Zambia is Africa in its most untouched form – pristine, species-rich and defined by a silence that leaves a lasting impression. With three of the continent’s most significant national parks, the thundering curtain of Victoria Falls and one of the last truly wild river systems on earth, Zambia offers experiences that no other country can match in such concentration.
This journey connects Zambia’s most fascinating regions: from the Zambezi at Livingstone through the remote Busanga Plains in Kafue, the water-rich Lower Zambezi and the legendary South Luangwa Valley. Four national parks, four completely different landscapes – guided by a shared philosophy: experience nature rather than consume it, in exclusive eco-luxury camps that see themselves as a natural part of their environment.
We know all four regions from firsthand experience and work only with lodges we have personally vetted – so you can rely on every part of the itinerary.
Highlights at a Glance
Our Programme
Zambia (14 days) – with optional Malawi extension
Livingstone, Victoria Falls & Zambezi
Arrival at Livingstone Airport. Transfer to the private Sindabezi Island Lodge – situated in the middle of the Zambezi, accessible only by boat. The island welcomes you with complete silence, birdsong and the gentle murmur of the river. Time to arrive and immerse yourself in the African wilderness. Two unforgettable days around Victoria Falls. Visit the Falls on the Zambian side: Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the smoke that thunders” – is the world’s largest curtain of falling water. Walking through roaring spray, looking down the falls from the water’s edge, and feeling the power of the water is a visceral experience that leaves a lasting impression. Also: game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, private sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi, canoe trip on the river, visit to a local village. One of Africa’s most beautiful river lodges, award-winning and deeply committed to sustainability. A free day to enjoy the lodge: yoga deck with river views, optional spa, private island picnic on the Zambezi, or simply sitting in the rocking chair watching elephants on the far bank.
Kafue National Park
Flight to the remote north of Kafue National Park – Zambia’s largest and wildest protected area. Chisa Busanga Camp is set on the Busanga Plains, one of Africa’s most remote wildlife areas: flat floodplains, treeless openness, horizon as far as the eye can see. The camp itself is a visionary project: futuristic treehouse suites nestle gently into the plains, solar-powered eCruisers replace diesel vehicles – safari of the future. The Busanga Plains are known for their unique wildlife: large lechwe antelope herds in the marshes, lions on the open plains, elephants, and extraordinary birdlife. Early morning game drives in golden light – the eCruiser glides almost silently, animals undisturbed. Plus: guided walking safaris, quiet birdwatching in the wetlands.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park – where bush luxury meets river magic. Sausage Tree Camp sits directly on the Zambezi bank, surrounded by enormous sausage trees that give the camp its name. Elephants pass along the shore, hippos surface and snort beside the boat. Nature comes to you – not the other way around. Activities of your choice: classic morning and evening game drives, silent canoe safaris between river islands, boat trips in the evening light, tiger fishing on the Zambezi – one of the world’s most exciting sport fish. Or simply: sit on the deck terrace and watch the elephants on the bank.
South Luangwa National Park
Flight via Livingstone to South Luangwa – Zambia’s most legendary national park and birthplace of the walking safari. The Luangwa Valley is considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife ecosystems: dense forests, open plains, the meandering Luangwa River with its oxbow lakes. Shawa Luangwa Camp – named after the famous guide Jacob Shawa – embodies the best of Zambian safari tradition: authentic, sustainable, with guiding of the highest standard. On foot on quiet trails or almost silently in a solar eCruiser: here you encounter lions, leopards and African wild dogs at a proximity that other parks don’t permit. South Luangwa has one of Africa’s highest leopard sighting rates. Add countless elephants, giraffes, zebras and over 400 bird species in the Luangwa Valley.
Departure or Optional Extension to Malawi
After three intensive days in South Luangwa: flight to Livingstone and home. Or – the adventure continues: the optional extension leads from the wilderness to the water. “From wilderness to water” – A completely different Africa awaits on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. A flight from Livingstone via Lilongwe brings you to one of the continent’s most beautiful islands. Kaya Mawa – “maybe tomorrow” in Chichewa – embodies exactly that: a slowing down, barefoot elegance, the stillness of the lake.
