Budget level:
High-End
Country
Zambia
When to Go
Feb - Nov
Duration
9 Nights
Location
Livingstone, Luangwa Valley, Victoria Falls
Kids Min Age
8
Safari Rating
This exquisite 9-night Zambia Luxury Safari combines the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls with the untouched wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. Starting from either Livingstone or South Luangwa, this journey offers breathtaking natural wonders and luxurious accommodations, promising an unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary in Brief
4 Nights at Chundukwa River Lodge (Victoria Falls)
5 Nights at Chikunto Safari Lodge (South Luangwa National Park)
Embark on a luxurious 9-day Zambian adventure that combines the stunning natural beauty of Victoria Falls with the thrilling wildlife encounters of South Luangwa National Park. This journey offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and unparalleled wildlife viewing, ensuring a memorable experience in the heart of Africa.
Your adventure starts at the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” this massive sheet of falling water is a sight to behold. Here, you can witness the Zambezi River plunging over a cliff, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls present a myriad of activities, from scenic helicopter flights that offer a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, to the more adventurous bungee jumping and white-water rafting in the fierce Zambezi waters.
After soaking in the splendor of Victoria Falls, your journey takes you to the Chundukwa River Lodge. Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, this lodge offers stunning views and a tranquil environment. It’s a place where luxury meets nature, offering elegantly designed chalets that blend seamlessly with the environment. Each morning, you can wake up to the serene sounds of the river and the chirping of exotic birds, creating a perfect harmony with nature. The lodge also offers various activities such as sunset boat cruises, fishing, and bird watching.
Next, venture into the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park, known as one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This park is famous for its abundant wildlife and offers some of the best game viewing on the continent. It’s a paradise for those seeking an authentic safari experience, with opportunities to see a diverse array of animals including elephants, lions, leopards, and the unique Thornicroft’s giraffe, found nowhere else in the world.
During your stay at the Chikunto Safari Lodge, you will be immersed in the heart of the African wilderness. The lodge is strategically located to maximize wildlife encounters, offering game drives led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the bush and its inhabitants. The night game drives are particularly thrilling, providing a chance to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
Apart from game drives, walking safaris are a highlight in South Luangwa. These safaris offer an intimate encounter with the African bush, allowing you to track animals on foot, learn about the smaller creatures and plants, and understand the ecosystem in its entirety. It’s an experience that brings you closer to nature and leaves you with a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Throughout your stay, both the Chundukwa River Lodge and Chikunto Safari Lodge offer the highest standards of service, with attentive staff and expert guides ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience. The lodges also pride themselves on their culinary offerings, with meals prepared using fresh, local ingredients, and served in stunning settings – whether it’s under the African sky lit by a blanket of stars or overlooking the sweeping landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Chundukwa River Lodge - Victoria Falls
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Chundukwa River Lodge. Settle into your luxurious riverside chalet and familiarize yourself with the serene surroundings. Enjoy the lodge’s amenities, including refreshing drinks and sumptuous meals. Your afternoon is free to relax and soak in the stunning views of the Zambezi River.
- Evening: Experience a magical sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As the sun dips below the horizon, witness the river’s vibrant colors while enjoying sundowner drinks and nibbles. Relish a gourmet dinner at the lodge, featuring local and international cuisine, and unwind in the tranquil ambiance of the African evening.
Day 2: Exploring Victoria Falls and Livingstone
- Morning: After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Feel the spray and hear the roar of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Livingstone. Visit the Livingstone Museum, Railway Museum, or take a guided tour of the local markets. Discover the town’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant local life. Additional activities like art gallery visits or community projects can be arranged.
- Evening: Return to Chundukwa River Lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy another exquisite dinner, sharing stories of your day’s adventures around the firepit.
Day 3: Leisure Day at Chundukwa River Lodge
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely start to your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the Zambezi. Opt for a lazy morning at the lodge, taking in the serene river views or reading a book in the comfort of your chalet.
- Afternoon: Engage in in-house activities or further explore the surrounding area. The lodge offers various options like bird watching, fishing, or even a relaxing spa treatment.
- Evening: Unwind with a delightful dinner at the lodge, perhaps choosing to dine under the stars, encapsulating the essence of the African bush.
Day 4: Adventure at Chobe National Park
- Morning: Consider a day trip to the famous Chobe National Park in Botswana. Known for its large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife, this is a photographer’s paradise.
- Afternoon: Continue your wildlife adventure in Chobe, enjoying a safari drive or a boat cruise on the Chobe River, offering unique perspectives of animals in their natural habitat.
