Overview
Five Days: Zambia's Unique Safari Style
Zambia offers African safari at its most authentic. This 5-day itinerary pairs its two signature experiences: the walking safaris of South Luangwa and the canoe safaris of the Lower Zambezi. Zambia's camps are small, owner-run and full of character. The guiding is superb. The sense of wilderness is absolute.
Plan a Better Zambia Trip
Use these essentials to understand how Zambia fits your travel style, season and route.
-Trip style
Walking safaris and river-based wildlife travel
-Best for
Zambia safari, South Luangwa safari, Lower Zambezi safari, walking safaris
-Best time to visit
May – October for excellent wildlife and walking safaris.
-Top places
South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls (Livingstone side), Lower Zambezi National Park
Itinerary
Fly to South Luangwa
Arrive Lusaka. Light aircraft to Mfuwe. Transfer to your camp on the Luangwa River. Afternoon game drive — South Luangwa is one of Africa's best places for leopards.
-Flight to Luangwa
-Afternoon game drive
-Leopard tracking
Walking Safari & Night Drive
Dawn walking safari with armed guide and scout. Afternoon siesta. Evening game drive continuing into night drive — Luangwa's night drives are legendary for leopards, hyenas and genets.
-Dawn walking safari
-Night drive
-Nocturnal wildlife
South Luangwa to Lower Zambezi
Morning game drive or walk. Fly to the Lower Zambezi. Arrive at your riverside camp. Afternoon canoe safari on the Zambezi. Sundowners on a sandbank.
-Flight to Zambezi
-Afternoon canoe safari
-Sandbank sundowners
Full Day Lower Zambezi
Dawn canoe safari. Afternoon game drive in the park's interior. Tigerfish fishing (catch and release). Sundowners on your private deck overlooking the river.
-Dawn canoeing
-Game drive
-Tigerfish fishing
Final Morning & Departure
Final canoe or game drive. Farewell breakfast on the riverbank. Fly to Lusaka for your onward connection.
-Final Zambezi morning
-Flight to Lusaka
Useful Information
- Visa process descriptions
- Visa Prices, or similar
- Is Zambia's safari style different from East Africa? Yes, significantly. Zambia pioneered the walking safari and the night drive. Camps are smaller (4-8 rooms), more intimate, and often owner-run. The guiding standard is exceptionally high. It is often described as Africa for the connoisseur.
- Why Zambia Is One of Africa's Best Adventure-Luxury Safari Countries Zambia appeals to travelers who want a more immersive style of safari, where walking, rivers and lower-density camps create a strong sense of space and discovery. Zambia is the home of walking safaris and warm, unhurried wilderness. Quietly one of Africa’s great safari secrets.