Southern Africa
Getting beyond the safari camps
Southern Africa is not so much a geographic or political entity, more a convenient term—often used by outsiders, including travel guides like ourselves—to group a collection of states marked by an astonishing diversity.
Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, occupy the southern tip of Africa; their location being one of the few things they have in common (some include Angola; the island of Madagascar is usually excluded because of its distinctiveness).
One thing they do share is a troubled past: a visitor to any of these countries will find plenty of food for thought as to the long-term effects of colonialism, many of which are still playing out, including, arguably, in the travel industry.
On the positive side there are the most fantastic sights on offer, and experiences to be had. The natural beauty is, of course, breathtaking; a safari in one of the world-famous national parks is an adventure not to be missed. But there's so much more to Southern Africa than its safari parks. There are nearly 70 million people living here, speaking something like 1,500 different languages, with individual cultures and distinct identities. You'll come for the safari, but you'll fall in love with the people.
It will be stunning, it may be unsettling. But a trip to Southern Africa comes with one guarantee: the memories you take home will stay with you forever.
Safari in South Africa
An essential guide to the best game reserves in South Africa
There can be few experiences more exhilarating than hearing the roar of a distant lion as the sun rises on an African morning. South Africa has long been regarded as one of the world’s great safari destinations. The diversity of landscapes, from jungly swamps to searing semi-deserts, is without equal and the wealth of wildlife simply extraordinary...read more
Explore Southern Africa
6 days
Kafue National Park safari and Victoria Falls
Wildlife, waterfalls and wilderness
10 days
Victoria Falls and Zambia’s wildlife
Wildlife sanctuaries and powerful waterfalls
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Botswana
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Okavango Delta
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Kwando River
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Central Kalahari Game Reserve
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Kasane
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Moremi Game Reserve
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Xakanaxa
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Maun
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Sankuyo
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Khwai Private Reserve
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Chobe National Park
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Nxai Pan National Park
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Selinda Reserve
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South Africa
Safari and beyond in the Rainbow Nation
The Rainbow Nation has really come of age as a tourism destination and is perfect if you've not explored this mighty continent before... -
Cape Town
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Johannesburg
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Durban
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Sabi Sands
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Kruger National Park
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Kwazulu-Natal
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Nelspruit
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Addo Elephant Park
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North West Province
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The Karoo
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Madikwe Game Reserve
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Timbavati Game Reserve
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Pilanesberg National Park
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Hluhluwe Game Reserve
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Welgevonden Game Reserve
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Kariega Game Reserve
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Pumba Game Reserve
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Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
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Amakhala Game Reserve
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Kwantu Game Reserve
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Lalibela Game Reserve
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Shamwari Game Reserve
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Balule Nature Reserve
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Klaserie Nature Reserve
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Thornybush Game Reserve
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Kapama Game Reserve
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Manyeleti Game Reserve
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Lion Sands Game Reserve
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Londolozi Game Reserve
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Ulusaba Game Reserve
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Stellenbosch
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Table Mountain National Park
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Zambia
Discover Zambia, experience Africa
It’s ironic that landlocked Zambia is best known for its waterways... -
Victoria Falls
At the height of the rainy season, more than 500 million cubic metres of water plummets over the edge of the Zambezi River into a gorge 100m below... -
Livingstone
Relaxed Livingstone is best-known as the base for visitors to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, but it also has a growing adventure scene... -
Lower Zambezi National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park’s wildlife is centred around the floodplain along the northeastern side of the Zambezi River... -
South Luangwa National Park
Found in eastern Zambia at the end of the Great Rift Valley, South Luangwa National Park is famous for its population of leopards, who stalk the antelope, impalas and pukus that line its riverbanks... -
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of Zambia’s oldest — and largest — national parks... -
Lusaka
Sprawling Lusaka is Zambia’s capital and commercial centre... -
Kasanka National Park
Although Kasanka National Park is one of the smallest parks in Zambia, it still offers great opportunities to see animals such as antelopes, bushbucks and warthogs... -
Liuwa Plain National Park
A remote park with stretching grass plains that host the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa, with an estimated 30,000 animals... -
Luambe National Park
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Victoria Falls
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Chirundu
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North Luangwa National Park
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
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Mana Pools National Park
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Victoria Falls
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Hwange National Park
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Matusadona National Park
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Malawi
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Lake Malawi
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Blantyre
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Majete Wildlife Reserve
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Liwonde National Park
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Cape Maclear
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Lilongwe
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mulanje
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Zomba
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Namibia
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Kalkrand
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Namib-Naukluft National Park
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Swakopmund
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Damaraland
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Ongava Game Reserve
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Omaruru
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Windhoek
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Okonjima Nature Reserve
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Etosha National Park
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Divundu
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Nkasa Rupara National Park
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Mauritius
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Places to go in Southern Africa
Southern Africa Tours
The Best Of Lower Zambezi
Four-day private safari of Zambia's Lower Zambezi
4 daysFrom $1,425| Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Canoeing, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
The Best Of Lower Zambezi
Four-day private safari of Zambia's Lower Zambezi
4 days $1,425 – $1,850 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka |
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| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Canoeing, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
Kanyemba is a wonderful family getaway in the Lower Zambezi, only two and a half hours from the capital city of Lusaka. Kanyemba's great atmosphere and vibe, the staff, the surrounding nature, expert guiding, and breath-taking scenery, along with our renowned cuisine will make your experience of Zambia's hospitality one to remember.
