From G&Ts on the elephant-lined Zambezi to starry sleepouts in Liuwa, home to Zambia’s wildebeest migration.
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Starts
LusakaEnds
LusakaVisits
ZambiaDuration
8 nightsStyle
Fly-inBest time
Jun – SepPrice From
$11950Board basis
Fully-Inclusive
This is the ultimate African safari, remote with special wildlife encounters including a less known, less crowded wildebeest migration. If there’s a better way to experience Zambia’s finest side, we’d like to see it. We think these handpicked camps in some of the country’s wildest and most wonderful settings will leave you slack-jawed.
First up is the Lower Zambezi, where you’ll drink in the sights and sounds of this elephant-lined river – and several stiff G&Ts. There are fish eagles above, hippos below, and elephants all around. Then it’s a walking safari. (You’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of shoes for this one.) And just when you think things can’t get any better, the pristine wilderness and starry sleepouts of Liuwa Plains will quietly and gently prove you very wrong. Liuwa Plains is home to Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration. Each November, at the start of the rainy season, 45 000 to 50 000 wildebeest head south in search of higher ground to calve, followed, always, by throngs of hungry predators. Their return journey northward begins around June, at the start of the dry season.
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EXPLORE You’ll catch a charter flight from Lusaka and descend towards the peaceful stretches of the Lower Zambezi. Here, where two African rivers kiss, your own love affair with Zambia begins. You’ll spend three days in Chongwe, one the most relaxed, authentic safari camps you’ll find out here. You’ll canoe along the Zambezi, take on feisty tiger fish, and find yourself within touching distance of the elephants, from the safety of the hide. If you don’t fall head-over-heels, we’ll eat our bucket hats.
It’s time to fly off again for four nights in the pristine, remote stretches of South Luangwa Valley, you’ll dial up the luxe factor over your next few days. The elegant Chinzombo awaits. With its private plunge pools, bubble bath river views and in-room spa treatments, you’ll be seriously tempted to stay in. But outside, the adventure definitely continues. With dramatic views of the Luangwa River, you’ll game-drive with elephants and wild dogs by day, and with leopards by night. And you’ll watch the giraffe come down to drink pretty much every afternoon. Game-view on boat cruises, day drives and night drives, and track big cats on foot.
Today you’ll bid the Luangwa Valley goodbye and head off to Zambia’s furthest western reaches, the remote Liuwa Plain. Completely off the grid, at this hideaway you feel like an explorer from another time. You’ll be treated like royalty over three nights at King Lewanika, sleeping under the stars, watching cheetah streak across the plain and catching sight of the infamous hyena clans. And then there’s the wildebeest, esteemed member of the Ugly 5. It’s here you’ll experience the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of one of Africa’s greatest migrations. And at the same time discover the joys of “bush TV” in the flickering flames of the campfire.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. It's your last morning in Zambia's wilderness – soak it up and enjoy your brekkie before making your way to the airstrip for a scenic flight back to Lusaka.
| Green Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | $11950 per person sharing | ||
| Single Supp | |||
| Local Flights |
All Accommodation All Activities as per Itinerary All Airport Transfers All Meals & Selected Drinks All Scheduled Flights Conservation Fees Wifi in Camp Where Available Zambia’s wildebeest migration unfolds in Liuwa Plain National Park, a remote grassland in the far west of the country.
The migration has two key phases:
November–December: At the start of the rains, around 45,000–50,000 wildebeest move south to calving grounds, followed closely by predators.
June–July: The herds begin their return northward as the dry season sets in.
November offers the drama of calving season, while June–July delivers vast herds moving across open plains.
Unlike the Serengeti’s massive migration that draws in the crowds, Zambia’s is smaller, wilder, and wonderfully uncrowded. It’s set against the backdrop of Liuwa’s pristine, little-visited landscapes, offering a more intimate wildlife spectacle without the convoys of vehicles.
Predators follow the herds — expect to see hyena, lion, and cheetah, plus wild dog sightings in some seasons. Liuwa is also home to tsessebe, zebra, lechwe, and abundant birdlife. The Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa add elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards, and a variety of plains game to the list.
Yes — all light aircraft flights and road transfers between destinations are included, ensuring seamless travel between Zambia’s far-flung parks.
Plenty. You’ll enjoy walking safaris in South Luangwa, canoeing on the Lower Zambezi, and day and night game drives in all locations. In Liuwa, game drives focus on tracking the wildebeest herds and their predators, and cultural visits to local villages are also included.
These camps are deep in the wilderness, often far from other travellers and wildly remote. While remote, you can be assured you’ve got everything you’ll ever need and more!
Yes, children are welcome, though this itinerary is generally better suited to older children and teenagers who can fully enjoy the activities and remote settings. Some experiences, like walking safaris, canoeing, and certain night drives, have minimum age requirements (usually 12–16 years, depending on the camp’s policy). Families can request private vehicles and tailored activities to suit younger travellers, ensuring everyone has a safe and memorable safari.
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