Zambia

Zambia’s Wildebeest Migration Safari: A 9-Night Wild Encounter

Travel Logistics

Travel Logistics

Starts: 
Lusaka
Ends: 
Lusaka
Itinerary

Itinerary

Visits: Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Liuwa Plain
Timing

Timing

Duration:
9 nights
Best times:
Apr - Jun 26
Price Guide

Price Guide

From USD $11950
per person
Hidden Africa | Safari Tour Ideas | Zambia’s Wildebeest Migration Safari: A 9-Night Wild Encounter

The ultimate Zambia safari Wildebeest migration Zambia

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.

Map Image
View Map

Highlights

  • Tracking white rhino on foot in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
  • Canoeing on the Lower Zambezi, past elephants on tiptoes, reaching for the highest hanging fruit.
  • Leopard-laden walking safaris around the ox bow lakes of the Luangwa River.
  • Sleeping under the stars at Zambia’s most remote hideaway, King Lewanika, the only permanent camp in the Liuwa Plains.
  • Visiting a local village for a taste of the Zambian way of life.

Cool & Unusual

  • Witnessing the breath-taking spectacle of one of Africa’s great Wildebeest migration Zambia, without the crowds.

Break it down Itinerary overview

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.


Your stay Camps & lodges

3 Nights

Chongwe

Relaxed and idyllic, Chongwe is the pared back safari darling of your dreams. Set right on the water’s edge, nine unassuming tents are situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi River, with arguably the best view in the...

EXPLORE
2 Nights

Chinzombo

In a kink in the Luangwa River, vast lawns topple over the edge of the sandy river banks, anchored by six enormous tented suites. While not out of place, Chinzombo’s lowkey high design elevates it above the more classic style...

EXPLORE
3 Nights

King Lewanika

Hop onto a small plane and head west towards Zambia’s Angolan border. And just when you think you can’t go any further, go a little more. As remote as it is luxurious, King Lewanika mixes traditional décor, hand-woven linens, quirky...

EXPLORE

Itinerary gallery

Wildebeest migration Zambia Dates & Rates

SeasonDatesPrice Guide
Green seasonApril to June & November 2026from $11,950 per person sharing

Pricing intended as a guideline. Subject to availability, airfare and rate of exchange fluctuations. E&OE

Bang for your buck What’s included

3 nights at Chongwe including all meals

3 nights at Chinzombo including all meals

3 nights at King Lewanika including all meals

All internal flights from Lusaka and transfers

All meals at safari lodges (typically brunch, high tea and dinner)

Local wines and beers, soft drinks and bottled water at meal times

All game drives and standard lodge activities

Experienced Safari Guides and Trackers on safari

Snacks and drinks during game drives

Conservation fees for game parks and reserves

Complimentary laundry service while on safari unless specified

Frequently asked Questions

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.

This is why we do what we do Our travellers' stories

HOW IT WORKS

Take a look around for a bit of inspiration.

Tell us what your dream safari looks like. 

Next, your Personal Travel Planner will schedule a call to plan the perfect adventure.

Confirm your trip and get packing.

LET’S GET THIS SAFARI STARTED

Ready to go? Give us a shout and let’s start planning your next adventure. We’re almost as excited as you are.

Secret Safari Safari with us to an extraordinary hidden world

Prepare for some fascinating news because we think our travellers deserve more, and with this in mind, we've put together the most exciting safari (just for you and somebody you love).

Explore Secret Safari
Enquire Now