This itinerary will offer the unique safari experience with amazing activities such as Boat Cruise, the unique canoeing safari, village tour, game drives in search of 4 of the big 5. Off course some of the activities are seasonal as lower Zambezi national park is best for water-based activities.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
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Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Explore South Luangwa Bush Camping
5 days bush camping in South Luangwa
5 daysFrom $3,047| South Luangwa National Park | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
Explore South Luangwa Bush Camping
5 days bush camping in South Luangwa
5 days $3,047 – $3,551 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | South Luangwa National Park |
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| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
This package gives clients a unique experience exploring South Luangwa, getting close to nature, bush camping and experiencing plenty of safari game drives. Spending two night in a lodge gives you a chance to catch up with the outside world via internet access and gives you the opportunity to relax in spas while you complete the rest of your activities.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
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Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Zambia’s Premier Wildlife Safari
Wildlife safari in South Luangwa National Park
7 daysFrom $4,120| South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
Zambia’s Premier Wildlife Safari
Wildlife safari in South Luangwa National Park
7 days $4,120 – $4,790 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka |
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| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia's premier wildlife park, with magnificent wildlife and great cabins. Where the now popular walking safaris originated from over 60 years ago, this new African destination retains some of the most exceptional world-class safari tour guides.
South Luangwa National Park has many extraordinary wildlife spectacles, few can contend. South Luangwa has a high quantity of game in comparison to other parks, and you will get to experience these day and night.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
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Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Exploring Luangwa’s Unspoilt Wilderness
5 day walking safari in Luangwa National Park
3 daysFrom $2,925| South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
Exploring Luangwa’s Unspoilt Wilderness
5 day walking safari in Luangwa National Park
3 – 4 days From $2,925 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka |
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| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
July - October |
Expertly guided walking safaris featuring a mix of tracking, stalking & observing Africa’s wildlife on foot with experienced guides in a remote and undisturbed corner of South Luangwa National Park.
Surefoot Safaris operate exclusively from their tented bush camp, Mapazi. Nestled under mature trees on the banks of the Luangwa River, Mapazi provides an authentic camping experience with a few essential comforts. You will explore Luangwa’s unspoilt wilderness, tracking big game, bird watching and uncovering some of nature's best kept secrets.
Exploring the bush on foot promises a unique blend of excitement and serenity. You are intimately involved in the interpretation of signs and sounds, developing your own tracking skills and an appreciation of how to best negotiate a path through Africa’s iconic big game.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
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Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Zambezi Canoeing & Kafue National Park
Canoe, safari and boat cruise in Kafue National Park
10 daysFrom $2,991| Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, Lusaka | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Canoeing, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
Zambezi Canoeing & Kafue National Park
Canoe, safari and boat cruise in Kafue National Park
10 days $2,991 – $3,227 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, Lusaka |
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| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Canoeing, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
With canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, you will see wildlife along the many river banks of Lower Zambezi National Park completing a wide range of canoeing activities.
Your last two nights will be spent in Kafue National Park giving you a complete experience with game drives, walking safaris and a boat cruise.
The guides have comprehensive expertise and knowledge of the local nature, wildlife, birds and culture as well as the local knowledge they have gathered through guiding in these areas for numerous years.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
|
Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
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Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Zambia's Animal Kingdom
13 days safari in Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park
13 daysFrom $7,300| South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
Recommended Tour
Zambia's Animal Kingdom
13 days safari in Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park
13 days $7,300 – $7,720 per person By Absolute Zambia Safaris| Destinations | South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park |
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| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
This itinerary is best for clients who are interested in the abundance of wildlife as it features Zambia’s top prime wildlife areas: the Kafue National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa, and the famous South Luangwa National park which is nicknamed as the valley of the leopard due to the high quantity of leopards in the area.
South Luangwa is also known as the home of the walking safari, you will be granted the opportunity to participate in one. Halfway through your trip you will visit the Busanga Plains, where you will be able to relax at camp and also go on guided bushwalks and game drives.
You will finish your trip in South Luangwa participating in safaris and game drives, with an additional opportunity to go on a village tour or visit the local fabric shop.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality-assured accommodation including unique, independently-owned boutique hotels, safari camps, lodges and resorts. All accommodation can be upgraded or changed on request. |
|
Guided excursions |
All trips and excursions accompanied by expert, bi-lingual guides to give you an insider’s view of Zambia Safaris and more. |
|
Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and any other ground transfers in private or shared vehicles and comfortable minivans. |
|
Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included. |
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Camping equipment |
Tents and all necessary camping gear and equipment supplied. |
Southern Africa Travel Companies
Wayfairer
Tailor-made luxury travel
| East Africa, Southern Africa | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour | |
| Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Culinary, Responsible Travel |
Absolute Zambia Safaris
Custom safari holidays to Zambia
| Zambia | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour | |
| Safari, Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel |
Wild Frontiers
Safaris into East, West and Southern Africa
| East Africa, Southern Africa | |
| Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour | |
| Safari, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Overlanding, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Indigenous Tourism, Solo Travel |
The African Wild
Botswana tours and safaris
| Botswana | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour | |
| Safari, Luxury, Family, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks |
Request a custom itinerary
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