Luangwa Wilderness Trails

From Lusaka to Lusaka

Tour Overview

This immersive walking safari through Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park invites you to slow down, tune in, and see the bush not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing world of wonder.

Adventure starts at Nkwali Camp, perched on the banks of the Luangwa River. Here, you’ll settle into the pace of safari life, with game drives introducing you to the region’s prolific wildlife—elephants, hippos, leopards, and the iconic African sunsets that wash the bush in golden light.

Evenings bring a return to camp—a mobile setup that blends simplicity with comfort. Tents are thoughtfully laid out beneath towering trees, lit by lanterns and warmed by the glow of a central fire. Here, you’ll share stories over hearty dinners, listen to hyenas calling in the dark, and fall asleep to the sounds of the African night: frogs trilling, owls calling, and the occasional roar that echoes across the plain.

Journey culminates at either Nsefu Camp, one of Zambia’s most historic lodges or Tena Tena, a secluded riverside retreat where wildlife wanders freely past your doorstep. Both offer a graceful end to your journey—inviting you to reflect, recharge, and relish your final days in this untouched corner of Africa.

With no barriers between you and the wild, you’ll walk through untamed terrain, stay alert to every sound and track, and experience nature in its purest form.

Viva's Best Bits...

One of Zambia’s oldest safari camps, Nsefu offers timeless elegance and true tranquility, with river sounds and wildlife creating a peaceful retreat—a place where the wild feels wonderfully close.

Elevate your safari with mobile camping—stay in comfortable, walk-in tents set near the river, Enjoy hot bucket showers, and the soothing sounds of flowing water as you drift off under the stars.

Explore the wilderness on foot with expert guides—track wildlife, discover bush secrets, and encounter elephants, giraffe, buffalo, and if you are lucky, get the chance to witness the elusive big cats.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Mfuwe Nkwali Camp

On arrival into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, you will be met just after immigration by our airport representatives, who will assist you with your bags and with check-in for your scheduled Proflight connection to Mfuwe. The flight takes you deep into the Luangwa Valley, a wilderness famed for its abundant wildlife and rich birdlife.

On arrival at Mfuwe Airport, a guide will meet you and transfer you to Nkwali Camp, set on the banks of the Luangwa River. The drive is approximately one hour and offers your first glimpses of village life and the bush. Nkwali is an intimate camp with open-fronted chalets that provide sweeping views of the river — the perfect introduction to Zambia.

Day 2-6
Nkwali Camp Mobile Walking Safari

After breakfast, you will depart Nkwali early for the start of your mobile walking safari. The drive north into the remote interior of the park takes around seven hours, bringing you to the site of your first mobile camp. Tents are comfortable yet simple, designed to immerse you fully in the wilderness while still providing a cozy retreat at night.

This mobile safari is all about slowing down and experiencing the bush on foot. Each day you will walk between camps with your professional walking guide and scout, covering a few hours in the morning before arriving at the next camp for lunch and rest. In the afternoons, you will head out again on shorter walks or game drives, returning in time for sundowners and dinner beneath the stars.
The Luangwa Valley is renowned as the birthplace of walking safaris, and this experience allows you to focus on the details — animal tracks, bird calls, medicinal plants, and the thrill of encountering larger game on foot. You may come across elephant, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, and perhaps even lion or wild dog, while the birdlife is extraordinary.

Evenings are spent around the campfire with your fellow travelers, listening to the sounds of the African night.

Day 7
Tena Tena camp or Nsefu Camp

Today you will walk to either Tena Tena camp, a beautiful riverside retreat or Nsefu Camp, one of the oldest and most historic camps in Zambia, and your base for the final night of your safari. Located in a prime game-viewing area on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, Nsefu offers a sense of timeless charm with its thatched rondavel chalets and incredible river views.
Here you can enjoy a final game drive or walk, followed by a celebratory dinner to toast the end of your walking safari adventure.

Day 8
Mfuwe Lusaka

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road back to Mfuwe Airport for your scheduled Proflight flight to Lusaka. On arrival, our airport representatives will assist you with your bags and check-in for your international flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 1 night in Nkwali Camp
  • Included Copy 20 5 nights in Comfortable mobile camp
  • Included Copy 20 1 night in Nsefu/Tena Tena Camp
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Meals and standard bar drinks where specified
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers to/from Mfuwe airport
  • Included Copy 20 Game drives and walking Safaris
  • Included Copy 20 Laundry, Park fees conservation/community fees, and 1.5 % tourism levy.
  • Included Copy 7 Tips, International flights, Insurance, Visas, Taxes, Premium drinks and other personal expenses

Activities

  • Included Explore native flora and encounter small wildlife up close on a guided walking safari.
  • Included Join a magical dinner under the stars in the heart of the bush.
  • Included Spot elephants, giraffe, buffalo, and with luck, even elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
  • Included Enjoy mobile camping in well-appointed tents that blend comfort with touch of bush luxury.
  • Included Gather around the campfire with your fellow travelers.
  • Included Take part in an exhilarating game drive and witness incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

8 days

Price from

$7,865 USD

Per person, twin share

Base on twin share

Select Date