Affordable Africa Safaris: 16 days Wild Zambia: A Safari of Contrast and Wonder amended

Mukambi Safari Lodge offers game drives daily. One departs at sunrise and the afternoon drive (partly a night drive) leaves at approximately 2 hours before sunset. Drivers are 3.5 to 4 hours long. Our vehicles are located in the park, which is a short boat trip across the Kafue River, so all game drives depart from within the park.

Mukambi is open all year round and game drives can be booked all year round.

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Walks leave in the early morning hours after sunrise to avoid the heat of the day. The walks take place in the Kafue National Park itself and are approximately 3 hours. Our guides will talk you through everything Kafue has to offer that otherwise goes unnoticed, showing how the whole ecosystem works together to support the National Park. You can find nature at its most untouched on such safaris.

Unfortunately not available due to the wet conditions and high grass from approximately Dec to May.

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Boat cruises over the Kafue river can also take place at any time of the day but we also have a scheduled Sunset Cruise each evening. On the boat cruise we shall drive you slowly up the river, giving you the chance to take in the surroundings, have some sundowners and watch the sunset.

You can bet your money you will see hippos and crocodiles and a plethora of birds, about which our guides can answer your questions.

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Fishing trips by boat take place at any time of day and are approximately 2.5 hours long. While out on the river, just you and your guide, you can enjoy the surrounding nature while fishing. We supply basic equipment and bait to assist you on your way to catching one of the many fish found in this area, whether that be a silver barbell, a larger cat fish or Kafue bream. Keen fishermen may bring their own equipemnt to take on the fishing trips.

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Forming a part of our Responsible tourism, over 14 years ago we started our Mukambi Community School to provide education to the local community in an area where no good schools exist. The results are spectacular; the well-equipped school now provides 92 local children with a high standard of education, and we have five teachers in permanent employment. Conservation is an important subject at our school. The school received generous funding from a donor a couple of years ago, which meant they could invest in iSchool Tablets, through which the pupils can engage in active learning as well as developing key IT skills for later in life. Every year all the grade 7 pupils graduate with flying colours and have attained places at secondary schools throughout Zambia. The school is supported by a charity called Cikoko

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Fig Tree is open from May until November each year. It closes during the wet season as the camp inaccessible by road. From May till November the guides are able to get around the park and this is the period in which game drives are doable.

Fig Tree Camp offers game drives daily. One departs at sunrise and the afternoon drive (partly a night drive) leaves at approximately 2 hours before sunset. Drivers are 3.5 to 4 hours long. The game drives always begin right from camp and end back in camp. Game drives can be arranged directly in camp with the manager.

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Walking safaris are available from June unit November when the camp closes. Grasses are still quite tall in May and certain areas still a bit muddy which makes walking unfavorable.

Walks leave in the early morning hours after sunrise to avoid the heat of the day. The walks begin right from camp and right from the get go, there's plenty to see along the banks of the Shishamba River. Our guides will talk you through everything Kafue has to offer that otherwise goes unnoticed, showing how the whole ecosystem works together to support the National Park. You can find nature at its most untouched on such safaris.

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The morning game drive departs at sunrise for approximately 4 hours, including a tea break.

The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continues into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.

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Game Drive Credit: Kafunta Safaris/Izlay Photography

Game Drive Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Game Drive Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Leopard on night drive Credit: Kafunta Safaris

South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Bush walks bring another dimension to a safari, focusing on smaller things, birds and flora while observing animals in the distance. Bush walks are not strenuous, but can take place over rugged terrain, lasting usually 3 to 4 hours.

Qualified walking guides and escort scout are a must. Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised to participate.

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Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Bush walk Credit: Kafunta Safaris

The hide is set up right under the dining deck and is facing the floodplains and lagoon where many waterbirds including fish eagles and saddle-billed storks are often seen, along with elephants and giraffes.

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Kafunta Photo Hide Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Kafunta Photo Hide Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Kafunta Safaris highly recommend a visit to the village of Mfuwe where Project Luangwa has a visitor center where one can learn about the many projects benefiting local education and communities, there is also a café and a craftshop . It is also possible to organise a side trip to the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop and its Artisan market. In Central Mfuwe there is also the Conservation South Luangwa visitor center to learn more about conservation efforts.

