Description
Kafue Explorer – 7 Days
Short and Sensational
Your safari starts and ends in Livingstone, Zambia.
Kafue Explorer is a magical adventure into one of Africa’s largest National Parks.
Arrive in Victoria Falls a few days before the tour departs. There are too many things to see and do so you will want time before or after the tour to relax and enjoy your surroundings. We will gladly advise and book accommodation to suit your budget amd arrange activities that we can recommend. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi river, walking with Rhino and White Water Rafting are just a few.
Hope into a helicopter and view the Falls National Park from the sky. This perspective is truly unique, you now really got to see how amazing the Batoka Gorge is and how far it stretches, its exhilarating. The Smoke that Thunders, depending on the time of year and how much water is flowing, can be amazing to see. In full flood the force of all that water plummeting down sends the spray vertically.
Exploring Kafue National Park with experts is the best way to get the most out of such a vast park. We know where to look for which animals and we are always blessed with fantastic wildlife sightings and interactions. We support Elephant conservation so on all the tours we will visit the Kafue Release Facility of Game Rangers International. You will witness first hand the baby Elephants and how they are reintegrated into the wild.
Bush camping, bird watching, going into places in the park that less than 1% of tourists ever venture is thrilling and exciting. Lying in your rooftop tent at night while animal sounds come from all around. Spoor in the morning reveals late night visitors.
Join us for one of these tours and create a memory of a lifetime with Zambia and African Safari Experts.
Read our Country Information for travel advice to Zambia. Read our Country Information for travel advice to Zambia.For more information on our 4X4 tours read our blog on Safari Questions.
Like to combine Kafue with Mana Pools in Zimbabwe? Explore our Kafue and Mana Pools Safari.
If you are looking for something longer then explore our ten day and fourteen day Kafue safari’s. Or our 10 day combo of Lower Zambezi & Mana Pools.
If you prefer the lap of luxury for your safari to Africa then consider Shumba, Busanga Bush Camp or join the brothers for walking safari’s at Musekese or Ntemwa Busanga.
Have you ever witnessed the annual bat migration? Have a look at our 10 Day Bat Safari to Kasanka National Park.
How to Get There
Fly In
Fly in to Livingstone in Zambia with British Airways, South African Airways or Kenya Airways from Cape Town, Johannesburg and other origins.
If you need to overnight in Johannesburg please get in touch with us for accommodation.
On your arrival in Livingstone you will be met at the airport and driven to your accommodation. The airport is a mere 15 minutes from town and most hotels are very close to this on the banks of the Zambezi River.
For flights and on the ground arrangements, get in touch with us for expert advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Livingstone
On arrival at Livingstone International Airport you will be met by Charles who will transfer you to Maramba River Lodge, a short 15-minute drive. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. At 3pm we will depart for our 2 hour boat cruise on Lady Livingstone cruising the waterways of the mighty Zambezi River (bring a warm jacket and binoculars). (D)
Day 2 – Kabula
We depart Livingstone heading West for a leisurely drive passing local villages & experiencing the Zambian culture. We will visit the Ngonya Waterfalls this afternoon, shaped like a horse shoe they were discovered by David Livingstone before he set eyes on the larger Victoria Falls. Our overnight stop is set on the banks of the Zambezi River, this is an idyllic site to rest after the day’s drive. (BLD)
Day 3 – Wild Bushcamp
With an early start to the day we head North to Mongu where the road turns East for the entrance to Kafue. It’s a long drive but there will be time to stop and stretch our legs in Mongu as we refuel the vehicles. Tonight we will bushcamp in the Mufunta GMA. (BLD)
Day 4 & 5 – Mayukuyuku
Entering Kafue from the West we will begin some earnest game driving as we make our way slowly Eastwards over Hook Bridge and the Kafue River. Game viewing is said to be extremely good in this area & Peter Moyo will tell us where we need to be looking. He has been working in Kafue since 1992 and has an intimate knowledge of game movements.
