Victoria Falls and Zambia’s wildlife
Wildlife sanctuaries and powerful waterfalls
Begin your trip by exploring Lusaka’s markets and museums, before travelling to the Lower Zambezi National Park for boat safaris, canoeing and the chance to see elephants, crocodiles, zebras and many more. Spend a couple of days wildlife watching before transferring the South Luangwa National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is famous for its population of leopards, so take a night safari to try to catch these big cats hunting. Once you’ve had your fill of safaris, travel to Livingstone for adventure activities including bungy jumping and white-water rafting, before spending a couple of days exploring the awesome power of Victoria Falls. Depart from Livingstone.
Key information
Destinations | Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka |
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Activity | Safari, Luxury, Nature & Wildlife |
Physical Level | Easy |
Season | January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Go wildlife watching in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Day 1–3 in Lower Zambezi National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park’s wildlife is centred around the floodplain along the northeastern side of the Zambezi River.
Situated in Zambia’s southern region, Lower Zambezi National Park was named the world’s first carbon-neutral national park in 2016 after a joint collaboration with lodge operators under the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project.
Combined with Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, this is one of Africa’s best places to see elephants, zebras, leopards, lions and many more.
Named after the Zambezi river which runs through it, the park provides a lifeline for more than 60 mammal species and 378 types of bird. Animals such as elephants, leopards, buffalo, waterbuck ( a type of antelope) and wild dogs can be spotted in the park.
Don't miss
Go Tiger fishing on the Lower Zambezi
The razor-toothed tiger fish is one of the world’s most powerful freshwater fishes. Found in the Lower Zambezi area, you can fish them year-round – but look out for crocodiles and hippos lurking below the water’s surface.
Spot leopards in South Luangwa National Park
Day 4–6 in South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park, in the Eastern province of Zambia, is one of the most wildlife-rich national parks in the country.
Nicknamed the Valley of Leopards, the main predators here are leopard, lion, spotted hyena and wild dog – with the leopard and wild dog populations being amongst the densest on the continent.
The park is home to more than 400 species of birds and over 60 different mammals, including antelopes, lions, elephants and more.
South Luangwa is the only place in the world to see the Thornicroft species of giraffe as well as the Cookson’s wildebeest.
Explore Livingstone’s adventure activities
Day 7 in 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. From white-water rafting on the Zambezi to quad-biking or bungy jumping, this is the place to get your adrenaline pumping.
See the world’s largest waterfall at Victoria Falls
Day 8–9 in 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. There are several excellent viewing points, including the vertigo-inducing Devil’s Pool (where you can swim on the edge of the falls), but this is Zambia’s ultimate experience.
Don't miss
Take a sunset boat cruise on Victoria Falls
Get the ultimate perspective on the world’s highest waterfall with a sunset cruise, where you can spot elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
Depart from Livingstone
Day 10 in Livingstone
Head to Livingstone International Airport from your onward flight.
Where to stay
Superior
Kanyemba Lodge
Kanyemba Lodge strives to provide a haven in which to enjoy the beauty and activities on offer in the Lower Zambezi. Catering for a maximum of 20 guests, the lodge comprises 6 stone and thatch chalets, each with their own large private deck overlooking the Zambezi River. Overlooking the river, the restaurant and bar allow for spacious and relaxed dining.
Superior
Zikomo Safari Camp
Located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park — known as one of the least crowded and richest wildlife areas of the park — Zikomo Safari Camp is spread under a canopy of ancient shade trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. The lodge offers nine traditional chalets with private decks with wildlife and river views.
Deluxe
David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
Overlooking the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park — home to the natural wonder of the world, the Victoria Falls — The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa offers luxury rooms with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. The Lodge's Kalai Restaurant provides an array of Afro-Arabian fusion dishes in a traditional Zambian environment.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators may cost between $4,430 and $5,590pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.