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Bangwelu male black lechwe

Wild Zambia Safari Adventure (Small Group Tour)

Tour Length14 days
Priced from pps $5944 R112444 £4708 5510 A$9122 C$8046 NZ$9949 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Exclusive Small Group Camping Safari

  • Max. Group Size 12 Travellers
  • Departs from Lusaka, Zambia
  • Ends at Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Accommodation Lodge & Camping Combo / Lodge / Safari Lodge / Bungalow or Chalet
  • Transport Microbus / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Leopards, Lions & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This exciting Wild Zambia Safari Adventure takes you to secluded wilderness regions of Africa where you camp wild and stay in comfortable chalets.

Get ready to experience authentic Africa on this small group tour to remote and wildlife-rich parks in untamed Zambia. From camping in Kasanka National Park and the secret Bangweulu Wetlands to a walking safari in North Luangwa National Park and game viewing in the famous South Luangwa National Park. Add in Kapishya Hot Springs for a soothing soak, the less-visited gem of Luambe National Park, and a forest walk in protected Miombo woodlands, and you have this once-in-a-lifetime Wild Zambia Safari Adventure!

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Itinerary for this Tour

DAY 1: Lusaka, Zambia

This Zambia Safari Adventure begins in Lusaka where you are collected from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. From the airport, your guide will drive you to your first overnight lodge on the outskirts of Lusaka.

Settle in at the lodge and stroll through the leafy gardens of the large property or take a swim in the pool. This evening we have dinner at the lodge and your guide tells you more about your upcoming safari adventure. After dinner, you are free to relax at the lodge, enjoy a drink at the bar, or retreat to your private chalet. Alternatively, you can head out and sample the nightlife of Lusaka, Zambia's capital and largest city.

We stay in en-suite chalets each with its own verandah overlooking the lush gardens.

  • Meals include: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge in Lusaka (en-suite chalets)

DAY 2: Mkushi, Zambia

On day two of our Wild Zambia Safari, we hit the road early in the morning after a quick breakfast at the leafy lodge in Lusaka. We drive north on the Great North road for about 6 hours to the charming little farming town of Mkushi. Here you'll find interesting shops and lots of farm stalls to explore if time allows.

We spend the night at an inn set on a 160-hectare property hosting a protected Miombo forest. The lush gardens and lawns offer a tranquil oasis that attracts rich birdlife. The perfect place to relax after a long drive, with a sundowner and some excellent bird watching. Or maybe a short forest walk to stretch your legs before sitting down to a tasty dinner. This forest inn offers a bar, a relaxing lounge area, and cozy rooms. Accommodation is in well-appointed en-suite chalets.

  • Meals included: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Chalets

DAY 3: Kasanka National Park, Zambia

We leave Mkushi just after breakfast to travel even further north to Kasanka National Park. The 5+ hour trip will get us to Kasanka in the mid-afternoon.

Zambia's first privately managed national park, Kasanka is a valuable conservation area and home to an abundance of plants and animals. The flora and fauna of Kasanka are extremely diverse and the park hosts many endangered species and boasts prolific birdlife. The reserve is inhabited by elephants, hippos, buffalos, bushpigs, and various antelopes including sable and the rare sitatunga (marsh buck).

There are nine lakes in Kasanka National Park and a network of perennial rivers and streams that provide water all year round for wildlife. All the tributaries feed into the Luapula River, the only drainage outlet for the Bangweulu basin, and a major watercourse of the mighty Congo River. Kasanka National Park incorporates a variety of habitats, including miombo woodland, evergreen forests, dambo vegetation which supports grasses providing important grazing areas for many mammals, and papyrus swamps which attract the shy sitatunga. The landscape makes this park ideal for walking safaris.

Our campsite is located inside Katanka National Park. The camp is set under red mahogany trees along the Kasanka River, in an ideal spot, overlooking a wetland where sitatunga are often seen. Our camp is also close to the bat hides and various animal trails. Here we experience authentic bush camping - no electricity, simple pit toilets, and bucket showers, but your safari crew is there to help with hot water and firewood. Our accompanying camp cook is on hand to prepare delicious meals.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping in Kasanka National Park

DAY 4: Kasanka National Park, Zambia

Day 4 of our Zambia Safari is set aside for exploring the fascinating Kasanaka National Park. We recommend an early morning walk out onto the floodplains in front of our camp, keeping an eye out for the elusive sitatunga antelope as you walk. There are various hides overlooking the main lake and swamps, that you can visit for fascinating bird and animal spotting. We also explore Kasanka on game drives in our 4x4 safari vehicle with large windows and a pop-up roof, ideal for game viewing. Our afternoon game drive takes us to a hide overlooking the lake, where we enjoy sundowners.

