Destination: Zambia
Trip Length: 10 Days
Trip Type: Semi-Guided

This trip stands apart from more normal safaris: the location deep in the African outback allows a far closer encounter with nature and you are unlikely to come across any other people during the bushwalking part of the itinerary. The trip is topped off with three nights at the awesome Victoria Falls, Zambia.

The South Luangwa National Park is a true wilderness area packed with superb wildlife and extremely high quality of guiding. A walking safari provides an intimate and active experience: whilst you are very likely to see big game, including lion, leopard, elephant and hippo, you will also have time to stop and appreciate the plants, bugs and smaller mammals as well as the sounds and smells of the bush. It’s hard to beat the anticipation and excitement of hearing warning calls from baboons that normally signal the presence of a big cat. Guides will also point out plants that are delicacies for the wildlife and encourage you to taste seeds that are safe for consumption! Walks usually last around four hours and are on flat – though uneven – terrain.

Accommodation during the bushwalk safari is in small camps with en suite chalets. The camps are often visited by wildlife, so simply watching the comings and goings can provide ample entertainment.

The trip finishes off at the Victoria Falls, in luxury lodge accommodation with a programme full of activities from which to choose.

What this trip contributes:
All camps and lodges used during this trip contribute towards a local school, providing funds that support teacher salaries, high school scholarships and purchase of materials. A trip to one of the schools gives an insight into the local education system – and provides an option to donate much needed materials.

Day 1. After transferring from the airport, you check into your camp accommodation: a perfect place to relax and watch for game that often roams on the riverfront.

Day 2. Guests can choose from a number of activities, including a guided bush walk, cycling safari, game drive, micro-light flight* or a visit to a local village and school.

Day 3. A canoe trip across the Luangwa and guided walk to the first bush camp, following a maze of animal footpaths. Wildlife is prolific and the walking experience provides privileged viewings.

Day 4. Activities are based around walks from the bush camp: normally lasting 3-4 hours. Typical sightings could include buffalo, lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe and baboons.

Day 5. Further walks in the isolated and natural bush, moving on to a second camp. Each walk is different, and you may find yourself looking at large birds nests on one, and herds of buffalo on another.

Day 6. More exploration on foot: wildlife in the area is superb and the expert guides will look for animal tracks and droppings to determine the route.

Day 7. A final walk in the remote bush area before returning to the main lodge.

Day 8. Transfer by road and air to accommodation in Livingstone. There are a number of activities included: this afternoon, perhaps visit the Victoria Falls and take a walk in the gorge below the Falls.

Day 9. In Livingstone: perhaps choose to take a sunrise boat trip, have lunch on a local island with a guided walk, take a guided canoeing excursion or take a mountain bike trail to a local village.

Day 10. In Livingstone: perhaps finish your trip off with a game drive in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National park (Park fees are extra) and a sunset cruise on the Lower Zambezi.

Day 11. End of trip.

Cost is per person and based on two people sharing. The price includes all fees into national parks, activities and meals other than where stated on the trip dossier. The price excludes flights and optional activities as detailed in the trip dossier.

The cost excludes the following:

International flights & connection to Mfuwe, Zambia
Airport Taxes
Visas
Meals not included in the itinerary
Park fees at Victoria Falls
Items of personal nature, such as tips, beverages, etc
Micro-light flight in South Luangwa National Park (also subject to availability)
Park fees

For information on joining this trip, see the trip dossier.

To get the most from a trip to Southern Africa, and for a completely different perspective, it's worth extending a trip. Combination holidays allow for flexibility and variety, so in addition to a safari, extensions could include a few days on the beach in Mozambique or on Lake Malawi, or a city break in Cape Town. There are also some really different choices, like a 4 day houseboat trip on the Lower Zambezi, or a fly-in visit to outlying villages and tribes in Namibia. For more ideas on extensions, click on the country of choice to the left and follow the 'Extensions' link.

Travel between the countries is generally easy, making it feasible for an extension to be in a different country to the main trip. Contact us for further information on trip ideas and on organising travel between countries.