superb spot from which to explore this icon of Zambia and offers the full range of activities that make this such an alluring place to visit.
There are 8 Suites and a Family House here, so a maximum of 20 guests meaning it has a very private and intimate feel, even when full in the height of the safari season. Shaded from the harsh African sun by Jackalberry and Tamarind trees and with stunning views out over the river, it really is an idyllic spot.
The suites are all of solid construction and have air conditioning, which is very welcoming in the hotter months, as well as their own private verandas with amazing river views. Inside, they are very spacious and comfortable with beautiful en-suite bathrooms at the rear.
The family house also has its own lounge and dining area so is ideal for those looking for some privacy during their stay. The main area of the lodge has a strong colonial theme to it, with lots of deep, comfortable sofas, a cozy lounge and bar area, and the chance to dine alfresco should the weather allow.
A sparkling swimming pool overlooks the mighty Zambezi and is the ideal place to cool off and relax in between safari activities.
Guests staying at Baines’ can enjoy the full range of Lower Zambezi activities including game drives, guided walks, boat canoe safaris, and sunset river cruises. The program offers morning and afternoon safaris and can be adapted to suit guests’ needs and offer preferred activities at the preferred time.
Kafunta River Lodge
Located in east Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Kafunta River Lodge is a charming destination that combines luxury and relaxation with adventure and safari to provide an unforgettable holiday. The surrounding floodplains and the impressive Luangwa River in the background make it a stunning location, and the abundant wildlife means that there will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters.
The friendly and experienced staff are passionate about Africa and its wildlife, and will share their extensive knowledge with you. The lodge is accessed by aircraft and road transfer.
Accommodation consists of ten rooms, including eight luxury chalets and two luxury suites. All rooms enjoy excellent views over the beautiful floodplain and Luangwa River and have en-suite bathrooms with running water.
The thatched chalets are raised on wooden decking and have African-style décor. The luxury suites also have a private deck along with an upstairs viewing veranda. The main areas include a fire pit, a treetop viewing deck, and a thatched lounge and dining area as well as a spa, infinity pool, and natural hot tub.
Twice a day experienced guides will take you on game drives around the park, which is a perfect opportunity to see Zambia’s amazing wildlife up close. You can cross the river via the lodge’s own pontoon to visit areas of Luangwa that are more remote. The on-site hide provides the opportunity to have wildlife encounters from the comfort of the lodge itself.
In your downtime, you can visit the lodge’s spa for some relaxing treatments or have a meal on the tree-viewing deck while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Program
Pre-arrival
Fly overnight to Johannesburg.
Day 1 - On to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Connect through Johannesburg on to Livingstone, landing there in the early afternoon. A short transfer will take you up-river to Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, your home for the next 3 nights. Enjoy a late lunch on the deck overlooking the river and towards Zimbabwe on the other bank. After some time to relax you will be able to enjoy one of the lodge’s afternoon activities, with a gentle boat cruise on the Zambezi the perfect introduction to your time in the region.
Day 2 - Exploring from Waterberry
Naturally, you will want to visit the Victoria Falls and this morning will be an opportunity to do so. Accompanied by a guide from the lodge you can enjoy a walk around the network of paths that surround The Falls and marvel at the sheer size of them as the Zambezi plunges in to Batonka Gorge below. Head back to the lodge for lunch and then enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the sparkling swimming pool.
Day 3 - Explore or relax – the choice is yours
Aside from visits to The Falls, the lodge offers a range of inclusive activities such as birding trips, visits to local villages, and guided tours of Livingstone town and the David Livingstone museum. If you are looking to explore further they can also arrange helicopter or microlight flights, bungee jumps, gorge swings, rhino tracking in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and visits to the Zimbabwean side to get a totally different perspective on Victoria Falls.
Day 4 - To the Lower Zambezi
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace before being transferred back to the airport for a flight up to the Lower Zambezi National Park. From the airstrip, you will be transferred through the park to Baines’ River Camp where you will be spending the next 3 nights. After some time to settle in you will enjoy a game drive to orientate yourself with the area, enjoying amazing predator sightings as your guide takes you through this incredibly beautiful park.
Day 5 - On safari from Baines'
One of the great joys of visiting the Lower Zambezi is the sheer variety of activities on offer. As well as game drives, they offer boat cruises along the river, which are especially popular with birders and photographers but are also ideal for late afternoon sundowner drinks trips. Canoe safaris and guided walks certainly appeal to more adventurous guests who want the thrill of exploring the park and getting as close to nature as they can – a truly exhilarating experience.
Day 6 - Enjoying the camp
Of course, safaris aren’t all about being out and about spotting wildlife – they are a great time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the area that you are visiting.
Baines' Camp is perfect for this, with its riverside location offering dramatic views across the Zambezi and onto Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park on the far bank. The secluded swimming pool is the perfect spot to soak up the afternoon sunshine and the food at the lodge is exquisite.
Day 7 - On to the South Luangwa
After breakfast in the camp, enjoy a game drive and transfer back to the airstrip for a flight up to Mfuwe airport on the edge of the South Luangwa National Park. A guide will be waiting to transfer you into the park and on to Kafunta River Lodge, a delightful lodge on the floodplains of the Luangwa River where you will spend 4 nights.
You will have some time to relax this afternoon and enjoy the sunshine before heading out to enjoy an afternoon game drive in this most beautiful of parks.
Day 8 - Exploring from Kafunta
Kafunta’s remote location is one of its biggest attractions, meaning guests staying here can enjoy a truly exclusive experience, as well as a wider variety of activities than camps in the busier parts of the park. As well as game drives, they offer guided walks through the park, the opportunity to spend time in their specially designed photography hide as well as the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Centre which is just 20 minutes from the lodge.
Day 9 - Abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes
The variety of wildlife that lives in the South Luangwa has to be seen to be believed. It is renowned for its excellent predator sightings, with evening leopard sightings especially common. Huge herds of buffaloes and elephants roam the plains and guests can also see endemic species such as puku, delightful little antelope that congregate in large numbers to keep them safe from predators. The birding is also outstanding, so bring your binoculars and bird book.
Day 10 - Make the time to relax as well
Beyond offering an incredible wildlife viewing experience, Kafunta is renowned for having a superb variety of leisure facilities which make it one of the most desirable camps in the South Luangwa. The large swimming pool commands amazing views over the surrounding plains and staff are always on hand to serve drinks who are relaxing there. The small spa offers a variety of treatments and there is even a gym for those who are looking to work off the excellent food for which Kafunta is renowned.
Day 11 - The journey home
After breakfast you will set off for Mfuwe Airport, taking the time along the way to visit Project Luangwa, a charity which Kafunta supports and helps to improve the lives of people living around the park. You can also pop into Mulberry Mongoose, a delightful jewelry workshop selling handcrafted pieces. From Mfuwe, fly to Lusaka and connect on to Johannesburg for your overnight flight back home.
Location
This safari tour will take you to Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi National Park, and South Luangwa National Park.
Food
- 3 nights with all meals at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
- 3 nights fully inclusive at Baines' River Camp
- 4 nights fully inclusive at Kafunta River Lodge
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Regional and domestic flights
- All applicable transfers
- 3 nights with all meals and one daily activity at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge - Chalet
- 3 nights fully inclusive at Baines' River Camp - Chalet
- 4 nights fully inclusive at Kafunta River Lodge - Chalet
What's not included
- International flights to Johannesburg
- Drinks at Waterberry Zambezi
- Premium drinks and items of a personal nature
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
19 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
From Johannesburg, take a flight to Livingstone to begin the safari, then return via Lusaka.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 14 days before arrival.
