9-Day Zambia Itinerary | Zambezi River, Kafue & South Luangwa
A 9-Day Zambia Itinerary | Zambezi River, Kafue & South Luangwa. A 9-day itinerary covering the Zambezi River (Livingstone/Victoria Falls or Lower Zambezi), Kafue, and South Luangwa is ambitious due to the vast distances between these regions. For a seamless experience, light aircraft transfers are essential.
Unparalleled safari chances and hidden treasures await you in the center of Africa. The immense nature and inaccessible places of Zambia have made it a highly sought-after destination for adventurous tourists seeking a genuine safari experience. Victoria Falls, the Kafue National Park plains, and the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park are all stops along this 9-day Zambia Itinerary.
As the Zambezi River winds its way towards the Victoria Falls, the 9-day Zambia Itinerary adventure starts at the enchanting Tongabezi Lodge. If you want to make the most of your time in an off-the-grid luxury eco-lodge on an island not far from Victoria Falls, you can add an extra night at Sindabezi Island Camp. Next up are the breathtaking, unspoiled vistas of Kafue National Park. Chisa Busanga Camp is located in the Busanga Plains, where guests may relax by the campfire and take in breathtaking game drives. Finally, you’ll reach South Luangwa National Park and the alluring Shawa Luangwa Camp. The abundant leopard population enjoys its great location along the Luangwa River.
For those seeking a true safari experience without sacrificing comfort or luxury, this is the 9-Day Zambia Itinerary of a lifetime. At every stop along the way, you’ll find a place to stay that’s perfect for families on vacation. Because of the lodges’ secluded locations and quaint decor, they are ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic retreat.
A Detailed 9-Day Zambia Itinerary | Zambezi River, Kafue & South Luangwa
Day 1-2: Follow in the Footsteps of David Livingstone | 2 Nights
A chauffeur will be waiting to take you from Livingstone International Airport to the picturesque Tongabezi Lodge as soon as you land. Located immediately upstream from Victoria Falls on the magnificent Zambezi River. From its vantage point at the edge of the Falls, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Zambezi River, which contrasts with its mighty cascade below. A peaceful atmosphere permeates the lodge, occasionally punctuated by the melodic calls of fish eagles and hippos, as the placid riverbed conceals its formidable character.
Visit Victoria Falls at any time of year for a wide variety of activities, such as spectacular helicopter rides, zip-lining above Batoka Gorge, bungee jumping, guided tours of the Falls, relaxing sundowner cruises, high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, and perusing local craft markets. A terrific way to unwind after a day of visiting this wonderful place is to return to the lodge and enjoy leisurely strolls through the grounds, poolside relaxation, and soothing spa treatments.
Day 3: A Night on a Zambezi River Island | 1 Nights
Spend the night on a picturesque river island at Sindabezi Island Camp, Tongabezi’s sibling resort. Get on a boat and get whisked away to a five-star eco-lodge for a picnic on the island. Crafted from locally selected materials, your lovely open-fronted thatched chalet offers the ideal combination of indoor and outdoor living.
Enjoy a day of complete seclusion in a paradisiacal setting. Enjoy a soak in the plunge pool, a picnic on the island, some fishing, a stroll around the island, or a sunset cruise at your leisure. Stop at the famous Sinda Sand Bar for a memorable end to the day, and then return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
Day 4-5: True Wilderness in the Busanga Plains | 2 Nights
After spending one more morning on the island, you will be whisked away by boat to Tongabezi Lodge, where you will be driven to Livingstone Airport. Ascending to Busanga Airstrip, hop on your charter plane and take in the sights of rural Zambia below. Upon your return to Chisa Busanga Camp, your headquarters for the following two nights, you will be escorted the short distance after touching down.
Chisa Busanga Camp is a genuine hidden treasure in one of Zambia’s biggest and most pristine wilderness areas; it is situated on a peaceful, island surrounded by trees in the middle of the expansive Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park. The camp runs entirely on solar power, a sign of its eco-consciousness. You may get around the surrounding dambos (grassland that turns marsh during the rainy season) on one of the electric game drive cars or a bike. Chisa Busanga Camp is an architectural wonder in addition to being an eco-conscious institution with a picture-perfect setting. Chisa, meaning “bird’s nest” in Nyanja, is the name of one of the camp’s distinctive suites, and it is based on the elaborate and interesting design of the weaver bird nests that decorate the trees.
On game drives, you can see wildlife and take in the scenery; when you get back to camp, relax by the plunge pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Amidst the otherworldly ambiance created by the camp’s secluded setting, guests can gather around the outdoor fire pit to tell ghost stories.
Day 6-8: An Off-The-Beaten-Track Safari | 3 Nights
Following a filling breakfast, you and your guide will return to Busanga Airstrip to catch a light aircraft flight to South Luangwa National Park. You will be met at Mfuwe Airport by your new guide, and then transferred by road to Shawa Luangwa Camp, your safari home in the South Luangwa.
Shawa Luangwa is well situated for unforgettable animal encounters, nestled along the tree-lined banks of the seasonal Luangwa River in the Nsefu region of South Luangwa. Discover the area on foot, on a solar-powered boat (when water levels permit), or in an electric game viewer vehicle. In addition to being better for the planet, electric vehicles are great for watching games because they don’t make a sound. This allows you to listen into more of the ambient noises and reduces the likelihood of startled animals during sightings.
In harmony with nature, your eco-tent provides a cosy refuge. From the privacy of your own deck, perched on stilted platforms, you can watch the wildlife go by. The open-air bathtub is the ideal place to relax after an exciting day on the safari and a tasty meal beneath the stars.
Day 9: Bid Farewell
Take one last bite of breakfast while gazing out over the unspoiled Zambian bush before making your way back to Mfuwe Airport to catch a flight to Lusaka Airport, your next stop on the adventure.
End of the 9-Day Zambia Itinerary | Zambezi River, Kafue & South Luangwa
Inclusions
- Meals:
Tongabezi Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Sindabezi Island Camp : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Chisa Busanga Camp : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Shawa Luangwa Camp : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) - All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
- All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
- 24/7 assistance and support during your trip
Exclusions
- Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
- Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
- Tips
- Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)