Best of Zambezi & Luangwa Safari

Safari in Zambia’s renowned Luangwa Valley and exploration on and along the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park are two of the country’s most popular destinations. The meandering Luangwa River flows through South Luangwa National Park, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley and is one of Africa’s last unspoiled wilderness areas and probably the finest wildlife sanctuary.

The valley’s oxbow lagoons, woodlands, and plains are home to large herds of game, including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, and hippo, as well as over 450 bird species. Just below the Lower Zambezi National Park, the Luangwa River flows into the Zambezi River. This Park, which is scenically bordered by an impressive escarpment, has excellent game that can be seen from both the river and the ground. It’s a wonderful feeling to quietly float past a massive elephant feeding.

Trip Plan: 4 Nights at Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi, & 4 Nights at (either Nkwali, Luangwa River Camp, Nsefu or Tena Tena), South Luangwa

Valid: April to November.

Places Covered: 4 Nights at Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi, & 4 Nights at (either Nkwali, Luangwa River Camp, Nsefu or Tena Tena), South Luangwa

Highlights

  • Safari in Zambia's renowned Luangwa Valley
  • Exploration on and along the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Walking Safari, Boat Cruise & Canoe Safari

Inclusions

  • 8 Night Accommodation
  • All safari activities
  • All meals & bar (premium drinks extra)
  • Laundry, airport transfers plus domestic flights
  • A private guide/vehicle and fishing (fishing permit is extra) is included at Sausage Tree

The Itinerary

Day 1

Meet & Greet / Flight to Lower Zambezi NP

When you arrive at Lusaka Intl you will be welcomed by our representative then you’ll link to your short flight to Lower Zambezi National Park when you arrive at Lusaka International Airport.

As you approach the area, you’ll notice the big Zambezi River, which is dotted with islands. The buffalo and elephants, as well as the hippos that rest on the sandbanks, are still seen eating. Individuals can choose from a variety of activities, including game drives, walking safari, boat cruises, canoeing, and fishing.

In the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park, game watching is exceptional, and big game such as elephants, hippo, buffalo, and big cats are often seen in and around the camp! After a late lunch, you’ll have the choice of participating in an afternoon activity, whether it’s on the river or by car.

Day 2 ,3 & 4

Lower Zambezi National Park

At Sausage Tree in the Lower Zambezi, you’ll have three full days of activities, two per day morning and afternoon/evening game watching. Game drive safaris (morning and night), walking safaris, boat cruises, canoeing safaris, fishing trips are activities on offer or you can choose to relax.

Day 5

Transfer to South Luangwa National Park

You will be transferred to South Luangwa National Park for your final adventure on this safari, depending on your flight time from Lower Zambezi to South Luangwa.

You will be greeted by a guide from Robin Pope Safari at Mfuwe Airport and transferred to one of the camps (Luangwa River Camp, Nkwali, Tena Tena or Nsefu).

Luangwa River Camp is a small, intimate camp with five bush suites on the banks of the Luangwa River, with views of the park. Nkwali – 6 chalets overlooking the Park on the banks of the Luangwa River. Tena Tena & Nsefu – 6 tents and rondavels, respectively, within the exclusive Nsefu Sector.

Depending on when you arrive, you will be served lunch, take a nap, and then go out for an afternoon activity. After sundowners, you can either return to camp or continue looking for nocturnal, returning before 8 p.m. for dinner and bedtime at your leisure.

Day 6, 7 & 8

Explore South Luangwa National Park

You will have three full days to spend however you want. You will all be served all three regular meals, and you will have the choice of participating in a walking safari or a game drive. If you are interested in shopping you can visit to Tribal Textiles, which has locally printed fabrics that are sewn into a variety of pieces, making them ideal souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.

Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village, where you can visit an authentic Zambian village, talk with the locals, and even try a traditional Zambian meal. Nothing is set in stone, and you and your guide can talk about your personal interests.

Day 9

Departure / Flight to Lusaka

After breakfast and farewells, you will be taken to Mfuwe airport to meet the plane taking you to Lusaka for your onward connection.

When you arrive at Lusaka International Airport, our representative will greet you and assist you in checking in for your outbound flight.

Where You'll Be Staying

Luangwa River Camp

South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa River runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds. Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under…
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Nsefu Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Nsefu Camp, the first photographic safari camp in Zambia offers charm, history, exclusivity, and comfort in the best location in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Nsefu was opened in the 1950s, the first camp in the South Luangwa and the brainchild of the renowned Norman Carr, who pioneered walking safaris here to benefit conservation and communities long before responsible tourism became a buzzword. The camp’s location, within the Nsefu Sector, features superb wildlife, and the camp itself provides some…
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Tena Tena Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Tena Tena was Robin’s very first camp, and it seems to hold a special place in the heart of everyone who’s come to stay over the years. Lying in the remote Nsefu section of South Luangwa National Park, Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. On a double-ti river bank, each room enjoys its private view of a long stretch of the Luangwa River.
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Nkwali Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Many places claim to be “among the remaining wilderness areas” or “one of the last wildlife sanctuaries”; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of games. The South Luangwa Park is 9050 sq. kilometres; with the river, its tributaries and the riverine strips being the focus of the wildlife viewing. There are diverse habitats, from huge ox bow lagoons of varying…
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What's not included

Visa Fees & Person Travel /Medical Insurance - International flights - Airport taxes - Activities not mentioned and gratuities

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
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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