Best of Zambia Flying Safari
11 Days
Immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Park and enjoy the sights of Victoria Falls from Zambian side in Livingstone. This trip offers an amazing wildlife encounters experienced through a variety of game activities: game drives, boating, birding, canoeing and walking safaris, or you can just observe the wildlife from the comfort of your camps and lodges.
Home » 11 Day Best of Zambia Flying Safari
Itinerary Highlights:
- Experience an amazing wildlife on game drives and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park
- Enjoy water based activities in Lower Zambezi NP including river cruise, fishing and canoeing
- Marvel at the power of Victoria Falls and visit locals in authentic rural villages
- Relax on Zambezi sunset cruise while enjoying snacks, sundowners and amazing views
Itinerary Overview:
- Day 1: Arrive to Lusaka and fly to Luangwa
- Day 2-5: South Luangwa National Park
- Day 6: Fly to Lower Zambezi NP
- Day 7-8: Lower Zambezi NP
- Day 9: Fly to Livingstone
- Day 10: Livingstone
- Day 11: Depart
Day 1: Arrive to Lusaka and fly to Luangwa
Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport you will be met by a representative and assisted with immigration and customs procedures. You will then be directed to the domestic check-in counters for your flight to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa.
On arrival at Mfuwe Airport after an 1hour flight from Lusaka, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your first camp and the safari will start before you even arrive in camp. Once in camp, take it easy and relax after your long trip, a sundowner in camp is a great start to your 5 nights bush experience.
Day 2: Kafunta River Lodge
Awake early to the sweet smell of the unpolluted African bush and after breakfast venture out into the park in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for your first taste of what lies ahead. Most of your game-viewing from Kafunta will be by vehicle and you will enjoy both day and night drives.
The South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s ecologically unspoilt wilderness areas. The national park encompasses 9,050 square km and is home to over 420 bird species and over 60 species of mammals. The park is renowned for its high leopard population and these elusive creatures are commonly seen on night drives. The park is also home to large elephant herds and there are a great number of hippo and crocodile in the river. Lions are commonly seen in South Luangwa National Park and it is the only place in the world where they are known to kill hippos. The lion prides here include up to 20 animals! Species endemic to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson’s wildebeest.
Day 3-4: Island Bush Camp
Today you will be transferred to your next camp deep into the wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. The drive to Island Bush Camp will take you through woodlands and riverine landcapes, while passing through a couple of authentic villages. At the camp, the views stretch from the Chindeni hills in the Eastern corners of the Luangwa Valley, to the Muchinga escarpment in the West, presenting the complete natural boundary of this remote and achingly beautiful wilderness.
Walking safaris are the main activity in this pristine place, a chance to explore the bush on a different level. Under the guidance of professional guides and escorted by an armed park scout, you’ll embark on a slow-paced wander looking for different wildlife species and taking the time to hear about nature’s wonders too often overlooked on game drives. Exploring the bush on foot, being on the ground in the vicinity of wild animals is exhilarating and should not be missed.
Day 5: Kafunta River Lodge
Today you will return to Kafunta River Lodge for another night before your flight out of Mfuwe.
Enjoy another afternoon game drive safari with the amazing African sunset, celebrated by a traditional sundowner drink before continuing onto the night safari in search of nocturnal animals. After the safari return to the lodge for a delicious 4 course dinner.
Day 6: Fly to Lower Zambezi NP
You leave South Luangwa today and guide will transfer you to Mfuwe airport, from where you will fly directly to the Lower Zambezi and into Jeki Airstrip which is about an hour and a half’s drive from your next camp Anabezi.
Check in and unwind in one of the spacious lounge areas of the camp raised above the bush overlooking the magnificent Zambezi River. In the afternoon join one of the camps activities whether it is an afternoon/evening game drive or sun downer boat cruise, returning to the camp for delicious dinner.
Day 7-8: Lower Zambezi National Park
Over the next couple of days enjoy exploring Lower Zambezi National Park through the activities offered by the camp.
Game drives offer the best and safest way to witness the African animal kingdom up close. On walking safaris you will gain a greater insight into the local flora and smaller animals in the park. River boating safaris give you a different prospective to view the wildlife from the water, and there is something peaceful about cruising through the floodplains of Zambezi River under shimmering African sun.
For avid fishermen, the catch and release of Tiger fish is a must experience here, and birding enthusiasts find Lower Zambezi a dream destination with over 500 species of birds.
There also aren't many places in Africa that would offer canoeing safaris, which is another exiting way how to enjoy viewing the animal life that thrive and survive on the Zambezi.
Day 9: Fly to Livingstone
After breakfast you will be taken to Jeki airstrip where you board a flight to Livingstone via Lusaka, which will bring you to your final destination of this safari. On arrival in Livingstone you will be driven 45 minutes to Waterberry Lodge which is set on the bank of the Zambezi River some 25 kilometres up-stream from the Falls themselves.
Day 10: Livingstone
The camp has a very homely feel and in-house activities are offered ranging from a trip to visit the Falls to birding walks, river trips, fishing, island picnics and the like. There are numerous additional activities to enjoy in the area around the falls but spending some time just lounging around the camp is always a good option.
Day 11: Depart
After breakfast a 45 minute road transfer will see you back at Livingstone International Airport where you will connect to your onward flight.
Suggested Accommodation
City | Accommodation |
---|---|
South Luangwa National Park | Kafunta River Lodge or similar |
South Luangwa National Park | Island Bush Camp or similar |
Lower Zambezi National Park | Anabezi Lodge or similar |
Livingstone | Waterberry Zambezi Lodge or similar |
Whats included?
- Internal flights Lusaka - Mfuwe - Jeki - Lusaka - Livingstone
- All road transfers
- Accommodation with private facilities
- All meals, local drinks and house wines
- Activities as specified
- National Park fees and conservation levies
- One entry fee to Victoria Falls NP
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Visa fees for entry to Zambia
- Gratuities and items of personal nature