Discover the essence of Zambia on this unforgettable safari which combines walking safaris in the legendary South Luangwa National Park with both walking and boating in the exceptional Lower Zambezi National Park. Nothing quite compares to exploring the African bush on foot, which sharpens every single one of the senses, while cruising down the mighty Zambezi affords unmatched serenity and gameviewing in near-perfect silence. Every night, bed down in some of the country’s finest bush camps where you’ll be completely off the grid yet still treated to mouth-watering meals and modern comforts such as premium bed linen and feathertop beds in your tented suite.
Journey Highlights
Arrive Lusaka, then fly to Mfuwe in the country’s east. You are met and transferred to Puku Ridge Camp, situated in the vast and spectacular South Luangwa National Park.
Puku Ridge Camp | Meals: LD
Spend two whole days in this magnificent reserve, which supports large populations of rare endemic Thornicroft’s Giraffe and herds of elephant and buffalo that often number in the hundreds. Visitors with keen eyes will soon uncover lion, leopard and all kinds of antelope including the graceful puku, which thrives in the grasslands of the South Luangwa National Park.
Puku Ridge Camp | Meals: BLD
Transfer by road to Luwi Camp enjoying more gameviewing en route. Named after an ephemeral river that flows close by, this camp is one of the cosiest on your journey and marks the start of your walking safari. This afternoon, head out with your guide and explore the remote area surrounding Luwi on foot - there are no vehicles around for miles, so you’ll be able to pick up every sound.
Time+Tide Luwi Camp | Meals: BLD
This morning, set off on foot (approx. 3 hours) along the Luwi River to Time+Tide Nsolo, which sits beside a well-used elephant path arriving in time for lunch. There’s no end to the action around this camp, as African wild dogs den in close proximity and lion prides regularly use the neighbouring dry river bed as a thoroughfare. This afternoon, explore the area around camp on foot and at dusk, embark on a night drive through the reserve in search of predators including lion, leopard, African wild dog as well as smaller, nocturnal creatures such as owls and porcupines.
Time+Tide Nsolo | Meals: BLD
Continue your walk today, following the Luwi riverbed towards the main Luangwa River (approx. 4 hours). Your camp tonight sits at the confluence of both waterways. This afternoon choose between a walking safari or game drive.
Time+Tide Kakuli Camp | Meals: BLD
Make the most of your last day in the park, following the sandy curve of the wide Luangwa River to Time+Tide Mchenja (approx. 2 hours). A hearty lunch awaits at this evocative riverside camp, tucked beneath a grove of ebony trees. Optional activities this afternoon include a walking safari, game drive, or you may choose to spend time at leisure enjoying the camps idyllic surrounds overlooking the Luangwa River.
Time+Tide Mchenja | Meals: BLD
Fly to the Lower Zambezi National Park, an area of stunning wilderness where you are met and transferred by vehicle and boat to Chiawa Camp - the first safari lodge established in this reserve.
Chiawa Camp | Meals: BLD
Spend the next two days soaking up the atmosphere and surroundings of Chiawa Camp, which offers outstanding cuisine, service and of course, wildlife. Game concentrates in the corridor between the steep escarpment and river, and the camp’s viewing platform in a quiet corner offers a wonderful vantage point. Activities at Chiawa include day and night drives, walking safaris, motorboat cruises and canoe trips to uncover some of the park’s 50 mammal and 400 bird species.
Chiawa Camp | Meals: BLD
Transfer by boat to Old Mondoro, a simple and intimate bush camp providing a ‘back to the bush’ atmosphere. The camp is situated in a grove of acacia and winter thorn trees, strung out along the banks of the Zambezi River and overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited channels.
Old Mondoro Camp | Meals: BLD
Enjoy 2 days exploring the areas vast flood plains and open woodlands with exceptional game viewing opportunities. This location is renowned for great leopard and lion sightings, vast herds of buffalo, healthy elephant populations, hyenas, zebras, and over 400 birds species. Activities include morning and late afternoon game drives, walking safaris, and explorations by canoe, affording the opportunity to glide downstream while passing abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, crocodile, as well as amazing river birds.
Old Mondoro Camp | Meals: BLD
Bid farewell to the wilderness as you return to Lusaka by light aircraft for your onward flight.
Meals: B
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800 or send us a booking enquiry to book this journey.