Whether it is the wild and spectacular game viewing in the Luangwa Valley, the splendor of the Zambezi River, or the widespread wilderness of Kafue – there is a lot to choose from in Zambia.
We’ve narrowed down the endless possibilities to our top 5 Zambia safari packages and itineraries depending on the duration or points of interest of your upcoming holiday.
What to keep in mind when choosing a Zambian safari package
- If you want to see the Victoria Falls: include Livingstone for 2-3 nights
- If you want some water-based safaris: include Lower Zambezi for 3 nights
- If you want to do some walking safaris: the major parks will offer it, but extend for a few more nights in a smaller bush camp
- The more properties and parks you add, the more time you will lose in transfers (and the higher the cost)
- If you want to see leopards: definitely include South Luangwa!
- These are fly-in zambia safaris. For a self-drive trip, allow at least 2 weeks and a good dose of adventure.
Are you planning a safari? Download our in depth Zambian Safari planning guide!
Our choice of top 5 Zambian safari packages
For a first safari, we recommend to stay in one park only, in one or maybe two properties. Staying in one location will allow for more opportunities to roam the area for more game viewing. For an all-round destination, we recommend South Luangwa where the wildlife density and variety will be the best.
The Victoria Falls in Livingstone can be included before or after the safari, depending on flights connectivity and availability.
Suggested itinerary:
- 5 nights in South Luangwa in 1 or 2 camps
- 2 nights in Livingstone
- Flights: Lusaka-Mfuwe and Lusaka-Livingstone
Have a look at our 5-night South Luangwa package, then add the Livingstone extension.
We recommend spending a minimum of 3 nights in one national park, at the very least. So for 7 or 8 nights, we’d recommend to split between South Luangwa and then either Kafue or Lower Zambezi depending on your previous experience. Lower Zambezi will have more water-based activities. Kafue is a more remote feel despite being the biggest park in Zambia, and it offers some unique species.
Suggested itinerary:
- 4 nights South Luangwa in one camp
- 3 nights Kafue NP or Lower Zambezi in one camp
- Flights: Lusaka-Mfuwe and Lusaka-Lower Zambezi or Kafue (or road transfers to Kafue depending on camp location)
If you can spare 10 nights, then we’d recommend our ultimate Kafue & South Luangwa itinerary
To include the Falls in a 10-night itinerary, we recommend the following:
- 5 nights South Luangwa in two camps
- 3 nights Kafue NP or Lower Zambezi in one camp
- 2 nights in Livingstone
- Flights: Lusaka-Mfuwe and Lusaka-Lower Zambezi or Kafue (or road transfers to Kafue depending on camp location) then Lusaka-Livingstone
If you want to explore both South Luangwa and North Luangwa, this is our best suggestion.
Itinerary:
- 7 nights South Luangwa in two camps
- 3 nights North Luangwa in one camp
- Flights: Lusaka-Mfuwe and short charter Mfuwe-North Luangwa
Have a look at our Luangwa Valley package.
This is the ideal duration for a complete experience of Zambia on a fly-in basis. It covers the 3 main national parks.
Itinerary:
- 6 nights Kafue in two camps
- 5 nights South Luangwa in two camps
- 3 nights Lower Zambezi in one camp
- Flights: Lusaka-Kafue, Lusaka-Mfuwe and Lusaka-Lower Zambezi .
We have designed this Best of Zambia package specifically for this circuit.
The Victoria Falls in Livingstone can be included before or after the safari, depending on flights connectivity and availability.
This is our proposed Livingstone extension. But we have other suggestions too.
If the idea of a vacation must include some time at the beach, it’s an easy hop to the beautiful Lake Malawi and its pristine waters.
We would then recommend to combine this with a safari in South Luangwa, as there is an easy flight Mfuwe-Lilongwe then a short drive will take you to the beach or a for more luxury head to Likoma Island.
For example have a look at this Bush & Beach Luxury package.
Contact a trusted travel agent specialized in Southern Africa to help you design your best itinerary (we list some of our recommended agents here).
Our Reservation team is also ready to assist you with tailor-made itineraries and quotes. Simply email us with your questions.
Need more inspiration? Visit our Safari Page. We’ve also prepared a flyer with some ideas of costs (subject to change).
