Ultimate Zambezi & Luangwa Safari

From Lusaka to Lusaka

Tour Overview

Experience the pristine wilderness of Zambia on an unforgettable safari adventure through three of the country’s most exceptional camps.

Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Start your journey at Puku Ridge Camp, winner of Zambia’s Leading Tented Safari Camp for the past three consecutive years. Nestled in the remote wilderness of South Luangwa National Park—celebrated as the “home of the leopard”—Puku Ridge offers a truly exclusive and intimate safari. Wildlife sightings are abundant, including elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, hippos, wildebeests, and various antelope species. Explore the park on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris, and enjoy the camp’s exceptional blend of comfort, privacy, and commitment to sustainability.

Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
Continue to Chiawa Camp, set on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park. Voted Zambia’s Leading Tented Safari Camp in 2022, Chiawa is a multi-award-winning destination offering world-class service and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This region is known for its high concentrations of hippos, elephants, crocodiles, buffalos, and birdlife. Activities range from day and night game drives to canoeing, tiger fishing, and walking safaris with some of Africa’s finest guides. The scenery is breathtaking, and the camp provides panoramic views of the river and surrounding wilderness.

Old Mondoro Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
Finish with a stay at Old Mondoro Camp, one of Zambia’s most beloved bush camps. Intimate and authentic, it features just five rooms and offers uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River and surrounding woodlands. Wildlife is ever-present, and the camp’s famous “loo with a view” brings nature right to your doorstep. For those seeking a raw, soul-stirring safari experience with a high standard of comfort, Old Mondoro is a perfect finale.

This extraordinary journey through Zambia's wilderness offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and eco-conscious luxury.

Value Add: Enjoy 3 Complimentary Nights
This itinerary is fully customizable to suit your travel style. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made Zambian safari.

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

Spot elusive big cats, such as leopards and lions, in South Luangwa National Park, a renowned haven for these majestic predators.

Savor unparalleled views of the Zambezi River and its wildlife-rich surroundings - from Puku Ridge Camp's scenic escarpment to Old Mondoro Camp's "loo with a view".

Experience the exceptional walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, where knowledgeable guides lead you on close wildlife encounters.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Lusaka Puku Ridge, South Luangwa

Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, our friendly representative will meet you immediately after immigration. You’ll receive assistance with your luggage and be guided to the domestic terminal for your connecting flight to Mfuwe. Upon landing at Mfuwe Airport, a Puku Ridge team member will be waiting to welcome you and escort you on the one-hour road transfer to the camp, where your safari adventure begins.

Puku Ridge Camp—named after the graceful puku antelope—is perched on a secluded escarpment overlooking a wildlife-rich floodplain in South Luangwa National Park. Set in one of the park’s prime locations, the camp offers uninterrupted views and exceptional wildlife encounters right from your suite.

Thoughtfully designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, the camp combines eco-conscious luxury with modern comforts. Each suite features a star bed, private plunge pool, and near-silent air conditioning. Ongoing sustainability upgrades aim to reduce environmental impact and achieve carbon neutrality.

South Luangwa, often called the “home of the leopard,” is renowned for its high density of predators and exceptional biodiversity. The park is also home to rare and endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe. Explore this rich ecosystem on foot or by vehicle with experienced rangers and expert trackers, who bring each encounter to life.

Puku Ridge has been recognised as the winner of Zambia’s Leading Tented Safari Camp for the past three consecutive years, a testament to its world-class experience and dedication to conservation.

Overnight at Puku Ridge Camp
Your stay includes luxury accommodation, all meals, selected beverages, and safari activities.

Day 2-3
Puku Ridge

Enjoy your scheduled game activities.

Explore the South Luangwa's diverse wildlife and pristine landscapes at Puku Ridge Camp, where encounters with lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and elephants are commonplace. Guided game drives, including nighttime excursions, offer guests the chance to witness the region's remarkable wildlife up close. On sundowner outings by the river, guests might spot bush babies and observe puku and impala unfazed by the passing vehicles. Night drives employ specialized spotlights for a low-impact and photography-friendly approach to nocturnal wildlife observation.

In the heart of the South Luangwa, walking safaris are a specialty, providing an intimate way to appreciate the bush's subtle details. Accompanied by an armed game scout and skilled guides, guests can track wildlife based on tracks and signs, learning about the area's rich biodiversity. With 60 mammal species and over 400 bird species, the South Luangwa is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a top global destination for birdwatching.

Overnight at Puku Ridge, your stay is Fully Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, selected drinks plus Activities

Day 4
Puku Ridge, South Luangwa Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi

The lodge team will confirm your departure time from camp today, and you'll take a short flight to Mfuwe Airport, where you'll connect to your scheduled flight to Jeki Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi.

Upon arrival at Jeki Airstrip, your guide from Chiawa Camp will be there to transfer you to the camp for your three-night stay.

