Sample Trip

18 Nights “Zambia Encompassed” Safari

"An 18-night expedition through Zambia's pristine wilderness, where adventure meets tranquility in a journey of discovery and connection with nature."
Budget level: High-End
Country
Zambia
When to Go
April-Oct
Duration
18 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge and Canvas
Location
Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi, Luangwa Valley, Victoria Falls
Kids Min Age
14

This is an 18-night journey through Zambia’s diverse wilderness, where the rustic charm of Kaingo Camp in South Luangwa offers unrivaled wildlife viewing from your private deck. The adventure continues to Mwamba Bush Camp, where nights are spent under starlit skies, close to nature’s heartbeat. The serene beauty of the Lower Zambezi is unveiled at Kutali and Chula Island Camps, with their unique blend of river adventures and wildlife encounters.

Your journey takes you to the heart of Kafue National Park at Musekese Camp, rich in wildlife and varied activities, and then to the expansive Busanga Plains at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp, offering a genuine bush experience. Concluding at Chundukwa River Lodge near Victoria Falls, this journey combines the thrill of the African wilderness with tranquil moments by the Zambezi River.


Itinerary in Brief

Experience the wonders of Zambia in this 18-night adventure, a meticulously curated journey through the country’s most stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich areas. This odyssey is more than a trip; it’s an exploration into the heart of Zambia’s unspoiled natural beauty, where each destination tells a unique story.

Your adventure begins at South Luangwa National Park, known for its abundant wildlife and pioneering walking safaris. Spend your first three nights at Kaingo Camp, a serene haven overlooking the Luangwa River. Here, you’ll be immersed in the richness of the African bush, encountering diverse wildlife on game drives and walking safaris. The camp’s rustic yet luxurious chalets provide the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat in the wild.

From there, venture to Mwamba Bush Camp for a night. This intimate camp offers a deep connection with nature, featuring rustic rooms and exceptional game viewing opportunities, including the famous Last Waterhole hide.

Next, head to the Lower Zambezi National Park for a total of five nights split between Kutali Camp and Chula Island Camp. These camps offer a unique blend of tranquil beauty and thrilling adventures like canoeing, fishing, and game drives. Each location promises a distinctive experience, from the lush riverine environment of Kutali to the unique wildlife encounters of Chula Island.

The journey continues to Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and most diverse park. Spend three nights at Musekese Camp, an embodiment of wild luxury and conservation. The camp offers various activities, including boat-based safaris and guided walks, providing an intimate connection with nature.

Then, explore the vast Busanga Plains with a two-night stay at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp. This simple yet enchanting camp is the perfect base to discover the diverse habitats and wildlife of the area.

Conclude your odyssey at Chundukwa River Lodge in Livingstone, near the majestic Victoria Falls. This three-night stay combines the tranquility of a riverside retreat with the thrill of exploring one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Enjoy activities like a Zambezi sunset cruise and a visit to the falls, creating a fitting finale to your extraordinary journey.

This 18-night Zambian safari offers a symphony of experiences, from the thrill of wildlife encounters to moments of serene contemplation. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Zambia.

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-3: Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Begin your Zambian adventure at Kaingo Camp, nestled in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. This park, celebrated as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offers an authentic African safari experience. Your three-night stay in one of Kaingo’s standard chalets or the deluxe suite promises a luxurious yet intimate connection with the wild. Each chalet, perched on the edge of the Luangwa River, features a private deck, offering a front-row seat to the pulsating rhythms of the African bush. Witness the spectacle of wildlife visiting the riverbanks, all from the comfort of your chalet.

Kaingo’s communal areas, connected by pathways to your accommodation, exude warmth and hospitality. The lounge, bar, and dining area, with their large deck overlooking the river, provide a perfect setting for socializing and sharing stories with fellow travelers. Meals served at communal tables enhance this sense of camaraderie, turning dining into a communal affair.

