Itinerary

Rivers & Plains Safari

14 days / 13 nights Zambia Wilderness Self-Drive Safari

Starting at the iconic Victoria Falls, this transboundary journey crosses four countries - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia - with a clear focus on Zambia’s vast and largely untouched wilderness. The route follows the elephant-rich river systems of Chobe and the Caprivi before pushing deep into western Zambia and the remote floodplains of Liuwa Plains. It continues through both the northern and southern reaches of Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest and least explored protected areas. Designed for experienced self-drive travellers, this camping-only itinerary offers exceptional diversity, minimal infrastructure, and a strong sense of exploration across some of Southern Africa’s wildest landscapes.

All itineraries

Starting from

Suzuki Jimny (5-door) (2 pax per Jimny) / Toyota Land Cruiser (4 pax per Land Cruiser) 2,700 USD per Person

Toyota Land Cruiser • 2 pax per vehicle 3,800 USD per Person

Indicative per-person rates, dependent on season, party size and vehicle. Park fees, accommodation and vehicle are included as specified in your written offer; international flights are not.

Route map for Rivers & Plains Safari — The route

Day by day

5 stages across 14 days / 13 nights. This is the route as it stands. Nights can be added in one place or a leg dropped entirely.

Stage 1 of 5

DAYS 1-2: VICTORIA FALLS – ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION

The journey begins in Victoria Falls, where the spray and sound of the Zambezi set the tone for the adventure ahead. Final preparations are made, vehicles checked, and supplies organised before leaving the bustle behind. Two nights at a beautiful homestay allows time to settle in and anticipate the wilderness to come.
Stage 2 of 5

DAYS 3–5: CHOBE RIVERFRONT & CAPRIVI – RIVERS AND MOVEMENT

Following the Zambezi westward, the route enters the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront before crossing into the Caprivi Strip. Camps are set close to water, where elephants, buffalo, and hippos dominate daily life. Game viewing often begins directly from camp, with riverine forests and floodplains shaping both scenery and wildlife encounters. Nights are filled with the sounds of water and moving animals.
Stage 3 of 5

DAYS 6–8: LIUWA PLAINS NATIONAL PARK – VASTNESS AND ISOLATION

The landscape opens dramatically into the endless grasslands of Liuwa Plains. This remote park offers a profound sense of space, defined by big skies, seasonal floodwaters, and near-total solitude. Campsites are unfenced and minimalist, enhancing the feeling of true wilderness. Wildebeest, plains game, and predators move across the horizon, while sunsets and stars dominate the evenings.
Stage 4 of 5

DAYS 9–11: NORTHERN KAFUE NATIONAL PARK – REMOTE RIVERS AND WOODLANDS

Entering Kafue from the north, the environment shifts to a quieter, lesser-visited region of the park. Rivers, miombo woodlands, and open dambos create a varied ecosystem with low visitor density. Camps are simple and immersive, often set near water. Game viewing is exploratory rather than predictable, rewarding patience and curiosity.
Stage 5 of 5

DAYS 12–14 – SOUTHERN KAFUE NATIONAL PARK – DIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE DENSITY

The southern sector of Kafue offers a contrast in both habitat and wildlife concentration. Open plains, permanent rivers, and lagoons attract large herds and a wide range of predators. Campsites remain unfenced and close to nature, with nights alive to the sounds of lion, hyena, and nocturnal activity. This section provides some of the strongest game viewing of the journey before looping back to Victoria Falls ending the journey.