12 Days Classic Zambia Safari | Luangwa, Zambezi & Victoria Falls
This 12 Days Classic Zambia Safari links three of the country’s best-known safari regions, combining South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone. Expect walking safaris, game drives, canoeing and river cruises before finishing at Victoria Falls.
Trip Highlights
- Game drives and guided walking safaris in South Luangwa
- Night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife
- Wildlife viewing in the Nsefu Sector
- Opportunities to see Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest
- Canoe safari along the Zambezi in Lower Zambezi National Park
- Walking safari and game drives in Lower Zambezi
- Sunset river cruise
- Optional catch-and-release tiger fishing
- Guided visit to Victoria Falls
- Wildlife viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Time for optional adventure activities or relaxation in Livingstone
Overview
The journey begins in Lusaka before flying to South Luangwa National Park, where several days are devoted to exploring the bush on foot and by safari vehicle.
The park’s river, lagoons and woodland provide a varied setting for wildlife viewing, while walking brings a different perspective to the safari.
From South Luangwa, a light aircraft flight takes you to Lower Zambezi National Park.
Here, the Zambezi becomes central to the experience, with game drives complemented by canoeing, walking and boat-based activities.
The final section of the journey takes you to Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls.
Alongside a guided visit to the falls, there is time for additional wildlife viewing, river activities or simply enjoying the riverside setting of your accommodation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka and Fly to South Luangwa
Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, where you will be met and assisted by a Petnah Africa Tours representative before connecting to Mfuwe.
On arrival in the remote eastern province of Zambia, you will meet your driver-guide and continue by road towards South Luangwa National Park.
The drive takes you through local settlements and savannah landscapes dotted with baobabs.
After checking in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and taking in the views around the Luangwa River, where hippos and crocodiles are frequently found.
Overnight: Mopani Safari Lodge
Day 2: Walking Safari and Night Drive in South Luangwa
Begin the day shortly before sunrise with a light breakfast before heading out on foot with a professional walking guide and armed scout.
Walking allows you to pay attention to details that are easily missed from a vehicle, from animal tracks and droppings to scratch marks, plants and termite mounds.
Your guide will interpret the signs left behind by wildlife and explain how the different species use the landscape.
Return to camp for a bush breakfast and some time to rest during the warmer part of the day.
In the afternoon, head out on a game drive with a focus on wildlife and predators, particularly lions and leopards. The drive can continue after dark, offering a different view of the park and its nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Mopani Safari Lodge
Day 3: Full Day Safari in the Nsefu Sector
Today you venture further into the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa, an area known for its open plains, woodland and riverine habitats.
The day is centred around wildlife viewing, with opportunities to look for lions, buffalo, African wild dogs and a variety of bird species.
Depending on conditions and sightings, lunch can be enjoyed at a scenic location before returning to camp towards sunset.
Overnight: Mopani Safari Lodge
Day 4: Optional Cultural Visit or More Safari
Today is flexible and can be shaped around your interests.
You may choose to spend more time on foot, head out for another night drive, or take part in a cultural visit.
Alternatively, keep the day slower and enjoy some downtime at camp between safari activities.
Overnight: Mopani Safari Lodge
Day 5: Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lower Zambezi National Park.
The landscape changes as you arrive in the Zambezi Valley, where the river and its floodplains form the centrepiece of the safari environment.
Depending on your arrival arrangements, you may be collected by boat or safari vehicle and begin wildlife viewing on the way to your riverside camp.
Your base is Sausage Tree Camp, set along the Zambezi with views across the river and surrounding wilderness.
Overnight: Sausage Tree Camp
Day 6: Canoe Safari and Afternoon Game Drive
Start the day with a guided canoe safari along the waterways of the Lower Zambezi.
Travelling quietly on the water provides a different perspective on the wildlife around the river. Depending on conditions, you may see elephants feeding near the water, hippos in the river and a variety of waterbirds.
Return to camp for brunch and time to relax before heading out again in the afternoon by safari vehicle.
The drive takes you away from the riverfront into woodland habitats where you can look for lions, leopards, antelope and other wildlife.
