Ultimate Zambia Luxury & Falls Expedition

Day by day

11 stages across 21 days / 20 nights. This is the route as it stands. Nights can be added in one place or a leg dropped entirely.

1. 

   Stage 1 of 11

   DAYS 1: LUSAKA – ARRIVAL IN ZAMBIA

   Your journey begins in Lusaka, where there is time to recover from the international flight and prepare for the adventure ahead. A relaxed first evening allows you to settle into the rhythm of the expedition before travelling north into Zambia’s remote wilderness landscapes.

2. 

   Stage 2 of 11

   DAYS 2–3: KASANKA – WETLANDS AND FOREST WILDERNESS

   The journey heads north into the unique ecosystems of Kasanka, where wetlands, papyrus swamps, forests, and open dambos create a rich and varied environment. Wildlife and birdlife thrive within this remote landscape, offering a peaceful introduction to Zambia’s wilderness. Nights are spent at secluded bush campsites positioned close to rivers and forest edges, where evenings unfold around the campfire beneath vast African skies and mornings begin with mist rising across the wetlands.

3. 

   Stage 3 of 11

   DAYS 4–5: NORTH LUANGWA – WILDERNESS CAMPING EXPERIENCE

   North Luangwa National Park offers one of Africa’s last truly untouched safari regions, defined by remote floodplains, riverine forests, and exceptional wildlife encounters far from the crowds. The first nights are spent at intimate wilderness campsites positioned close to the Luangwa River and active wildlife corridors, creating a deeply immersive safari atmosphere. Walking safaris and game drives reveal buffalo herds, elephants, lions, and abundant birdlife in complete solitude, while evenings beside the fire capture the raw essence of Zambia’s wilderness.

4. 

   Stage 4 of 11

   DAYS 6–7: NORTH LUANGWA – EXCLUSIVE SAFARI LODGE EXPERIENCE

   The journey continues deeper into North Luangwa with a stay at Ituba Camp, an elegant safari retreat blending naturally into the surrounding wilderness. Spacious tented suites, open views across the river system, and beautifully designed communal areas create a sense of understated luxury in one of Zambia’s most remote national parks. Guided walking safaris and expertly led game drives continue to showcase the park’s extraordinary wildlife while allowing moments of comfort and relaxation between activities.

5. 

   Stage 5 of 11

   DAYS 8–9: NSEFU SECTOR – REMOTE SOUTH LUANGWA

   Continuing south, the journey reaches the quieter Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park. Seasonal lagoons, open floodplains, and mature woodlands provide exceptional wildlife viewing in a far more secluded setting than the central park regions. Camping takes place at beautifully positioned bush campsites close to the river, where wildlife frequently wanders nearby. Early morning and evening game drives reveal giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and predators moving through the floodplains as the bush comes alive with activity.

6. 

   Stage 6 of 11

   DAYS 10–11: SOUTH LUANGWA – LUXURY SAFARI IN PREDATOR COUNTRY

   The experience shifts from expedition-style camping to refined safari comfort as the journey continues deeper into South Luangwa. Spacious luxury tented suites overlook active wildlife areas, combining elegant design with uninterrupted immersion in nature. Private decks, open-air lounges, and panoramic views create a perfect setting to experience the rhythm of the bush in complete comfort. Morning and evening game drives explore one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, renowned for leopard sightings, large lion prides, and extraordinary game densities.

7. 

   Stage 7 of 11

   DAY 12: RETURN TO LUSAKA

   Leaving the Luangwa Valley behind, the journey returns to Lusaka. Here the overland expedition pauses and the vehicle is temporarily returned before the next stage begins from the air. The evening offers time to relax and reflect on the wilderness experiences of the previous days before flying onward into the Lower Zambezi.

8. 

   Stage 8 of 11

   DAYS 13–14: LOWER ZAMBEZI – RIVERFRONT LUXURY AND WILDERNESS

   A scenic flight from Lusaka leads directly into the Lower Zambezi National Park, where the journey slows into a more refined river safari experience. Surrounded by winterthorn forests and abundant wildlife, the lodge combines understated luxury with one of Africa’s most beautiful safari settings. Spacious suites, river views, private plunge pools, and exceptional guiding create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to nature. Canoe safaris, boat excursions, walking safaris, and game drives reveal elephants crossing river channels, hippos resting along the banks, and extraordinary birdlife throughout the floodplains. After two nights beside the Zambezi, a return flight brings you back to Lusaka, where the overland journey continues and the vehicle is collected once again.

9. 

   Stage 9 of 11

   DAYS 15–16: NORTH KAFUE – OPEN PLAINS AND LUXURY SAFARI

   North Kafue introduces vast open grasslands, seasonal floodplains, and exceptional wildlife densities in one of Zambia’s most spectacular safari regions. Here the journey transitions into refined wilderness comfort with a stay at Shumba Lodge by Wilderness. Elevated above the sweeping Busanga Plains, the lodge offers expansive views across one of Africa’s great wildlife ecosystems. Elegant suites, open-air lounges, and beautifully designed viewing decks create a luxurious base for exploring the region. Morning and evening game drives reveal large antelope herds, predators, elephants, and abundant birdlife across the endless plains, while sunsets over the Busanga floodplains provide some of the journey’s most unforgettable moments.

10. 

    Stage 10 of 11

    DAYS 17–18: SOUTH KAFUE – RIVERS, WOODLANDS, AND QUIET WILDERNESS

    Further south, Kafue becomes more intimate and diverse, with riverine forests, woodlands, and quieter safari regions shaping the experience. Wilderness campsites positioned along rivers and shaded clearings create a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. The slower pace here allows time to absorb the immense scale and tranquillity that make Kafue one of Africa’s most underrated safari destinations. Relaxed game drives and evenings around the campfire provide a fitting contrast to the luxury lodge experiences earlier in the journey.

11. 

    Stage 11 of 11

    DAYS 19–20: LIVINGSTONE & VICTORIA FALLS – A SPECTACULAR FINALE

    The expedition concludes in Livingstone and at Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge below. After weeks spent exploring Zambia’s wilderness regions, the falls provide a spectacular and energetic finale. Elegant accommodation set close to the river offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with opportunities to explore the falls, enjoy sunset cruises, scenic flights, or adventure activities such as white-water rafting. The rising mist, rainforest surroundings, and constant roar of the falls create a memorable ending to the journey.

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.

Similar itineraries

The same route in the other travel style, or the same region over a different number of nights.

• Rivers & Plains Safari14 days / 13 nightsWilderness Self-DriveStarting at the iconic Victoria Falls, this transboundary journey crosses four countries - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia - with a clear…View itinerary →
• Rivers & Plains Safari Luxury Self-Drive14 days / 13 nightsLuxury Self-DriveStarting at Victoria Falls, this route crosses four countries, moving through some of Southern Africa’s most remote and untouched wilderness.View itinerary →
• The Great Zambian Safari15 days / 16 nightsWilderness Self-DriveFrom 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…View itinerary →
• The Great Zambian Luxury Safari16 Days / 15 NightsLuxury Self-DriveFrom the wetlands of Kasanka and the remote wilderness of North Luangwa to the predator-rich plains of South Luangwa and the riverfront luxury of the…View itinerary →

Keep exploring

• All itineraries
• All destinations
• Botswana
• Namibia
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia
• Malawi
• Rwanda