6-Day Zambia Safari: Lusaka and South Luangwa National Park
This 6-day Zambian safari offers participants an in-depth exploration of South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Duration: 6 Days
Places to Visit: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Lusaka – South Luangwa National Park
Begin in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital and largest city with a population of about 2.5 million. Visit the Lusaka National Museum to learn about Zambia’s history, culture, and independence struggle. Take a short flight to Mfuwe Airport (approximately 1 hour), the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Upon arrival, transfer to the lodge within the park. South Luangwa covers 9,050 square kilometers and is known for its high concentration of wildlife and the birthplace of walking safaris.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive, focusing on the park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and the Luangwa River ecosystem. Learn about the Kunda people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Luangwa Valley, and their traditional customs and beliefs.
Accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge or similar
Day 2-5: South Luangwa National Park
Spend four full days exploring South Luangwa National Park through a combination of game drives, walking safaris, and cultural activities. Participate in morning and afternoon game drives. The park is home to over 60 mammal species and 400 bird species, including endemic species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. Take part in walking safaris, a specialty of South Luangwa. These guided walks offer a unique perspective on the park’s ecology and smaller creatures often missed from vehicles.
Visit Tribal Textiles, a local enterprise that produces hand-painted textiles using traditional African and contemporary designs. Learn about how this business supports the local community. Explore the Mfuwe village to gain insights into rural Zambian life. Visit the Mfuwe Day Secondary School, supported by safari lodges, to understand local education initiatives. Learn about the Baoab tree, considered sacred in many African cultures, and its various uses in traditional medicine and daily life. Participate in a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local guides.
Visit the South Luangwa Conservation Society headquarters to learn about anti-poaching efforts and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies. Enjoy sundowners by the Luangwa River, observing hippos and crocodiles while learning about the river’s crucial role in the park’s ecosystem. Participate in a traditional Zambian meal preparation, learning to cook nshima (maize porridge) and other local dishes.
Accommodation: Various lodges within South Luangwa National Park (4 nights)
Day 6: South Luangwa National Park – Lusaka
Take a final morning game drive, focusing on areas known for predator sightings. Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop to purchase locally made souvenirs, supporting community development initiatives. Fly back to Lusaka (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival in Lusaka, time permitting, visit the Kabwata Cultural Village. This living museum showcases traditional Zambian crafts and performances from various ethnic groups. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Zambian cuisine such as nshima with game meat stews and local vegetables.
Transfer to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for departure.