Itinerary
The Great Zambian Safari
From the wetlands of Kasanka to the remote wilderness of North Luangwa, and the wildlife-rich plains of South Luangwa to the riverbanks of the Lower Zambezi, this journey is designed for travellers seeking authenticity, remoteness, and adventure. Travelling entirely by vehicle and camping throughout, the route combines untamed national parks, quiet bush camps, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Nights are spent under vast African skies, around campfires, and in carefully selected wilderness campsites that place you close to nature without sacrificing comfort. This expedition-style safari reveals Zambia at its wildest, most diverse, and most rewarding.
Starting from
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.
Day by day
7 stages across 15 days / 16 nights. This is the route as it stands. Nights can be added in one place or a leg dropped entirely.
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Stage 1 of 7
DAY 1: LUSAKA – THE START OF THE EXPEDITION
Your journey begins in Lusaka, where there is time to recover from the international flight, organise equipment, and prepare for the adventure ahead. The first evening is relaxed, offering a final taste of the city before the route leads deep into Zambia’s wilderness. Anticipation builds as the landscapes gradually shift from urban bustle to remote bush and open horizons.
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Stage 2 of 7
DAYS 2–3: KASANKA & LAVUSHI MANDA – WETLANDS AND REMOTE HIGHLANDS
Heading north, the journey reaches the rich ecosystems of Kasanka and the rugged landscapes of Lavushi Manda National Park. Swamps, evergreen forests, rivers, and open dambos create an unexpectedly varied environment, home to antelope, birdlife, and elusive wildlife hidden within dense vegetation. Campsites are beautifully remote, positioned close to rivers or beneath towering trees, creating an authentic wilderness atmosphere. Evenings around the fire are accompanied by the sounds of frogs, night birds, and distant animal movement, while mornings begin with mist rising across the wetlands and forests.
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Stage 3 of 7
DAYS 4–6: NORTH LUANGWA – TRUE WILDERNESS SAFARI
North Luangwa National Park offers one of the most untouched safari experiences in Africa. Remote, wild, and rarely visited, the park is defined by open floodplains, woodlands, and the Luangwa River itself. Camping here is intimate and immersive, with small wilderness campsites positioned close to the riverbanks and wildlife corridors. Days are spent exploring the park on game drives and walking safaris, often encountering buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and large concentrations of antelope without seeing other vehicles. Evenings are deeply atmospheric, with campfires glowing beneath enormous star-filled skies and the sounds of hyenas or hippos echoing through the darkness.
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Stage 4 of 7
DAYS 7–8: NSEFU SECTOR & SOUTH LUANGWA REGION – TRANSITION THROUGH THE WILD
The route continues south through remote landscapes and lesser-travelled wilderness areas, creating a true expedition feeling between Zambia’s major safari regions. Nights are spent at rustic bush campsites surrounded by open woodland and quiet river systems. These evenings offer time to slow down, enjoy the simplicity of camp life, and experience Zambia’s wilderness away from the main tourist routes. Wildlife often wanders close to camp, while sunsets over the bush create some of the journey’s most peaceful moments.
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Stage 5 of 7
DAYS 9–10: SOUTH LUANGWA – PREDATOR COUNTRY
South Luangwa National Park introduces a dramatic change in atmosphere, with rich wildlife densities and thriving predator populations. The park’s lagoons, riverbanks, and mopane forests create ideal habitats for elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and large prides of lions. Camping takes place at atmospheric bush campsites set close to the Luangwa River, where wildlife frequently passes nearby. Early morning drives reveal the park awakening with activity, while evening safaris continue into the night, offering opportunities to encounter nocturnal species. Time around the fire becomes part of the experience itself, with the distant calls of lions and the steady sounds of the African bush surrounding camp.
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Stage 6 of 7
DAY 11: TRANSIT THROUGH RURAL ZAMBIA
A full travel day allows the journey to unfold slowly across changing landscapes, villages, and remote countryside. This transitional stage reinforces the expedition character of the safari, connecting Zambia’s diverse regions while offering insight into everyday life beyond the parks. The overnight stop is simple yet scenic, providing a comfortable place to rest before the final wilderness chapter begins.
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Stage 7 of 7
DAYS 12–14: LOWER ZAMBEZI – RIVER WILDERNESS AND RELAXED ADVENTURE
The final safari stage unfolds along the Lower Zambezi, where the river becomes the centrepiece of the experience. Campsites are set beneath shaded trees along the water’s edge, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Canoe excursions, game drives, and walking safaris reveal elephants crossing channels, hippos resting in the shallows, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks. The pace here feels slower and more reflective, balancing adventure with moments of complete tranquillity. Sunsets over the Zambezi and evenings beside the campfire provide a memorable conclusion to the wilderness experience before heading back to Lusaka and ending your trip
Zambia in practice
- Drives on
- Left. Tar on the trunk routes, then it becomes a 4x4 country quickly.
- Night drives
- Permitted in Zambian national parks, which is rare in the region and the reason for the leopard reputation.
- Camp season
- Many Luangwa bush camps close from roughly November to April and are rebuilt each season.
- Busanga Plains
- Flooded until around July. Access is realistically July to October only.
- Malaria
- Year-round risk throughout. Prophylaxis is essential.
Seasons, road conditions, fuel gaps and nights per park are covered in our Zambia destination guide.
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