Zambia Classic Safari
South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, the heart of walking safari country
Your Route
Lusaka → South Luangwa → Lower Zambezi → Lusaka
Route Details
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa
Birthplace of the walking safari, with exceptional leopard density and wild dog populations.
Highlights
- Walking safaris with armed guides through pristine bush
- One of Africa's highest leopard densities
- Wild dog sightings along the Luangwa River
- Night drives with spotlight
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi
River-based safari along the Zambezi with canoeing, fishing, and elephant herds on the floodplains.
Highlights
- Canoe safaris past hippos and elephants
- Tiger fishing on the Zambezi
- Large elephant herds on the floodplains
- Zimbabwe escarpment views across the river
A Typical Day
Sample from South Luangwa National Park
5:30–6:30
Walking safari departing at first light
7:00–12:00
Return to camp for brunch, rest during heat
12:00–15:00
Siesta, optional afternoon tea
15:00–18:00
Game drive into evening
18:00–21:00
Night drive returning to camp, dinner under stars
21:00+
Lions roaring around camp
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Repeat safari travelers seeking authenticity, walking safari enthusiasts, anglers, and those valuing low tourist density over big-name destinations.
Not ideal for
First-time safari travelers, budget-conscious travelers, or those uncomfortable with remote locations and small aircraft.
Trade-offs
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We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Dry Season
Peak wildlife viewing, walking safaris at their best, no rain
Emerald Season
Lush landscapes, birding, lower rates, some camps closed
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
10 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.
Repeat safari travelers seeking authenticity, walking safari enthusiasts, anglers, and those valuing low tourist density over big-name destinations.
Why each segment was chosen:
South Luangwa National Park
Walking safari birthplace. Guide expertise here is unmatched. Remote positioning limits crowds.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Victoria Falls Extension
Add 2 nights at Victoria Falls
Kafue National Park
Add 3 nights in remote Kafue
Cost Context
$10k–$18k/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights, includes internal charters
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking