Zambia In-Depth // Born Free Safaris

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Zambia In-Depth

At a glance

Heart of Africa

Zambia

11 Days/10 Nights

June-Early October

Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation

Zambia In-Depth

South Luangwa - Lower Zambezi - Vic Falls

11 Days/10 Nights

Step into the Heart of Africa in Zambia - a premier destination that captures the authentic spirit of a bygone safari era. Zambia is the epitome of active adventures and high comfort combined. Here, you do not just observe the wild, you become part of it. Zambia is home to over 240 different mammals and over 400 types of birds. On your safari you have excellent chances of encountering leopard, elephant, crocodiles, African Wild Dogs, lions, Sable and Lechwe Antelopes and so much more.

Prepare for an exhilarating safari where the variety of immersive experiences is truly unparalleled. Whether you are on a traditional game drive in open vehicles, on a walking safari, uncovering the secrets of the bush during thrilling night drives, or floating past wildlife on a river expedition, every moment is an invitation to explore. You will be led by Africa’s finest guides, ensuring every encounter is safe, intimate, and unforgettable.

For a truly rewarding finish to your day, we suggest spending a night in a Sky Bed or in a “deluxe” fly-camp. Drifting off under the vast, glittering canopy of the African stars is a life-changing experience. With a perfect blend of quality accommodations and world-class service, Zambia offers a soul-stirring escape into the wild.

The four major wildlife areas are Kafue, South and North Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi:

The beautiful South Luangwa is the main focus of Zambia safaris. It is larger than Yellowstone National Park, and you can spend a week exploring the various regions of this amazing area. Each camp and terrain is quite different. Camps and lodges are of a high standard.

Home of the Walking Safari, the South Luangwa National Park has the reputation of running the finest guided walking safaris in Africa. Short walks can be done from camps as well as arrangements can be made for multi-day walking safaris. All walking safaris are accompanied by an armed ranger and an open vehicle as back up if you decide to take a rest from walking.

The Lower Zambezi is one of the most magical areas in all of Africa. It's a relatively new park, with a few fabulous deluxe properties and plentiful wildlife. Game drives are available, but it is a great area for water-based game viewing. It is not uncommon to see elephant and hippo playing at the water’s edge.

By Special Arrangements add Kafue National Park to Zambia In-Depth. The Kafue River and its tributaries bisect the park. It is a natural draw for the wildlife. It is located two and half hours from Victoria Falls by road or by scheduled charter. The park is known for 'leaping lions' that jump over the water channels. Leopards, African Wild Dogs, cheetah and elephants make Kafue their home as well as Sable Antelope.

Special note: Victoria Falls sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. While the adjacent towns are Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), please note that on the Born Free website, we use the term "Victoria Falls" exclusively to refer to the site itself, not the town.

Zambia safaris are organized on an individual basis. Camps and lodges are selected based on what activities you would like to participate in, your comfort level, and budget. Each camp organizes their own activities, and Born Free will arrange for transport between camps and parks.

Featured Inclusions:

Flights within Zambia

All activities as featured at properties

Non-premium beverages and laundry included on safari

Born Free Concierge Service

24/7 Emergency US & Africa Contacts

Pre-Journey Briefing Booklet

Customized Backpack and Luggage tags

Personalized Bound Final Itinerary

Full list of inclusions and tariff details will be sent upon inquiry.

Born Free Exclusive Option: All safari guide gratuities can be included.

Journey Priced From: Call for current rates.

Your trip price will be based on your choice of lodges and locations.

Rates do not include international or intercontinental airfares.

Request rate if you would like a single room.

Is this your dream trip?

Zambia is for the traveler who wants to really experience the bush and loves the idea of getting out of the vehicle and participating in other game viewing activities.

Accommodations are upmarket with all conveniences but retain the sense of the rustic African bush. It can be a fantastic first trip to Africa, but we highly recommend it for those who are returning to Africa and want to take a more in-depth safari and slower paced trip.

Tailor-Made Itinerary: All trips to Zambia can be customized to suit your vision. Travel in the style that meets your comfort level, to the places that interest you the most, at a pace that you'll enjoy. Each camp is carefully selected to give you a balance of experiences and a variety of wildlife sightings. You can select your camp preferences, and we will custom design your trip. Zambia camp activities are organized by each property.

This is an ideal trip for a solo traveler.

Your research has led you to Born Free Safaris. Now let our Specialists tailor your journey the way you want to experience it.

Highlights

Choice of High Comfort Camps and Lodges
Remote, Uncrowded Safari - Off-the-Beaten Trail
Good Sightings of Rare Species such as Sable Antelope, Wild Dog, Leopards
Close-up encounters with Elephant, Hippo, and Crocodile
Game Drives in Open Vehicles
Night Drives under Spectacular African Skies
Sleep outs and Skybeds
Bush Walks and Multi-Day Walking Safaris available
Boating & Canoe Safaris
Enchanting Lower Zambezi
Magical Victoria Falls
Visit the handicraft village specializing in Stone Carvings
Excellent Choice for the Solo Traveler

Day-by-day itinerary

In Zambia, safari camps and lodges are managed by several different companies. Within these companies' portfolios, camp and lodge styles will vary in ambiance and comfort levels. Their locations, guiding, and access to the wildlife are all top of the line. Born Free will make recommendations according to your style of travel and requirements. The following itinerary is just a sample of what is possible in versatile Zambia.

Day
01

Lusaka, Zambia

Touch down in Lusaka! Our local Born Free host will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for the evening. Get some rest – your adventure begins in the morning!