Our fifth day will be an early departure with packed breakfast & lunch as we are going to explore Northwards as far as possible into the Busanga area of the Kafue. The Busanga plains are famous for big cats & excellent wildlife sightings. We will stop for a short coffee break as well as lunch in the shade of some trees with a view of the plains. We will return to Mayukuyuku for our overnight stop. (BLD)
Day 6 – Kasabushi
Today will see us return across Hook Bridge to the Western side of the Kafue River to begin our journey South along the Western shore of lake Itezhi-Tezhi. The central section is wild and very undiscovered with tracks & fire-breaks that will use to find Sable and Roan antelope and some of the other rare species that Kafue is well known for. Kasabushi lies on the banks of the river with some fantastic scenery and excellent birding opportunities. (BLD)
Day 7 – Hippo Bay
From Kasabushi to Hippo Bay on the shores of the lake is not far giving us time to seek out the more elusive animals. There is a lot to explore in this area of the Kafue. The incredible Teak forests are surreal to drive through, huge trees’ and dense thickets make this an ideal habitat for the diminutive Blue Duiker. We will visit the David Shepherd Elephant Orphanage to see the work that Rachel & Game Rangers International are doing to rehabilitate elephant babies back into the wild. Arriving at Hippo Bay on the shores of the lake in the midafternoon will give us time to visit the local town, take on fuel & spend some time relaxing in a chair on the lake shores. (BLD)
Day 8 – Livingstone
We leave Hippo Bay and the shores of Itezhi-Tezhi heading South over the Nanzhila Plains and along the Cordon Road through the mopani forests bound for the Dumdumwezi gate. This is a fascinating road as the vegetation changes from dense mopane thickets to more open savanna. These open areas are ideal Cheetah hunting grounds. Exiting the park, we will pass through the small town of Kalomo where you get a really good impression of how the local people live and survive. This is a Game Management Area, so the local farmers do have to contend with wildlife in their fields. Arriving in Livingstone around 16h00 will give us time to un-pack, un-wind & enjoy a sundowner on the deck. (BLD)
Included/Excluded
Included:
- Meet & transfer from Livingstone Airport to Maramba River Lodge (a 15-minute drive)
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Maramba River Lodge – one night before the tour, one night after the tour
- Guided tour of the Victoria Falls by your guide
- Vehicle use for the duration of the expedition
- All National Park entrance fees’
- Private Chef preparing all meals (Our chef has 25 years’ experience & will provide delicious meals with silver service dinner table dining)
- Accommodation (roof top tent)
- Bedding & linen
- Safe, clean drinking water for the duration of the tour
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner while on tour)
- All camping site costs
- All guiding by professional guides & 4X4 experts
- Satellite phone – medical emergencies only.
- Charging facility for camera batteries
- Mosquito repellent
- A head torch – to be returned at the end of the tour
- Should you wish to do personal laundry whilst in the bush we will provide water & detergents as well as a washing line.
- Biodegradable soap & shampoo
Optional Activities on tour:
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river on “Lady Livingstone” (includes return transfer from the Maramba River Lodge, National Park Fees’, snacks, selected drinks and 2-hour boat cruise)
- Organised game drives – provided by one of the lodges where we will camp using their guide & vehicle
- Night drives – a night drive provided by one of the lodges where we will camp using their guide & vehicle
- Bush walks (Guide & ZAWA Scout) – a walk with a guide from one of the lodges where we will camp as well as an armed Zambia Wildlife Authority game scout
Excluded:
- Personal travel insurance
- Local and international flights
- Any additional or optional activities not listed above
- Any items of a personal nature
- Gratuities of any kind
- Malaria medication – please consult your Doctor.
Please note:
No children under 16 years of age are allowed on the tour.
A maximum of 20kg soft bag is appropriate. No hard-shell cases can be carried. Excess luggage can be stored safely in Livingstone.
Only bio-degradable products are allowed on tour – we will provide this.
It is preferable to plan your itinerary for an early morning arrival in Johannesburg with a connecting flight to Livingstone the same day.
No white, blue or black clothing is advised for your own comfort.
Vehicle fridges are for catering purposes & a very limited amount of personal alcohol or drinks can be stored.
Only medical dietary requirements will be catered to due to availability.
