Overview
An electric safari
Discover Zambia on this 12-night adventure taking in incredible wildlife experiences, awe-inspiring landscapes and colourful cultures while staying at some of Africa’s most pioneering ecolodges.
Start upstream from the thundering waters of Victoria Falls before truly wild safaris in Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains and leopard favourite South Luangwa, ending at a charming island on Lake Malawi for some well-earned downtime.
You’ll be based out of Green Safari’s sustainability and community-focussed camps and lodges, meeting inspiring people and exploring on silent electric game drive vehicles, solar-powered boats, e-bikes and sense-engaging walks.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Stay at collection of pioneering off grid ecolodges
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Wild safari experiences in Kafue and South Luangwa National Parks
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Marvel at the epic Victoria Falls
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Three nights relaxing on the stunning Lake Malawi
Inclusions
What's included
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12 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.
Days 3 — 5
Wild Kafue
Next, take a light aircraft flight northeast to Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest park in Zambia and one of the last great expanses of remote and unspoiled wilderness in Africa. You’ll start with two nights at Ila Safari Lodge, a truly environmentally conscious property that pioneered Zambia’s first electric game drive vehicles and a solar-powered river boat for a silent exploration of the bush and river.
Kafue’s varied ecosystems are home to a diverse mix of wildlife, including the greatest variety of antelope in any protected area in Africa along with nearly 500 recorded bird species. The park is also a Zambian stronghold for wild dogs and cheetah.
Days 5 — 7
Nest above Busanga
Hidden away in northern Kafue National Park lies the Busanga Plains, a seasonal wetland ecosystem that becomes a wide open haven for wildlife when the floodwaters recede between June and November. Red lechwe leaping across shallow marshes, lions hunting in golden grasses, and elephants emerging out of dawn mist – the plains are characterized by outstanding game-viewing and predator action and colourful birdlife.
You’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view out across this spectacle from your nest at the unique Chisa Busanga Camp. Mornings begin gently navigating the plains on the electric Land Cruiser and stopping in the bush to enjoy a breakfast prepared over hot coals. After a late afternoon walking safari or e-bike ride, evenings wind down with stargazing and storytelling around the campfire.
Days 7 — 10
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.
You’ll soon see why this is heralded as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It’s here that walking safaris were first pioneered and there’s a reason it draws people back again and again. You’ll be based out of the intimate Shawa Luangwa, an eco-camp created in partnership with legendary guide local Jacob Shawa. Joining him in the bush on foot or a night drive is an unforgettable experience.
Days 10 — 13
Laidback Lake Malawi
End your Zambian adventure on an island surrounded by the fresh waters of Lake Malawi at the irresistibly laidback Kaya Mawa, a collection of charming beachside cottages shaded by mango and baobab trees.
The clear waters of the lake, home to more species of freshwater fish than all of Europe, are much loved by snorkellers (the lodge also has a PADI centre). On its placid surface, try sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding. Kaya Mawa works closely with the island’s community who you’ll meet on walks and bike rides. Or lay back and do nothing, ‘Kaya Mawa’ does translate to ‘maybe tomorrow’ after all...
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.
