7 Days Classic Zambian Bush & River Experience

This Zambia safari itinerary combines two of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations – South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park – offering a perfect mix of land-based game viewing and river safaris.
Begin with 3 nights at Flatdogs Camp in South Luangwa, one of Africa’s top wildlife safari destinations, known for its high concentration of animals and exceptional walking safaris. The Luangwa Valley is home to over 100 mammal species and more than 400 bird species, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. Continue to the Lower Zambezi for 3 nights at Baines River Camp, where the focus shifts to Zambezi River safari experiences, including canoeing, boat cruises, and game drives along the riverbanks. This itinerary is ideal for those looking for a classic African safari holiday, combining adventure, scenery, and diverse wildlife experiences.

Inclusions

3 Nights full board at Flatdogs Camp – South Luangwa; Luxury tented accommodation, all meals, Two (2) safari activities per day, national park entry fees, all conservation and tourist levies, laundry.

3 nights full board at Baines River camp – Lower Zambezi, Accommodation, all meals, 2 activities per day (Game Drives, Safari walks, Boat Cruises, Fishing and Canoeing, Visits to Mugurameno, all park fees and levies.

Transportation; Two-way Internal flights (Lusaka – Mfuwe – Lusaka, and Lusaka – Lower Zambezi – Lusaka), all airport transfers.

The Itinerary

Day 1

Meet and Greet - Flight to Mfuwe

Upon arrival in Lusaka, connect to your scheduled flight to Mfuwe Airport, the gateway to South Luangwa. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Flatdogs Camp (approx. 45 minutes).
Set on the banks of the Luangwa River just outside the park, the camp offers a relaxed atmosphere with wildlife often visible from camp. Check in and enjoy dinner before overnight.

Day 2&3

Explore South Luangwa National Park

You will have two full days to explore South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s premier game viewing destinations.
Activities (2 per day); Morning game drives, evening game drives, and optional walking safaris.
South Luangwa is one of the few parks in Africa where night drives are permitted, offering excellent chances to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards and hyenas.
Walking safaris are also a highlight, allowing you to explore the bush on foot with experienced guides and gain deeper insight into the ecosystem.
Return to camp between activities for meals and relaxation.

Day 4

Flight to Lower Zambezi via Lusaka - Baines River Camp

After breakfast and a short morning game drive, transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight back to Lusaka.
On arrival, you will be assisted to board a light craft to Royal Airstrip in Lower Zambezi, where a driver from baines will welcome you and transfer you to the Camp in the Lower Zambezi region.
Check in and relax along the riverbank. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Days 5&6

Explore Lower Zambezi National Park

Spend two full days exploring the Lower Zambezi National Park, one of Zambia’s most scenic safari destinations.
Activities (2 per day): Game Drives, Safari walks, Boat Cruises, Fishing and Canoeing, Visits to Mugurameno.
The Lower Zambezi is unique in that it combines traditional game drives with river-based safaris, offering close-up wildlife encounters from both land and water. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife are commonly seen along the riverbanks.
Return to camp between activities for meals and relaxation.

Day 7

Departure

After breakfast, depart Baines River Camp and fly back to Lusaka in time for your onward flight.

Where You'll Be Staying

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Owner-run Flatdogs Camp offers guests a personal, unforgettable safari experience in one of the most untouched National Parks in the whole of Southern Africa. Set in a riparian woodland habitat, the camp is kept as natural as possible and offers guests a great range of accommodation; the open Jackal-Berry Treehouse with waterhole views, the fabulous Croc’s Nest, which is a tented house with river views and private pool, the cool and spacious chalet rooms made of stone & thatch, which…
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What's not included

- Visa fees
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- Regional International / Private Charter flights
- All Drinks from the Bar
- Tips and anything of a personal nature

Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?

Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.

