13 Days in Zambia’s Animal Kingdom

13 Days
Zambia
Canoe, Classic, Photography

This 13-day itinerary showcases the extraordinary diversity of Zambia’s wildlife, beginning in Kafue National Park — one of Africa’s oldest and largest protected areas — with a full day exploring its wildlife-rich southern sector.

From there, the journey continues to the legendary South Luangwa National Park, affectionately known as the “Valley of the Leopard” for offering some of the best leopard sightings on the continent. South Luangwa is also celebrated as the birthplace of the walking safari, and this itinerary includes the chance to experience that intimate, on-foot style of game viewing firsthand.

The trip concludes in the Lower Zambezi, where the mighty Zambezi River takes center stage. Highlights here include a scenic river cruise, a breathtaking canoe safari along the water, and a full-day game drive through Lower Zambezi National Park complete with a picnic lunch in the bush.

Kafue, South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi

Highlights

  • Big Game Safari
  • Boat Cruises
  • Walking Safari/ Hiking
  • Canoe Safari
  • Game Drives

Inclusions

  • 1 Night Half board at Pioneer Camp and Lodge – Lusaka; Deluxe Room Accommodation, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
  • 4 Nights Fullboard at Mwamfushi Safari Lodge – Kafue NP ;  Standard Chalet/Luxury Tented, All Meals , Two daily activities (Game Drives or Boat Cruise , Nature Walk ) and Park fees
  • 4 Nights Fullboard at Njobvu Safari Lodge – South Luangwa ;Ensuite Chalet  , Meals Two daily Game Drive Activities , Laundry Services ,Park fees
  • 3 Nights Fullboard at Kiambi Safari Lodge – Lower Zambezi ; Luxury tented Chalet, Meals , activities ;  1 x Full Day Game Drive – Lower Zambezi NP , 1 x 3hrs Guided Canoe Safari , 1 x Sunset Boat Cruise
  • Road Transfers; All Airport... View All Inclusions

    Inclusions

    • 1 Night Half board at Pioneer Camp and Lodge – Lusaka; Deluxe Room Accommodation, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
    • 4 Nights Fullboard at Mwamfushi Safari Lodge – Kafue NP ;  Standard Chalet/Luxury Tented, All Meals , Two daily activities (Game Drives or Boat Cruise , Nature Walk ) and Park fees
    • 4 Nights Fullboard at Njobvu Safari Lodge – South Luangwa ;Ensuite Chalet  , Meals Two daily Game Drive Activities , Laundry Services ,Park fees
    • 3 Nights Fullboard at Kiambi Safari Lodge – Lower Zambezi ; Luxury tented Chalet, Meals , activities ;  1 x Full Day Game Drive – Lower Zambezi NP , 1 x 3hrs Guided Canoe Safari , 1 x Sunset Boat Cruise
    • Road Transfers; All Airport Transfers, Two ways Lusaka – Kafue NP Road Trips, Two ways Lusaka Lower Zambezi Road trips
    • Domestic Flights ; Lusaka – Mfuwe – Lusaka
    Close

The Itinerary

Day 1

Meet & greet – Transfer to Pioneer Lodge and Camp – Lusaka

You will be welcomed by our team at Lusaka International Airport and then transferred to Pioneer Camp and Lodge where you will overnight on dinner, bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 2

Road Trip to Mwamfushi Safari Lodge – Kafue National Park

Breakfast, then you will check out, and the road trip of about 4hrs to Mwamfushi Safari Lodge where you will stay for 4 nights on a Full-board basis. Check in and then lunch will be served followed by relaxation time, later in the afternoon you will enjoy some tea/coffee followed by an afternoon activity which can be a game drive or boat cruise. Back to the lodge relax and then dinner will be served before bedtime.

Day 3 & 4

Explore Kafue National Park Safari

You will have two full days to explore Kafue National Park on two daily Safari activities. Breakfast, then depart for morning game drive activity and back to the lodge almost in time for lunch and free time. ln the afternoon you will enjoy some tea/coffee followed by afternoon activity which can be a game drive or boat cruise. Back to the lodge relax and then dinner will be served before bedtime.

Day 5

Full-Day Game Drive – Southern Part of Kafue National Park

Today, you will start early with breakfast before departing for a full-day game drive towards the southern part of Kafue National Park. Along the way, you will explore diverse landscapes and search for a variety of wildlife, including big cats and other iconic species. A picnic lunch break will be arranged in a scenic spot, allowing you to relax and enjoy the wilderness before continuing your safari in the afternoon. Later return to the lodge for dinner and bed time.

Note: Full Day Game Drive is possible for 5 Pax+ free or 1 – 4 Pax extra Charge for Private Guiding will apply for full day.

Day 6

Road Trip to Lusaka / Local flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park

Breakfast and later check out of the lodge and road for about 4 hours to Lusaka intl airport time for your flight to Mfuwe airport in South Luangwa. At Mfuwe airport you will be welcomed and assisted by the guide from Njobvu Safari Lodge, a road trip is about 45 minutes, and you will check in and stay here for 4 nights on Fullboard. In the evening you will be served dinner before bedtime.

