Gem of Zambia Safari
This 11-day Zambia safari explores three of the country’s most rewarding and contrasting safari regions—South Luangwa National Park, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Park. The journey begins in South Luangwa , renowned for its wildlife concentrations and walking safaris, where guided game drives and bush walks provide close encounters with elephants, big cats and the endemic Thornicroft giraffe.
From there, continue to the Lower Zambezi, where the focus shifts to the river with canoeing, boating and wildlife viewing along the Zambezi’s banks.
The safari concludes in Kafue National Park and the Busanga Plains, an important wetland ecosystem known for its seasonal floodplains, birdlife and predator activity. The changing landscapes and safari styles create a varied and immersive experience, combining river systems, woodland and open plains. Staying in intimate camps with experienced guides throughout, this itinerary offers a comprehensive introduction to Zambia’s wild and remote safari regions.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali Camp is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time, in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 2
A full day to explore South Luangwa – walking or game driving as you wish. The wildlife in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
Dinner and overnight at Nkwali Camp
Day 3 - Nsefu Camp
After an early breakfast, a transfer gamedrive through the park takes you to a crossing point on the Luangwa River. The Nsefu staff will meet you, and assist with crossing the river by boat, and then enjoy a 45 minute drive to camp, gameviewing on route. Nsefu Camp was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavels with luxurious ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandahs. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served followed by a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nsefu Camp.
Day 4
A full day to enjoy at Nsefu Camp with morning and evening game activities and the possibility of visiting Kawaza village. This community tourism initiative is a great opportunity to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village. If you wish to visit, then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.
Dinner and overnight at Nsefu Camp.
Day 5 - Chongwe River Camp
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to the Lower Zambezi (1 hour 30 mins). As you fly into the area, you will see the wide Zambezi River, dotted with islands. Buffalo and elephant are always seen feeding along with the pods of hippos that rest on the edge of the sandbanks. Chongwe River Camp, only 20 mins from the airstrip, is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Chongwe River Camp has a wonderful view of not only the confluence of the two rivers but also the mountains of the impressive Zambezi escarpment. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, the 8 chalets are large, well appointed safari tents under thatch, with luxury ensuite open air bathrooms. The bathrooms are an experience on their own. Activities are extremely flexible and with individuals choosing from drives, walks, boat cruises, canoeing and fishing. Gameviewing in the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park is superb and big game, such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and the big cats are even seen regularly in and around the camp! After a late lunch there will be a chance for an afternoon activity – be it on the river or by vehicle.
Dinner and overnight at Chongwe River Camp.
Days 6 & 7
At Chongwe River Camp there are various activities to choose from. Not only on offer are exciting day and night drives and bush walks, but guests can choose their own day’s itinerary from a selection of canoe trips, river safaris on safe, stable pontoon boats and catch and release angling for the infamous tiger fish.
Dinner and overnight at Chongwe River Camp.
Day 8 - Shumba Camp
After breakfast, a drive through the park to the airstrip to meet the plane taking you to the Kafue National Park (1.3 hours). Landing at the Busanga Airstrip you will be transferred to Shumba Camp by either a combination of vehicle and mokoro, or vehicle only. Transfer will be between 40 and 50 15 minutes from the airstrip.
Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area. The Plains, covering approximately 750 square kilometres, is considered one of Zambia’s most important wetlands as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds. Shumba Camp comprises six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. Activities here include game drives, night drives and nature walks; exploring this incredible park.
Dinner and overnight at Shumba Camp.
Days 9 & 10
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Sumba Camp including day & night game drives and nature walks.
Dinner and overnight at Shumba Lodge.
Day 11
After breakfast and a morning activity (time permitting) you will be transferred to Busanga airstrip for your flight to Lusaka to connect onto your onward flight.
Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali Camp is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time, in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nkwali Camp.
Day 2
A full day to explore South Luangwa – walking or game driving as you wish. The wildlife in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
Dinner and overnight at Nkwali Camp
Day 3 - Nsefu Camp
After an early breakfast, a transfer gamedrive through the park takes you to a crossing point on the Luangwa River. The Nsefu staff will meet you, and assist with crossing the river by boat, and then enjoy a 45 minute drive to camp, gameviewing on route. Nsefu Camp was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park. There are six round rondavels with luxurious ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandahs. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served followed by a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nsefu Camp.
Day 4
A full day to enjoy at Nsefu Camp with morning and evening game activities and the possibility of visiting Kawaza village. This community tourism initiative is a great opportunity to meet local people and experience life in a real non-tourist village. If you wish to visit, then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.
Dinner and overnight at Nsefu Camp.
Day 5 - Chongwe River Camp
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to the Lower Zambezi (1 hour 30 mins). As you fly into the area, you will see the wide Zambezi River, dotted with islands. Buffalo and elephant are always seen feeding along with the pods of hippos that rest on the edge of the sandbanks. Chongwe River Camp, only 20 mins from the airstrip, is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Chongwe River Camp has a wonderful view of not only the confluence of the two rivers but also the mountains of the impressive Zambezi escarpment. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, the 8 chalets are large, well appointed safari tents under thatch, with luxury ensuite open air bathrooms. The bathrooms are an experience on their own. Activities are extremely flexible and with individuals choosing from drives, walks, boat cruises, canoeing and fishing. Gameviewing in the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park is superb and big game, such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and the big cats are even seen regularly in and around the camp! After a late lunch there will be a chance for an afternoon activity – be it on the river or by vehicle.
Dinner and overnight at Chongwe River Camp.
Days 6 & 7
At Chongwe River Camp there are various activities to choose from. Not only on offer are exciting day and night drives and bush walks, but guests can choose their own day’s itinerary from a selection of canoe trips, river safaris on safe, stable pontoon boats and catch and release angling for the infamous tiger fish.
Dinner and overnight at Chongwe River Camp.
Day 8 - Shumba Camp
After breakfast, a drive through the park to the airstrip to meet the plane taking you to the Kafue National Park (1.3 hours). Landing at the Busanga Airstrip you will be transferred to Shumba Camp by either a combination of vehicle and mokoro, or vehicle only. Transfer will be between 40 and 50 15 minutes from the airstrip.
Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area. The Plains, covering approximately 750 square kilometres, is considered one of Zambia’s most important wetlands as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds. Shumba Camp comprises six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. Activities here include game drives, night drives and nature walks; exploring this incredible park.
Dinner and overnight at Shumba Camp.
Days 9 & 10
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Sumba Camp including day & night game drives and nature walks.
Dinner and overnight at Shumba Lodge.
Day 11
After breakfast and a morning activity (time permitting) you will be transferred to Busanga airstrip for your flight to Lusaka to connect onto your onward flight.
Send An Enquiry
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
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