Tour Overview
Zambia is a land of untamed wilderness, mighty rivers, and authentic safari experiences. This 5-day tour offers a concentrated dose of Zambia's magic—combining the legendary wildlife of South Luangwa National Park with the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls. South Luangwa is widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari, pioneered here in the 1950s, and it remains one of the only parks in Africa where guided walking safaris are a standard offering rather than a novelty addition . From tracking leopards on game drives to walking through the bush with expert guides, and ending with the spray of the "Smoke that Thunders" on your skin, this journey captures the essence of Zambia's wilderness spirit.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka – Fly to South Luangwa National Park
Morning – Afternoon (Upon Arrival):
Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. Transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to Mfuwe (included in the package, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes) . The short flight offers a stunning preview of Zambia's vast, unspoiled landscapes .
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Arrive at Mfuwe Airport, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Meet your guide and transfer to your lodge or tented camp, situated on the banks of the Luangwa River. On the drive in, you may encounter giraffes, elephants, and impalas before you even check in .
Evening (6:30 PM):
Settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a safety briefing about moving around the unfenced camp, where hippos graze at night and are far more dangerous than anything with teeth . Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Day 2: South Luangwa – Walking Safari & Game Drive
Early Morning (5:30 AM – 6:00 AM):
Wake early for a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and toast. At 6:00 am, board an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a morning game drive into the park . Look for large herds of elephants, buffalo, and the incredible density of leopards—the highest naturally occurring in the world . The Luangwa River acts as a magnet for animals, with hippos and crocodiles basking in the shallows .
Midday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for brunch and leisure time. Rest during the hottest part of the day, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the view of wildlife passing by the camp .
Late Afternoon (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Embark on a walking safari, a uniquely Zambian tradition . With an armed guide leading and a scout following, you'll explore the bush on foot, learning to read animal tracks, scents, and sounds. The experience is completely different from a vehicle safari—your senses come alive as you observe the smaller details often missed from a car .
Evening (7:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for dinner. After dark, a night drive with powerful spotlights offers a chance to see genets, civets, and leopards hunting . Overnight stay.
Day 3: Day 3: South Luangwa – Full Day Game Drives
Day 3: South Luangwa – Full Day Game Drives
Morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
After an early breakfast, return to South Luangwa for another morning game drive. Explore different areas of the park—the Mupamadzi River area is known for its rich game, and sightings of wild dogs, lions, and leopards are common . The park hosts over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers .
Midday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for brunch and rest. In the dry season (June to October), you may choose a bush walk during the cooler part of the day .
Late Afternoon (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Set out for a sunset game drive. Stop for sundowners in the bush as the sun sinks over the Luangwa Valley—a quintessential African experience. Continue the drive with spotlights as darkness falls .
Evening (7:00 PM):
Return to the lodge for dinner around the campfire. Listen to the distant calls of hyenas and lions while stargazing in the unpolluted African sky. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Day 4: South Luangwa – Fly to Livingstone – Victoria Falls Tour
Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final morning walk around the lodge. Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Livingstone .
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM):
Arrive in Livingstone, the adventure capital of Zambia. Transfer to your lodge and check in. This afternoon, visit the mighty Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) . Walk along the rainforest trails for spectacular views of the falls—the Zambian side gives you a dramatic, spray-soaked experience along Knife-Edge Bridge during high water months .
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River—often described as one of the most romantic experiences in the world . Watch for hippos, elephants, and crocodiles along the banks, with fish eagles soaring overhead as the sun dips below the horizon .
Evening (7:30 PM):
Dinner and overnight stay in Livingstone.
Day 5: Day 5: Livingstone – Optional Activities – Departure
Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM):
After breakfast, you have free time for optional activities. Choose from:
White-water rafting on the Zambezi – one of the world's top 10 whitewater spots, with rapids beneath the thundering falls
Visit to Mukuni Village – experience local Tonga traditions, dances, and crafts
Helicopter flight over the falls – an unforgettable aerial view of the "Smoke that Thunders"
Devil's Pool – swim on the edge of Victoria Falls (seasonal, September–January)
Midday – Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM):
Lunch at your leisure. Transfer to Livingstone Airport (approximately 45 minutes) for your onward flight .
Evening:
End of tour.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All national park entry fees & tracking permits
- Gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury eco-lodge / resort accommodation
- Complimentary bottled mineral water in safari vehicle
- Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal travel & medical insurance
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guides
- Premium imported beverages
- Personal laundry & telephone expenses
Accommodation & Destination Info
Lodging Standard
Handpicked luxury eco-lodges featuring private en-suite cottages, fine dining, and tranquil riverfront or forest views.
Route & Transport
Travel in customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with charging ports, fridge, wide windows, and pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree game viewing.