In October the world's biggest bat migration takes place in Kasanka. At this time of year up to 10 million straw-colored fruit bats from the Congo, converge upon Kasanka to feast on the ripe fruit, especially the wild Masuku tree's fruits. The unfortunate bats that fall to the ground, get snapped up by crocodiles and leopards. This is a spectacular event, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. We visit the dedicated "bat hides" at dusk to witness this awesome sight.

At the end of an eventful day of bat, bird, and wildlife watching in the wild Kasanka National Park we return to our campsite for a hearty dinner around the campfire.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping in Kasanaka National Park

DAY 5: Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia

Wake up extra early on day 5 and break camp to travel north to the Bangweulu Swamps. We stop at the David Livingstone memorial where the heart of this famous missionary was buried with his body being carried to Dar es Salaam and then shipped to England. An interesting and varied drive on rough African roads brings us to the remote Bangweulu Wetlands in northeastern Zambia. Bangweulu means “where the water meets the sky” a fitting description of this pristine wilderness area. The community-owned, protected area of Bangweulu is our next Zambia safari gem and one of Africa's best-kept secrets.

Bangweulu Swamps is a unique area and a paradise for birdwatchers, supporting an incredible variety of water and plains birds. For serious birding enthusiasts, there is a huge array of waterfowl including the elusive, odd-looking shoebill stork. When the Bangweulu wetland dries up, bird watching is mostly done on foot around the dwindling pools. Game drives amongst the big herds of black lechwe and black-winged pratincole of Bangweulu are exceptional. There are massive herds of black lechwe numbering over 100 000 as well as elephant, buffalo, tsessebe, reedbuck, Burchell's zebra, oribi, and sitatunga. Translocations have increased the wildlife populations, including the return of the cheetah after a century's absence.

For the next three nights, we camp beside the floodplains of Bangweulu, surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness. Our campsite is located on the edge of Chimbwe Plains where black lechwe antelopes are regularly sighted. The camp features hot showers and flushing toilets.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping in Bangweulu Wetlands

DAY 6: Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia

Today we have a full day to explore the unique Bangweulu Swamp, an extensive wetland lying in a shallow depression fed by various rivers. After breakfast at camp, we drive to the starting point of our walk from there we set off into the bush on foot. Wading through the swamps (waterproof shoes a must) we hope to encounter the prehistoric-looking shoebill storks, other birds, and animals - a memorable African adventure!

After this unusual excursion, we will return to our safari camp for a well-deserved lunch and a rest. If time allows you can go canoeing on the swamps from the camp. Later in the afternoon, we embark on a game drive out on the plains where large herds of black lechwe roam.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping in Bangweulu Wetlands

DAY 7: Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia

Today we have another opportunity to explore the swamp area, either a follow-up walking expedition to see the shoebill stork, well worth the effort. We also embark on game drives across the plains to take in the sight of the vast roaming herds of black lechwe, one of Africa's most impressive wildlife sightings. Jackals are also seen quite often and the mournful calls of hyenas can be heard at night.

The Bangweulu Wetlands has been designated as one of the world's most important wetlands by the Ramsar Convention. This valuable, protected wetland is owned by the community for whom it is also a life source. It's one of several national parks run by African Parks.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping in Bangweulu Wetlands

DAY 8: Kapishya Hot Springs, Zambia

Next, our Zambian Safari adventure takes us up to Kapishya Hot Springs. En route, we stop in Mpika to top up on supplies.

Then we head for the natural hot springs where you can soak in the soothing waters as much as you like. Kapishya is a sulfur-free spring along the Mansha River. Enjoy the idyllic setting as the hot water bubbles from pale sands into clear pools surrounded by tropical vegetation and raffia palms A soak in the hot springs isn't the only thing to do here. The nearby Shiwa Ngandu estate offers a variety of activities. At the colonial-style country estate, also known as The Africa House, you can do horseback safaris, birdwatching walks, guided forest walks, river floats, and historical tours.

Tonight we camp at a well-appointed campsite with hot and cold water, close to the hot springs.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping near Kapishya Hot Springs

DAY 9: North Luangwa Valley, Zambia

In the morning we pack up camp and journey to Zambia's most iconic park - North Luangwa National Park. Enjoy the scenery on this three-hour drive as we pass several rural villages in this secluded part of Zambia.

When we reach the national park we head out on a two-to-three-hour game drive enjoying one of the finest safari experiences in Zambia, if not Africa. North Luangwa National Park is a truly wild and unspoiled African wilderness area that only recently opened up to the public. You are unlikely to come across many (if any), other safari vehicles on your game drives here. We are however very likely to see an array of wild animals.

