Zambia: Leopards, Elephants & Waterfalls Oh My!

Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (AKA The Livingstone Airport). Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. 

After settling in, join us for a welcome drink at the lodge restaurant, Kalai.

In the late afternoon, we'll embark on a river cruise. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River.

There are great photo opportunities against often spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. We'll enjoy snacks and drinks while watching the sunset on the river.

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before our tour of Victoria Falls. The falls stretch across the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offering distinct and equally mesmerizing experiences from both sides. 

Walking along the Knife-edge Bridge, you can feel the power of the falls. The mist creates rainbows that add to the vibrant, magical atmosphere.

We'll take a morning tour of Victoria Falls and spend a little time with the curio sellers.

Next up is the Dusty Road township experience. Here, we'll step into a welcoming and thriving local home and experience the community's vibrancy. Local vendors sell their wares as enticing smells from the charcoal fires waft through the air. You'll be surrounded by bright, inventive regional creations recycled with a heavy dose of African humor and ingenuity.

In the Dusty Road, we'll discover the Zimbabwean way of cooking food on open fires and in cast iron pots and ovens. This experience offers guests an authentic, wholesome, and tasty food experience. Sarah, the restaurant owner, is hugely concerned about the welfare of women, female empowerment, and Zimbabwean cultural awareness. We'll take our time to enjoy a nice meal. 

We'll return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. 

This morning, enjoy the lodge and choose any of the activities you fancy. The list includes helicopter flights, microlight flips (a small ultralight aircraft for one or two people), whitewater rafting, and many more adrenaline-filled activities. You can also treat yourself at the spa. If you decide to make an appointment, let us know in advance, and we'll book it for you. Enjoy lunch at the resort on your own. 

Later in the afternoon, we'll head to the Elephant Cafe. The members of a magnificent herd of rescued elephants are waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with you. Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these gentle giants and a hosted informative viewing of the herd around the venue's vicinity. Once the herd retires to forage in the bush, we'll head for the cafe overlooking the Zambezi River for a unique dining experience.  

Relax over the delicious bush gourmet cuisine unique to this restaurant. Specialties include wild edibles and locally sourced fresh and organic ingredients. The Elephant Café has proudly been rated the #1 Restaurant in the country.

Today, we'll take scheduled flights to Lower Zambezi National Park via Lusaka. The flight between Livingstone and Lusaka will serve a snack. Should you need another snack, a lovely little shop at the Lusaka departure lounge serves light meals to passengers.

Our guide will meet us at the Royal Airstrip and take us to the lodge to freshen up before dinner. Our home for the next few days is the Baines River Camp. Set upon the banks of the mighty Zambezi, nestled perfectly near the Lower Zambezi National Park and opposite Mana Pools. 

We'll have dinner at the Baines' Restaurant, and then retire for the day.

Start your day with a light breakfast before embarking on a Safari. UNESCO has declared several areas of the Lower Zambezi World Heritage sites, mainly because it is home to a ‘remarkable concentration of wildlife’. Simply put, the Lower Zambezi is famous for its big game, one of the reasons you want to venture into this part of Africa. Think mind-blowing herds of elephants, and buffaloes, an impressive population of Nile crocodiles, plus predators like lions, leopards, and the African wild dog. Together with the wildlife, there is the big blue Zambezi River. Once in the Lower Zambezi National Park, the guides will take us on an adventure game drive.

We'll return to camp for a delicious lunch and time to relax before we venture back into the wild. 

This afternoon, we're off on an afternoon boat safari into the heart of the National Park, teeming with animals. This area is a true wildlife sanctuary. The Zambezi River is  Africa's fourth-longest and largest, flowing into the Indian Ocean. Boat trips are the best way to enjoy the greatness of the Zambezi River.  

Our amazing day ends with a delightful dinner and drinks at the camp as we watch the sunset over the river.

Enjoy the crisp morning air in the Lower Zambezi National Park with a quick breakfast before embarking on today’s adventure—a boat safari, starting from the camp. 

Glide along the Zambezi River, looking out the waking wildlife at the water’s edge. Expect to see the Big Four (Rhino populations are scarce due to poaching). Lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards are the main predators. Leopards are especially at home because of the many large trees in which this slightly elusive cat likes to hide.  Mid-morning, take a break for tea, coffee, and biscuits. 

Our guide will provide an insightful tour through the park. Lunch awaits at the camp, followed by a leisurely afternoon tea with coffee and cake. 

We'll conclude the day with an early evening game drive. Whether you are already a hardcore bird enthusiast or never thought about ‘birding’ before, your first safari to the Lower Zambezi will ensure that birds will win over your heart. 

This evening, we'll toast our amazing safari experience with drinks at sunset and dinner. 

Wake up in the serene Lower Zambezi National Park and start your day with a light breakfast. Today’s adventure begins with another game drive in the heart of the park. On the fertile banks of the river, elephant herds and other herbivores feast on juicy green leaves. Rich soil, tall green trees, elephants, birds, and other wildlife: the result is a stunningly beautiful rich landscape, a true utopia for anybody seeking pure Africa. 

Along the way, savor tea, coffee, and biscuits while spotting wildlife. 

After the drive, return to camp by river, relishing the scenic views, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Spend a leisurely afternoon at camp relaxing before our next late afternoon safari adventure. Spotting wildlife never gets old! 

Late afternoon offers an opportunity for another exciting game drive with snacks and drinks as you watch the sunset, followed by a relaxing dinner back at camp.

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our new friends, reminiscing about the wonderful moments shared. We'll transfer to the Royal Airstrip for your flight back to Lusaka. 

If you are joining us for the extension, from here, you'll fly back to Lusaka for the flight to Mfuwe.

After a delightful breakfast, we'll whisk you away to the Royal airstrip for your flight to Lusaka, where you'll seamlessly transition to a plane bound for Mfuwe International Airport.

Touching down at Mfuwe, a warm welcome awaits as a guide from Kafunta River Lodge stands ready to escort you to your haven of relaxation. 

Settle into your accommodations and have lunch at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore the surroundings before indulging in a delightful dinner at Kafunta River Lodge.

After breakfast, we'll embark on an exhilarating morning game drive through the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. This is indeed the premier park in Zambia and one of the best national parks in Africa. As you traverse the landscape, keep your senses alive, anticipating encounters with majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and even elusive leopards. Pause in the wilderness for a refreshing break, savoring hot tea, aromatic coffee, and delectable biscuits while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Return to the lodge for lunch, replenishing your energy for the adventures ahead. Later in the day, partake in a traditional afternoon tea at the lodge while gazing at the Luangwa River. Enjoy a moment of tranquility amid the natural splendor. 

As the sun begins its descent, embark on an unforgettable night game drive, venturing into the depths of the wilderness. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, the air fills with anticipation. The night safari begins as you board an open-air vehicle designed for nocturnal excursions. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, you venture into the heart of the wilderness, where the nocturnal world comes alive. 

Dinner will be at the lodge tonight.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge. Following breakfast, embark on an exhilarating morning adventure, choosing between a thrilling game drive through the wilderness or a captivating walking safari. If you're opting for the game drive, use the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife amid nature's splendor. Meanwhile, adventurers on the walking safari will delve deeper into the African bush, experiencing a closer encounter with the flora and fauna.

Return to the lodge for a delectable lunch and some relaxation. Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at the lodge, savoring the tranquility of your surroundings and reflecting on the day's adventures.

As the day progresses, set out on an unforgettable afternoon/evening night drive into the wilderness.

Conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner at the lodge, where you can relish the flavors of Africa and share stories of your day's experiences under the vast African sky.

After breakfast, enjoy cultural exploration as you visit Project Luangwa, Tribal Textiles, and Mulberry Mongoose, with a potential stop at a local village, time permitting. At Mulberry Mongoose, you have the chance to craft your own bracelet. This will be at a cost to you.

We'll return to the lodge for lunch and quiet time to relax. 

As the sun begins its descent, set out on an afternoon/evening night drive into the wilderness as you witness the breathtaking African sunset.

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, sharing stories and memories of the day's adventures under the starlit African sky.

As our journey draws to a close, you'll return to the airport after breakfast for your flight to Lusaka. While our adventure may be over, the memories we've created and the connections we've made will stay with us for a lifetime.