Zambia & Victoria Falls - African Encounters

Zambia & Victoria Falls

South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Victoria Falls
  • 11 - 24 Sept 2025
  • Max Guests : 8
  • Starts: Lusaka
  • Ends: Livingstone

My Zambia & Victoria Falls safari is a top favourite with my guests. You’ll discover why when you stay in these intimate and exclusive owner-operated camps in two of Zambia’s premier wildlife destinations. Zambia has long been a favourite destination for safari connoisseurs. Its wonderfully secluded parks and reserves see far fewer crowds than their counterparts in other countries and you’ll seldom see another vehicle on your game drives. From guided walks in the wildlife-rich South Luangwa  (the Valley of the Leopards) to canoeing on the mighty Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi this is a safari like no other.  

Your Zambia & Victoria Falls safari includes contributions to support local communities and wildlife. You’ll visit local artisans producing stunning textiles and gorgeous jewellery made from recovered snare wire in South Luangwa, and community empowerment projects to learn how tourism supports and educates local communities.

End your safari with three nights at a stunning camp at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. It’s located away from the bustle of town but close enough to visit the Zimbabwe side of the Falls (included), or to do some shopping in the bustling small town. A highlight will be walking with a herd of rescued elephants and learning about these magnificent creatures! 

I will be taking just 8 participants on this exclusive ‘safari in comfort’ and early booking is essential!  The intimate and remote camps we love on our Zambia & Victoria Falls safari fill quickly.

Highlights

Zambia & Victoria Falls – the perfect safari combination! Zambia’s South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris in Africa, and Zambia’s highly qualified walking guides are among the best on the continent. You have the option of walking between our two camps here in South Luangwa. Along with discussions about wildlife and vegetation your guides will also share their culture and traditions with you.

Among the many highlights at your stunning camp in the Lower Zambezi are the daily visits from elephants as they make their way down to the river. Game drives in the neighbouring National Park, canoeing on the river, and fishing for tiger fish on the mighty Zambezi River fill your days here.

The wildlife in these parks is exceptional and includes endangered African Wild Dogs, lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and much more. Watching a herd of elephants crossing the Luangwa River is a memory you will cherish forever. South Luangwa has one of the highest densities of leopards in Africa and sightings of this elusive big cat are frequent. Night game drives allow you to see them when they are most active.

Spectacular Victoria Falls is more impressive on the Zimbabwe side at this time of year, so you’ll cross the border to Zimbabwe to spend the last 3 nights at a luxury camp a short drive from the Falls. Walking with rescued elephants is just one of the highlights of your stay here!

  • This is a genuine small-group safari with a maximum of 8 participants
  • You'll stay in very comfortable bush camps in remote locations, well away from other camps and vehicles.
  • Exceptional game-viewing on day & night game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
  • Visit conservation and community projects, and artisan workshops
  • Learn about wildlife and ‘the small 5’ on walks with professional guides and rangers.
  • Game drives, boat safaris, canoeing, and fishing in Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Visit spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
  • Walk with orphaned and rescued elephants

Price Includes

  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • 13 nights in luxury tented camps and chalets, all rooms with private facilities.
  • All meals on safari and at Victoria Falls, breakfast only in Lusaka
  • Drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine and G&T)
  • Guided walks with professional guides
  • Game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Sundowners, guided bush walks and night game drives
  • Boat trips and canoeing on the Zambezi River
  • Cultural visits to local villages & communities
  • Contribution to Conservation and Community projects
  • All Conservancy and National Park fees
  • And our famous surprises!
  • Escorted from Lusaka, Zambia, by company founder and director Karen Platzer for a group of 4 or more participants. For a group smaller than 4 people the tour will be guided by qualified local guides.

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Any personal expenses and optional activities
  • Tips & gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1: Independent arrival in Lusaka

Day 1: Independent arrival in Lusaka. You will be met at the airport and taken to your city accommodation for your first night in Zambia.

Days 2 - 7: South Luangwa

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your morning flight to South Luangwa National Park, for 6 nights in the Valley of the Leopard. You’ll stay at two different camps here and enjoy guided walks, game drives and sundowners overlooking the Luangwa River. It’s breeding season for migrant birds and the beautiful carmine bee-eaters will be nesting in the river banks – a truly spectacular sight.

You’ll visit some of my favourite workshops which provide employment and vital income for local artisans, as well as conservation and community support projects that our stay in South Luangwa contributes to.

 

Days 8 - 10: Lower Zambezi

Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park. Your beautiful camp has just 8 lovely chalets on the banks of the Zambezi River. It is frequently visited by wildlife crossing the river into the Lower Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank. Spend 3 days exploring the wonderful Lower Zambezi National Park and our private concession on game drives, canoeing, boat trips on the Zambezi River, and fishing for tiger fish.

Days 11 - 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

This morning you’ll fly via Lusaka to Livingstone Airport. A short drive brings you to the Zimbabwe border where you’ll clear immigration and continue to your superb lodge near Victoria Falls. Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, this camp overlooks the Zambezi Gorges with a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls spray, which can be seen from the main areas and all its guest tents. Each of the 12 suites has a viewing deck, private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The camp is located in a private concession just 10km from bustling Victoria Falls town (complimentary shuttle available). 

Activities here include a guided tour of spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also enjoy a close encounter with orphaned and injured elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage, a rescue – rehabilitate – release organisation which aims to return as many animals as possible back to the wild. 

Day 14 : Depart

Your amazing safari ends with a transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport to connect with your flight home. 

FAQs

Are airfares included?

International airfares are not included. We are happy to recommend a travel agent to book your flights.

What airlines fly to Zambia?

Emirates, Qatar and Ethiopian airlines all offer flights from New Zealand or Australia to Lusaka, with stops in Dubai, Doha, and Addis Ababa respectively.

Do I need a visa?

Australian and New Zealand passport holders require an  e-visa to visit Zambia and Zimbabwe. These can be purchased on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Zimbabwe.

What vaccinations are required?

There are no mandatory vaccinations, however malaria prophylaxis (tablets) is strongly recommended. 

Can you organise accommodation before or after the safari?

We are happy to arrange accommodation before or after your safari.

What kind of people join my safaris?

Most of our guests are from New Zealand and Australia. They are typically aged 50+, active and adventurous, well travelled people who are looking to venture off the main tourist route to explore some of Africa’s less well-known destinations. But they also appreciate quality accommodation back at base after an exciting day of game drives and guided walks! They are flexible and easy going, and they are keen to supporting local conservation and community projects during their safari. A sense of humour is always welcome!

Still have a question?

Have a look at our FAQ page, you may find the answer there.

OR email me – I love to chat about Africa! 

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FromUS$11,582

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