Authentic Zambia Safari

Highlights

• Three of Zambia's great parks in one route: Lower Zambezi, Kafue and South Luangwa, with the Busanga Plains as the remote centrepiece.
• Two nights on the Busanga Plains in northern Kafue, a floodplain that dries out enough to visit only from mid-June to early November.
• A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, with Zimbabwe's Mana Pools on the far bank.
• Busanga's famous lions, plus red lechwe, puku, buffalo and the shy roan antelope out on the open plains.
• Boat transfers and river cruises on the Kafue River, where hippo grunt below the chalets after dark.
• Four nights in South Luangwa, the park where the African walking safari began.
• Thornicroft's giraffe, found only in the Luangwa Valley, alongside Crawshay's zebra and big buffalo herds.
• Late-dry-season drama on the Luangwa River: shrinking lagoons, concentrated prey and lion and leopard working the banks.
• Carmine bee-eater colonies nesting in the Luangwa's sandy riverbanks late in the dry season.
• All road and air logistics handled for you, including the scheduled Lusaka–Mfuwe flight.

Safari Information

• Departure: Scheduled and tailor-made departures from mid-June; last departure 25 October (Busanga Plains access)
• Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
• Lodging: Riverside lodges and seasonal bush camps
• Group Size: Minimum 2
• Malaria risk: Yes. Lower Zambezi, Kafue and South Luangwa are all malaria areas, so take prophylaxis on your doctor's advice
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

Authentic Zambia Safari – 15 Days from the Zambezi to the Luangwa

The Authentic Zambia Safari is a 15-day, 14-night road-and-air route through Lower Zambezi, Kafue and South Luangwa, three of the finest wildlife parks in southern Africa. It starts in Lusaka and ends at Mfuwe Airport in South Luangwa. It drops into the Zambezi Valley for river cruises opposite Mana Pools, then crosses to Kafue, Zambia's largest park at some 22,400 km². From there it heads north to the Busanga Plains, a wide floodplain of lechwe, roan and lion that is only reachable in the dry months. The finale is four nights in South Luangwa, home of the walking safari and one of Africa's densest hippo populations. The lodges range from simple Lusaka stopovers to tented river camps.

Day 1: Lusaka

• You are met at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and driven to Pioneer Camp, about 14 km from the airport on the outskirts of Lusaka.
• Thatched chalets in woodland make this a calm first night after the long-haul flight, and guided bird walks can be arranged on the property.
• Overnight: Pioneer Camp

Days 2-4: Lower Zambezi National Park

• After breakfast you drive 4–5 hours through Lusaka and down the escarpment into the Zambezi Valley.
• Kasaka River Lodge is a 16-bed tented lodge in the Chiawa Game Management Area, 4 km from the park boundary and looking straight across the Zambezi to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
• The park covers 4,092 km², but most game gathers on the valley floor between the river and the escarpment. Elephant herds coming down to drink are a daily sight.
• Three nights give time for game drives and guided walks in the park, plus boat trips along the shoreline as animals come to the water.
• One evening is kept for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, with sundowners on board.
• Overnight: Kasaka River Lodge

Day 5: Kafue National Park

• You climb back up the escarpment to Lusaka for a supplies stop, then drive west on the M9 for about four hours to the Kafue River.
• Mukambi sits 2 km off the tar on the riverbank, with chalets facing the national park across the water. Game drives start with a short boat crossing.
• Overnight: Mukambi Lodge

Days 6-7: Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park

• An early start takes you about 150 km north-west through the park to the Busanga Plains, a long and rewarding game drive.
• The plains flood in the rains and only open to visitors from mid-June to early November, which is why this stretch sets the dates for the whole Authentic Zambia Safari.
• Kasonso Busanga Camp has four en-suite tents with verandas looking straight out over the floodplain, ten minutes from the Busanga airstrip.
• Two days of drives and walks bring red lechwe and puku by the hundred, buffalo, roan antelope and the big-maned Busanga lions, with cheetah and wild dog possible.
• Overnight: Kasonso Busanga Camp

Days 8-9: North Eastern Kafue National Park

• After a last morning drive on the plains you return to the Lufupa River, where a boat carries you upstream to Hippo Lodge.
• The lodge has six chalets and two original safari tents on the east bank of the Kafue River, with solar power for lighting and hot water, and internet in the main area only.
• Day 9 is given to game drives, with walks alongside an armed National Parks ranger, river cruises and catch-and-release fishing also on offer.
• Save an hour for the natural hot spring 1.5 km from camp, a clear, sand-bottomed pool in the bush where elephants come down to drink nearby.
• Overnight: Hippo Lodge

