Itinerary
Ultimate Zambia Wilderness & Falls Expedition
From the wetlands of Kasanka and the untouched wilderness of North Luangwa to the predator-rich plains of South Luangwa, the riverbanks of the Lower Zambezi, and the vast open landscapes of Kafue, this overland expedition reveals Zambia in its purest form. Designed for travellers seeking authenticity, remoteness, and adventure, the journey combines immersive bush camping, remote wilderness routes, and some of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife regions. Evenings unfold around campfires beneath star-filled skies, while days are shaped by game drives, walking safaris, river experiences, and the changing scenery of Zambia’s diverse national parks. The expedition concludes at Victoria Falls, where the power of the Zambezi provides a spectacular finale.
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
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.
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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.
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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. Camping takes place at secluded bush campsites positioned close to rivers and forest edges, where evenings are spent around the fire listening to the sounds of frogs, insects, and distant wildlife moving through the darkness.
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Stage 3 of 11
DAYS 4–6: NORTH LUANGWA – UNTAMED AFRICA
North Luangwa National Park offers one of Africa’s last truly wild safari experiences. Vast floodplains, riverine forests, and untouched bush create a remote and deeply immersive atmosphere far removed from conventional safari routes. Campsites are small, intimate, and positioned close to the Luangwa River, allowing wildlife encounters directly from camp. Walking safaris and game drives reveal buffalo, elephants, lions, and abundant birdlife, while evenings beneath enormous star-filled skies reinforce the sense of true wilderness and isolation.
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Stage 4 of 11
DAYS 7–8: 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. Bush campsites positioned close to the river create an authentic safari atmosphere, with wildlife frequently passing 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.
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Stage 5 of 11
DAYS 9–10: SOUTH LUANGWA – PREDATOR COUNTRY
The route continues deeper into South Luangwa, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. The park’s lagoons, river systems, and mopane forests support extraordinary wildlife densities, particularly predators such as leopard and lion. Camping remains fully immersed in nature, with atmospheric bush campsites positioned in active wildlife areas. Evenings around the fire are accompanied by the distant calls of hyenas and lions, while night drives offer opportunities to encounter nocturnal species rarely seen elsewhere
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Stage 6 of 11
DAY 11: TRANSIT THROUGH RURAL ZAMBIA
Leaving the Luangwa Valley behind, the expedition continues westward through remote landscapes, rural villages, and changing scenery towards the Lower Zambezi region. This long overland stage reinforces the true expedition character of the journey, connecting Zambia’s eastern wilderness with the great river systems further south. The overnight stop is simple yet scenic, offering a peaceful bush campsite beneath open skies and a chance to unwind beside the fire before continuing onward.
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Stage 7 of 11
DAYS 12–13: LOWER ZAMBEZI – RIVERSIDE WILDERNESS
Arriving in the Lower Zambezi region, the landscape gradually opens towards the mighty Zambezi River itself. Nights are spent at peaceful riverside wilderness campsites shaded by towering winterthorn trees and surrounded by abundant wildlife activity. Canoe excursions, riverfront sunsets, and quiet moments beside the water create a more relaxed rhythm after the long overland stages of the journey. Elephants frequently move through camp, hippos fill the river channels below, and birdlife thrives along the riverbanks. The Lower Zambezi offers a uniquely tranquil safari atmosphere where river, bush, and wildlife blend seamlessly together.
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Stage 8 of 11
DAY 14: RETURN TO LUSAKA
The journey returns to Lusaka, offering time to rest, resupply, and prepare for the western wilderness regions still ahead. This transitional stage connects Zambia’s eastern valleys with the vast open plains of Kafue National Park.
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Stage 9 of 11
DAYS 15–16: NORTH KAFUE – OPEN PLAINS AND REMOTE SAFARI CAMPING
North Kafue introduces a dramatically different landscape of sweeping grasslands, seasonal floodplains, and broad river systems. Wildlife concentrations are exceptional, with antelope herds, elephants, predators, and abundant birdlife thriving across the open terrain. Wilderness campsites are carefully positioned in remote areas overlooking plains and waterways, creating an atmosphere of complete solitude. Sunsets stretch endlessly across the horizon while nights remain alive with the sounds of the African bush.
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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. Campsites along riverbanks and shaded forest clearings provide peaceful settings surrounded by nature. The slower pace here allows time to appreciate the changing landscapes, enjoy relaxed game drives, and absorb the immense scale and tranquillity that make Kafue one of Africa’s most underrated wilderness destinations.
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Stage 11 of 11
DAYS 19–20: LIVINGSTONE & VICTORIA FALLS – THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS
The expedition concludes in Livingstone and at Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge below. After weeks spent in remote wilderness areas, the falls provide a spectacular and energetic finale. Campsites are positioned in natural surroundings close to the river, offering a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to explore the falls, enjoy sunset cruises, or experience activities such as white-water rafting, helicopter flights, or cultural excursions. The constant roar of the water and rising mist create a fitting end 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.
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