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Feedback From Our Previous Clients

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Dillon P profile picture
Dillon P
01/01/2025
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Epic experience Truly a once in a lifetime experience! We always felt safe and well looked after on the trip, the scenery was excellent and the value for money was off the charts. Definitely a trip we would want to do again.
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howard0928
10/11/2024
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Excellent operator! Absolute Zambia was fantastic. Every connection ran smoothly, a representative was in hand whenever necessary. Booked us in fantastic lodges with great accommodations and even better food Highly recommended
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Sorel profile picture
Sorel
19/10/2024
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Well organized, amazing safari Robert helped us plan every detail of our first safari/trip to Africa. He was incredibly responsive via email, and allowed us to explore a variety of options. We visited the city of Lusaka, 2 game parks, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, and a Mozambique beach resort. Every step of the way went smoothly.I especially recommend South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi game parks for safari. We saw a wide range of game and our guides were knowledgeable. It was overall an amazing experience.
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Laurent - societyofexploration
18/09/2024
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100% recommendation for your Zambia travels Robert arranged a two weeks photography tour for us, combining Wildlige and culture (Likumby Lya Mize and Nyau mask dances) and we enjoyed it a lot. He was extremely responsive to answer all our questions before the tour and arranged many extras that are, for photographers, of the utmost importance - private safari vehicles, full day game drives, efficient planning - making sure we didn‘t miss a thing! Also the recommended lodges were faultless. A special thanks to our driver, Kamara, who, with his professionalism and positive attitude, helped to overcome every small difficulty that we met during our overland travel days. The budget we gave was also respected and we got good value for our money. I give a 100% recommendation to this reputable Zambian owned company.
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marys
25/08/2024
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AMAZING EXPERIENCE Robert Zgosi was amazing! Everything on our trip was perfectly planned and executed. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I have recommended this company to friends and would definitely use them again!
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Diamond1924
07/07/2024
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Absolutely Great Tour AZS organised a perfect customised tour for us, combining Victoria Falls and South Luangwa nature reserve. Everything went really smoothly from stepping off the plane at Livingstone, crossing the Zimbabwean border, internal Zambian flights, and selecting terrific Lodges. We were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed at Lusaka Airport as we connected to our flight to Mfuwe. Would thoroughly recommend - AZS were brilliant at rearranging everything when we had to delay our trip as well. Really good.
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Anna L profile picture
Anna L
14/05/2024
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Perfect holiday in Zambia Robert designed a perfect trip for our family. He chose local owned lodges that met our budget. He was always available to make sure we were okay or to give us advice. I highly recommend Absolute Zambia Safari!
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Howard K K WONG
13/05/2024
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The most professional and trustworthy agent for safaris in Africa We have just returned from a wonderful 9 days’ trip in Zimbabwe which was recommended and well organized by Robert from Absolute Zambia Safaris. According to our budget and wishing list, Robert organized us to stay at two wonderful lodges each close to two different National Parks in Zimbabwe and last stop by Victoria Falls. I was lucky to have entrusted Robert to organize my first experience of safari at his own country ( 5 days’ Luangwa trip) in 2019. Same as before, we did not have to think about anything on this trip but enjoying every moment on our safaris, especially the sightings of white rhinos which we mostly interested in. All the arrangements were seamless with only one hiccup, it was not the fault of Robert or his team but the “Imvelo” whose tram services could not be resumed on the date as they had hoped. What a pity that we could not celebrate our special event on that tram as planned. Robert be given credit once again in this regard, he promptly negotiated with Imvelo who eventually compensated us a charter flight to Victoria Fall with no extra charge and had out luggage forwarded by road to our hotel on the same day. All the way through our return to the airport for our flight back home, definitely exceeded our expectations. Robert of Absolute Zambia Safaris was truly amazing and I wholeheartedly recommend him to those planning a trip in South Africa.
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Gary V
19/12/2023
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Another perfect holiday We were a party of eight, most of us on a return trip (last one in 2020 - also with Absolute Zambia Safaris) under the expert guidance of Robert. It was again a holiday without a single complaint. Pickups were reliable and punctual, the David Livingstone resort is perfectly located on the banks of the Zambezi with comfortable beds, sumptuous food, an infinity pool, and an unlimited supply of food and drinks on the silent but spacious sunset cruise. Robert (from Absolute Zambia Safaris) dealt with all our changes, additions, amendments, and cancellations with endless patience and understanding. It was a perfect holiday, we will be back. Thank you Absolute Zambia Safaris.
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Lisa A
24/11/2023
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Amazing five-day trip Absolute Safari organised an amazing five-day trip for us which included 2 nights in Mwanfushi safari lodge and 2 nights by Victoria falls. Everything worked out perfectly and Robert was quick on the email, answering and organising according to our wishes. Our driver Brian was excellent and always on time and the price very reasonable. Can highly recommend.

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