South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi explorer
From US$ 9,800 per person sharing (10 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
From the wildlife-rich floodplains of Zambia's iconic South Luangwa to the untouched islands of the Lower Zambezi, this authentic safari captures the essence of remote Africa.
Expect epic wildlife encounters and a deep immersion in these two iconic river floodplains through game drives, canoes, boats, and expertly guided walking safaris.
A leopard hotspot, the birthplace of walking safaris & the mighty Zambezi River
Highlights
Outstanding wildlife viewing - including lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena, elephant, buffalo, Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra. This is one of the best places to find leopards.
Remote walking safaris with expert guides: Experience Zambia’s signature style of exploration on foot to gain a more intimate understanding of Luangwa Valley wildlife.
Riverside tranquillity: Drift along the Zambezi River by canoe or boat, watch elephants cross at sunset, and fall asleep to the gentle chorus of hippos and nightjars.
Scenic transfer flights between regions and camps. Our price includes all flights to and from Johannesburg.
Locations
South Luangwa National Park—the birthplace of walking safaris—is also one of the best places to see leopards. Safari life in the valley centres around the Luangwa River and its rich floodplains, which spill over into the surrounding plains, savannas, and woodlands. During the annual flooding season, the river changes course regularly, creating new oxbow lakes and hairpin bends. The vibrant habitats are home to some of Zambia's highest wildlife densities. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas are regularly seen, and Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra are unique to the region. South Luangwa hosts one of the highest populations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa.
Lower Zambezi National Park sweeps from a majestic escarpment in the north down to the fertile alluvial plains of the Zambezi River valley, where most of the wildlife is found. The riverine woodland includes large ebony, fig, and Albida trees, whose seed pods are a major attraction for elephants and browsing animals. Lower Zambezi is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog and hyena. You can get up close to big elephant bulls on foot, enjoy a slow game drive, or take a canoe or boat to see huge pods of hippos and enormous crocodiles. Most visitors arrive by boat or light aircraft—the park’s relative inaccessibility limits tourist numbers.
Lodges
3 nights at Kafunta River Lodge (South Luangwa). A classic safari lodge overlooking the Luangwa River and floodplain, offering superb game drives, walking safaris, and a natural hot spring for unwinding between activities.
1 night at Island Bush Camp (South Luangwa). An intimate, off-grid camp deep in the bush on an island in the Luangwa Valley — authentic, rustic, and ideal for pure walking safaris beneath ancient trees.
2 nights at Three Rivers Camp (South Luangwa). Stylish tented suites overlooking the confluence of three rivers, where wildlife and tranquillity meet in a perfect balance of comfort and wilderness.
3 nights at Chula Island Camp (Lower Zambezi). A secluded tented camp on a private island, combining walking, boating, and canoe safaris with exceptional views of the Zambezi and its prolific wildlife.
Timing
The best time to experience this Zambia safari is from June to October, when dry conditions draw wildlife to rivers and lagoons, vegetation thins for excellent visibility, and walking safaris are at their best.
Price per person sharing
9 nights (10 days) | ||
Low season | May to June 2026 | from US$ 9,800 |
High season | July to October 2026 | from US$ 10,270 |
Includes: All flights Johannesburg-Lusaka-Mfuwe-Jeki-Lusaka-Johannesburg, all inter-camp and airstrip transfers, all accommodation, all meals, local beverages, and daily guided safari activities, park fees, levies, conservation contributions, and emergency medical evacuation facilitation, 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes unless specified, visas, mandatory travel and medical insurance, gratuities, premium drinks, personal expenses, and optional activities not mentioned.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
"Wild & ever-changing"
Stefan Winterboer, Zambia safari expert: "From our lodge, the Luangwa stretched for kilometres. Hippos in the shallows, pelicans riding thermals, elephants bathing for hours. A wild, ever-changing stage just metres from where we sipped cold beer in the heat."
“Paradise”
Our safari concierge, Tracie Walker, says, “Words don’t do Lower Zambezi justice. I spent river cruises quietly floating past elephants swishing reeds in the river while eagles called and the sun set over the escarpment. We paddled past hippos and rarely encountered another vehicle. Paradise.”
“Timing is everything”
Linda Fox, AG Zambia safari expert: “I love how South Luangwa transforms with seasons, from September’s carmine bee-eater spectacle swooping over hippos in shrunken pools to the lush, rain-filled floodplains of December. Each season offers a completely different safari.”
Safari planning
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South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi explorer
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!