Great for younger visitors is the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Center only 20 minutes away from Kafunta River Lodge.

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Student at Chipembele Credit: Chipembele

Ladies at Project Luangwa Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Jewellery Credit: Mulberry Mongoose

Craft at Tribal Textiles Credit: Tribal Textiles

Tribal Textiles Credit: Tribal Textiles

Wildlife Conservation Credit: Conservation South Luangwa

Kafunta River Lodge features a small, intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool and the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa is the perfect way to spend the midday hours between game-viewing activities.

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Fig Tree Spa Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Pool Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Natural Hot Tub Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Pool Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Gavin Opie, who leads most of the walking safaris from Nkonzi Camp, describes a walking safari -

"Being on a walking safari removes any barriers between you and the environment. On a drive, those barriers may be minimal, but you are still one step removed from what is going on around you. When walking, you are better able to take it all in. you feel the earth and smell the air. Not only are you able to observe many aspects of the bush that you miss, when on drive, but you also experience a greater connection – a deeper appreciation of where you are and the significance of the environment you are in. There is no greater thrill than approaching lions from downwind or observing elephants walking past you on their way to water. It can’t be described, you have to experience it!"

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Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp features two hides designed for immersive wildlife viewing. The first hide is strategically located next to a permanent water source, easily accessible by vehicle or on foot during a walking safari. This prime location has yielded incredible wildlife sightings over the years, including lions, elephants, wild dogs, and an abundance of birdlife. It’s a fantastic spot for avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

The second hide is conveniently situated within the camp itself, providing guests the freedom to visit at their leisure. This hide offers a tranquil space to watch the local birdlife while enjoying the sounds of nature.

Additionally, directly opposite the camp lies a well-frequented waterhole, where a wide variety of wildlife often gather. From the comfort of your safari tent, you can catch glimpses of animals coming to quench their thirst. This unique setting allows for some prime game viewing right outside your door.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or new to safaris, these experiences promise to enhance your stay and create lasting memories.

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Mushilashi spring hide Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Game viewing at Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Mushilashi spring hide Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Wild dogs at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Views from Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

African Barred Owlet Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Brown Hooded Kingfisher Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Departing camp at 6:00 AM, we set off in our open game viewers for an exhilarating full-day drive through the stunning landscapes of South Luangwa National Park. With ample time on our side, we’ll enjoy a scenic morning tea break and a leisurely lunch amidst nature, allowing you to relax in the heat of the day and absorb your surroundings.

The full-day safari gives us the opportunity to venture further into the park, exploring its incredibly diverse habitats. This significantly increases your chances of witnessing extraordinary wildlife sightings, including some of the park’s iconic animals in their natural behaviour.

As the day winds down, we aim to return to camp in time to bask in the breathtaking sunset unfolding before Nkonzi Camp, providing a perfect end to a day of adventure. Following the stunning views, you’ll be treated to an early dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to reflect on the day’s experiences with fellow guests.

This unforgettable day is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay at Nkonzi Camp and is guaranteed for those booking a stay of four nights or more. Join us for an adventure that promises both excitement and unforgettable memories.

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All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive lunch Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Leopard at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Lions at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Start your day with an unforgettable morning game drive, departing from camp at 6:00 AM after enjoying a light breakfast set against the stunning backdrop of the dry riverbed in front of Nkonzi Camp. Our carefully designed open game viewers allow guests an unobstructed view of the spectacular birds, lush trees, and diverse wildlife that inhabit the surrounding area.

During the drive, we pause midway for a refreshing morning tea break in the shade. This is the perfect opportunity for guests to stretch their legs and indulge in a delicious homemade muffin or cookie while soaking in the natural beauty around them.

Morning game drives typically return to camp between 10:30 and 11:00 AM, providing you with ample time to relax, unwind, or enjoy a rejuvenating shower before gathering for lunch at midday.

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Leopard at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Game drives at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Hyena and Vultures at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Wild dog at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Hippo at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Our afternoon safari begins with a departure from camp between 3:30 and 4:00 PM, depending on the season. After enjoying afternoon tea in camp, we set off. . As the sun begins to dip on the horizon, we'll take a leisurely pause for sundowners, giving you the chance to soak in the breathtaking beauty of an iconic African sunset.