- Evening: Return to Chundukwa River Lodge for your last evening. Reflect on the thrilling experiences of the day over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 5: Journey to Chikunto Safari Lodge - South Luangwa
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Livingstone Airport and fly to Mfuwe. The journey offers a scenic aerial view of the stunning landscapes.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Chikunto Safari Lodge, nestled in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Settle into your suite and maybe book a massage treatment on your deck for ultimate relaxation.
- Evening: Enjoy high tea followed by an evening game drive. Explore the vibrant wildlife of South Luangwa, renowned for its leopards and diverse species. Return for a gourmet dinner at the lodge.
Day 6: Wildlife Encounters at South Luangwa
- Morning: Depart early for a game drive, accompanied by experienced guides. The park is a haven for leopard sightings, along with a plethora of other wildlife.
- Afternoon: Relax at the lodge, taking in the tranquil environment. Opt for additional activities or enjoy the amenities of your deluxe suite.
- Evening: Gather for pre-dinner drinks and another three-course dinner. Consider upgrading to the Deluxe Suite for a unique stargazing and sleepout experience.
Day 7: Immersive Safari Experiences
- Morning: Embark on an early morning walking safari, an intimate way to connect with the African bush. Witness the smaller wonders of the wilderness up close.
- Afternoon: Enjoy leisure time by the pool or with a spa treatment. The tranquility of the lodge provides the perfect environment to unwind.
- Evening: After tea, depart for another exhilarating afternoon game drive. Return for pre-dinner drinks and a sumptuous meal, sharing tales of your day’s sightings.
Day 8: Full Day of Exploration
- Morning/Afternoon: Take on a full-day game drive, tailored to your interests. This extended expedition offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the park and witness a wider array of wildlife and landscapes. A picnic lunch in the bush adds to the adventure.
- Evening: Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Relax and freshen up before joining other guests for pre-dinner drinks followed by a delightful three-course dinner.
Day 9: Cultural Insights and Relaxation
- Morning: Visit a nearby local village for a cultural immersion, understanding the local way of life. Follow this with a visit to Mulberry Mongoose, a unique jewelry initiative.
- Afternoon: Choose to relax at the lodge, taking advantage of the serene setting by the pool or treating yourself to a spa session.
- Evening: Enjoy your final evening at Chikunto with pre-dinner drinks and a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your experiences in Zambia’s wilderness.
Day 10: Departure from Chikunto Safari Lodge
- Morning: After a final breakfast and a morning activity, if time permits, prepare for your departure.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka, marking the end of your memorable Zambian safari adventure.
Please note that this is just a sample itinerary and daily activities can vary depneding on what you feel like.
Additional Information
What’s Included
The following is included in the cost of this trip:
- Arrival and Departure transfers to Livingstone International Airport.
- 3 x Overnights at Chundukwa River Lodge in a Luxury Riverside Chalet with en-suite bathroom on a Fully Inclusive Basis.
- 1 x Complimentary Overnight at Chundukwa River Lodge in a
- Luxury Riverside Chalet with ensuite bathroom on a Fully Inclusive Basis.
- A Fully Inclusive Stay at Chundukwa River Lodge including all meals, house wine, beer and so drinks, WiFi, laundry services,
- Zambezi Sunset Cruise and Victoria Falls Day Trip.
- Arrival and Departure transfers to Mfuwe Airport.
- 4 x Overnights at Chikunto Safari Lodge.
- 1 x Complimentary Overnight at Chikunto Safari Lodge.
- An All-Inclusive stay at Chikunto Safari Lodge includes all meals and snacks, all so drinks, water, wine, beers, spirits, bush Wi- Fi and laundry services. Two game viewing activities per day i.e. game drives, boat cruises (latter Feb to late-April, water- levels allowing), optional visits to a local School or Village and to Mfuwe town for a visit to Mulberry Mongoose and Tribal Textiles.
- Pre-booked walking safari
What’s Not Included
The following is NOT included in the cost of this trip:
- Domestic flights are excluded, budget for c. $1,000 pp for all internal flights from Lusaka, exact prices can vary.
- Chikunto Safari Lodge National Park Fees, Tourism Levy, Service charge. (DNPW National Park Fees are $ 65 pp/pn. The fees include park entrance fee, bed levy and tourism levy.)
- International flights and visas
• Travel, medical and personal accident insurance • Gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Excursions not detailed in the itinerary
• Private charters/transfers or specialised guides • Premium brand drink
• COVID-19 testing
When To Go
| jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
| Livingstone |  | | |  | |  | | | | | | |
| Luangwa Valley | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Victoria Falls | | | | | | | | | | | | |
= Best
= Good
= MixedThe Accommodation
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Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!
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