South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Livingstone: Classic Zambian Safari

Embark on an unforgettable safari journey to South Luangwa National Park, a pristine wilderness gem nestled in the heart of Zambia. This remarkable destination is a hidden treasure for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering an authentic African safari experience that’s second to none. South Luangwa is renowned for its rich biodiversity and exceptional game viewing opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an up-close encounter with Africa’s magnificent wildlife.

South Luangwa National Park is often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Leopards’ for a reason, as it boasts one of the highest concentrations of these elusive big cats in Africa. As you venture through the park’s diverse ecosystems, you’ll have the chance to spot not only leopards but also lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a vast array of bird species. The park is particularly famous for its walking safaris, led by experienced guides who will help you uncover the park’s hidden wonders, from tracking spoor to observing the incredible adaptability of South Luangwa’s wildlife.

The park’s landscape is a blend of lush riverbanks, dense woodlands, and open grassy plains, with the meandering Luangwa River at its heart. This striking setting not only provides a stunning backdrop for your safari adventures but also offers unique opportunities for both day and night game drives. South Luangwa’s night safaris are especially thrilling, allowing you to witness the nocturnal activities of its inhabitants, including predators on the prowl and captivating stargazing in the African skies.

Visiting South Luangwa National Park is not only an opportunity to witness the majesty of African wildlife but also to contribute to conservation efforts. Many lodges and safari operators in the region are dedicated to sustainable and responsible tourism, supporting local communities and preserving the park’s pristine environment.

Set in the heart of South Luangwa, Time+Tide Kakuli immerses guests in Zambia’s breathtaking wilderness. This remote safari camp combines tradition and comfort with award-winning guiding and access to some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa offers guests an authentic and adventurous experience, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers alike. During Zambia’s lush green season, Kakuli is the only camp in the area providing river-based activities, making it an exceptional destination for exploration year-round.

Activities & Highlights
Kakuli offers diverse safari experiences, with a focus on walking safaris, game drives, and seasonal river excursions. By day, guests can explore the wilds of South Luangwa on foot, guided by highly trained experts who ensure safety while sharing their extensive knowledge of the ecosystem. Night drives provide an opportunity to observe the vibrant nocturnal wildlife, including frequent leopard sightings and glimpses of the camp’s resident lion pride. Kakuli’s unique location near a seasonal carmine bee-eater colony adds a colourful spectacle to the experience, while boating during the green season offers access to otherwise hidden parts of the park and a unique angle for landscape photography. For an extraordinary experience, guests can also opt for a sleepout under the stars.

Accommodation
Time+Tide Kakuli features five open-air safari rooms, each designed to capture the stunning views of the Luangwa River. These light and airy accommodations include a spacious family room with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, ideal for groups or families traveling together. Each room combines luxury with rustic charm, featuring feather-top beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and a covered open-air seating area for private wildlife viewing. Constructed with natural materials, the rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape, allowing guests to feel immersed in the surrounding wilderness. Elevated to overlook the river and a permanent lagoon, the main lodge provides a cozy lounge and a wildlife hide, where guests can relax and enjoy traditional Zambian dishes after a day of adventure.

If you’re seeking an authentic African safari experience, Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia should be at the top of your list. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and directly across from Zimbabwe’s famed Mana Pools National Park, Lower Zambezi offers an untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife. This national park, which spans 40 9200 hectares, is a pristine haven for those seeking a safari adventure that’s off the beaten path.

Lower Zambezi National Park is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife encounters. As you embark on a safari here, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five as well as a plethora of other fascinating species. Elephants are particularly prevalent in the park, often seen lumbering along the riverbanks or swimming across the Zambezi in a captivating display of nature’s grandeur. Hippos and crocodiles populate the river, while kudu, impala, and waterbuck graze on the lush plains. Birdwatchers will also be in their element, with over 400 avian species, including African fish eagles and marabou storks.