Dinner
Day
02

South Luangwa National Park

Camp 1
After breakfast this morning, take a short flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to your safari into the South Luangwa. On arrival, the game viewing begins as you are escorted on a game drive transfer enroute to your safari camp.

One of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa is home to more than 60 mammal species, from the large herds of giraffes and elephants that roam its grasslands to the hippos and crocodiles dwelling in its rivers.

Head out on a game drive through lush riverine vegetation and thick mopane and mahogany forests. Seek out wildlife unique to the Luangwa valley, including the Thornicroft giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, and enjoy a sundowner in the bush as the sun sets.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
03

South Luangwa National Park

Camp 1
There is a world of adventure to be had in South Luangwa. Walking safaris can be arranged here, but this region of the Luangwa Valley is best explored on game drives. A team of experienced guides will lead each safari excursion.

Rise early each morning to the smell of fresh coffee and tea. At first light, venture on a game drive to catch the excitement of wildlife predators who are more active during the cooler morning hours.

After lunch, head out on another game drive in hopes of finding a pride of lion with playful cubs, a herd of elephant, and a pack of wild dogs.

As darkness sets in, spotlights are used to pick out a new cast of nocturnal creatures. Look for leopards, genets or civet cats, mongoose, elephant shrews, various owl species, and the less common porcupine and badgers

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
04

South Luangwa National Park

Never a redundancy on a safari in Zambia!! Every days activities and wildlife encounters are different. Morning and late afternoon game drives are the most important and when the wildlife most active.

In the heat of the day, relax around the lounges that are open to rivers or lagoons, enticing the resident elephant and hippos to play or drink from their waters.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
05

South Luangwa National Park

Camp 2
Journey deeper into South Luangwa and spend the next two days in another area of this game-rich park. This region allows you to really immerse yourself in the wilderness by exploring the parks vast reaches. Game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles also allow for close encounters with diverse wildlife, including day and night safaris using red spotlights.

There is a choice of camps, some have hides where you can sit and observe the wildlife at close range. There is nothing as impressive as getting to see elephant feet at your eye level.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
06

South Luangwa National Park

Camp 2
Several of the properties in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi feature high comfort Sleepouts under the Stars. Rediscover the safari of yesteryear and the Southern Skies.

Experiences will vary from custom-built tents with cozy bedrolls to specially built platform rooms with outdoor roof bedding. There is always an attentive team to look after every detail as well as make sure that you are safe and secure from outside elements. All meals are prepared by a chef. You drift off, hearing the distant calls of the wild. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a full breakfast. Speak with Born Free and your consultant about this magical option.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
07

Lower Zambezi National Park

This morning board a flight to the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park, located almost due south of South Luangwa.

The Lower Zambezi lies on the northern bank of the Zambezi River across from Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. The area like the South Luangwa, offers an intimate, low-density safari experience. Visitors will never feel that they are in an overcrowded park.

While the park does not have large numbers of wildlife, it is also geographically a magical area which consists of dense riverine canopy, floodplains, acacia forests, backed by the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment.

Over the next three days, soak up the river scene on canoe trips. See crocodiles, hippos, lions, and buffalo. For those who like fishing the area is known for the fighting Tigerfish, strictly catch and release policy.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
08

Lower Zambezi

Itinerary is suggested as there are so many options. Start the day with an early morning game drive in the camps open 4x4 vehicle.

After lunch, embark on a guided canoe safari. Approach the animals for an up-close perspective as they drink and bathe along the riverbanks.

This afternoon we suggest taking a guided nature walk, to hear from the professional resident guide on conservation in the area, tracking the wildlife and how the ecosystem improvements have increased the resident game.

In the evening, go out on a night game drive to observe the nocturnal species like the civets, genets, and honey badgers.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
09

Lower Zambezi National Park

Itinerary is suggested as there are so many options. Start the day with an early morning game drive in the open 4x4 vehicles.

After lunch, embark on a guided water safari by motorboat or canoe. Approach the animals from an up-close perspective as they drink and bath along the riverbanks.

In the evening, go out on a night game drive to observe the nocturnal species like the civets, genets, and honey badgers.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Days
10

Livingstone - Victoria Falls

A short domestic flight takes (included) you to the town of Livingstone, on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is a World Heritage site. Known as Mosi Oa Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders," the falls drop 350 feet into the gorge below.

Spend two full days in Zambia exploring the Falls and surrounding area by land, water, or air. There is no shortage of activities here!

This evening embark on a dinner Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi.

Breakfast / Dinner
Special Activities:
Zambia is full of adventurous options. Helicopter & microlight flights, gorge swings, and one of the best white-water rafting trips in the world. Please request costs from a Born Free Safari Specialist.
Day
11

Livingstone

Your Journey Onwards
Breakfast and leisurely morning in Livingstone. Head out once more to view the mighty Victoria Falls and with luck get a glimpse of the mystical rainbow that often appears through the mist.

Your journey through Zambia draws to a close as you are escorted to the Livingstone Airport to board your international flight homeward. After taking in one of the best safari experiences in the world, you will feel Africa calling for you to return.

Or continue your African journey exploring South Africa, or even a contrasting safari experience in Kenya or Tanzania. In any case, your travels in Africa will leave you feeling both fulfilled and excited for more.

Breakfast / Dinner

Wishlist

Zambia In-Depth

At a glance

Zambia In-Depth

South Luangwa - Lower Zambezi - Vic Falls

Is this your dream trip?

Highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

Available accommodation levels

Gold

Associations

Insurance