9 Days Breathtaking Canoe and Busanga Plains Safari
This Zambia safari itinerary offers a well-rounded journey through two of the country’s top wildlife destinations – Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park – combining river-based adventures with classic African bush experiences.
The safari begins in the Lower Zambezi, one of the best places in Africa for a canoe safari and Zambezi River safari experience. Your stay at Kiambi Safari Lodge includes a Lower Zambezi game drive, an immersive overnight canoe safari, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in Zambia, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. From here, the journey continues into Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest park, known for its remote beauty and uncrowded safari experience. You will explore the Busanga Plains, a leading predator safari destination, famous for open floodplains, large herds, and high concentrations of lions and cheetahs. This section offers some of the best game drives in Zambia, focused on authentic, off-the-beaten-path exploration.
The itinerary ends with a relaxing overnight along the Kafue River before returning to Lusaka, creating a seamless African safari holiday that blends adventure, wildlife, and comfort.
Inclusions
3 nights in Accommodation (First & Last Night Luxury Ensuite Tented Chalet & 2nd Night Overnight Canoe on the island) – Lower Zambezi; All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Three Course Dinner), 1x Complementary Sunset Boat Cruise, 1 x Overnight Canoe Safari, 1 x Full Day Game Drive Safari in Lower Zambezi National Park
2 Nights at Mukambi Safari Lodge – Kafue National Park, and 3 Nights at Busanga Plains camp – Busanga; all meals, activities, beverages, inter-camp road transfers and a complimentary night in a star bed, national park fees & bed levies
Transportation; Return Lusaka to Kiambi Safari Lodge, Kiambi to Mukambi, and Mukambi to Busanga Road Transfers.
The Itinerary
Day 1
Meet & Greet/Transfer to Kiambi Safari Lodge – Lower Zambezi
Our representative will meet you at Lusaka International Airport (LUN) and accompany you on a 2.5 to 3-hour road transfer to Kiambi Safari Lodge in the Lower Zambezi Valley, where you will stay for three nights and have an incredible Zambian safari experience. Check in and, depending on your arrival time, you’ll be served lunch, followed by a complimentary sunset boat excursion, and, in the evening, a delicious dinner will be served with a wonderful view of the Zambezi River and under the stars before retiring to your room at your leisure.
Day 2
Overnight Canoe Safari
Breakfast is served at 07h30, followed by a briefing from your canoeing guide on the canoeing excursion, dangerous animals, safety precautions on the river and on the campsites, and canoeing methods.
The trip begins at the jetty and continues down the river. A tea stop is made, which is organized by the backup boat. Following that, you’ll pause for lunch, which will be provided by the backup boat. After lunch, you proceed downriver.
The backup boat goes ahead to the location to set up camp. We arrive at Buffalo Beans Campsite, which is located on an island, in the late afternoon. Tents, bedrolls, washrooms, a drop toilet, and a bucket shower facility will all be set up when you arrive. Dinner, as well as fresh drinking water and juice, is always provided.
Day 3
Full Day Game Drive
Today you will have a mini-breakfast, early tea/coffee, and snacks before being picked up by a motorboat from the lodge with a lunch (packed). An early morning adventure cruise to the Chongwe Conference, where you will find a 4×4 open-sided safari car.
You will pay parking fees here and then board the vehicle, where your guide will give you a briefing. You will enjoy game viewing in this great park, and then your guide will pause for breakfast before continuing your game viewing until around 1 p.m. when you will have lunch in the bush. Relax for a while before continuing till around 3 p.m., when you’ll return to the Chongwe Confluences and board the boat for 1.5 hours. Returning to the lodge shortly before nightfall is a great way to end the day.
You will then return to your room to freshen up and relax for a little before dinner time served on a breathtaking Riverview of wide blue sky and stars. You are free to enjoy some cold beverages from the bar after dinner then at bedtime at your leisure.
Day 4
Road Transfer to Kafue National Park via Lusaka
After breakfast, depart on a road transfer back via Lusaka and continue onward to Kafue National Park. Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and relax after the journey. Depending on arrival time, you may head out for a possible night drive in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5
Road Transfer to Busanga Plains - Busanga Plains Camp
After breakfast, a 5-6-hour transfer by road to the Busanga Plains sector of Kafue National Park. Upon arrival at Busanga Plains Camp, check in and, depending on your arrival time, you may head out for an afternoon activity or relax at camp before dinner and overnight.
Day 6&7
Explore Busanga Plains
You will have three full days to explore the Busanga Plains on two safari activities per day, which include morning and afternoon game drives, as well as guided walking safaris. Lunch is served at the lodge between activities, followed by time to relax before heading out again. Evenings are spent enjoying dinner and the sounds of the African bush.
Day 8
Transfer to Mukambi Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart the Busanga Plains and transfer by road back through the park to Mukambi Safari Lodge. This transfer is also another opportunity to spot game along the way. Upon arrival, check in and relax by the river; later, head out for your last night drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9
Departure
After breakfast, transfer by road back to Lusaka for your onward flight, marking the end of your safari.
Where You'll Be Staying
Kiambi Safari Lodge
Lower Zambezi National Park
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Kafue National Park
Busanga Plains Camp
Kafue National ParkWhat's not included
- Visa fees & Travel insurance
- All Flights
- Laundry Service
- Bar
- Extra Activities
- Private Guiding
- USD 25.00 PP 1 Day Park Fees for Lower Zambezi National Park
- 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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