Shoebill Safari in Zambia An Exceptional 8 Days Itinerary

An unforgettable 7-night Shoebill safari through Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Kasanka National Park, and the Bangweulu Swamps, where you may perhaps get a glimpse of the renowned shoebill stork.

Want a chance to see a shoebill

This Shoebill safari is perfect for you if you are hoping to spot a shoebill. On this magnificent Shoebill safari with The Bespoke African Safari Co., you’ll visit the Bangweulu marshes, Kasanka National Park, and South Luangwa National Park. While searching for the extraordinary shoebill, you can come across a plethora of other animals, including giraffes, elephants, and lions.

To ensure that your experience is enhanced throughout, one of our best Shoebill safari guides will be leading this tour. Following a brief stay at Luangwa River Camp in the South Luangwa, the party will board a plane to Kasanka National Park, where they will spend time at Wasa Lodge. On this Shoebill Safari, you may expect to observe a wide variety of birds, as well as the sitatunga antelope in the swamp. The next stop on the safari will be Shoebill Island Camp in the stunning Bangweulu Swamps, one of Zambia’s hidden treasures known for its exceptional birdlife (including a wide variety of water birds and the endangered wattled crane gracefully gliding across the plains). The remarkable shoebill is, of course, still the major draw. In addition to buffalo and tsessebe, the region is home to the unique black lechwe.

One of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness places and perhaps the best wildlife sanctuary in Africa is South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley. The walking safari is renowned to have originated in South Luangwa National Park. Among the many private safaris available in Africa, this is among the most exclusive. The Luangwa River forms the park’s focal point. Much of the park is inaccessible by road due to its natural ebb and flow of water, which keeps it a sanctuary for the enormous concentration of game that lives there. The area has remained untapped by man. The park is a birdwatcher’s dream, home to more than 450 different species of birds as well as elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, leopards, and lions.

Itinerary of Shoebill Safari day by day

Day 1 – 2: Luangwa River Camp

Located on the banks of the Luangwa River, beneath an old ebony forest, Luangwa River Camp offers a view of the Luangwa Wafwa, a game-rich area. The five bush suites at this tiny, intimate camp are the perfect combination of the “wow” effect and the romantic atmosphere that permeates the entire property. On The Shoebill Safari, it serves as the initial stop.

Guests at Luangwa River Camp have the option of participating in either a walking safari or a game drive twice daily. After a quick breakfast, the optimum time to go on a walking safari or game drive is first thing in the morning. After enjoying some lunch, taking a little nap, and enjoying some teatime sweets, it’s time to head back out to the park to enjoy the late afternoon/early evening. For a more well-rounded view of the Luangwa Valley, one can also arrange for a culture excursion or visit a wildlife education center. Despite the lack of shoebill storks in South Luangwa, a couple nights here provide an opportunity to settle into Shoebill Safari mode and meet your guide for the remainder of the journey.

Day 3 – 4: Wasa Lodge

Wasa Lodge Kasanka National Park Zambia

Many endangered species find refuge in the picturesque Kasanka wilderness in northern Zambia, which consists of woodlands, plains, lakes, rivers, and marshes. Among the many unique plant and animal species found here are a number of endangered ones, including as the sitatunga, wattled crane, blue monkey, and Ross’s lourie.

Spend your days birdwatching with a The Bespoke African Safari Guide. You might be lucky enough to spot ospreys, pel’s fishing owls, ross’ louries, and African finfoots. and wildlife viewing with the expectation of spotting numerous kinds of mammals, including reedbuck, sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, and the extremely rare blue monkey. You can see up to forty sitatunga feeding simultaneously from the sitatunga hide, which offers breathtaking views of the Kapabi Swamp.

Day 5 – 6: Shoebill Island Camp

That these beautiful wetlands are called Bangweulu—”where water meets the sky”—is a fitting description. African Parks is in charge of the area and has been collaborating with locals to maintain the wetlands in a sustainable way since 2008, which is good news for both humans and wildlife. Among the more than 433 bird species found there are the endangered shoebill and wattled cranes, which together make up 10% of the world’s wattled crane population.

Situated on the brink of the vast Bangweulu wetlands, Shoebill Island Camp couldn’t be more ideal. The camp is right in the middle of all the action in the wetlands and flood plain. Birdsong and the splashing of thousands of lechwe make it a lively place at all times.

Day 7: Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Tower

The Cool Shoebill Stork from Bangweulu Wetlands

As soon as you say your farewells to the personnel at Shoebill Island Camp, you will be whisked away to Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, on a picturesque flight over the escarpment. An agent from The Bespoke African Safari Co. will be waiting to take you to the Protea Lusaka Tower Hotel. In the evening, before you return home, you can unwind. In the middle of Lusaka, on Great East Road, within the Arcades Shopping and Entertainment Complex, is the Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower. Shops and eateries are conveniently located right outside this motel. With Kenneth Kaunda International Airport just 25 minutes away, this hotel is ideal for business and pleasure travelers both. The Steakhouse and Cloud 9, the rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower, are great places to unwind.

End of the Shoebill Safari in Zambia Itinerary

Inclusions

• Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
• Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
• Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
• Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
• Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip

Exclusions

• Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
• Tips and personal expenses
• Visa and tourism fees
• Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
• International airfare

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this Shoebill Safari in Zambia Itinerary? Essential Trip Information provides, visa info, How to get to Zambia, Zambia the Best Time to visit – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.