Arrival in South Luangwa and Afternoon Game Drive
Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will connect to a scheduled domestic flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. On landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional safari guide and transferred to Kafunta River Lodge, an exclusive luxury lodge set inside the park, with opportunities for wildlife sightings en route.
Kafunta River Lodge offers spacious en-suite chalets overlooking the Luangwa River, refined comfort, exceptional service, and highly experienced guides. After check-in, guests enjoy a leisurely lunch with river views, followed by time to relax and unwind after the journey.
In the late afternoon, the safari experience begins with a guided game drive in South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife density and pristine wilderness. Sightings may include elephants, giraffes, impala, puku, buffalo, and abundant birdlife. As the sun sets, guests pause for a scenic sundowner before returning to the lodge for a gourmet dinner and an overnight stay accompanied by the natural sounds of the African bush.
- Main destination: South Luangwa National Park
- Accommodation: Kafunta River Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside South Luangwa NP
- Meals & drinks: All meals & snacks, standard drinks (excluding premium brands)
Day 2: South Luangwa NP: Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
The day begins early with tea or coffee before setting out on a guided walking safari - South Luangwa National Park's signature experience and one of Zambia's most celebrated safari highlights. Accompanied by an expert professional guide and armed scout, guests explore the bush on foot, learning to interpret animal tracks, identify plants and insects, and recognize bird calls, gaining a deeper appreciation of the ecosystem.
This intimate encounter offers a rare and immersive perspective of the African wilderness. After the walk, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by leisure time to relax, swim, or enjoy wildlife viewing from camp. Lunch is served at the lodge, with time to rest during the heat of the day.
In the late afternoon, head out on a game drive as temperatures cool, focusing on predators such as lions and leopards, which are frequently sighted in the area. Dinner is served back at camp, with an overnight stay at the luxury Kafunta River Lodge, ideally located inside the park.
- Main destination: South Luangwa National Park
- Accommodation: Kafunta River Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside South Luangwa NP
- Meals & drinks: All meals & snacks, standard drinks (excluding premium brands)
Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Game Viewing with Optional Night Safari
Following an early breakfast, guests depart on a sunrise game drive - one of the best times to encounter predators returning from nocturnal hunts. South Luangwa is renowned for excellent leopard sightings, as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo along the Luangwa River. A picnic breakfast may be enjoyed at a scenic spot within the park before continuing with game viewing.
Late morning and midday are spent back at the lodge at leisure, with time to relax and enjoy lunch overlooking the river or nearby waterholes frequented by hippos and abundant birdlife. In the late afternoon, guests set out on another game drive, exploring different areas of the park and soaking up the golden light of sunset.
After dinner, an optional night safari offers the chance to spot nocturnal species such as genets, civets, bush babies, owls, and hunting leopards. Dinner and overnight stay are at Kafunta River Lodge.
- Main destination: South Luangwa National Park
- Accommodation: Kafunta River Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside South Luangwa NP
- Meals & drinks: All meals & snacks, standard drinks (excluding premium brands)
Day 4: Final Safari and Departure to Lusaka
The final day begins with an optional short morning game drive or guided walk, providing a last opportunity to capture sunrise photographs and savor the quiet beauty of the bush. You will return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast, with time to freshen up before departure.
After check-out, a scheduled transfer takes guests to Mfuwe Airstrip for the domestic flight back to Lusaka. This brings to a close an immersive South Luangwa safari experience, thoughtfully combining game drives, walking safaris, and authentic wilderness encounters.
For those continuing their journey, seamless connections can be arranged to international departures or onward extensions such as Victoria Falls or Lower Zambezi National Park. The itinerary concludes with lasting memories of Zambia's premier wildlife destination and its exceptional biodiversity.
- Main destination: Lusaka International Airport
- Accommodation: No accommodation. End of the safari.
- Meals & drinks: Breakfast only (other meals & drinks not included)