Likoma Island
Three days at the rhythm of the island: kayaking through crystal-clear water, snorkelling over rocks full of colourful cichlids, stand-up paddling at dawn. Or cycling around the island past friendly villages and the impressive colonial cathedral. Lakeside massages. Dinner under the stars. Or simply: nothing at all. Listening to the lapping of the waves. The first holiday after the holiday.
Farewell to Likoma Island – Return via Lilongwe
Last breakfast overlooking the lake. Flight to Lilongwe, international journey home. In your luggage: the memory of an Africa that stays with you.
Important Notes
- All domestic flights, transfers and 4×4 activities are included in the programme.
- Chisa Busanga Camp: walking safaris from age 12. Sausage Tree Camp: activities from age 6.
- South Luangwa: walking safaris from age 12 – one of the most memorable experiences in Zambia.
- Should an accommodation be fully booked, we will reserve an equivalent alternative.
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- We recommend taking out travel cancellation and interruption insurance for all journeys.
Zambia has captured your imagination?
Enquire about this journeyHighlights at a Glance
Our Programme
Programme 3 – Botswana / Caprivi / Zambia (12 days)
“The Three Countries” – Three countries, three rivers, countless wildlife encounters. Starting at Chobe in Botswana – one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich national parks – through the legendary Caprivi Strip with its unique treehouse suites, ending at Victoria Falls. For those who want to experience southern Africa in all its diversity. This programme also appears on the “Botswana” and “Zambia” pages – linked with the same itinerary.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Arrival at Kasane Airport – Wynand picks you up. Chobe National Park is renowned for its vast elephant herds – over 120,000 animals. Two activities daily: game drive in the park or boat safari on the Chobe River. It would be a miracle if you didn’t see elephants bathing and playing at the river.
Caprivi
The centrepiece of this journey. Nambwa Tented Lodge sits elevated in the treetops of Bwabwata National Park as the only private lodge within the park. Elephant paths run directly through the camp – guests walk on timber boardwalks over elephant routes to their 110 m² treehouse suites. At dawn: tea and homemade biscuits delivered to your tent. From your private deck, watch the sky illuminate in purple and amber. The majestic main deck offers open-sky dining overlooking the floodplains – a playground for elephant, buffalo and plains game herds that seek refuge under your suite at night. Activities: game drives for the Big Four, exclusive guided bush walks (the only lodge with this park permit), boat cruises, bush picnics and sundowners at the Horseshoe Lagoon. Optional: visit the Sijwa Project – an award-winning community initiative with permaculture garden, recycling workshop and cultural experience.
Livingstone, Zambia – Tongabezi Lodge
Cross into Zambia. The award-winning Tongabezi Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Zambezi, 12 km upstream from Victoria Falls. Romance and luxury with a dash of adventure. Activities: sunrise and sunset boat cruise, picnic on a private Zambezi island, visit to Victoria Falls.
Sindabezi Island Camp
Sindabezi Island Lodge is reached by boat from Tongabezi Lodge – on a small island in the middle of the Zambezi, just four private chalets. Seclusion without sacrificing service. The only footprints you’ll leave: in the silky-soft sand of the island.
Departure
Last breakfast with views over the Zambezi. Transfer to Livingstone Airport.
Important Notes
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed – this is a wilderness experience in the wild.
- Should an accommodation be fully booked, we will reserve an equivalent alternative.
- The order of activities may vary depending on your travel dates.
- We recommend taking out travel cancellation and interruption insurance for all journeys.
Botswana, Namibia and Sambia have captured your imagination?
Let’s plan your perfect journey together. Mark and Wynand know every route, every lodge, every sunset. Write to us – we’ll reply personally.
Enquire about this journey