Zambia Private Journey

Explore Zambia, legendary land of the walking safari, with an environment as untamed as it was 50 years ago. Enjoy breathtaking leopard sightings and exciting game walks in the magic of South Luangwa National Park, one of the premier—yet least visited—wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Walking Safaris in South Luangwa

The concept of the African walking safari was developed in Zambia, and vast and beautiful South Luangwa National Park at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley is the perfect setting for such an adventure. A quick bush flight brings you from Lusaka, Zambia’s sleepy capital, to your first camp. From charming Nsefu Camp, set on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, experience quintessential safaris on foot with a professional ranger-tracker. Tracking animals on foot gives you a sense of the real Africa: from examining a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush—an “in the field” learning experience like no other. South Luangwa National Park stretches along the 500-mile-long Luangwa, one of the last free-flowing rivers in southern Africa. The river floods the valley annually, carving new channels through savanna woodlands and creating a haven for all kinds of wildlife. The Nsefu sector of the park is noted for its large concentrations of plains game (and their attending predators), and on day and evening game drives in specially adapted open 4WD vehicles, you will observe the whole gamut of African wildlife. Evening drives are a special treat: this is often an active time for big cats on the prowl as well as other creatures not seen during the day. Nsefu Camp is an intimate retreat set among shady mahogany trees. Right from the camp’s thatched-roofed dining room and bar you can watch elephants, hippo, and antelope gather at the river’s edge. Nearby is Buca Buca Lagoon, where big game congregates, and nearby salt pans attract Cookson’s wildebeest, an endemic species found only in this park. This is also the only place to see Thornicroft’s giraffe, another endemic species. Close at hand near camp is a gameviewing blind overlooking a waterhole, an excellent place from which to watch and photograph animals. Star-gazing under clear African skies here is a nightly treat.

Days 4-7
Undiscovered Zambian Wilds

From Tena Tena, a secluded tented camp with an authentic bush atmosphere, set out on exciting game walks and day and evening 4WD safaris with your naturalist guide (all-day drives, with a picnic lunch, are also available). In the countryside around Tena Tena, marked by oxbow lagoons and small lakes, leopard sightings are frequent and famous, and it is a thrill to see one of these gorgeous cats padding through the shadows, its tail lifted high, or perched languidly in a sausage tree. The birdwatching is also out of this world. More than 400 avian species have been recorded in South Luangwa National Park, from the striking saddlebill stork to the stately goliath heron and elegant crowned crane, along with the red-chested cuckoo and spectacular colonies of brightly colored carmine bee-eaters nesting in the steep, sandy banks of the river. Lovely Tena Tena Camp is nestled deep in the bush along the Luangwa River. Five large, walk-in tents each have a “dressing room” that separates the tent from the en suite shower and toilet, which are private but open to the stars. One side of these comfortable tents can be rolled up during the day, a great opportunity to watch the activity at the camp’s busy waterhole right from your tent. Tena Tena’s thatched dining room and bar overlook the Luangwa River. Both places are grand spots for savoring superb sunset views—and sundowners after an active day in the bush! It’s a great way to unwind and share memories of the wildlife sightings of the day. On Day 7, bid farewell to the wild world of Zambia, transfer to Mfuwe and depart via Lusaka.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Victoria Falls Extension (3 days)
• Lake Malawi: Lake Pumulani Beach Lodge Extension (4 days)
• Lower Zambezi Canoe and Walking Safari Extension (4 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2. It is a luxury camping and lodge safari with game viewing by 4WD vehicle. This journey can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. On safari, there are long driving days over rugged dirt tracks.

Explanation of Trip Levels