A Zambian boutique-style safari
Only the best in
luxury lodges
Our favourites are few and far between; start small with an itinerary of only the best in luxury boutique lodges, embedded into the elephantine expanse of Zambia's national parks.
Designed with first impressions in mind, this journey takes the road less travelled, exploring much quieter routes through popular national parks. We know superb safari experiences rely on space to roam, so we’ve centred exclusivity in our choice of luxury lodgings, handpicking those that blend adventure and opulence in remarkably remote settings.
Uninterrupted animal sightings should therefore be a given, so after a night to recoup in the capital, you’ll leave behind any trace of hustle and bustle to venture out into the wild bushlands. Favouring lodges with fewer than 10 luxury tents, live like a world leader first at Chichele Presidential, before moving onto Sungani – meaning custodian – for a friendly welcome from Walkway Breaker the elephant. Last on the lineup is Lolebezi; sitting on a coveted one kilometre stretch of Zambezi riverfront, its surroundings are known for sightings of perhaps the most elusive species – leopards.
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Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in Zambia, from touchdown in Lusaka to the waterside wonders of Lower Zambezi.
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![Africa, Zambia, road lined with purple flowering jacaranda trees in Lusaka]()
DAY 1
Lusaka
Stay at: Ciela LusakaThe capital city of Zambia sitting right at its heart, all roads here lead to Lusaka. One of the fastest growing cities in central Africa, it’s the common ground of any journey by road or air across this vast and varied country.
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![A leopard looking at the camera]()
DAY 2 - 4
South Luangwa National Park
Pioneering feet paved the way here in the birthplace of African walking safaris. Scored by an orchestra of birdsong, spotting a big cat is most likely in this Valley of the Leopard – a highlight for many travellers on Zambia holidays – its concentration of wildlife rivalling the densest on the continent.
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![a giraffe standing in a forest]()
DAY 5 - 7
South Luangwa National Park
Stay at: SunganiHere, the Luangwa River shapes every moment – carving oxbow lagoons, feeding lush riverbanks and drawing wildlife in astonishing numbers. As dusk settles, elephants drift through the ebony groves and hippos grumble from the shallows, while night drives reveal a secretive nocturnal world. South Luangwa is safari at its most soulful and immersive – a wild, unfiltered encounter with Zambia’s beating heart.
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![a body of water with trees and a sunset]()
DAY 8 -11
Lower Zambezi National Park
Once the private game reserve of Zambia’s president, game drives are accompanied by walking and river safaris between the Zambezi River in the South and Escarpment to the North. An abundance of water attracts the likes of lions, buffalo and elephants, while the proximity of the UNESCO World Heritage Mana Pools keeps wildlife close by.
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A taste of what's to come Our Zambia travel journal
Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 6
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Day 10
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Day 2
10:00am
Day 3
1:30pm
Day 6
6:00pm
Day 10
9:30am
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![Africa, Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Zambia]()
South Luangwa
We’re just about to board our transfer out to South Luangwa, and I can’t contain my excitement! The weather here is glorious, and having the first night in Lusaka was such a brilliant idea after our flights. A long sleep and a pampering in the spa have prepared me well for a week of wildlife spotting!
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![Afirca, Zambia, Chichele Presidential, woman in infinity pool]()
South Luangwa
I’ve got to say this place is very regal – I can see why it was fit for a president. I’ve just had the infinity pool to myself and couldn’t take my eyes away from the incredible views out over the valley. To think what kinds of animals are wandering down there! It’s another world, and we’re heading back out for an evening game drive and sundowners later on, followed by dinner under the stars… bliss.
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![Africa, Zambia, Kingfisher on a branch in Lower Zambezi National Park]()
South Luangwa
We’re over at Sungani now, and they honestly couldn’t do enough for us here. Can I stay forever? I’ve dusted off my old photography skills too, and though I’m still a little rusty, the network of hides here is excellent for capturing some photo album worthy snaps of the wildlife. My favourite so far has to be of a gorgeous little kingfisher. The guides have said a pack of wild dogs have been spotted, so I’ll take a camera with me for tomorrow’s game drive too, fingers crossed!
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![A couple enjoying drinks during sunset by the Zambezi River under an acacia tree]()
Lower Zambezi
Just when I thought this trip couldn’t get any better, in comes life by the riverfront. A move to the waterside back home might just be on the horizon now, though I doubt it would be quite as peaceful as here. Evenings are the best, there’s just nothing that beats watching the sun set from the Zambezi, what a magical experience! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention – we spotted a leopard this morning! Spotted, get it? We were so quiet watching it stroll by, it makes sense why the fashion world loves to imitate its striking print. Anyways I’m off to enjoy our final day!
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![Africa, Zambia, close up photo of a leopard relaxing in a tree]()
Tour South Luangwa’s conservation headquarters and try your hand at traditional craftsVisit the team at Conservation South Luangwa to meet the rangers protecting 1.4 million hectares of wilderness in the South Luangwa Valley. The tour then takes an artistic turn, to creative businesses supporting local conservation. First is Mulberry Mongoose, where snare wire traps are transformed into jewellery. Then, over at Tribal Textiles, join a batik workshop to learn the unique techniques of hand painting.
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![Africa, Zambia, bird stood on a tree branch]()
Take a walk on the wild side in the home of walking safarisBeginning bright and early, venture out on foot for a walking safari in the very place they were first pioneered on the African continent. While focusing in on the finer details too often missed on four wheels, listen out for the morning song of birdlife, and rather arresting alarm calls of baboons. After heading back for brunch, spend quiet moments capturing close ups of wandering wildlife from one of many photography hides hidden in the bushlands.
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![Africa, Zambia, sunset over the Zambezi River]()
Watch the sun's slow descent from the waterPainting the skies in a palette of gold and rose, watch the sun fade into night over the sweeping Zambezi Escarpment. Cruising along the Zambezi, bypass elephants and hippos en route to a secluded sundowner spot, to raise a glass as one of the best sunsets across all of Africa unfolds, its reflection in calm waters doubling the grandeur of golden hour. End the evening back at camp with pre-dinner drinks under a clear sky of stars.
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