Description
South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi – 10 Days
South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks
Combining the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa your journey begins in the epitome of the Zambian wilderness. This safari has an incredible start to game viewing. Scenery of the Southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley and the Murchison Escarpment is breathtaking. Beautiful riverine vegetation and open plains support very different prey and predators.
South Luangwa has the highest density of Leopards than any other park in Africa and supports good elephant populations too. Puku, Defassa Waterbuck, Zebra, Buffalo, Giraffe and more. Wild Dogs have healthy numbers here too and sightings of them are regular. Relax on the banks of the Luangwa river at Kafunta River lodge with beautiful views up and down the river.
Morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and of course walking safaris. The central location of Kafunta River Lodge allows us to explore vast areas of South Luangwa National Park. Relax in the privacy of your viewing deck, or swim in the infinity pool while watching elephants at the waterhole. The lodge also features the only natural hot spring tub of Mfuwe, an intimate wellness spa and a small gym.
Lower Zambezi National Park
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Mfuwe Airport for a short flight to Lower Zambezi National Park and Jeki Airstrip. Spend three nights at Chongwe River Camp. Set on the banks of the Zambezi river there are stunning views over into Mana Pools – a World Heritage Site. Birding here is absolutely excellent.
Morning and afternoon game drives, private pools, night drives and walks will send you from fully relaxed to heart stopping game viewing action. Both accommodation locations and the parks are the top safari destinations Zambia has to offer.
Consult our travel advice for your Zambia safari.
If you would like to support conservation in South Luangwa National Park visit Conservation South Luangwa to get involved.
If you love combining different parks for your safari to Africa then have a look at our Kafue and South Luangwa Valley 12 day safari.
Getting There
Fly In
You can fly directly into Lusaka with either Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways or South African Airways.
On arriving in Lusaka you will be met by your safari representative who will assist you to your light aircraft flight to Mfuwe International. Once at Mfuwe you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your first accommodation.
Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Lusaka – Mfuwe
Arrival in Mfuwe where our driver will collect you at the airport and transfer you to Kafunta River Lodge (50 min) passing through various villages. Depending on your arrival time, you will participate in the afternoon safari leaving the lodge at 15h30.
Day 2 – Kafunta River Lodge
Enjoy an early breakfast and depart for your morning game drive at around 06h30. You will be back at the lodge around 10h00. After a heavy brunch, relax at the pool, book a spa treatment or enjoy a siesta on your viewing deck before meeting for afternoon tea at 15h00. The afternoon game drive departs at 15h30 and returns at 19h30.
Day 3 – 7 – Kafunta River Lodge
This morning you will have a walk or game drive followed by an early brunch at Three Rivers Camp, before the transfer back to Kafunta River Lodge. You will be arriving at the lodge around 14h30, and you can relax before joining afternoon tea and the afternoon game drive.
Day 8 – Chongwe River Camp
Today we will transfer you to Mfuwe Airport with an optional stop at Project Luangwa craft-shop or Tribal Textiles (to be scheduled in advanced, allow an extra 45 minutes) in time for your flight to Lower Zambezi (Jeki airstrip). Proflight flies either directly Mfuwe-Jeki or sometimes via Lusaka, as their schedule varies. Upon arrival in Jeki, you will have a 60-minute boat transfer to Chongwe River Camp.
Day 9 & 10 – Chongwe River Camp
A stay in the Lower Zambezi offers you a broad choice of activities such as river safari, sunset cruise, fishing trip, canoe safari, bush walks or game drives. The routine is similar to South Luangwa, starting with an early breakfast, returning mid-morning from your activity for brunch, spending relaxing time in camp and savouring an afternoon tea before the afternoon activity. Whatever you choose, you will be sure to enjoy traditional sundowners with stunning views of the Zambezi River.
Day 11 – Departure
Today you are transferred back to Jeki airstrip to fly back to Lusaka. Depending on your flight departure time, you may have the option of a last morning activity or a sleep in. Flight Jeki-Lusaka with Proflight (35 min). End of services at Lusaka airport.