Lower Zambezi offers a wide array of safari experiences to cater to different preferences. You can explore the park on game drives, guided walking safaris, or thrilling canoe safaris along the Zambezi River. Canoeing allows you to get up close to wildlife and offers a unique perspective on this pristine ecosystem. The park’s riverine forests and mopane woodlands create the perfect backdrop for incredible photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

In Lower Zambezi, you can immerse yourself in the heart of the African wilderness while staying at eco-friendly lodges and camps. These accommodations are committed to preserving the park’s natural beauty and supporting local communities. Many lodges offer luxurious comforts while still maintaining a strong focus on conservation efforts, making your safari not only unforgettable but also a responsible and sustainable adventure in one of Africa’s last wild frontiers.

Nestled at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, Chongwe Camp offers a serene retreat in a landscape teeming with wildlife. Set against a backdrop of forested valleys and riverbanks, each safari tent at Chongwe Camp promises stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The camp's intimate setting along these majestic rivers creates a perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and relaxation amid Zambia’s unspoiled natural beauty.

Activities & Highlights
The Lower Zambezi National Park is renowned for its diverse range of safari experiences, and Chongwe Camp provides unmatched access to these activities, which include exhilarating day and night game drives, immersive walking safaris, and serene river excursions. Guests can explore the rivers by boat cruise or canoeing safari and try their hand at tiger fishing in these bountiful waters. A wildlife hide near a waterhole offers opportunities to photograph rare species, including elusive nocturnal creatures, while the “Sleepout Under the Stars” experience provides an enchanting night immersed in nature.

Accommodation
Chongwe Camp features eight thoughtfully designed safari tents, each crafted to complement the natural surroundings with hand-woven textiles and locally made furniture. The tents boast panoramic views over the Chongwe River and include private porches with comfortable seating. With only a few camps in the area, Chongwe maintains an exclusive atmosphere, offering a personal connection to Zambia’s wildlife and landscape. Meals and drinks are served daily in the camp’s relaxed main lounge, where guests can unwind in comfort and style.

Nestled along the banks of the Zambezi River, Livingstone is a gateway to some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. This historic town boasts a unique charm, combining colonial architecture with vibrant local culture. From bustling markets to relaxed riverside cafés, Livingstone offers a lively setting for visitors to immerse themselves in Zambian life. The town's warm and friendly atmosphere provides an inviting introduction to the region’s stunning natural surroundings.

Livingstone is most renowned for its proximity to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders." As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls plunges 108 meters into a narrow gorge, creating a spectacle of mist and rainbows that captivates all who visit. Year-round, visitors can marvel at the Falls from various viewpoints or embark on thrilling activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping, making it a destination suited to both adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike.

Beyond the Falls, Livingstone offers unparalleled wildlife experiences in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where guided game drives reveal sightings of white rhinos, elephants, zebras, and more. The Zambezi River itself invites leisurely sunset cruises, providing a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife as the sun dips over the water. For those seeking more adventure, canoeing safaris allow for close encounters with the river’s resident wildlife along quieter stretches of the Zambezi.

Nestled along the serene banks of the Zambezi River, Thorntree River Lodge is a modern sanctuary blending seamlessly into Zambia’s lush landscape. Designed with sustainable luxury in mind, this lodge offers a unique setting near Victoria Falls, where guests can experience both cultural heritage and wildlife close-up.

Activities & Highlights
Thorntree River Lodge offers a wealth of immersive experiences, from sunrise river cruises to exhilarating game drives. Discover the wild beauty of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to abundant wildlife including white rhinos, or explore local village life for a glimpse into Zambian culture. Adventurous travellers may venture into Victoria Falls or embark on fishing excursions along the Zambezi, while guests seeking tranquility can enjoy serene canoe safaris and nature walks.

Accommodation
The lodge’s intimate suites are crafted for comfort and elegance, each featuring panoramic river views and private decks. Rooms are adorned with modern furnishings inspired by African culture and offer both indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and spacious lounges. The communal areas include an infinity pool overlooking the river and a spa offering rejuvenating treatments, while the dining area and bar create a cozy yet refined ambiance for enjoying seasonal cuisine under starlit skies.