Lower Zambezi Encounter

From Lusaka to Lusaka
  • Zambia
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Prepare to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Lower Zambezi, a pristine wilderness known for its rugged landscapes and incredible wildlife.

Kanyemba Lodge offers intimate accommodation with six stone-and-thatch rondavel chalets, each featuring a private deck overlooking the river. During your stay, enjoy all-inclusive meals, local drinks, and scheduled activities that highlight the best of this untamed region.

Spend time exploring the breathtaking Lower Zambezi, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Choose from a variety of guided activities that bring you up close to the region’s rich animal life, from tranquil boat cruises at dawn and sunset to exhilarating walking safaris on Kanyemba Island. For the adventurous, canoeing down the Zambezi provides a unique way to encounter elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, while full-day game drives in the Lower Zambezi National Park offer the chance to spot the Big Four—elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Guests can also enjoy visits to Makanya Village for an authentic glimpse into rural Zambian life, or try their hand at fishing for the mighty Tiger Fish in the river.

Kanyemba Lodge combines rustic charm with luxurious comfort, featuring natural materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Unwind at the restaurant and bar overlooking the river, or relax in the upstairs lounge and library, offering panoramic views of the Zambezi. Every evening, savor Italian-inspired cuisine beneath the shade of a giant wild mango tree, as the sounds of nature—the “Kanyemba Chorus”—set the perfect backdrop to your meal.

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Beyond wildlife, this package offers a meaningful connection to local Zambian culture. Visiting Makanya Village, meeting the locals, and learning about their way of life

Whether it's on a canoe safari, a dawn cruise, or a full-day game drive, you'll have endless opportunities to witness elephants, lions, hippos, and more in their natural habitat.

Kanyemba Lodge offers a perfect escape into the heart of the Lower Zambezi, a pristine wilderness where nature feels untouched. Here you will be surrounded by stunning river views and abundant wildlife.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
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Day 1
Lusaka Kanyemba Lodge

On arrival into Lusaka, you will be met and transferred by road to Kanyemba Lodge, where you will stray for 3 nights.

Your stay includes all meals, local drinks, and scheduled activities.

Nestled in the heart of the African bush, Kanyemba offers an idyllic retreat in the Lower Zambezi, just two and a half hours from Lusaka.

With its warm atmosphere, exceptional staff, expert guides, and stunning natural surroundings, Kanyemba promises an unforgettable Zambian experience. The breathtaking scenery and renowned cuisine make it a perfect place to enjoy the region's hospitality.

Kanyemba Lodge is designed to be a serene escape for up to 20 guests, with six stone-and-thatch rondavel chalets, each featuring a large private deck overlooking the Zambezi River, full en-suite bathrooms, and walk-in wardrobes. Built from natural materials, the chalets seamlessly blend into the environment, offering privacy and comfort year-round.

The restaurant and bar, overlooking the river, provide a relaxed dining experience, while the upstairs lounge and library offer a quiet spot to unwind with panoramic views of the river. Each evening, guests are treated to Kanyemba's famous cuisine, served under the shade of a grand wild mango tree. The Italian-inspired dishes will delight your palate, accompanied by the sounds of nature—the "Kanyemba Chorus" of hyenas, frogs, and even the occasional lion.

Day 2-3
Exploring the Lower Zambezi

Enjoy your scheduled activities

The Lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s most breathtaking and untouched wilderness areas, offering a unique blend of rugged beauty and incredible wildlife encounters. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this pristine region is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and a diverse range of bird species.

Options include

Community Visit: Guests can visit nearby Makanya Village, home to most of the lodge staff, for a glimpse of rural Zambian life.

Dawn & Sunset Cruises: Explore the Zambezi by boat, spotting wildlife like elephants, hippos, and lions. Morning cruises offer the best light for photography, while sunset cruises showcase the river’s magic at dusk.

Guided Game Walks: Take an early morning game walk on Kanyemba Island with expert guides, focusing on vegetation, tracks, and local wildlife.

Canoeing Safari: Paddle through tranquil Zambezi channels, getting close to hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. No prior experience needed.

Full-Day Game Drives: Spend a full day exploring Lower Zambezi National Park, tracking big game like elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards.

Angling (seasonal): Try your luck fishing for Tiger Fish and other species in the Zambezi River, with catch-and-release policies. Ideal for all skill levels.

Day 4
Kanyemba Lodge Lusaka

Today enjoy a last game activity time permitting before your transfer back to Lusaka where your arrangements end on arrival

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Accommodation in a chalet
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals and standard beverages
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Scheduled Activities
  • Included Copy 20 Laundry
  • Included Copy 7 International Flights, visas, tips, travel insurance, premium brand drinks

Activities

  • Included Meet locals at Makanya Village and learn about rural life.
  • Included Experience the golden hour on the river, watching animals gather along the banks.
  • Included Paddle down the Zambezi, encountering hippos, crocs, and birds in tranquil channels.
  • Included Explore Kanyemba Island on foot with an expert guide, focusing on tracks, birds, and insects.
  • Included Try angling for Tiger Fish and other species, with catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi.
  • Included Spot a variety of bird species along the river and during walks in the bush.
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Click here for dates & prices
Duration

4 days

Price from

$1,731 USD

Per person, sharing

based on low season

Seasonal Camp: Daily on request - open from March to Dec/Jan
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