Day 7, 8, & 9

Explore South Luangwa National Park Safari

You will have three full amazing days to explore the South Luangwa National Park on two daily safari activities. Begin your day with breakfast and depart for a morning game drive Safari and back almost in time for lunch followed by free time to relax. In the afternoon enjoy some tea /coffee then you will go out for the afternoon/ night game drive, start with the afternoon game viewing, and then after sundowner, you will transition into a night game drive in search of nocturnal animals back to the lodge dinner and bedtime.

Note: Optional – One of these days you will go out for a full-day game drive, and your guide will advise the route. 5 Pax+ free or 1 – 4 Pax extra Charge will apply for full day 

Day 10

Flight from Mfuwe to Lusaka / Road Trip to Lower Zambezi

After early tea /coffee, you will go out for an early morning game drive back to the lodge cook breakfast, and then depart to the airport transfer in time for your flight to Lusaka. At Lusaka Airport our driver will welcome you and transfer you for about 3 hours to Lower Zambezi, experience the adventure road trip as you pass through some local settlements and hills.
Check in later at Kiambi Safari Lodge and stay here for 3 nights on a Full board basis, later in the evening you will be served dinner under the stars and at the bank of the Zambezi River.

Day 11

Three Hours Guided Canoe Safari & Sunset Boat Cruise – Lower Zambezi

Today you will have breakfast and depart for three hours guided Canoe Safari around 09 am and back by noon, you will have lunch and free time to relax. In the afternoon you will go out for the Sunset Boat Cruise and return just before dark, dinner will later be served, and then bedtime.

Day 12

Full Day game drive in Lower Zambezi National Park

You will have early time and depart by boat with packed breakfast and lunch, you will then pay park fees and then get onto the 4×4 game drive vehicle, and you will begin the search for the 4 of the big five and other game, you will at some stage stop for breakfast and lunch. Later in the afternoon you will return to the boat and cruise back to the lodge arriving before dark. Relax and dinner will be served before bedtime.

Day 13

Departure

Breakfast and later you will check out and trip back to Lusaka with a packed lunch. Your road adventure will take about 3 hours, and you will be arriving at Lusaka Intl Airport in time for your back home or onward arrangements.

Where You'll Be Staying

Pioneer Lodge & Camp

Lusaka City
Pioneer Camp is an excellent place to stay if you need to be near Lusaka but don’t want to be in it! Only 14 km 30 minutes from the International Airport, we offer a restful stopover before, after or during your Zambian safari. We have a variety of chalets and a shady campsite, with the bar and restaurant at the heart of Pioneer, a tremendous place to meet fellow travellers and discuss your safari experiences!
Find out more

Mwamfushi Safari Lodge

Kafue National Park
Nestled in the heart of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Mwamfushi Safari Lodge offers a serene escape along the remote banks of the Great Kafue River, one of Africa’s longest rivers. Surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and antelopes, the lodge provides an unforgettable safari experience. With nine thatched chalets, each facing the river, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, game drives, boat cruises, fishing, and more. Locally founded and committed to eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, Mwamfushi…
Find out more

Njobvu Safari

South Luangwa National Park
Njobvu Safari is a mid-range safari lodge located near South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It offers comfortable chalets with en-suite bathrooms, all-inclusive meal plans, and daily safari activities. Guests can enjoy morning and evening game drives, guided walking safaris, and cultural visits to local villages. The lodge is known for its excellent wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. It provides an intimate and eco-friendly safari experience, making it ideal for…
Find out more

Kiambi Safari Lodge

Lower Zambezi National Park
Kiambi Lower Zambezi is your first gentle, mellow taste of the Lower Zambezi, and sets the uniquely African stage for your forthcoming journey of discovery. Kiambi Safari owns and operates an exclusive lodge in the Lower Zambezi Valley – Kiambi Lower Zambezi, situated in the Chiawa Game Management area of the Zambezi Valley, in a prime location on the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers. The Lodge welcomed the first guests at Kiambi Lower Zambezi in May 1999 and…
Find out more
Swipe for more >

What's not included

o Visa fees
o Travel and Medical Insurance
o Reginal / International / Private Charter flights
o All Drinks from the Bar
o Park fees in Lower Zambezi USD 25.00 per person
o Laundry Service at Kiambi and Pioneer Lodge
o Lunch in Lusaka
o Walking Safari in South Luangwa NP

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.

Find out more

Feedback From Our Previous Clients

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Dillon P profile picture
Dillon P
01/01/2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
howard0928 profile picture
howard0928
10/11/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sorel profile picture
Sorel
19/10/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Laurent - societyofexploration profile picture
Laurent - societyofexploration
18/09/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
marys profile picture
marys
25/08/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Diamond1924 profile picture
Diamond1924
07/07/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Anna L profile picture
Anna L
14/05/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Howard K K WONG profile picture
Howard K K WONG
13/05/2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Gary V profile picture
Gary V
19/12/2023
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Lisa A profile picture
Lisa A
24/11/2023
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.

Looking For A Tailor-Made Safari?

The team at Absolute Zambia Safaris is here to help! Book your initial consultation with us and we’ll help you choose the best safari that meets your requirements.

Memberships and Associations