Interested in a safari in Zambia, along the Zambezi River and in the Luangwa National Park—far from the crowds, between the legendary river and a wild valley renowned for its walking safaris? Zambia remains one of southern Africa’s best-kept secrets for wildlife viewing, and that’s precisely what makes it so special: intimate camps, total immersion, and wildlife encounters of a depth rarely matched elsewhere on the continent.
This 9-day, 8-night trip to Zambia, the Zambezi, and Luangwa consists of two highlights: first, the banks of the Lower Zambezi, across from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe; then the Luangwa Valley, considered the birthplace of walking safaris and one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries.
As always with Travel With la French, this itinerary serves as a starting point that can be adjusted based on the length of your stay and your preferences.
Check out your Zambia, Zambezi & Luangwa itinerary on our website, and see the day-by-day details here.
Lower Zambezi: Three Nights Across from Mana Pools
The trip begins with a charter flight from Lusaka to the private airstrip at Royal Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the Baines’ River Camp, situated on the Zambian banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of unfenced wilderness. The camp is located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, a region spanning more than 5,500 km² adjacent to the Lower Zambezi National Park, with a direct view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
This first leg of the Zambia, Zambezi & Luangwa itinerary is ideal for observing large herds of elephants—sometimes as many as a hundred—that come to drink at the river’s edge. There is a wide variety of activities to enjoy: river safaris by canoe or sunset cruises, tigerfish fishing, walking safaris, 4×4 excursions, and dinners in the bush. The camp, offering every comfort with its pool and bar overlooking the river, accommodates a maximum of twenty guests, ensuring an intimate and unspoiled experience.
South Luangwa: The Birthplace of Walking Safaris
After three nights on the Zambezi, we head to the Luangwa Valley, considered one of Africa’s best parks for wildlife viewing. It was here, in the 1950s, that the very concept of a walking safari was born—a tradition that is still very much alive today, led by some of the continent’s most experienced guides.
The first three nights of this leg are spent at the Kafunta River Lodge, a classic Zambian lodge on the edge of the Luangwa River floodplain. Its ten rooms offer panoramic views of the river, and its natural hot spring—the only one in the entire valley—is a rare treat after a day of safari. Giraffes, leopards, hippos, and more than 400 species of birds can be spotted near the lodge, which also offers nighttime 4×4 excursions and visits to local villages.
The Zambia, Zambezi & Luangwa tour then continues with two nights at the Three Rivers Camp, the first camp established on the edge of the Malama chiefdom, at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi rivers. Each tent features its own “sleep-out,” a private outdoor sleeping area where you can sleep under the stars, lulled by the distant roars of lions. On walking safaris and 4×4 excursions, you can spot elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and even the rare red antelope.
Practical Information About This Zambia, Zambezi & Luangwa Tour
This 9-day trip combines three intimate lodges, all offering full board with safari activities included. Domestic flights between Lusaka, the Lower Zambezi, and South Luangwa are operated by local airlines (Proflight), with short flight times that allow for most of each day to be spent on field activities.
Since Three Rivers Camp is seasonal (open from May 25 to November 1), it’s important to plan your travel dates in advance, as well as to check each camp’s age policy (minimum age of 6 at Kafunta, minimum age of 12 at Three Rivers Camp).
Would you like to experience this Zambia, Zambezi & Luangwa safari for yourself? At Travel With la French, we tailor this itinerary to the season, the length of your stay, and your desire for an immersive experience—from the banks of the legendary river to the trails of the walking safari valley.
