Overview
A walk on the wild side
For those seeking an unfiltered safari experience – properly untamed wildernesses without a fence in sight and pristine landscapes stretching beyond the horizon – few places can compete with Zambia.
Begin at a rusting lodge a short way upriver from the magnificent Victoria Falls, getting time either to unwind, learn about the local culture or get your heart racing with some of the area’s adventure activities.
Next head to the legendary South Luangwa National Park, the home of walking safari and a wildlife sanctuary that earns its moniker as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’. Split your time here between a luxury lodge and a rustic bushcamp deeper inside the park.
Then end in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a beautiful and vast protected area that is a favourite safari spot for those in the know. Look forward to more animal encounters as you explore on foot, 4x4 and canoe.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Incredible walking safaris in South Luangwa
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Canoeing on the Lower Zambezi
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Marvel at the epic Victoria Falls
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A great mix of comfortable lodges and rustic bushcamps
Inclusions
What's included
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Nine nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and safari activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 3
The smoke that thunders
Begin your adventure at a luxury safari camp alongside the meandering Upper Zambezi above the mighty Victoria Falls. Known in the local Lozi language as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, the 108m tall and 1,700m wide roaring wall of water is a wonder of the natural world.
Pick between Sindabezi’s rustic island retreat or the riverside lodge at Tongabezi, both of which have impressive sustainability credentials and have funded a local school since 1996. Whether you’re feeling laidback and lazy or active and adventurous, you set the pace of each day spent. Marvel at the falls, meet the local community, drift down the Zambezi on a sunset boat cruise, or indulge in a romantic sampan dinner floating on the water. For those after some action, white water rafting, bungee jumping and epic flights over the falls can be arranged.
Days 3 — 5
Valley of the Leopard
Stretching out over 9,000 square kilometres, South Luangwa is a vast unspoiled wilderness of lush grass, shallow lakes and stands of towering woodland flanking the winding river from which it takes its name. The park has one of the highest densities of leopard in Africa and sightings of this elusive big cat are frequent along with the lions, spotted hyenas and a growing number of African wild dogs. Elephants are at every turn while other park specialities include the regionally endemic Crawshay's zebra, Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest.
Begin your time here at a luxury lodge, being introduced to the this incredible area on game drives and taking time to relax, with wildlife often coming to you while you wallow in the pool.
Days 5 — 7
Walk in the wild
Then head deeper into the park to a rustic camp for a timeless wilderness experience. The walking safari was born in the South Luangwa, so it’s only fitting that many of your outings will be on foot with the very finest guides. Wake to coffee at sunrise, venturing out on foot in search of elephant, roan antelope, eland and wild dogs, with nights by the fire as lions and hyenas call in the dark. As African safari experiences go, this is one of the very best.
Days 7 — 10
Lower Zam wilds
Nestled between an imposing mountain escarpment and the mighty Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park is place visited by relatively few but loved by those in the know. Its own 4,092 km2 are fringed by a wider game management area, while Zimbabwe’s legendary Mana Pools lies across the meandering waters on the opposite bank, creating one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
There are just a handful of camps and lodges here, usually set amid peaceful riverside woodlands and abundant wildlife. Each boasts a variety of activities to immerse yourself in the bush. Slip past wading elephants in a canoe, get your hands on a fearsome tiger fish before releasing it back into the water, and spot some of the wildlife that thrives here such as lions, leopards and wild dogs on drives and walking safaris.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