Day 10: Lusaka

• You leave the park for the 4–5 hour drive back to Lusaka, with the afternoon free to rest at the lodge or shop in the capital.
• Wild Dogs Lodge is a small, relaxed stopover about 15 minutes from the airport, which suits the early flight ahead.
• Dinner tonight is at your own expense.
• Overnight: Wild Dogs Lodge or similar

Day 11: South Luangwa National Park

• A morning transfer to Lusaka airport is followed by the 1 hr 10 min scheduled flight to Mfuwe, then a road transfer to your lodge on the Luangwa River.
• The afternoon is free. A night drive can be booked with the lodge at extra cost, and South Luangwa's night drives are among the best in Africa for leopard.
• Overnight: Wildlife Camp

Days 12-14: South Luangwa National Park

• Three full days in a 9,050 km² park bring game drives morning and afternoon, with time at the lodge between them. Walking safaris can be added in the park where they began.
• Thornicroft's giraffe live only in the Luangwa Valley. Crawshay's zebra, large buffalo herds and elephant are regular sightings, and with luck you may see Cookson's wildebeest.
• The Luangwa River holds one of the highest concentrations of hippo and crocodile in Africa, and pods line almost every bend.
• From July to October the side channels and lagoons shrink, trapping fish and pulling in prey. Lion, leopard and hyena follow.
• Late in the dry season, large colonies of carmine bee-eaters nest in the riverbanks.
• Overnight: Wildlife Camp

Day 15: Authentic Zambia Safari Ends

• You are transferred to Mfuwe Airport, where the included safari arrangements end. The scheduled flight to Lusaka for your onward international connection is booked separately.

Note: All activities are weather-dependent and may be modified based on group interests and animal movements.

Authentic Zambia Safari – Frequently Asked Questions

When can you travel on the Authentic Zambia Safari?

This 15-day Zambia itinerary departs from mid-June, with a last departure of 25 October. The Busanga Plains in northern Kafue National Park flood in the rains, and the seasonal camp there opens only from mid-June to early November, so the route must reach Busanga by day 6. June to August is cooler and greener. September and October bring the strongest game viewing and rising heat, and South Luangwa is at its most dramatic then.

Which national parks does the Authentic Zambia Safari visit?

This Uyaphi route visits three Zambian national parks. It spends three nights in Lower Zambezi, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, and five nights in Kafue, Zambia's largest park, including two on the remote Busanga Plains. The last four nights are in South Luangwa, famous for walking safaris, leopard and Thornicroft's giraffe. Two Lusaka overnights, on day 1 and day 10, break the journey.

Is the Authentic Zambia Safari in a malaria area?

Yes. Every park on this 15-day Zambia route is a malaria area: Lower Zambezi, Kafue, the Busanga Plains and South Luangwa. Travellers should see a doctor or travel clinic before departure about prophylaxis. In camp, cover up at dusk, use repellent and sleep under the nets provided. The dry-season months the safari runs in carry lower mosquito numbers, but the risk never drops to zero.

How do you travel between parks on the Authentic Zambia Safari?

This Zambia itinerary combines road, boat and air. Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi takes 4–5 hours by road, and Lusaka to Mukambi in Kafue about four hours on the M9. Mukambi to the Busanga Plains is roughly 150 km by game-drive vehicle, and a boat transfer reaches Hippo Lodge. A 1 hr 10 min scheduled flight from Lusaka reaches Mfuwe for South Luangwa on day 11. The day 15 return flight to Lusaka is booked separately.

What is included in the Authentic Zambia Safari?

This 15-day Zambia safari includes accommodation, meals and activities as set out in the programme, plus all ground transport and airport transfers. It also covers an English-speaking guide, the Lusaka–Mfuwe flight on day 11, and park entry fees from days 2 to 9. Not included are international flights, the day 15 Mfuwe–Lusaka flight, drinks, South Luangwa park fees, personal insurance and tips.

Can the Authentic Zambia Safari be tailor-made?

Yes. This Uyaphi Zambia itinerary runs on scheduled dates or as a private, tailor-made trip for a minimum of two travellers. Lodges and vehicle type can be swapped to suit your budget, and nights can be added in South Luangwa or the Lower Zambezi. Victoria Falls is a natural extension at either end. Rates are quoted on request and vary by season and availability.

In Conclusion

The Authentic Zambia Safari links three national parks and the remote Busanga Plains in 15 days, travelling by road, boat and scheduled flight from Lusaka to the Luangwa.

It works because of the variety. You get boat cruises on the Zambezi, the vast open floodplain of Busanga, quiet riverside nights and a natural hot spring at Hippo Lodge, and the predator-rich lagoons of South Luangwa. Each stop shows a different side of Zambia, and the pace leaves room for walks, river cruises and long lunches between drives.

Travel between mid-June and 25 October, when Busanga is open. September and October are the best months for big-cat action and the carmine bee-eaters, so book well ahead, because the small seasonal camps fill early.

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