This Zambian national park is home to great herds of buffalos which are an unforgettable sight to see on the run, kicking up clouds of dust. Three more of the Big 5 are also found here - lion, leopard, and elephant. Large prides of lions roam North Luangwa, so keep a lookout for dramatic kills and wildlife action. The elephant population is being re-established and the elusive leopard is occasionally spotted. Numerous antelope species are commonly sighted, with resident species including eland, hartebeest, bushbuck, reedbuck, and the rare puku. Wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, baboons, and vervet monkeys are also part of the wildlife spectacle in North Luangwa, along with comical-looking warthogs.

Our rewarding game drive takes us to our safari lodge on the eastern boundary of North Luangwa Park where we take a break from camping and stay in comfortable chalets on stilts. Settle into your stylish chalet with its own terrace overlooking Luangwa River or enjoy the sweeping views from the main terrace.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: En-suite chalets in North Luangwa Park

DAY 10: North Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Today we enjoy one of the most special highlights of our Zambia Safari - a thrilling game walk in North Luangwa Park. Head out into the remote game-rich bush on foot with a qualified and experienced guide and skilled game scouts.

This morning we undertake a game walk; led by an experienced and qualified guide and supported by a skilled game scout to enable you to gain authentic insight into the African bush. We may encounter all kinds of wild and natural phenomena on our Zambia walking safari in North Luangwa. Then we return to camp for lunch and some leisure time beside the river.

Later this afternoon you can embark on a sundowner game drive, soaking up the wild African scenery as the sun sets. Keep your eyes open for nocturnal animals as you return to the lodge where we gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars and relive our adventure-filled day. Fall asleep to the sounds of nature in your en-suite chalet at the bush camp.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Chalets in North Luangwa Park (en-suite)

DAY 11: Luambe National Park, Zambia

Day 11 of our Zambia Safari Adventure begins with an early breakfast at our lodge in North Luangwa Park. Then we travel south along the Luangwa River, stopping for a picnic lunch in rural Zambia.

We aim to arrive at our next wild camp by mid-afternoon. The exact location of our camp tonight depends on how long today's journey takes based on road conditions, but we aim to reach a community campsite just north of Luambe Park. The local community runs this camp as a means of generating income from tourism.

The Luambe National Park is located on the eastern banks of the Luangwa River, midway between North and South Luangwa National Park. We arrive at our simple bush camp with basic facilities and take a rest before dinner around the campfire.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping at Luambe National Park

DAY 12 & 13: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

After breakfast on day 12, our Zambia safari continues south through Luambe National Park to South Luangwa National Park. The compact Luambe Park is one of Zambia's smallest and oldest national parks. It is a lesser-known and less-visited Zambian park in the Luangwa Valley where a variety of animals and birds can be seen.

Leaving the little gem of Luambe we proceed through the Nsefu area of South Luangwa National Park. In the mid-afternoon, we arrive at the final safari lodge on our Zambia Safari Adventure, set just outside the national park.

On day 13 we get up early for our exciting morning game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. This is a good time for sighting many animals as they are most active in the cool, early morning hours. South Luangwa National Park is a haven for wildlife and your qualified Luangwa guide is happy to impart his intimate knowledge of the local ecosystems. The Luangwa River is the lifeblood of this game park and supports a huge variety of wildlife and birds.

After our rewarding morning game drive, we return to camp for a hearty brunch. Then you are free to unwind at the lodge and take a swim in the pool before we set off on our late afternoon game drive. By sunset, the day has become cooler and the nocturnal animals begin to stir. With the aid of a powerful spotlight, we search for hyenas, owls, leopards, and lions, before returning to our safari lodge for a tasty dinner.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Safari Lodge at South Luangwa National Park (en-suite chalets)

Day 14: Lilongwe, Malawi, OR Lusaka, Zambia

After a leisurely breakfast at our comfortable South Luangwa lodge, your guide will drive you to the nearby Mfuwe airport. Here you say farewell to your travel companions and catch your onward flight to Lusaka (at extra cost). Alternatively, your guide will transfer you to Lilongwe where you can catch your onward flight or embark on an optional Lake Malawi trip as an add-on (at extra cost). Having experienced the Zambia Safari Adventure of a lifetime, we hope to welcome you back to Africa someday, soon.

  • Meals included: Breakfast

Optional Lake Malawi Tour Extension:

An optional 2-night stay on Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi can be added to this Zambia Safari. The add-on trip to Lake Malawi includes transfers to Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi and back to Lilongwe, all meals, comfortable tented chalet accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, and non-motorized water sports (snorkeling and kayaking). For more details contact African Budget Safaris.

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

This tour is available for children of 12 years of age and older, at the same price as an adult.

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