The camp’s activities are a highlight, offering daily game drives, walking safaris, and access to exclusive photographic hides. These activities are tailored to provide an immersive experience in the wilderness, with opportunities to capture stunning wildlife photography. For the adventurous, the camp offers sleepouts on special platforms, allowing you to slumber under the stars.

Kaingo’s emphasis on photography makes it a haven for enthusiasts. The density of wildlife, combined with expert guides skilled in positioning for the best shots, makes every safari a photographer’s dream. The camp’s proximity to Mwamba Bush Camp, its sister camp, allows for an enriched safari experience, easily combined during your stay in the valley.

Day 4: Mwamba Bush Camp

Transition to the rustic charm of Mwamba Bush Camp, a short bush walk from Kaingo.

This intimate setting, with only four reed-constructed chalets, ensures a secluded and exclusive safari experience. Each chalet offers a unique skylight feature, allowing you to gaze at the night sky from your mosquito-netted bed. The outdoor en-suite bathrooms with bucket shower systems add to the authentic bush experience.

Mwamba’s exclusive wildlife hide is a highlight, perfect for observing animals in their natural habitat. Being part of the Shenton Safaris, guests at Mwamba have access to all photographic hides, guaranteeing unique wildlife encounters.

The combination of Kaingo and Mwamba offers a comprehensive safari experience, blending luxury and wilderness in an unforgettable way.

 

Days 5-7: Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park Journey next to the Lower Zambezi National Park, where Kutali Camp awaits. This segment of your adventure introduces you to the magnificent Zambezi River, a lifeline for the park’s wildlife. The river’s smaller channels, lined with aquatic flowers and frequented by wading birds and grazing animals, provide an enchanting backdrop for your stay.

Kutali Camp, part of Tusk & Mane’s two fly camps, sits in a classic Lower Zambezi valley location surrounded by elephants in a winter thorn forest on the river’s banks. The camp’s atmosphere is shaped by its unique setting, offering a blend of tranquility and adventure.

Your three nights here will be filled with a variety of activities. Explore the park on game drives in open-topped 4WD land cruisers, or embark on a walking safari accompanied by a qualified guide and armed Wildlife Police Officer. River activities include boat trips to observe hippos and crocodiles, and for photography enthusiasts, opportunities to capture elephants feeding or crossing the Zambezi.

For those seeking a more serene experience, canoeing down the river’s channels offers a peaceful encounter with nature. Anglers will relish the chance to fish for tigerfish and vundu, with all fishing conducted on a catch-and-release basis to preserve the ecosystem.

The camp’s luxury tents, complete with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms, ensure a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness. The option to leave the canvas open at night allows for spectacular views and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.

Days 5-7: Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

Journey next to the Lower Zambezi National Park, where Kutali Camp awaits. This segment of your adventure introduces you to the magnificent Zambezi River, a lifeline for the park’s wildlife. The river’s smaller channels, lined with aquatic flowers and frequented by wading birds and grazing animals, provide an enchanting backdrop for your stay.

 

Kutali Camp, part of Tusk & Mane’s two fly camps, sits in a classic Lower Zambezi valley location surrounded by elephants in a winter thorn forest on the river’s banks. The camp’s atmosphere is shaped by its unique setting, offering a blend of tranquility and adventure.

Your three nights here will be filled with a variety of activities. Explore the park on game drives in open-topped 4WD land cruisers, or embark on a walking safari accompanied by a qualified guide and armed Wildlife Police Officer. River activities include boat trips to observe hippos and crocodiles, and for photography enthusiasts, opportunities to capture elephants feeding or crossing the Zambezi.

For those seeking a more serene experience, canoeing down the river’s channels offers a peaceful encounter with nature. Anglers will relish the chance to fish for tigerfish and vundu, with all fishing conducted on a catch-and-release basis to preserve the ecosystem.

The camp’s luxury tents, complete with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms, ensure a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness. The option to leave the canvas open at night allows for spectacular views and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.

