Experience the wild side of Zambia on this 9-day Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa safari through some of the country’s most remote and stunning national parks. Start in Lower Zambezi, where you’ll explore its rivers and plains on game drives, spotting wildlife in a beautiful, untouched setting. Then head to South Luangwa for walking safaris, game drives, and a chance to connect with local culture.
South Luangwa NP is known for its abundance of African wildlife: Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s Gnu, Crawshay Zebra and big herds of buffalo and elephant.
A visit to the Lower Zambezi Park is one of the highlights in Zambia.
The Zambezi River on the one side and the Escarpment on the other form the backdrop of our game viewing.
Elephant and buffalo occur in herds hundreds strong, and the park’s most numerous antelope species are impala and puku.
The Luangwa Valley main predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog. Of these, lion are probably the most common, and their large prides are often easily spotted.
South Luangwa has a top reputation as a first-class park for leopard. This is largely because leopard hunt nocturnally, and South Luangwa is one of Africa’s few national parks to allow spotlight night drives.
Wild dog are uncommon, but sightings have been becoming much more common in recent years. They’re now regularly seen, especially around February to May, and it seems likely that their numbers are growing.
The rains in Zambia come mostly in December, January, February and March.
By April and May most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that’s still green, but starting to dry out. Nighttime temperatures start to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations.
In June, July and August the nights have become much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up if you’re out at night, as some nights get very cold! Most of Zambia’s small ‘walking bushcamps’ open at the start of June, when the roads have dried out sufficiently to allow access. This is the start of the ‘peak season’ for these countries – with often cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings.
Into September and October the temperatures climb: the lower-lying rift valleys – Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get very hot in October. However, you’ll see some superb game as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.
November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season’s first downpours. Often it’s a very interesting month as you can see both patterns on successive days.
Kasaka River Lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi River is conveniently located just 4km (2.48 miles) from the Lower Zambezi National Park. Kasaka lodge is also situated close to the famed Mana Pools World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe.
Kasaka River Lodge has 8 classic canvas tented chalets decorated in authentic African style and each has its own en-suite bathroom. Each chalet has a choice between a king-size bed and two single beds. A wooden deck leads guests out into views of the untamed bush. The river extends the length of the property and affords breathtaking views. Close sightings of Buffalo, Elephant and Hippopotamus from the decks are frequent events. Bird life is abundant around the Lodge with over 300 species.
Surrounded by untouched wilderness the lodge blends luxury and sustainability. The eco-friendly lodge leaves behind nothing but great memories whilst maintaining a high level of comfort and style.
Accommodation:
Choose from the luxury en-suite chalets that can be fully opened to the views of the river and the stars; the classic double en-suite tents a taste of true safari which have both indoor and outdoor showers; or the twin en-suite tents in true explorer style
Day 1 – Arrive at Lusaka Airport, Zambia
After arrival in Lusaka transfer to your lodge in the outskirts of town. Dinner in a restaurant
Overnight: Lusaka – half-board
Days 2, 3 and 4: Lower Zambezi National Park:
After breakfast we drive through Lusaka and down the escarpment to the Zambezi valley. A visit to the Lower Zambezi Park is one of the highlights in Zambia.
The Zambezi River on the one side and the Escarpment on the other form the backdrop of our game viewing. We do game drives in the park and boating along the river shore to watch the animals come to drink. On one of these days, we will do a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi.
We stay in spacious safari tents at Kasaka River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River
(3x FB)
Day 5: Flight to Mfuwe – South Luangwa NP:
In the morning transfer to Royal Airstrip and flight to Mfuwe airport. Transfer to our lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. No activities
are included for this afternoon. Overnight in safari tents at Msandile Lodge or similar.
Days 6, 7 and 8: South Luangwa Park
South Luangwa NP is known for its abundance of African wildlife: Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s Gnu, Crawshay Zebra and big herds of buffalo and elephant.
Game drives along the Luangwa River often produce spectacular sightings. Hippo families can be seen in great numbers in the river,unparalleled in Africa.
During the dry season (July to October), many side channels of the river dry up, leaving the fish trapped. This attracts many different species of predators, such as the African fish eagle, jackal and hyenas. The colourful Carmine bee-eaters are often
seen perching in front of their nests in the riverbanks. You will explore the area on game drives (also night game drives) and game walks (2 activities per day, depending on availability).
Overnight in safari tents at Msandile Lodge or similar. (3x FB).
Day 9: Departure
Farewell to Zambia. Transfer to Mfuwe airport for your flight back home.
| SEASON | PER PERSON | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April – Oct
Nov – 15 Dec |
from £ 3,520.00
from £ 3,360.00 |
Contact us to combine International Flights.
Not Included:
