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Discover Zambia’s Two Finest Safari Destinations
Experience the remarkable diversity of Zambia’s wilderness on this immersive 9-day safari through South Luangwa National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park. Combining exceptional wildlife viewing, authentic guiding, and spectacular landscapes, this journey is designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more exclusive safari experience.
From leopard-rich riverbanks and walking safaris in South Luangwa to canoeing and sunset cruises along the mighty Zambezi River, this itinerary blends adventure, comfort, and genuine wilderness immersion.
Why This Safari Stands Out
Unlike more crowded safari destinations in Africa, Zambia offers a quieter and more authentic experience. This safari combines two of the country’s most celebrated ecosystems, each delivering a completely different atmosphere and style of exploration.
South Luangwa is renowned for:
- Exceptional leopard sightings
- Walking safaris
- Intimate wildlife encounters
- Outstanding guides and trackers
The Lower Zambezi complements this perfectly with:
- River-based safari activities
- Canoeing among hippos and elephants
- Scenic escarpment landscapes
- Relaxed luxury along the Zambezi River
Together, these valleys create one of Africa’s most rewarding safari combinations.
Exceptional Wildlife Encounters
This safari offers excellent opportunities to encounter:
- Leopards
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Wild dogs
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Thornicroft’s giraffe
- Hundreds of bird species
Because both parks are centered around permanent river systems, wildlife concentrations remain consistently high throughout the dry season.
Game drives are complemented by walking safaris and water-based activities, creating a far richer safari experience than vehicle viewing alone.
Authentic Safari Experiences
This itinerary is carefully designed for travelers who value experience over mass tourism. Activities may include:
- Morning and evening game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Canoe excursions
- Boat safaris on the Zambezi
- Sundowners in remote wilderness locations
- Wildlife photography opportunities
Rather than rushing between destinations, the safari allows enough time to properly experience each ecosystem.
Comfortable Lodges in Prime Locations
Accommodation has been selected for location, atmosphere, and wildlife access. Guests stay in well-positioned safari camps and lodges that combine comfort with authentic bush character.
Expect river views, excellent guiding teams, freshly prepared meals, and the sounds of the African wilderness directly from camp.
Ideal for Wildlife Lovers & Photographers
This safari is especially suited for:
- Wildlife photographers
- Couples seeking an exclusive safari
- First-time visitors to Zambia
- Repeat safari travelers
- Birdwatchers
- Travelers looking for a less commercial safari destination
The combination of varied habitats, low visitor density, and excellent guiding creates outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Best Time to Travel
This unforgettable 9-day Zambia safari operates from 10 April to 30 November, offering exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the dry season. Availability is limited during peak months, so early booking is highly recommended.
Experience the Wild Heart of Zambia
The 9-Day Splendid Valleys Safari is more than a traditional wildlife tour — it is a journey through two of Africa’s last truly wild safari regions. With superb guiding, diverse activities, and unforgettable landscapes, this safari delivers an authentic Zambia experience far from the crowds.
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Safari summary |
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Day |
Accommodation |
Destination |
Board basis |
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Day 1 - 2 |
Mfuwe Lodge |
South Luangwa |
Full board |
|
Day 3 - 5 |
Kapamba Bush Camp |
South Luangwa |
Full board |
|
Day 6 - 8 |
Baines' River Camp |
Lower Zambezi |
Full board |
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Day 9 |
End of the safari or extension |
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Itineraries
Day 1 to 2
Arrival in Mfuwe, transfer to Mfuwe Lodge for 2 nights
Relax and wind down at Mfuwe Lodge, before venturing deep into the bush to explore the spectacular wildlife of South Luangwa. You will be guaranteed an unrivalled wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa. This is the very place where the African walking safari was pioneered.
Mfuwe Lodge is the award-winning safari lodge set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa. The perfect place to enjoy excellent game viewing, recharge your batteries, or to start and finish your journey to our Bushcamps.
You will be staying here for 2 nights including all meals, 2 game view activities and national park and conservation fees.
Day 3 to 5
Transfer to Kapamba Bushcamp for 3 nights
In a remote corner of the South Luangwa National Park lies Kapamba, a camp that combines the isolation and superb game-viewing opportunities of a true bushcamp with a touch of... dare we say it... luxury.
Watching an elephant take a dip in the river can be quite an experience when you're lounging in your own private plunge pool. The central bar and dining room is positioned under a huddle of matumi and sausage trees, with a wide deck that stretches out with views of the Kapamba River. And if that's still not close enough for you, why not enjoy your G&T from the middle of the river itself, your feet dipped in the cool, crystal shallows.
You will be staying at Kapamba Bushcamp for 3 nights including meals, drinks, 2 game viewing activities per day and national park and conservation fees.
Day 6 to 8
Flight to Lower Zambezi, transfer to Baines' River Camp for 3 nights
The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 sqkm on the northern side of the Zambezi River between the Muchinga Escarpment and the Zambezi River. Wildlife viewing is best done from a boat or while silently drifting down the river in a canoe. Most animals concentrate on the valley floor close to the river where herds of Buffaloes and Elephants can be seen and many different bird species can be watched.
Baines’ River Camp offers the ultimate combination of luxury and game viewing making it a great camp to complete a safari at. The rooms at Baines’ are not just a roof over your head – they are an experience in itself. The exquisite suites and tasteful main area have been built to be the highlight of your stay. This is where you come to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.
You will be staying for 3 nights at Baines' including all meals, local drinks and twice daily safari activities.
Day 9
Departure
You will be flying from Lower Zambezi to Lusaka today for your onward flight home or to continue your journey.
If you'd like to stay longer or customize this itinerary please contact us and we will offer you great options or extensions.
The safari operates from April to November, with peak wildlife viewing generally between June and October during the dry season, when animals gather around rivers and lagoons.
Domestic flight prices in Zambia can fluctuate significantly depending on season, airline availability, fuel surcharges, and booking dates. To ensure transparent and fair pricing, domestic flights are quoted separately at the time of booking using the best available fares.
South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are among Zambia’s premier wildlife destinations. Guests commonly encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, antelope species, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Wild dog sightings are also possible.
Yes. This safari is ideal for both first-time safari travelers and experienced Africa visitors seeking a more authentic and less crowded wildlife experience.
Yes. South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of the walking safari, and guided bush walks may be included depending on camp schedules, weather conditions, and guest preferences.
We recommend lightweight neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. A detailed packing list can be provided upon booking.