Days 8-9: Chula Island Camp

Continue your exploration at Chula Island Camp, a contrasting experience to Kutali Camp. Accessible only by boat, Chula Camp’s remote and wild atmosphere is palpable. Nestled among thick natal mahogany trees and overlooking a lagoon and the main river, this camp offers a secluded retreat.

The focus at Chula is on walking and river activities, immersing you in the untouched beauty of the Lower Zambezi. The camp’s setting, with its hidden lagoons and open dambos, presents a unique wildlife experience, differing from other areas of the park.

Chula’s five tents, raised to allow airflow and views of the Zambezi, provide comfortable accommodations. The outdoor en-suite bathrooms with hanging bucket showers and flushing toilets add to the authentic bush experience. Meals are served under the stars, enhancing the feeling of being at one with nature.

Days 10-12: Musekese Camp, Kafue National Park

As you move to Kafue National Park, Musekese Camp beckons. This intimate camp is set under a canopy of large riverine trees, right on the edge of a dambo (wetland), which attracts a plethora of wildlife. The resident lion pride, often lying in wait for their prey, makes for spectacular game viewing.

The camp’s four well-appointed, raised guest chalets offer stunning views of the game-rich dambo. Each chalet features an en-suite open-air bathroom, bucket showers, and flush toilets. The main area, under a large thatched roof, provides relief during hotter days and houses a well-stocked bar and library. The communal deck area overlooking the lagoon is a prime spot for dinner under the stars.

Musekese’s diverse range of activities includes game drives, walking safaris, boating, and fishing along the Kafue River. Day trips to the renowned Busanga Plains are available upon request, offering a glimpse into another facet of Kafue’s vast wilderness.

 

Days 13-14: Ntemwa-Busanga Camp

Experience the vastness of the Busanga Plains with a two-night stay at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp. This simple yet enchanting camp offers a unique perspective of Kafue’s diverse habitats. From riverine thickets to flooded grasslands, the variety of landscapes here supports an abundance of wildlife.

Ntemwa-Busanga’s four guest chalets, raised for views of the dambo, feature en-suite open-air bathrooms, bucket showers, and flush toilets. The main area, with its thatched roof, bar, and library, offers a communal space for relaxation and interaction with other guests.

Activities here focus on the natural wonders of the Busanga Plains. Game drives and walking safaris reveal the intricacies of the ecosystem, while the camp’s excellent guides bring even the most subtle aspects of the bush to life.

Days 15-17: Chundukwa River Lodge, Livingstone

Conclude your journey at Chundukwa River Lodge, near the legendary Victoria Falls in Livingstone. This boutique bush lodge, with its river-facing guest chalets and family cottage, offers an immersive experience in the African wilderness. The open-fronted chalets allow for a greater connection with nature, with the sounds of hippos grunting and grazing on the property’s lawns adding to the ambiance.

Chundukwa River Lodge is not just an accommodation; it’s a destination in itself. The lodge’s proximity to Victoria Falls allows for a variety of activities, including a day trip to the falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, and historical tours of Livingstone. The lodge’s stables provide horse-riding opportunities for all abilities, while birdwatching and white rhino tracking add to the diverse experiences available.

Your stay here is enhanced by the Fully Inclusive package, which includes a boat cruise, private guide and vehicle for Victoria Falls exploration, and other activities tailored to your interests.

Day 18: Departure

On your final day, reflect on the memories and experiences of your Zambian wilderness odyssey as you transfer to Livingstone Airport for your onward journey. The diverse landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and the richness of Zambia’s natural heritage will leave a lasting impression, beckoning you to return to this remarkable country.

When To Go

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Kafue National Park MixedMixedMixedMixedGoodBestBestBestBestBestGoodMixed
Lower Zambezi MixedMixedMixedMixedGoodBestBestBestBestBestMixedMixed
Luangwa Valley MixedMixedMixedGoodGoodGoodBestBestBestBestMixedMixed
Victoria Falls MixedMixedMixedGoodGoodBestBestBestBestBestGoodGood
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