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 three 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 between camps is subject to availability based on group numbers.

The price excludes the flight from Lusaka to Livingstone, which will be quoted at the time of booking due to fluctuating flight prices.

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.

Day 1-7

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a remote wilderness teeming with game and considered the birthplace of the walking safari. Follow expert guides on foot for close encounters with elephants, leopards, and more along the Luangwa River.

Day 8-10

Victoria Falls

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a thundering spectacle of mist and rainforest – best experienced by foot, air, or the edge of a plunge pool.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1-2

Arrive

South Luangwa National Park

Check-in

Luwi Bushcamp

Arrive in Lusaka and take another short flight to Mfuwe, where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will await your arrival. A two-to-three-hour drive will navigate through villages and into South Luangwa National Park, an off-the-beaten-track destination mostly uncharted by tourists. The national park traces the Luangwa River and plays host to a myriad of mammal and bird species. It is considered Zambia’s premier 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 dogs, which have made an extraordinary recovery after near extinction in South Luangwa in the 1980s. Elusive roan antelope and scarcely spotted reedbuck can also be found here. Nearby, a permanent lagoon attracts wildlife to drink.

Accommodation

Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp is a seasonally constructed lodge set in utter seclusion. The five suites 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 a peaceful seating area.

Experiences

Set off on game drives through the Luwi region and spot lions, wild dogs, and prolific plains game. Pull on your walking shoes and join your dedicated guide on a walking safari, or visit the Wildlife Hide, which allows guests to observe animals drinking from the water’s edge.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 3-5

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Nsolo bushcamp

Navigate through the bush on foot to travel 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 three 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 Bushcamp was established in 1987 and has long since set a standard for luxury safari camps in Africa. Enjoy the parade of wildlife from the comfort of your room’s private deck as they drink from the banks of the Luwi River.

Experiences

Without exception, the Nsolo area is best for big game viewing by foot; however, game drives allow an even better chance of tracking and spotting the wildlife in South Luangwa.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 6-7

South Luangwa

Walking safari to Kakuli Bushcamp

On day six, travel by foot from Nsolo Bushcamp to Kakuli Bushcamp. Upon arrival, beat the mid-day heat with a light lunch and a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy a short siesta 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 overlooks an extensive grazing lawn where plains game come to refuel after drinking from the nearby rivers.

South Luangwa National Park is home to three endemic species: Thornicroft’s 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 close-up with South Luangwa’s populous hippo and crocodiles.

Accommodation

Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp sits at the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers, with a thatched main area overlooking floodplains that draw wildlife year-round. The four en-suite tents balance comfort and authenticity, each with a private veranda and sweeping bush views.

Experiences

Famous for walking safaris, Kakuli also offers day and night game drives along the Luangwa River. In the green season, explore by boat for close-up encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Evenings invite stargazing or quiet moments on the deck as Thornicroft’s giraffes and Crawshay’s zebras roam nearby.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 8-9

Transfer to

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Check-in

Tongabezi

After your walking safari adventure in South Luangwa, board a flight from Lusaka to Livingstone, where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you for your transfer to Tongabezi Lodge. Perched on the banks of the Zambezi River, this award-winning lodge is the perfect base from which to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls.

Spend two days discovering the Falls from every angle. Walk the rainforest trails and misty bridges for breathtaking views, take a microlight flight for a bird’s-eye perspective, or, in season, visit the iconic Devil’s Pool for an exhilarating swim on the very edge. Back at the lodge, relax in your riverfront suite, enjoy private dining under the stars, or set off on a sunset cruise.

Accommodation

Tongabezi Lodge

Voted one of the best safari lodges in Zambia, Tongabezi combines romance, comfort, and character. Each cottage and house features elegant interiors and river views, while the lodge offers a swimming pool, private dining decks, and a serene riverside setting just upstream from Victoria Falls.

Experiences

Explore the Falls on foot or by air, take a guided village visit, browse local markets, or enjoy a boat cruise on the Zambezi. For thrill-seekers, seasonal activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping are available. Evenings invite sundowners on the riverbank before dining al fresco beneath the stars.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 10

Departure

Transfer to

Livingstone

After 10 days of experiencing the magic of a South Luangwa walking safari in Africa, leaving won’t be easy. Pack your bags with a sense of belonging and purpose, confident that you have uncovered the true meaning of “safari” on your extensive walking journey and exploration of the mighty Victoria 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 Travel Concierge and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.

FAQ

South Luangwa Walking Safari

Our team of seasoned specialists share everything you need to know, from essential travel tips to thoughtful insights that ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.

/01

What is a South Luangwa Walking Safari?

A South Luangwa Walking Safari is a mobile, immersive safari experience in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, often referred to as the birthplace of the walking safari. Instead of staying in one lodge and doing vehicle-based game drives, you’ll explore the bush on foot with an expert guide, moving between remote bushcamps and experiencing the wilderness up close.

/02

Is a walking safari safe?

Yes, walking safaris in South Luangwa are led by highly trained guides and armed scouts who are experts in tracking and wildlife behavior. Every walk is carefully planned to ensure guest safety while offering the most authentic wilderness experience possible.

/03

What wildlife can I expect to see on foot?

You can expect close-up encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, and a wide range of birdlife. South Luangwa is also home to predators like lion, leopard, wild dog, and more elusive species such as caracal and serval. While sightings of big game on foot are thrilling, your guide will also help you appreciate the smaller details, like tracks, bird calls, and medicinal plants.

/04

What makes South Luangwa different from other safari destinations in Africa?

South Luangwa is known for its untouched wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife density, without the crowds. It also boasts three endemic species: Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra. The park is also the spiritual home of the walking safari, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking something raw and real.

/05

What type of accommodation is included on this safari?

You’ll stay at a series of intimate seasonal bushcamps like Luwi, Nsolo, and Kakuli, which offer comfort without compromising for a genuinely unique and authentic safari experience. Each camp features en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and stunning views over riverbeds and floodplains teeming with wildlife.

/06

Is the South Luangwa Walking Safari suitable for families?

This safari is best suited for adults and older teenagers, due to the physical nature of the walking and the remote bush settings. Some camps may have age restrictions for safety reasons, so we recommend discussing family-specific options with your travel designer.

/07

Can this safari be combined with other destinations?

Yes, this itinerary concludes at Victoria Falls, offering a spectacular contrast to your bush experience. Depending on your interests, you can easily extend your trip to Botswana, Namibia, or even Cape Town.

/08

When is the best time to go on a South Luangwa Walking Safari?

The best time is during the dry season from June to October, when walking trails are accessible and wildlife gathers around water sources. The green season (November to March) offers lush scenery and excellent birding, but some camps may close due to flooding.

/09

What should I pack for a South Luangwa Walking Safari?

We recommend packing:

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
A light jacket for early mornings or evenings
Binoculars and a camera
Luggage should be soft-sided due to internal flights and space limitations.

/10

How do I book the South Luangwa Walking Safari?

Booking is easy. Contact our Ker & Downey® Africa Travel Concierge, who will tailor this itinerary to your preferences. We’ll take care of everything, from flights and transfers to lodge selection and activity planning, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Start planning your adventure.

per person

Tagged Off-Track Adventures

South Luangwa Walking Safari

Overview

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

Highlights

Destinations

Itinerary Overview

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

Day 1-7

South Luangwa National Park

Day 8-10

Victoria Falls