Once the sun has fully set, we shift gears and continue our adventure under the stars. Equipped with powerful spotlights, we embark on a thrilling search for nocturnal animals as they come to life in the cooler evening air. This unique experience allows you to witness the park from a different perspective, unveiling the secrets of the night.

We aim to return to camp around 7:30 PM, allowing you just enough time to relax and share stories of the day’s adventures before gathering for dinner at 8:00 PM.

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Nkonzi Camp Night Drives Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

South Luangwa night sky Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Nkonzi Camp night drive Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Nkonzi Camp Night Drives Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Wild Dog at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Sunset at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Lion at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Game drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Get a bird's eye view of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River on a 15 minute or 30 minute flight. This memorable experience will ‘wow’ you long after you’ve landed.

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Safari Par Excellence offers half and full day Zambezi Rafting and River boarding excursions during low and high water seasons. Acclaimed as the best one-day white water run in the world, the river is also recognised as one of the top ten paddling rivers in the world. SafPar are one of the original commercial rafting operations on the Zambezi River and have some of the best qualified guides

who will ensure that you have both an enjoyable and safe day on the river.The days adventure is captured on video and film and the trip includes either a riverside lunch and dinner at a lodge or

lunch at a lodge (depending on which trip is booked).

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An awesome way to see the Falls is from the bottom of the gorge. Swimming in the rock pools below the Falls, surrounded by the massive black basaltic rock towering up above you and the water cascading down, seemingly out of the sky, is certainly one of the most breathtaking experiences you will ever have. This activity is a perfect combination with white water rafting.

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Enjoy the most spectacular view of the Falls from the island where Dr Livingstone first viewed the Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). At low water the island has its very own bathing pool,

(Devil’s Pool) which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge.

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See the raw, powerful beauty of the Victoria Falls from the best possible angle – above. United Air Charter offers 3 different flight options from their base at Baobab Ridge. The short flight circuits the Falls and offers superb views over the gorges below and the Zambezi above. The longer flight skims over the Zambezi rapids, ascends over the Falls and finishes with game viewing over the

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The adventure flight in a Huey helicopter, flown with doors open at a lower lever, skims over the African bush, deep down into the Batoka gorge and over the falls. A gourmet champagne picnic is the perfect helicopter package, providing a romantic flight over the Falls and into the gorge to an exclusive setting on the banks of the Zambezi River as it rushes down the narrow gorge below the Falls. All flights include transfers to and from our helipad. Airport transfers and charter flights are available.

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This unique activity begins with a spectacular scenic helicopter flight over the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The helicopter then swoops into the Gorge and lands at rapid 21, where a beautiful riverside spot with stunning views of the river and gorge await you. A beautifully prepared picnic lunch on the white beach at the edge of the Zambezi is a wonderful setting for a relaxing lunch. The ascent out of the gorge by helicopter is the perfect finale to a stunning midday excursion.

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The African Queen and the African Princess are berthed just upstream of The Victoria Falls. Fully inclusive morning, lunch and sunset cruises are offered daily, treating passengers to sophisticated

views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding game reserves. We take great pride in our cuisine and friendly service, making The African Queen experience unforgettable.

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The Zambezi - river of dreams and romance, evoking images of the great era of adventure and exploration. Wild and captivating, the Zambezi beats to a rhythm and a time that is fast disappearing.

The clear waters of the river and the game reserves that surround it, attract herds of elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. Join us on full or half day canoe

trips. You will negotiate small but exciting rapids, canoe through narrow channels and drift down open stretches. No previous canoeing experience necessary.

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The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best rafting river in the world. A deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3-5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools. This enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet. Highly professional guides ensure your safety and enjoyment of this amazing adventure. .

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The ultimate safari experience is a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breathtaking in their sheer number. The afternoon’s land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home.

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On the Victoria Falls tour, led by our experienced guides, you will explore this most awe-inspiring

phenomenon - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At times of high water the mist from this torrent can be seen as far away as 40 kilometres. If you are lucky enough to be here for

a full moon, the magnificent lunar rainbow will take your breath away.

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