South Luangwa Walking Safari

Overview

Step into Zambia’s wild heart – where walking safaris reign supreme.

When walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia’s unspoiled wilderness in the 1950s, it was said that “to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings”. This sentiment still rings true.

Zambia is real Africa, allowing you to step back in time for a true safari experience of the old days. On this mobile journey, walk through 3 distinct areas of South Luangwa National Park before exploring the adventure capital of Africa: Victoria Falls. Are you ready to embark on a safari like no other?

* Walking in between camps is subject to availability based on numbers in the camp.

Price excludes flight Lusaka to Livingstone which will be quoted at time of booking due to flight pricing fluctuating.

Highlights

Destinations

Zambia

Duration

10 days

Price

From $9 048 per person

When to go

May-October

Day-to-Day Breakdown

Itinerary Overview

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Journey through 3 distinct areas of South Luangwa National Park on this walking safari in Zambia before exploring the adventure capital of Africa: Victoria Falls.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1-2

Arrive

South Luangwa National Park

Check-in

Luwi Bushcamp

Arrive into Lusaka and take another short flight to Mfuwe, where a Ker & Downey representative will be awaiting your arrival. A 2 to 3-hour drive will navigate through villages and into South Luangwa National park. South Luangwa is off the beaten track. Mostly unchartered by tourists, the national park traces the Luangwa River and plays host to a myriad of mammal and bird species. It is Zambia’s premiere safari destination.

Start your 10-day mobile safari experience at Luwi Bushcamp, a seasonally constructed lodge set in utter seclusion. This is a place where travelers seeking to push experiential boundaries will thrive.

Over the next two days, ventures into the wilderness will attune you to the sights and sounds of the bush. Begin to recognize bird calls and the subtle cues that alert your guides and trackers of nearby game.

Luwi boasts prolific wildlife: lions abound, and the area is home to a family of wild dog, which have made an extraordinary recovery after near extinction in South Luangwa in the 1980s. Elusive roan antelope and scarcely spotted reedbuck are also able to be found here. Nearby, a permanent lagoon attracts wildlife to drink.

Accommodation

Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp, a seasonally constructed lodge set in utter seclusion. The 5 rooms are set along a riverbed and overlook the floodplains below – abundant with wildlife. The rooms feature feathertop beds, an open air, en-suite bathroom and peaceful seating area.

Day 1-2

Arrive

South Luangwa National Park

Check-in

Luwi Bushcamp

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 3-5

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Nsolo bushcamp

Navigate through the bush by foot to make your way from Luwi Bushcamp to Nsolo bushcamp. En route, your guide will introduce you to the flora and fauna of your new surroundings, an area famed for its abundance of rare servals and caracals. A cool gin and tonic will be ready for you when you get to camp.

The next 3 days are free to explore this great expanse of land. The traversing areas of several prides of lions coincide here, and big cats commonly use the nearby dry riverbed as a thoroughfare. Walking safaris from Nsolo offer big game viewing at its best.

Accommodation

Nsolo bushcamp

Nsolo camp was established in 1987, and has long since between a standard for luxury safari camps. Enjoy the parade of wildlife from the comfort of your room’s private deck as they drink from the banks of the Luwi River.

Day 3-5

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Nsolo bushcamp

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 6-7

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Kakuli Bushcamp

On day 6, travel by foot from Nsolo Bushcamp to Kakuli Bushcamp. Beat the mid-day heat with a light lunch and refreshing cocktail upon arrival. A short siesta is in the cards to recuperate before venturing into the bush again in the afternoon.

Kakuli Bushcamp is set at the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers. The elevated, thatched common area of camp overlooks an extensive grazing lawn where plains game come to refuel after drinking from the nearby rivers.

South Luangwa National Park is home to 3 endemic species: Thornicroft giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra. The camp’s lofted platform is the perfect viewing deck for guests to sit back and relax as these unique species roam peacefully below. During the rainy season, travelers can also explore the flooded rivers by boat – an intimate way to get a close up with South Luangwa’s populous hippo and crocodiles.

Accommodation

Kakuli Bushcamp

Day 6-7

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Kakuli Bushcamp

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 8-9

Transfer to

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Check-in

Tongabezi

Bid farewell to South Luangwa National Park to head southeast to the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls. Staying on the Zambia side, check-in to Tongabezi Lodge.

Voted Best Safari Lodge in Zambia by Conde Nast Traveler, this incredible hideaway doesn’t disappoint. Nestled on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River, and just a stone’s throw from the waterfall’s edge, Tongabezi situated you perfectly to take full advantage of the adventure to be had. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll stay on Sinabezi Island – a remote and exclusive riverine island with only 5 luxury chalets.

A variety of activities are available with Tongabezi as your launch point. Like enjoying a microlight flight over the Falls for example. Enjoy exploring the narrow trails and misty bridges around the falls by foot, standing in awe in front of the behemoth that churns 550-million liters of water per minute over its sheer cliff face. Village and market visits, sundowners in exquisite locations, and vehicular game drives are all on the menu.

For the intrepid, adventure abounds. Depending on the season, you can visit Devil’s Pool, go white water rafting in some of the world’s most intense rapids, and bungee jump of the bridge.

Accommodation

Tongabezi

Voted Best Safari Lodge in Zambia by Conde Nast Traveler, Tongabezi Lodge does not disappoint. Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi is the perfect base to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls.

Day 8-9

Transfer to

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Check-in

Tongabezi

Bid farewell to South Luangwa National Park to head southeast to the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls. Staying on the Zambia side, check-in to Tongabezi Lodge.

For the intrepid, adventure abounds. Depending on the season, you can visit Devil’s Pool, go white water rafting in some of the world’s most intense rapids, and bungee jump of the bridge.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 10

Departure

Transfer to

Livingstone

After 10 days in real Africa, leaving won’t be easy. Pack your bags with a sense of belonging and purpose, feeling confident that you have uncovered the true meaning of “safari” on your extensive walking journey and exploration of the falls.

Your guide will assist with your transfer to Livingstone International Airport for your departure flight home.

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 LuxVenture® Designers and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.

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per person

Tagged Off-Track Adventures

South Luangwa Walking Safari

Overview

Step into Zambia’s wild heart – where walking safaris reign supreme.

Highlights

Destinations

Zambia

Duration

10 days

Price

From $9 048 per person

When to go

May-October

Day-to-Day Breakdown

Itinerary Overview

Experiences off the beaten track. Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1-2

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 3-5

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 6-7

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 8-9

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 10

Day 10

YOUR NEXT JOURNEY

Make this itinerary yours

Start planning your adventure.

Our experts are here to help.

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.