Zambia In-Depth // Born Free Safaris

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Zambia In-Depth

At a glance

Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe

Zambia

12 Days/11 Nights

June-Early October

Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation

Zambia In-Depth

South Luangwa-Lower Zambezi-Vic Falls

12 Days/11 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.

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 gliding 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 with majestic leopards, lions, and elephants 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 are 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 their camps as well as multi-day walking safaris with a backup vehicle. 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.
Kafue National Park, the largest park in Zambia, provides an exceptional remote wilderness experience. Wild dogs and Sable Antelope are among the rarer species found within the park.

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.

Rates are in US dollars, include current taxes & park fees - subject to change.

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. It is not for the traveler who may be skittish about being close to the wildlife or, in general, nature.

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
Outstanding Big Five Game viewing
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 in pop-up tents 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.

Days
01-02

South Luangwa

Camp 1
From Lusaka, Zambia, take a short flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to your safari into the South Luangwa.

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination. It lies between the Luangwa River and the Mchinga escarpment. It is home to over 60 species of mammals and 450 species of birds. The Luangwa River takes a slow course through the park. Zambia safaris have a high quality of guiding, from the game drives to the walks, night viewing to find nocturnal species, and watching predators out on the hunt. South Luangwa provides an ideal habitat for leopards, often seen on night and day drives.

Early morning game drives await you each day. During the heat of the day, absorb your surroundings as you sit around the lounges that are open to rivers or lagoons. There are often resident elephants and hippos. After lunch, head out on another game drive in hopes of finding a pride of lion with playful cubs, a herd of elephant, and wild dogs.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Days
03-05

South Luangwa

Camp 2
Head deeper into South Luangwa and spend the next three days in another area of this game rich region. On arrival at camp, you will be introduced to the resident guide and armed escort scout.

For your second camp, we would recommend a camp that features walks, in addition to the game drives. Some camps have hides where you can sit and observe the wildlife at very close range. Nothing like getting to see impressive elephant feet at your eye level!

Tonight, search for nocturnal species in vehicles equipped with wildlife protective spotlights. Look for the reflecting eyes of the night species. This optimizes their night vision. Evening drives provide a good opportunity to find leopard, genets or civet cats, mongoose, elephant shrews and various owl species. Less common are porcupine and badgers.

Before heading back to camp for dinner, stop by the edge of the river for sundowners (cocktails).

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Days
06-07

South Luangwa

Camp 3
Travel to the most southern sector of Luangwa, set away from the main part of the river, but close to the shallow clear-flowing Kapamba River. Each day will vary according to the wildlife activity and what you would like to do.

Daily activities can be flexible. Usually, you would go out on foot in the morning and then by vehicle in the evening, staying out after dark and searching for various nocturnal species.

There is also a choice of a Southern Sky Sleep Out. For the bit more adventurous, let the stars be your ceiling as you sleep out in a fly camp made up of only a mosquito-netted tent and bed roll. This is an outstanding overnight safari, fully supported in the safety of our rangers and full staff.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Days
08-09

Lower Zambezi

Bid farewell to the South Luangwa as you board a flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park.

The Lower Zambezi lies on the northern bank of the Zambezi River across from Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. The park does not have large numbers of wildlife but is nonetheless a special and magical area that you will never forget. There are game drives with possibilities of seeing lion and elephant.

Visitors never feel overcrowded. While the park does not offer a large variety of habitats, the variety of activities makes it a can't-miss destination. With a river that is navigable year-round comes waterborne activities such as boating and canoeing to contrast with the usual game drives and walking safaris.

As with most Lower Zambezi camps, guests can choose between a wide variety of activities, with game drives and walks offered each day. And you just can't beat the experience of spending a day out on the river, cruising with a drink in hand, watching the elephant, hippo, crocs, and birds!

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
10

Victoria Falls

Fly from the airstrip 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.

This afternoon, explore Victoria Falls on foot. The lodge offers a choice of activities including numerous high-adrenaline outings. The must-do optional extra is a scenic helicopter ride over the Falls.

Breakfast / Lunch / 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

Victoria Falls

À la carte Activities
This morning you have your choice of "À la carte" activities that are offered by the lodge and are included in the price of the trip.

Choices include:

1) Helicopter Flight over the Falls - Highly recommended and the best way to view Vic Falls is this 13-minute scenic helicopter flight.

2) Community Visit - This is a chance where guests can really give back to the community, while exploring the markets and town of Victoria Falls. Our projects will change subject to what support is most needed at the time. (It could be an orphanage, local clinic, school, or mature adult home.) You will be given a list of organizations that currently need support, then embark on a mission to source the items and bring them to the needed area. It takes just a few hours but can impact the people a lifetime!

3) Stone Carver and Handicraft Market featuring world-renowned Shona Sculptures.

And of course, take another walk to view Vic Falls. As the "largest curtail of falling water" passes through the air, it forms a mist that rises so high that it's visible over fifteen miles away. This mist and the booming sound of the falling water is what is referred to as "the smoke that thunders." The mist is like rain and when it is sunny out, an ever-present rainbow is formed.

In the early evening, enjoy a magical Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
12

Your Journey Onwards

Leisurely breakfast this morning with a chance to see Vic Falls one more time, perhaps with a sighting of the mystical rainbow that often appears through the mist.

Your journey draws to a close in Livingstone, Zambia. After taking in one of the best safari experiences in the world, you will feel Africa calling for you to return.

Breakfast

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