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7 Days Zambia Safari

Wildlife

7-Day Zambia Safari: South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks

This 7-day Zambian safari offers participants an exploration of two of Zambia’s premier wildlife destinations: South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks.

Duration: 7 Days
Places to Visit: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains

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 2-3: South Luangwa National Park

Spend two 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. Participate in a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local guides.

Accommodation: Various lodges within South Luangwa National Park (2 nights)

Day 4-5: South Luangwa – Kafue National Park

Fly to Kafue National Park (approximately 2 hours), Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, covering 22,400 square kilometers. Spend two days exploring the diverse habitats of Kafue, from miombo woodlands to riverine forests and open plains. Take game drives to observe Kafue’s diverse wildlife, including large predators like lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Visit the Nkala village on the park’s outskirts to learn about the Kaonde people, their traditional practices, and their coexistence with wildlife.

Learn about the park’s conservation challenges and efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives and community-based natural resource management programs. Participate in a boat cruise on the Kafue River, observing hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation: Mukambi Safari Lodge or similar (2 nights)

Day 6: Kafue National Park – Busanga Plains

Transfer to the Busanga Plains, a vast floodplain in the northern part of Kafue National Park, covering about 750 square kilometers. Take game drives across the plains, known for their high concentration of predators and large herds of antelope. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the Busanga Plains and how seasonal flooding shapes the landscape and wildlife movements.

Enjoy a hot air balloon safari (optional, additional cost) for a bird’s eye view of the plains and its wildlife. Visit a nearby community to learn about traditional fishing practices in the seasonal waterways of the Busanga Plains.

Accommodation: Busanga Bush Camp or similar

Day 7: Busanga Plains – Kafue National Park – Lusaka

Take a final morning game drive in the Busanga Plains, focusing on areas known for predator sightings. Fly back to Lusaka (approximately 2 hours). 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.

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