South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Livingstone: Classic Zambian Safari

Embark on a classic Zambian safari journey through some of Africa’s most untamed wilderness. Explore South Luangwa National Park, renowned for incredible wildlife encounters and stunning views along the Luangwa River. Journey onward to Lower Zambezi’s Chongwe Camp for intimate river safaris, then conclude with the iconic Victoria Falls at Livingstone’s Thorntree River Lodge, where riverside luxury meets thrilling adventure.

Duration

9 Nights

Price

From $12495 per person sharing

country
when
locations
accommodation
country
Day
locations
accommodation
Zambia
Day 1-4
South Luangwa National Park
Time+Tide Kakuli
Day 4-7
Lower Zambezi National Park
Time+Tide Chongwe Camp
Day 7-10
Livingstone
Thorntree River Lodge
Day 10
Livingstone

Your Itinerary

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Day 1-4

Arrive at Lusaka Airport, Zambia. Scheduled Domestic Flight from Lusaka Airport to Mfuwe Airport. Road transfer from Mfuwe Airport to Kakuli Lodge. 3 Nights.

Location: South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation: Time+Tide Kakuli
Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge Game Drives Private Verandas Solar Power Boma 4 Safari Rooms No Wifi or Phone Signal 1 Family Safari Room

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.

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Day 4-7

Road transfer from Kakuli Lodge to Mfuwe Airport. Scheduled Seat-in-charter Flight from Mfuwe Airport to Royal Airstrip. Road transfer from Lower Zambezi Airstrip to Chongwe Camp. 3 Nights.

Location: Lower Zambezi National Park
Accommodation: Time+Tide Chongwe Camp
Swimming Pool Game Drives Private Verandas Boma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Tents 8 Tents Generator Power Limited Wifi (No phone signal)

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.

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Day 7-10

Road transfer from Chongwe Camp to Royal Airstrip. Scheduled Seat-in-Charter Flight from Royal Airstrip to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone. Road transfer from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport to Thorntree River Lodge. 3 Nights.

Location: Livingstone
Accommodation: Thorntree River Lodge
Spa Services Gym Bar, Dining Lounge Areas 2 Family Suites Private Plunge Pools Private Decks 8 Suites River Views

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.

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Day 10

Road transfer from Thorntree River Lodge to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone.

Location: Livingstone
About Zambia
One of the highlights of a Zambian safari is the South Luangwa National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, including large herds of elephants, leopards, and countless bird species. As you traverse the park's meandering trails, you'll be captivated by the raw, unspoiled wilderness that surrounds you. Zambia is a country blessed with some of the continent's most iconic rivers, including the mighty Zambezi. A visit to the Lower Zambezi National Park allows you to explore its riverbanks teeming with wildlife. It's not uncommon to spot elepha...

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Our Safari Africa Travellers’ Reviews

“I’ll never be able to properly explain how cool this experience was. Thanks so much to Molori for treating us so well and making this a trip of a lifetime.”

- M Homa,
 America

“An absolutely INCREDIBLE trip to Molori. I can’t recommend a safari enough, truly beautiful seeing these animals up close and learning so much about them. Weekend of a lifetime!!!”

- J Thomas,
 America

“Amazing trip. Everything was seamless. Thank you for your efficient service in putting together this last minute safari to the Masai Mara. Appreciated the fast track service through the airport, a game changer”

- J Martin,
 United Kingdom

“Ours was indeed a trip of a lifetime! Your recommendations were spot on and the whole experience was beyond our wildest expectations. We will be back! We started thinking about our next trip to Africa before we had boarded our flight back home!”

- R Wells,
 America

“Everything you booked for us was perfect and there were never any issues with reservations.
We just wanted to say a special thank you for helping to plan this amazing honeymoon. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

- R Gomez,
 Europe

“One of the most memorable trips, made special from start to finish. Cannot recommend Madikwe Hills enough for a truly special holiday. Can’t wait to return!”

- R Pardon,
 United Kingdom

“An amazing week! Game viewing, lodge and personal attention beyond what I expected! Stephanie, our travel agent was easy to work with and all her recommendations were excellent”

- A Hussain,
 America

Your Travel Team

Our expert travel team provides a superior, end-to-end safari travel experience to guests from all over the world, in partnership with some of Africa’s most loved, inspired, and unique destinations.

The Safari Africa Travel Team excels at designing bespoke multi-destination journeys across the best of Africa, with each trip tailored to fit your unique interests and preferences.

Leigh-Ann

Sales & operations director

Stephanie

Travel Manager

Keshia

Travel Planner

Why Book With Safariafrica.Travel?

We believe in curating unforgettable journeys tailored to your preferences. Booking directly through us, rather than navigating the complexities of doing it yourself or using generic booking platforms, ensures a seamless, personal and safe safari experience.

Choosing Safariafrica.travel for your safari adventure means opting for a journey crafted with care, expertise, and a deep passion for Africa.

Expertise & experience

Our Travel Team are safari specialists with deep knowledge of African destinations.

customised itineraries

We tailor-make each safari trip to your personal interests, preferences, and budget.

seamless logistics

We handle all your travel logistics including flights and transfers, ensuring a stress-free journey.

24/7 support

We provide personal support throughout your journey, handling all unexpected issues, and giving you peace of mind.

personalised service

Our Travel Team offers a personal, high-touch service from the moment you inquire and throughout your journey.

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We ensure your safety with trusted partners and up-to-date travel information – something online booking platforms can’t guarantee.

one point of contact

A singular, personal point of contact for all elements of your travel arrangements far outweighs multiple suppliers and chat bots.

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We are fully accredited members of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, and the African Travel & Tourism Association.

local connections

Our well established, on-the-ground relationships ensure you receive the best service at every point of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions.

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Booking Enquiries

South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Livingstone: Classic Zambian Safari
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