9-Day South Luangwa And Lower Zambezi | Bush Walks & Game Drives

A 9-Day South Luangwa And Lower Zambezi | Bush Walks & Game Drives. A 9-day safari combining South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi offers a premier Zambian experience, typically starting with high-density leopard spotting in South Luangwa followed by water-based adventure along the Zambezi River. Usually, this involves a “fly-in” itinerary via Lusaka, staying 4 nights in each park at luxury lodges or bush camps, with activities including 4×4 game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing.

Spectacular wildlife watching and a wide variety of landscapes to explore throughout the year make Zambia a top safari destination. Walking alongside herds of buffalo as they ford the formidable Zambezi River or giraffes, zebras, and elephants congregating at the Luangwa River’s bank are just two of the animal encounters you can expect on this tour.

The first leg of your adventure is a four-night stay at the luxurious Lion Camp, located in the middle of South Luangwa National Park, the premier wildlife refuge in Zambia. Here you can experience the walking safari firsthand with daily guided bush walks throughout the vast unfenced area. The next stop is the Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp, an elite retreat that offers a four-night stay in the southern region. Enjoy peaceful canoeing and boating down the famous Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park, which is famous for its water-based safaris.

Two well-known parks in Zambia can be explored on this itinerary. From May through October, you may enjoy the dry season to the fullest. May and August are warm, but September and October can get rather hot, making them ideal for afternoon pool dives.

A Detailed 9-Day South Luangwa And Lower Zambezi | Walks & Game Drives

Day 1-4: Walking Safaris in South Luangwa | 4 Nights

Your journey to Mfuwe Airport begins when you touch down at Lusaka Airport, where you can get your bags and clear customs. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to the South Luangwa National Park, where you will spend the first four nights at the luxurious Lion Camp. Here, you’ll find the ideal armchair safari experience ensconced in the sophistication of lodges designed in the form of safari trees and perched on raised wooden decks.

Being the “home of the walking safari,” the reserve has a long and storied past, and visitors may enjoy daily animal tracking excursions accompanied by knowledgeable guides. You will be able to track large animals, such as elephant herds and magnificent giraffes, as you trek across the surrounding plains. On a daily game drive, you may relax and enjoy the safari while still seeing a lot of the unfenced savanna area. A one-of-a-kind specialised safari expedition is also available; for those who are serious about wildlife photography and want to learn the ropes from the master, Edward Selfe, you can do just that. Afterwards, you can use the camp’s private photography studio to edit your photographs.

As the sun sets and the temperature drops, gather around the fire pit to toast with hand-picked estate wines and swap bush tales with other visitors. In the evening, you may feast on traditional African-fusion dishes in a boma under the twinkling stars, and in the morning, you can have a big bush breakfast while you’re out exploring. Relax in the tranquillity of your suite’s living room after a long day, taking in the endless views of the Luangwa Valley illuminated by the moonlight via the roll-up canvas walls.

Day 5-8: Boat Along the Zambezi River | 4 Nights

Return to Mfuwe Airport to depart for Jeki Airstrip after breakfast. Spend four nights in the opulent privacy of a safari suite at the posh Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp, reached after a brief road journey from the airport. Imagine yourself in a natural haven nestled in the heart of the Winterthorn Forest, overlooking a picturesque riverbed in a remote section of Lower Zambezi National Park.

Water safaris in Anabezi are famous for providing a new perspective on Africa’s natural beauty. While sipping a tasty cocktail, float leisurely down the placid Zambezi River in a pontoon boat and wonder at the crocodiles and hippos that swim between the islands. Adventure safaris that include canoeing allow you to get your blood pumping as you follow the river’s twists and turns. After the sun goes down on a short game drive in Africa, the continent’s nocturnal animals come to life. This is the best time to see a variety of cats, including lions, civets, genets, and hyenas.

Indulge in a day of relaxation on the Mushika Deck, the camp’s exclusive bar and pool area, with its armchair safari-chic decor. Enjoy a variety of wines and cocktails while taking in the wildlife, such as warthogs and antelopes, that frequent the local watering hole. When night falls, nothing beats a candlelit dinner for two on the veranda or in your private room, surrounded by love.

Day 9: Your Zambian Safari Ends

Returning to Jeki Airstrip for your flight to Lusaka Airport follows a morning in the wilderness, and a vehicle transfer will get you there.

End of the 9-Day South Luangwa And Lower Zambezi | Walks & Game Drives

Inclusions

  • Meals:
    Lion Camp : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
    Dulini Anabezi : 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)