The Birthplace of the Walking Safari
Your Zambian adventure begins in the legendary South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari. Nestled along the Luangwa River, this remarkable wilderness is renowned for its exceptional guiding, abundant wildlife, and intimate safari experiences that bring you closer to nature than ever before. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury safari camp overlooking the river before embarking on your first afternoon game drive as the African bush comes alive in the golden light of late afternoon.
Over the next three days, immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences. Accompanied by Zambia’s highly trained guides, explore the park on exhilarating day and night game drives, where exceptional leopard sightings, large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, hippos, and countless antelope species await. For an even deeper connection with the wilderness, experience a guided walking safari, where every footprint, bird call, and animal track reveals the fascinating rhythms of the African bush. Depending on seasonal water levels, boat safaris along the Luangwa River offer another unique perspective, bringing you eye to eye with hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birdlife.
Between adventures, return to the comfort of your award-winning safari camp to relax beside the river, savor exceptional cuisine inspired by local flavors, or simply watch wildlife wander past from the privacy of your suite. As evening falls, gather around the campfire beneath brilliant starlit skies, reflecting on each day’s discoveries before preparing for the next chapter of your Zambian journey along the mighty Zambezi River.
Overnight: Time + Tide Chinzombo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Along the Mighty Zambezi River
Leaving South Luangwa behind, a scenic bush flight carries you to the spectacular Lower Zambezi National Park, where the mighty Zambezi River forms a breathtaking natural boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This extraordinary wilderness combines river channels, ancient forests, and open floodplains to create one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. Upon arrival, settle into your riverside lodge before setting out on your first safari, where elephants, buffalo, and countless other wildlife are often seen gathering along the river’s edge.
Over the next three days, discover the remarkable diversity that makes the Lower Zambezi unlike any other safari destination. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal thriving populations of lion, leopard, elephant, wild dog, and an abundance of plains game, while guided walking safaris offer an intimate perspective of the bush. The Zambezi River itself opens the door to a completely different safari experience. Cruise quietly past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and colorful birdlife on a boat safari, or choose to explore by canoe for an unforgettable opportunity to observe wildlife from water level as elephants, antelope, and other animals come to drink along the riverbanks.
Between adventures, relax in the comfort of your luxury lodge overlooking the Zambezi, where the rhythm of the river sets the pace for each day. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch after an early safari, unwinding beside the pool, or watching the sun sink below the escarpment with a refreshing drink in hand, the Lower Zambezi offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. As your safari draws to a close, you’ll continue to Livingstone, where the mighty river culminates in one of the world’s greatest natural wonders—Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Royal Zambezi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Where Adventure Meets Wonder
Your journey continues to the historic town of Livingstone, gateway to the magnificent Victoria Falls and one of Africa’s most iconic destinations. Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this charming riverside town offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. After days spent exploring Zambia’s remarkable wilderness, settle into your riverside lodge and enjoy time to unwind while taking in the tranquil surroundings and spectacular river views.
The highlight of your stay is a guided exploration of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders.” As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the falls are an unforgettable spectacle, where millions of gallons of water plunge dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, creating towering columns of mist visible from miles away. Stroll through lush rainforest pathways with your guide as you learn about the geology, history, and cultural significance of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As evening approaches, board a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, where golden skies, gentle currents, and abundant wildlife create a magical finale to your Zambian adventure. Hippos wallow in the shallows, crocodiles bask along the riverbanks, and elephants often emerge for an evening drink as the sun dips below the horizon. Your final full day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—perhaps indulging in a spa treatment, returning to Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, embarking on an optional Chobe National Park safari, or simply relaxing beside the river while reflecting on an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Overnight: David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Until Next Time
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Zambia as you’re transferred to Livingstone Airport for your onward journey.
From the walking safaris of South Luangwa and the wildlife-rich waterways of the Lower Zambezi to the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, your journey has revealed the remarkable diversity that makes Zambia one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. Along the way, you’ve experienced exceptional guiding, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality that defines this remarkable country.
Though your adventure comes to an end today, the memories of Zambia’s untamed wilderness, magnificent rivers, and unforgettable landscapes will remain with you long after you return home. We look forward to welcoming you back to Africa for your next extraordinary CURAH journey.
Meals: Breakfast
