Zambia · Luxury Safari

5-Day Luxury Kafue Safari from Lusaka with Ila Safari Lodge

5 Days Round trip from Kafue Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Luxury stay at Ila Safari Lodge overlooking the beautiful Kafue River
  • 02 Explore Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest and least-crowded parks
  • 03 Exciting morning and afternoon game drives in wildlife-rich habitats
  • 04 Boat safari on the Kafue River with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
  • 05 Opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and large predators
  • 06 Chance to spot elusive species such as leopard, cheetah, and wild dog
  • 07 Spectacular sunset game drives with golden African landscapes
  • 08 Relaxation and scenic views at a luxury riverside eco-lodge

Experience a 5-day luxury safari in Kafue National Park, flying from Lusaka into one of Africa's most pristine and least-crowded wilderness areas. Stay at Ila Safari Lodge on the Kafue River and enjoy expertly guided game drives, a boat safari on the river, and time to relax in a peaceful riverside setting. Look out for elephants, buffalo, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife, with the chance to spot elusive predators such as leopard, cheetah, and wild dog. This intimate escape blends rewarding wildlife encounters with comfort, scenery, and the serenity of the African bush.

Stay at Ila Safari Lodge on the Kafue River and enjoy expertly guided game drives, a boat safari on the river, and time to relax in a peaceful riverside setting.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Lusaka, Kafue National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fly to Kafue and Afternoon Game Drive

Your journey into the wild begins with a morning shared charter flight from Lusaka to Chunga Airstrip, located in the central sector of Kafue National Park. The scenic flight takes approximately 1 hour and offers breathtaking aerial views of Zambia's vast landscapes. Upon arrival at Chunga Airstrip, you will be met by your professional safari guide from Ila Safari Lodge and transferred by open 4x4 safari vehicle to the lodge, enjoying your first wildlife sightings en route.

On arrival, you will receive a warm welcome, followed by check-in and a leisurely lunch overlooking the riverine wilderness. After time to relax, you will depart on your first afternoon game drive, exploring the rich ecosystems around the Kafue River. Expect sightings of elephants, buffalo, antelope species, and possibly predators as the day cools. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight, accompanied by the sounds of the African bush.

  • Main destination: Kafue National Park
  • Accommodation: Ila Safari Lodge. Luxury tented lodge located inside Kafue National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals & all non-premium drinks included (other drinks not included)
2
Day 02

Sunrise Game Drive and Kafue River Boat Safari

Rise early for a guided sunrise game drive, the most rewarding time to encounter predators and active plains game. Your expert guide will interpret animal behavior, birdlife, and the unique ecology of Kafue. Return to the lodge for brunch and leisure time during the heat of the day.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kafue River, water levels permitting, offering exceptional birding, hippos, crocodiles, and dramatic reflections at sunset. Dinner and overnight at Ila Safari Lodge.

  • Main destination: Kafue National Park
  • Accommodation: Ila Safari Lodge. Luxury tented lodge located inside Kafue National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals & all non-premium drinks included (other drinks not included)
3
Day 03

Morning and Afternoon Safari Experiences

Start the day with another early morning game drive, venturing into different habitats and increasing the chance of spotting elusive species such as leopard, cheetah, or wild dog. After breakfast, the late morning is at leisure - relax at the lodge, enjoy photography, or take in sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

In the afternoon, head out for your final afternoon game drive, focusing on wildlife activity near water sources as the sun sets. Dinner and overnight at Ila Safari Lodge.

  • Main destination: Kafue National Park
  • Accommodation: Ila Safari Lodge. Luxury tented lodge located inside Kafue National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals & all non-premium drinks included (other drinks not included)
4
Day 04

Leisure Morning and Final Safari Activity

Enjoy a relaxed morning at Ila Safari Lodge, with time to unwind and absorb the serenity of the Kafue River. Depending on preference, activities may include a short morning game drive, guided nature walk, or simply enjoying the lodge's peaceful setting.

After lunch, set out on a final afternoon safari activity, rounding off your Kafue experience with memorable sightings and golden-hour landscapes. Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner and overnight at Ila Safari Lodge.

  • Main destination: Kafue National Park
  • Accommodation: Ila Safari Lodge. Luxury tented lodge located inside Kafue National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals & all non-premium drinks included (other drinks not included)
5
Day 05

Return Flight to Lusaka

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred by safari vehicle from the lodge back to Chunga Airstrip. Board your shared charter flight back to Lusaka, arriving mid-morning and marking the end of an unforgettable luxury safari in one of Africa's most pristine and least-crowded national parks.

  • Main destination: Lusaka
  • Accommodation: No accommodation. End of the safari
  • Meals & drinks: Breakfast only (other meals & drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kafue 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Safari Inclusions

  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Shared charter flight: Lusaka / Mfue National Park / Lusaka
  • All meals & all non-premium drinks included (other drinks not included)
  • Shared scheduled transfers and ground transportation in a safari vehicle
  • Laundry services
  • Levies, service charges, and taxes included
  • Park fees and bed-night levies included
  • Shared guided activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides
  • Government taxes and applicable levies

What's Not Included

Safari Exclusions

  • International and regional flights (unless otherwise specified)
  • Visa fees and passport costs
  • Travel, medical, and evacuation insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
  • Beverages unless stated otherwise
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Any items not specifically mentioned under "Safari Inclusions"

What to bring

  • Passport and/or government-issued ID.
  • Travel documents: safari confirmations, flight details, and lodge booking information.
  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives (beige, khaki, olive).
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for mosquito protection.
  • Comfortable walking or closed-toe shoes.
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses.
  • Light fleece or jacket for early morning and evening drives.
  • Swimsuit if you plan to enjoy the lodge pool or river activities.
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Personal toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Small daypack for water, snacks, and essentials during drives.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Personal medications.

Know before you go

  • Tour begins with a shared charter flight from Lusaka to Chunga Airstrip; punctuality is essential.
  • Kafue National Park is remote; luxury is combined with authentic safari conditions.
  • All meals and non-premium drinks are included at the lodge; other drinks are not included.
  • Early mornings and late afternoons involve game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed; animals roam freely in the park.
  • Boat safaris depend on Kafue River water levels and seasonal conditions.
  • Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing is recommended for safaris; avoid bright colors.
  • Malaria precautions and mosquito protection are advised.
  • Children under certain ages may not be allowed on game drives.
  • The tour is subject to weather and seasonal changes, which may affect game drives and river activities.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Lusaka, Zambia
Tour start
Kafue, Zambia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Kafue.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $3.00 — $6.00
Double Sharing $3.00 — $4.00

When

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