Chiawa Camp, a multi-award-winning safari destination, graces the banks of the Zambezi River within Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park. This family-owned camp boasts the finest location under a vast grove of Mahogany trees and offers personalized, unpretentious service. Enjoy magnificent vistas of the Zambezi River from your luxurious tented accommodation.

In addition to its idyllic setting, Chiawa Camp stands out for its diverse range of activities, led by Africa's top guides. Game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating, and angling are just some of the options available. The camp also provides ample opportunities for relaxation, with two viewing platforms, two hides for wildlife observation, a beautiful pool, and a sundeck overlooking the Zambezi. You can even stay active in the well-equipped fitness shack. Chiawa Camp's excellence has earned it prestigious awards, including "Best in Africa" for its safari offerings and various accolades for its cuisine, guiding team, location, romantic atmosphere, family-friendly environment, and ecological responsibility.

Overnight at Chiawa Camp, your stay is Fully Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, selected drinks plus Activities

Day 5-6
Chiawa Camp

Enjoy your scheduled game activities.

Enjoy game drives in specially adapted open 4WD vehicles, offering safe and effective wildlife viewing. Drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon for optimal sightings. Night drives with filtered spotlights allow you to observe nocturnal creatures and predators. Pioneered in Zambia, guided bush walks provide a "micro-safari" experience, focusing on tracking and wildlife interpretation. Waterborne safaris on motorized pontoons offer scenic river cruises and sunset outings, often followed by night drives.

Canoeing on the Zambezi River provides tranquil yet thrilling experiences, with trips lasting from one hour to a full day, and longer journeys through picturesque channels available. Chiawa Camp is known for its exceptional tigerfish fishing, guided by experts, offering fly and conventional tackle options.

Overnight at Chiawa Camp, your stay is Fully Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, selected drinks plus Activities

Day 7
Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi Old Mondoro, Lower Zambezi

Your journey continues today as you transition from Chiawa to Old Mondoro. This transfer will be an exciting game drive or a scenic river safari, allowing you to pause along the way for wildlife viewing. Your next three nights of safari adventure will unfold at Old Mondoro, promising an unforgettable experience.

Nestled within a grove of towering Acacia trees, Old Mondoro offers a captivating setting where massive elephant bulls frequently forage on the lush vegetation. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park, approximately 35 km downstream from Chiawa Camp, this camp boasts a remote and scenic location. With just five rooms and ten beds, Old Mondoro stands as the epitome of an intimate and private safari experience.

The camp's remarkable setting provides sweeping views in all directions. To the south, guests can admire the awe-inspiring Zambezi River with its islands teeming with wildlife. Swiveling around to the north reveals a captivating woodland landscape adorned with towering trees that dwarf impalas, waterbuck, buffalos, and elephants. For a touch of adventure, Old Mondoro offers an outdoor "loo with a view," providing a unique perspective of the Zambezi River and its resident wildlife. If you seek an immersive nature experience without compromising on comfort, Old Mondoro is the ideal choice.

Overnight at Old Mondoro, your stay includes accommodation, all meals, selected drinks and activities

Day 8-9
Old Mondoro Camp

Enjoy your scheduled game activities.

Indulge in the array of exciting activities at Old Mondoro, including exploring the wilderness on game drives using specially adapted open 4WD vehicles, venturing into the night with guided drives, embarking on guided bush walks, discovering the Zambezi River on waterborne safaris, enjoying canoeing on the river, and experiencing the thrill of tigerfish fishing guided by experts. Whether you prefer fly or conventional tackle, you'll have a chance to test your angling skills.

Overnight at Old Mondoro, your stay includes accommodation, all meals, selected drinks and activities

Day 10
Old Mondoro Camp, Lower Zambezi Lusaka

Following a delightful breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the camp team. You will be transferred to Jeki Airstrip for your return flight to Lusaka. Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport, a representative will be there to assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition to your onward international flight.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Daily breakfast, other meals as listed
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Meet and Greet Services and assistance at Lusaka airport
  • Included Copy 20 Scheduled and light aircraft flights as specified
  • Included Copy 20 Game drives, safari walks, canoeing , boat cruises and fishing
  • Included Copy 20 Park fees & Conservation levies
  • Included Copy 7 International Flights, Visas, tips, travel insurance

Activities

  • Included Embark on thrilling game drives to explore the diverse landscapes & encounter the abundant wildlife
  • Included Experience the thrill of walking safaris, guided by experts, in South Luangwa National Park.
  • Included Glide along the Zambezi River on a peaceful canoe safari, observing the river's resident hippos
  • Included Enjoy excellent tiger fishing opportunities along the Zambezi River, testing your angling skills
  • Included Unwind with a cocktail in the bush as you witness breathtaking African sunsets
  • Included Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby communities
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$11,787 USD

Per person, sharing

based on low season

Daily; May-November