Classic Zambia Safari Itinerary
Day 1 : Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a representative who will have a name board with your names. He/She will assist you with immigration and customs clearing then check in for your flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa.
The flight is on average one hour. At Mfuwe International Airport a guide will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush.
Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River.
On private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon.
If you arrive in the afternoon, you will have tea and night game drive.
Day 2 : Nkwali Camp
At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp.
The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River.
Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you will go out on an afternoon game drive. The drive continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world.
Return to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.
Day 3 : Nsefu Camp
After an early breakfast, a transfer game drive through the park to Nsefu Camp.
Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is.
There are six round rondavels with luxurious en suite facilities.
Each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandahs. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served.
This is followed by a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive. (Note: option of booking Tena Tena for the 3 nights).
Day 4 – 5 : Nsefu Camp
You have a chance to drive or walk through the ebony groves. Or you may decide depending on the heat and time of year, to explore the Nsefu Sector of the National Park.
Perhaps a visit to Kawaza village. This community tourism initiative is a great opportunity to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village.
Day 6 : Chiawa Camp
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to the Lower Zambezi. As you fly into the area, you will see the wide Zambezi River, dotted with islands.
Buffalo and elephant are always seen feeding along with the pods of hippos that rest on the edge of the sandbanks. The transfer to Chiawa Camp is through the park and there is the chance of game viewing along the way. Resting on the banks of the Zambezi under a lush grove of mahogany and acacia trees, eight spacious tents on elevated wooden platforms.
Tents have en-suite facilities and offer Chiawa’s guests ample comfort and stunning views.
Game-viewing in the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park is superb and big game, such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and the big cats are even seen regularly in and around the camp! After a late lunch there will be a chance for an afternoon activity – be it on the river or by vehicle.
Day 7 – 8 : Chiawa Camp
At Chiawa there are various activities to choose from. Not only on offer are exciting day and night drives and bush walks, but Chiawa’s guests can choose their own day’s itinerary. The selection includes canoe trips, river safaris on safe, stable pontoon boats and catch & release angling for the infamous tiger fish.
Day 9 – 10 : Tongabezi Lodge
Today (usually in the morning) you will take a flight transfer onto Livingstone via Lusaka (1.5 hours’ flight). On arrival you will be met and transferred to Tongabezi Lodge.
Once settled into your accommodation enjoy a delicious lunch. Accommodation at Tongabezi Lodge is set in a tranquil grove of ebony on a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River.
Accommodation is colonial-style river cottages and spacious open-planned stone and thatch houses. There is a wide range of activities on offer at Tongabezi including fishing, canoe trips on the river, game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline filled activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and microlighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Day 11 : Transit
After breakfast you may have a morning activity if time permits.
If not then it will be a transfer to Livingstone Airport for your onward connection.