1 Arrival Lusaka
Airport pickup in Lusaka. Travel time approx. 30 minutes. The metropolis is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. Initial tour briefing at the Wild Dogs Lodge, a quiet accommodation close to the city.
1 night in a 3* lodge (B/D)

2-5 South Luangwa National Park
Following the Great East Road, we will reach one of the world's most breathtaking wildlife reserves, South Luangwa National Park, around mid-afternoon. Travel time approx. 10-11 hours.
The concentration of wildlife around the Luangwa River, with its lagoons and treeless plains, is one of the highest in all of Africa. The reserve is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, kudus and pukus, lions and spotted hyenas, crocodiles, and hippos, among others. Approximately 400 bird species also inhabit the park, of which the enormous colonies of scarlet bee-eaters are particularly impressive. These colorful birds overwinter and nest in burrows they dig themselves in the sandy banks of the river.
In addition to traditional game drives, we will embark on a walking safari, the best way to experience this wild and untouched nature. We also hope to spot leopards and other nocturnal animals on a night drive. We'll spend four days in the South Luangwa National Park area and the adjacent, renowned Nsefu sector, where wild dogs and buffalo herds are frequently seen. This will provide ample time to discover the diverse wildlife along the scenic, wild Luangwa River. We'll stay at a camp where elephants often wander in to feast on the fruit of the marula trees.
4 nights in a 3-star lodge / tented camp on the Luangwa River (B/P/D)

6-7 North Luangwa National Park
Today we begin our expedition through the entire Luangwa Valley. Traveling slowly, always prepared for the occasional obstacle, we make our way from south to north along rocky 4x4 tracks and sandy trails. The crossing of the Lukusuzi and Lundazi Rivers in Luambe National Park will be particularly exciting. This section is only accessible with our specially equipped 4x4 vehicles. Travel time approx. 7-8 hours.
A highlight of this Zambian journey is undoubtedly the exploration of North Luangwa National Park. Situated at the foot of the steep Muchinga Escarpment, this 4,000 km² protected area provides a habitat for thousands of wild animals. After crossing the Luangwa River on a hand-operated pontoon boat, we will explore this remote and rarely visited wilderness in our safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced ranger who will introduce us to the diverse wildlife of this region.
Our camp is situated in a secluded location on the banks of the Luangwa River and conveys a very special "Out of Africa" ​​feeling.
2 nights in comfort tent on the Luangwa River (B/P/D)

8-9 Mutinondo Mountains
Today we leave the Luangwa Valley. Our safari takes us up to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, into what is arguably the most beautiful natural and hiking area in the country, a must-see on any itinerary through northern Zambia: Mutinondo Wilderness. Travel time approx. 7-8 hours. Through a variety of activities, we experience a picturesque mountain landscape with towering, humped ridges and idyllic little waterfalls. Botanists and birdwatchers, in particular, will be captivated by this secluded paradise. We hike through miombo woodlands and to the highest peak – Mayense Peak – which offers spectacular views high above the Luangwa Valley. Crystal-clear rivers invite you to take a refreshing dip.
2 nights in comfort tents in the camp (B/P/D)

10-12 Bangweulu Wetlands & Kasanka National Park
Passing Lavushi Manda National Park, we reach the Bangweulu Wetlands, a vast swamp landscape with many unique local features. Here lives, for example, the endemic black or Bangweulu lechwe. The area is also famous for the rare shoebill, which builds its nests deep in the dense, barely accessible swamp. We will try to spot these unusual birds on foot or by boat. Along the way, we will witness how the local Bisa people practice fishing and cassava cultivation. Travel time approx. 4-5 hours.
2 nights in a comfort tent in the Bangweulu Plains (B/P/D)

Passing Lake Waka Waka, we reach Kasanka National Park, which has long been privately managed by local communities. The park is home to, among other animals, the very rare sitatunga, puku, waterbuck, reedbuck, warthogs, and jackals. From mid-October, millions of palm fruit bats forage for food in mango and berry trees. This spectacular event is Africa's largest mammal migration and is best observed from tree hides built into the canopy. Travel time approx. 5-6 hours.
1 night in 2-star chalets/rondavels/tents inside the national park (B/P/D)

13-14 Lusaka
After a long day of driving, our lodge hosts in Lusaka await us with a delicious dinner. Travel time approx. 7-8 hours. We'll take a day off – a supply stop for the next few days.
1 night in a 3-star lodge (B/P/D)

Day 14: Return flight for the participants of the 14-day trip. Those who don't want to relax in the lodge's garden and by the pool can visit the elephant orphanage project run by "Game Rangers International".
1 night in a 3-star lodge (B/D)

15-17 Lower Zambezi National Park

Today we are driving through the mountainous landscape between Lusaka and Lake Kariba down to the banks of the Zambezi. The picturesque Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa's most impressive wilderness areas, having long remained largely untouched by tourism. This 4,000 km² park in the lower Zambezi Valley rivals the world-famous Mana Pools in Zimbabwe on the opposite bank. Located directly on the banks of the Zambezi, with the magnificent backdrop of the towering Leopard Hills, there's plenty to discover over the next three days. In addition to game drives, exciting boat safaris await us – a truly unique way to observe wildlife, as we can approach the animals almost silently. Travel time approx. 4-5 hours.
Day 15: Shortly after Chirundu, we transfer from our safari vehicle to a boat. We embark on our first game cruise, traveling downstream to our idyllic tented camp.

Days 16 and 17: Full-day game drives in Lower Zambezi National Park. After an adventurous river crossing of the Chongwe in our 4x4 vehicle, spectacular wildlife sightings await us in the sandy floodplains and idyllic gallery forests. The steep riverbanks form a natural barrier for the animals, so we encounter buffalo, lions, as well as numerous hippos and crocodiles in the floodplains. Numerous colorful bee-eaters fly along the cliffs to their nesting sites to feed their young. Elephants refresh themselves in the lagoons and backwaters, surrounded by carpets of flowering water hyacinths and lush green kariba weed. At sunset, we return to the lodge by boat, a sundowner in hand.
3 nights in a 3-star tented camp / lodge on the river (B/P/D)

18 Departure Lusaka or individual extension
From our accommodation on the Zambezi River, we will travel to the airport. Travel time approx. 4-6 hours. Departures are from the afternoon onwards (a charter flight is optional).
 

Extension Option

18-22 Kafue National Park & ​​Busanga Plains
Zambia's largest national park covers an area of ​​22,400 km². Located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert and traversed by the Kafue River, Kafue National Park features savannahs, miombo woodlands, and mixed deciduous forests. In addition to boat safaris on the Kafue, walking safaris and game drives are available. The remote Busanga Plains (accessible only from July to October) are renowned for their excellent big cat viewing opportunities, including lions and cheetahs. Travel time approx. 4-5 hours.
1 night in a lodge in Lusaka (B/D), 3 nights in a bush camp (B/P/D)