Description
South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi – 10 Days
Both South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi rate as top destinations in Zambia. These are premier areas for many different activities. While the big game may stay the same the birds will not. Your species checklist could be over the six hundred mark so if you’re a keen birder, this is a bucket list tour.
Starting in the Valley you are at the bottom of the Great East Africa Rift Valley. The Murchison Escarpment looms to the West and provides a dramatic back drop to your sunsets. The Luangwa Valley is a stunning location and your accommodations while rustic are completely comfortable and your every need will be seen to. This remote area is famous for big cats, Hyena, Wild Dogs and Elephants.
Relax in the privacy of your viewing deck during the heat of the day 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.
After South Luangwa your itinerary will take you to Lower Zambezi National Park to enjoy three nights at the exquisite Chongwe River Camp. Here you can choose between numerous game-viewing activities. Sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi river, canoe excursions provide dramatic scenery and very unique game viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and more walking.
Sublime peace on your private deck during siesta time is great for birding and game viewing across the river. Mana Pools and Zimbabwe on the opposite bank is sure to leave you amazed at the scenery of this area. Birding is incredible and if you sit quietly close to a bird bath or some bread crumbs you will be not be disappointed with the variety to be seen.
Read 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.
Is your safari to Africa on a budget? No problem, explore our 8 day Luangwa and Livingstone tour.
How to Get There
Fly In
Fly directly into Lusaka with either Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways or South African Airways.
On your arrival in Lusaka you will be met by your safari representative who will assist you to your light aircraft for the flight to Mfuwe. Here your guide will meet you for the transfer to your first bush camp.
Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Kafunta River Lodge
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 – Island Bush Camp
Today you participate on the morning game drive at Kafunta River Lodge. After brunch at the lodge, you will depart for the 2.5 hour transfer to Island Bush Camp. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our camp staff before departing for the game drive. Dinner is served al fresco in company of the camp manager and our other guests.
Day 4 – Three Rivers Camp
Today you will be heading to Three Rivers Camp. The camp is a walk away from Island Bush Camp, so you will set off early and arrive at Three Rivers in time for brunch. After the siesta you will have the choice of a bush walk or a game drive. Dinner is served al fresco in company of your guide and other guests.
Day 5 – Three Rivers Camp
An early continental breakfast is served by the fireplace before heading out on your morning activity, either a walk or a drive. By now you know the routine, so after brunch and siesta you will have your afternoon activity then dinner. Decide to spend your night in your tent or under the stars on the appointed platform next to your tent.
Day 6 – 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 7 – 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. 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 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. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to participate in the afternoon/evening safari.
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.
