Africa Safari: Uganda & Zambia’s Great Waterways
Overview
Where Africa’s great rivers shape the safari
This 10-night Africa safari is guided by water – by rivers that sustain wildlife, shape landscapes, and define the rhythm of life across Uganda and Zambia, two of Africa’s most exciting emerging destinations. From the calm introduction of Entebbe to the immersive river world of Wildwaters, and onward to Zambia’s wildlife-rich valleys and the thunderous power of Victoria Falls, each chapter reveals a distinct expression of safari travel. Designed for travelers drawn to movement, nature, and elemental experiences, this journey blends river exploration, wildlife encounters, and refined lodges into an Africa safari that flows as naturally as the waterways themselves.
Highlights
- A river-led Africa safari through Uganda and Zambia
- Wildlife encounters shaped by Africa’s great waterways
- A seamless blend of river adventure and refinement
- Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River at their most dramatic
Destinations
Uganda | Zambia
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 1–4
Days 1–4
Arrive
Entebbe – Wildwaters
Check-in
Hotel No. 5 / Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Your Africa safari begins in Entebbe with a short overnight stay at Hotel No. 5, offering space to unwind after your international arrival. The following day, travel onward to Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, set on a private island surrounded by flowing river channels. Here, safari is reimagined through water – with days shaped by exploration, movement, and immersion in one of Uganda’s most unique natural settings.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay:
Hotel No. 5 / Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is a secluded island retreat set mid-river. Reached by boat, its design-led suites sit above the river with expansive decks and uninterrupted views. Entirely off-grid, the lodge offers an immersive stay defined by sound, stillness, and constant connection to the surrounding landscape.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5
Day 5
Arrive
Johannesburg
Check-in
Saxon Hotel
Fly south to Johannesburg for a refined city interlude. The Saxon offers an elegant pause between wilderness chapters – a place to reset before continuing your Africa safari north into Zambia.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay:
Saxon Hotel
The Saxon Hotel is a sanctuary of understated luxury, with expansive suites, lush gardens, and attentive service that elevates the city stay.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 6–7
Days 6–7
Arrive
Luangwa Valley
Check in
Thorntree River Lodge
Continue your Africa safari in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where the river attracts dense wildlife populations. Thorntree River Lodge sits on the water’s edge, offering front-row access to one of Africa’s most dynamic safari ecosystems.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay:
Thorntree River Lodge
Thorntree River Lodge blends contemporary design with natural textures, overlooking the Luangwa River where wildlife activity unfolds throughout the day.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 8–9
Days 8–9
Arrive
Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Check-in
Victoria Falls River Lodge – Island Treehouse Suite
Your Africa safari culminates on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls River Lodge. From your Island Treehouse Suite, experience the contrast between tranquil river stretches and the raw power of the world’s largest waterfall.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay:
Victoria Falls River Lodge – Island Treehouse Suite
The Island Treehouse Suite offers complete privacy above the Zambezi, combining elevated views, open design, and direct connection to the river below.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 10
Day 10
After a final breakfast overlooking the river, transfer to the airport for your onward journey home – carrying with you the flow, power, and stillness that define an Africa safari shaped by water.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this itinerary yours
Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our Travel Concierge and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.
Start planning your adventure.
Our experts are here to help.
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