Zambezi to Luangwa
Zambezi to Luangwa – 9-Day Luxury Zambia Safari
A seamless nine-day journey linking the river wilderness of the Lower Zambezi with the legendary walking safaris of South Luangwa. In partnership with Royal Zambezi Lodge and Lion Camp, this safari combines exceptional guiding, refined bush hospitality, and two complementary ecosystems designed to feel immersive and distinctly Zambian.
- River safaris and canoeing on the Zambezi
- Iconic walking safaris in South Luangwa
- Strong predator and elephant viewing
- Intimate, well-located bush lodges
Lower Zambezi National Park
Framed by the Zambezi Escarpment and the river itself, the Lower Zambezi offers a safari shaped by water. Wildlife moves between forests, floodplains, and channels, creating encounters that feel close, dynamic, and often beautifully unpredictable.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
Set along the river’s edge, Royal Zambezi Lodge sits within a natural wildlife corridor where elephants are frequently seen crossing the water. Spacious suites with private decks provide uninterrupted river views and a strong sense of place.
Signature Experiences
- Canoe safaris along the Zambezi River
- Sunset river cruises
- Game drives through riverine woodland
- Walking safaris with expert guides
- Seasonal tiger fishing opportunities
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari regions and the recognised home of the walking safari. Its mosaic of woodland, riverbanks, and open plains supports exceptional wildlife densities and deeply immersive exploration.
Lion Camp
Elevated above the Luangwa Valley floor, Lion Camp blends naturally into its surroundings. Canvas-and-thatch suites overlook an oxbow lagoon where wildlife frequently gathers, creating a safari experience that continues even between scheduled activities.
Signature Experiences
- Guided walking safaris revealing the finer details of the bush
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Strong leopard and predator viewing
- Birding and stargazing in a remote valley setting
Why Combine the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa?
These two regions offer contrasting but complementary safari styles. The Lower Zambezi introduces river-based exploration and water-level wildlife encounters, while South Luangwa delivers classic valley safari drama and iconic on-foot tracking. Together, they create variety without repetition—river, woodland, floodplain, and valley in one balanced journey.
- Two ecosystems in one itinerary
- Water-based and walking safari experiences
- A varied yet cohesive wildlife narrative
What You’ll Experience on This Safari
- Walking safaris in Zambia’s most celebrated walking region
- Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River
- Morning and evening game drives
- River sunsets and relaxed bush evenings
- Intimate lodges positioned in prime wildlife areas
Is This Zambia Safari Right for You?
This safari is well suited to travellers who:
- Value expert guiding and meaningful wildlife encounters
- Want variety beyond traditional game drives
- Prefer smaller lodges in prime locations
- Appreciate comfort without losing a sense of wilderness
If you are travelling with friends and prefer separate rooms while sharing the experience, we can structure the booking accordingly.
9 Days in Zambia – How the Journey Flows
- Arrival in Zambia and transfer to your first lodge.
- Lower Zambezi stay with a mix of river and land-based activities.
- Light aircraft transfer between regions.
- South Luangwa stay focused on walking and classic game viewing.
- Departure with onward flight connections.
Flight timings and transfer logistics are structured around your international routing and seasonal schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel?
The dry season offers concentrated wildlife viewing, while shoulder months can provide excellent balance and fewer visitors. We’ll advise based on your travel window.
How active are the walking safaris?
Walks are guided and paced appropriately. You may choose game drives instead on any day.
Can this safari be tailored privately?
Yes, subject to lodge availability. We can explore private guiding or special arrangements during planning.
Next Steps
The most efficient next step is a short conversation so we can align on dates, preferred room configuration, and seasonal considerations before checking live availability with the lodges.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - 5
ZambeziROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE | 4 NIGHTS
Framed by the towering Zambezi Escarpment on one side and the river on the other, Royal Zambezi Lodge sits in the heart of one of Africa’s last truly untamed spaces. Animals move seamlessly between dense forests, open floodplains, and the winding waterways of the mighty Zambezi, creating a safari experience that’s as immersive as it is unpredictable.
Tucked along the river’s edge, the lodge is at the centre of a natural wildlife corridor, setting the scene for conscious connections between community, conservation & eco-tourism. The spacious Deluxe & Presidential Suites offer private decks and plunge pools with sweeping views of
the river, where elephants are often seen crossing the water in a breathtaking display.
The diversity of wildlife here is matched only by the ways to explore it; unlike many safari destinations, the Lower Zambezi is not limited to just game drives. Here, the river is as much a part of the adventure as the land. Guests can experience the wild in a way that feels intimate and exhilarating. Venture into the heart of the bush on game drives, where you can witness the park’s famed wild dog packs execute hunts with breathtaking precision, known for taking down prey as large as a buffalo. For a more tranquil perspective, canoe safaris offer an immersive journey along the river; Sunset cruises provide the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery as you drift along the Zambezi with a drink in hand. For those who love exploring on foot, walking safaris allow you to step into the wild with expert guides. For anglers, world-class fishing offers the chance to battle the legendary tiger fish.
Beyond the thrill of wildlife encounters, the Lower Zambezi isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience, raw, breathtaking, and undeniably wild. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, every moment here with Royal is designed to be as extraordinary as the landscape itself.
Day 5 - 9
South Luangwa National ParkLION CAMP | 4 NIGHTS
Lion Camp offers a bespoke safari experience in one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich and ecologically diverse regions tucked away within South Luangwa National Park. Elevated above the Luangwa Valley floor, the lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with spacious canvas-and-thatch suites featuring private decks overlooking an oxbow lagoon teeming with wildlife. Whether from the comfort of your room or the lodge’s main areas, you can take in the sights and sounds of the bush, where various animals frequently pass through the area.
Renowned as the home of the walking safari, South Luangwa offers thrilling on-foot explorations, where expert guides lead you through the bush, unveiling the intricate details of this thriving ecosystem. Game drives take you deeper into the park’s dramatic landscapes, increasing your chances of spotting the region’s famed leopards, lions, and giraffes as well as other incredible wildlife. Birdwatching, stargazing, and sundowners in breathtaking locations enhance the experience, ensuring that every moment at Lion Camp is genuinely immersive, unforgettable, and truly Zambian.
Rates
Green Season: US$5,385 per person sharing
Shoulder Season: US$6260 per person sharing
Peak Season: US$6,930 per person sharing
Inclusions:
ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE
- Luxury shared accommodation in a Deluxe Suite.
- All meals.
- Bar (excluding premium brands).
- Two activities per day.
- Private Guiding.
- Laundry & Wi-Fi.
- RETURN Royal Airstrip transfers.
- Wings To The Wild (RAC) seat-in-charter RETURN flights on the following route: Lusaka - Royal Airstrip.
- Passenger safety tax and departure tax at Lusaka airport.
- Green levy, VAT & Tourism Levy.
LION CAMP
- Premium shared accommodation in a Luxury Suite.
- All meals.
- Two shared game viewing activities per day.
- Bar (excluding premium brands).
- Limited laundry & Wi-Fi.
- Sales tax, tourism levy & service charge.
- Airport Transfers from/to Mfuwe International Airport / Lion Camp.
Exclusions
- Premium/imported drinks.
- National Park entry fees.
- Conservation and Community fees.
- Fishing tackle hire, fly fishing for more than two pax.
- Royal Bush Spa & Royal shop, credit card fees and bank charges.
- Lusaka meet & greet, items of a personal nature.
- All other charters / flights / transfers.
- Tips and gratuities.































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