Overnight: Sausage Tree Camp
Day 7: Walking Safari and Sunset Cruise
This morning, head out on a guided walking safari along game paths in the Lower Zambezi.
The focus is less on covering distance and more on reading the landscape.
Your guide will help interpret tracks, plants, termite colonies, bird activity and other details that reveal what has been happening around you.
After lunch, take to the Zambezi for a leisurely river cruise. As the day cools, the river becomes an ideal place to watch the surrounding landscape change towards sunset.
Overnight: Sausage Tree Camp
Day 8: Full Day Safari or Fishing Adventure
Your final full day in Lower Zambezi is flexible.
You can spend the day on safari with a combination of game viewing and walking, or take part in catch-and-release tiger fishing if available and appropriate for the conditions.
Photography can also be incorporated into the day’s activities.
The choice allows your guides to adapt the day around your interests and current wildlife activity.
Overnight: Sausage Tree Camp
Day 9: Fly to Livingstone
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Livingstone.
Livingstone is the main tourism base for visiting Victoria Falls from the Zambian side and provides a natural change of pace after several days in the bush.
On arrival, you will be met by a Petnah Africa Tours representative and transferred to your riverside accommodation.
Spend the evening relaxing, or, if you prefer, visit the local craft markets as an optional activity.
Overnight: Accommodation in Livingstone as specified in your confirmed itinerary
Day 10: Guided Victoria Falls Tour and Optional Activities
After breakfast, set out on a guided visit to Victoria Falls.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the Smoke That Thunders, the falls form part of a UNESCO World Heritage property shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Zambezi plunges into a series of deep gorges, creating the spray and mist that dominate the surrounding landscape.
Your guided visit takes in viewpoints around the falls, including Knife Edge Bridge, Devil’s Cataract and Rainbow Falls, subject to prevailing conditions.
The remainder of the day can be used for optional scenic or adventure activities.
Overnight: Royal Livingstone Hotel
Day 11: Adventure, Wildlife or Relaxation
Spend your final full day in Livingstone according to your interests.
You can take a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of rhino, zebra and giraffe, or choose a more relaxed day with a river cruise or spa treatment.
If water levels and access conditions permit, a visit to Livingstone Island is another possible experience.
Alternatively, simply enjoy the setting around your hotel and the views towards Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Royal Livingstone Hotel
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport for your onward flight.
Your 12 Days Classic Zambia Safari comes to an end in Livingstone after a journey through South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and the Victoria Falls region.
What’s Included
- 11 nights’ accommodation in safari lodges and boutique hotels
- All domestic flights between Lusaka, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone
- Daily safari activities including game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and boat cruises
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tea, coffee and snacks
- Guided Victoria Falls entry and tour
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Ground transfers between airports and lodges
- Expert guides and trackers
- Filtered water throughout the trip
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Zambia
- Zambia visa
- Optional adventure activities
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Laundry
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of safari experience does this itinerary offer?
It combines several styles of safari rather than relying entirely on vehicle-based game drives.
South Luangwa introduces walking and night drives, Lower Zambezi adds canoeing and river activities, and Livingstone provides access to Victoria Falls and optional adventure experiences.
2. Can I do walking safaris in both South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi?
Yes. Walking safaris are included in both sections of the itinerary, although the experience and terrain differ between the two parks.
3. What wildlife can I expect to see?
The itinerary offers opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, antelope and numerous bird species.
South Luangwa is also home to distinctive wildlife such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. Wildlife sightings remain dependent on season, conditions and animal movements.
4. Is the tiger fishing included?
The source itinerary presents tiger fishing as an optional activity on Day 8. It should therefore be treated as an optional experience rather than a guaranteed inclusion.
5. How much time is spent at Victoria Falls?
The itinerary includes a dedicated guided Victoria Falls visit on Day 10, followed by a flexible final day in Livingstone for additional activities, wildlife viewing or relaxation.
Ready to start planning your safari in Zambia? Send us an inquiry through our contact page or WhatsApp us on +256 705 161344.
