7-Days Best of Zambia Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Livingstone – Victoria Falls Experience

Arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone where you are welcomed and transferred to your riverside lodge. The Zambezi River flows calmly here before plunging into the gorge that forms Victoria Falls.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Zambian side of the falls. During high water months, mist rises dramatically, soaking rainforest vegetation and creating vibrant rainbows. In lower water seasons, deeper views into the gorge reveal the geological power of the river.

As sunset approaches, board a Zambezi River cruise where hippos surface and elephants often gather along the riverbanks.

Overnight Stay: Royal Livingstone Hotel / Thorntree River Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Leisure & Adventure

The second day offers flexibility for optional activities. You may choose a helicopter flight over the falls for a panoramic perspective, white-water rafting (seasonal), or cultural visits to nearby communities.

Alternatively, relax at your lodge overlooking the Zambezi River where wildlife frequently wanders through the grounds.

The blend of natural wonder and riverside calm makes Livingstone an ideal introduction to Zambia.

Overnight Stay: Royal Livingstone Hotel / Thorntree River Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 3: Fly to South Luangwa – Into Big Cat Territory

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to South Luangwa National Park. The landscape shifts to riverine woodland and open floodplains sustained by the Luangwa River.

Upon arrival at your lodge, an afternoon game drive introduces the park’s exceptional wildlife density. South Luangwa is renowned for leopard sightings, often observed resting in trees or moving through riverine vegetation.

Buffalo herds and elephant families are common along the riverbanks.

Overnight Stay: Chinzombo Camp / Mfuwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: South Luangwa – Game Drives & Walking Safari

An early morning game drive places you in prime predator territory while temperatures remain cool. Lions are often located near recent kills, and wild dogs occasionally patrol open plains.

South Luangwa is also one of Africa’s pioneering walking safari destinations. In the late morning, join experienced guides for a short walking safari, focusing on tracking techniques, spoor interpretation, and smaller species often overlooked from vehicles.

Afternoon drives explore deeper sections of the park, particularly productive near oxbow lagoons.

Overnight Stay: Chinzombo Camp / Mfuwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Fly to Lower Zambezi – River Wilderness

After breakfast, fly to Lower Zambezi National Park. The park sits directly opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, creating one of Africa’s most scenic river corridors.

Arrival at your lodge introduces a dramatic shift in atmosphere. The Zambezi River dominates the landscape, with forested escarpments rising in the distance.

An afternoon activity may include a game drive or boat safari along calm channels where hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen.

Overnight Stay: Royal Zambezi Lodge / Chiawa Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Lower Zambezi – Canoe & Big Game Safari

Lower Zambezi is known for varied safari activities. In the morning, you may join a canoe safari, drifting quietly along the river at water level. Elephants frequently cross between islands, and buffalo graze near the shoreline.

Later in the day, game drives explore inland woodland where lion, leopard, and antelope species move between river and bush.

The combination of land and water activities creates a dynamic safari experience distinct from traditional plains parks.

Overnight Stay: Royal Zambezi Lodge / Chiawa Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Morning Safari – Departure

Enjoy a final early morning river or game drive activity before breakfast. Dawn along the Zambezi often brings heightened wildlife movement and soft photographic light.

Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Lusaka or Livingstone for onward international departure.

This 7 Days Best of Zambia Safari concludes having combined waterfall drama, predator-rich floodplains, and intimate river wilderness into one powerful safari circuit.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast