Zambia·May 26 - June 3 2025

Zambia: Leopards, Elephants & Waterfalls Oh My!

The place I've been to where I was just completely awestruck, and happy, moved is Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe. -Hill Harper

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Overview

Embarking on a Zambian safari offers a thrilling and authentic wildlife experience. Zambia is known for its remote and less commercialized safari environments. It is renowned as one of the best places in Africa to experience nature in its rawest form, with abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Zambia is the birthplace of walking safaris. Nothing beats the feeling of Africa under your feet! Zambia shares the famous Victoria Falls with its neighbor, Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls may not be the highest falls on the planet, but they are the widest and deserve their status as one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. On this trip, you'll experience them from both sides! We will spend three nights at Livingstone, the home of Victoria Falls, or as the locals call it, "Mosi oa Tunya" or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Next, we are off to Lower Zambezi National Park, which spans over 4,000 sq km along the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River. Lower Zambezi is an unspoiled natural haven. The reserve disappears into the escarpment of the valley, but the flat floodplains along the riverfront make for spectacular game drives. They reveal a wild and wonderful world bustling with birds and open plains filled with wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo.

Highlights

Victoria Falls is the world's greatest sheet of falling water

Victoria Falls is the world's greatest sheet of falling water

Delight in a sunset cruise with a gin and tonic

Delight in a sunset cruise with a gin and tonic

Luxury hotel & camp accommodations include daily animal sightings from the comfort of your room

Luxury hotel & camp accommodations include daily animal sightings from the comfort of your room

Enjoy High Tea the Zambezian Way  at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Enjoy High Tea the Zambezian Way at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Visit the legendary Elephant Cafe and interact with these gentle giants

Visit the legendary Elephant Cafe and interact with these gentle giants

Enjoy a sundowner cocktail after a sunset game drive

Enjoy a sundowner cocktail after a sunset game drive

Savor the finest food in Zambia

Savor the finest food in Zambia

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Zambezi River with a sunset cruise

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Zambezi River with a sunset cruise

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip:

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Livingstone

Day 1: Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (AKA The Livingstone Airport). Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

After settling in, join us for a welcome drink at the lodge restaurant, Kalai.

In the late afternoon, we'll embark on a river cruise. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River.

There are great photo opportunities against often spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. We'll enjoy snacks and drinks while watching the sunset on the river.

Included

Welcome drinks

Airport Transfer

Sunset cruise dinner

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Victoria Falls

Day 2: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before our tour of Victoria Falls. The falls stretch across the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offering distinct and equally mesmerizing experiences from both sides. 

Walking along the Knife-edge Bridge, you can feel the power of the falls. The mist creates rainbows that add to the vibrant, magical atmosphere.

We'll take a morning tour of Victoria Falls and spend a little time with the curio sellers.

Next up is the Dusty Road township experience. Here, we'll step into a welcoming and thriving local home and experience the community's vibrancy. Local vendors sell their wares as enticing smells from the charcoal fires waft through the air. You'll be surrounded by bright, inventive regional creations recycled with a heavy dose of African humor and ingenuity.

In the Dusty Road, we'll discover the Zimbabwean way of cooking food on open fires and in cast iron pots and ovens. This experience offers guests an authentic, wholesome, and tasty food experience. Sarah, the restaurant owner, is hugely concerned about the welfare of women, female empowerment, and Zimbabwean cultural awareness. We'll take our time to enjoy a nice meal. 

We'll return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

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Zambezi River

Day 3: Thursday, May 29th, 2025

This morning, enjoy the lodge and choose any of the activities you fancy. The list includes helicopter flights, microlight flips (a small ultralight aircraft for one or two people), whitewater rafting, and many more adrenaline-filled activities. You can also treat yourself at the spa. If you decide to make an appointment, let us know in advance, and we'll book it for you. Enjoy lunch at the resort on your own. 

Later in the afternoon, we'll head to the Elephant Cafe. The members of a magnificent herd of rescued elephants are waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with you. Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these gentle giants and a hosted informative viewing of the herd around the venue's vicinity. Once the herd retires to forage in the bush, we'll head for the cafe overlooking the Zambezi River for a unique dining experience.  

Relax over the delicious bush gourmet cuisine unique to this restaurant. Specialties include wild edibles and locally sourced fresh and organic ingredients. The Elephant Café has proudly been rated the #1 Restaurant in the country.

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Not Included

Lunch

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Lower Zambezi

Day 4: Friday, May 30th, 2025

Today, we'll take scheduled flights to Lower Zambezi National Park via Lusaka. The flight between Livingstone and Lusaka will serve a snack. Should you need another snack, a lovely little shop at the Lusaka departure lounge serves light meals to passengers.

Our guide will meet us at the Royal Airstrip and take us to the lodge to freshen up before dinner. Our home for the next few days is the Baines River Camp. Set upon the banks of the mighty Zambezi, nestled perfectly near the Lower Zambezi National Park and opposite Mana Pools. 

We'll have dinner at the Baines' Restaurant, and then retire for the day.

Not Included

Lunch

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Lower Zambezi

Day 5: Saturday, May 31st, 2025

Start your day with a light breakfast before embarking on a Safari. UNESCO has declared several areas of the Lower Zambezi World Heritage sites, mainly because it is home to a ‘remarkable concentration of wildlife’. Simply put, the Lower Zambezi is famous for its big game, one of the reasons you want to venture into this part of Africa. Think mind-blowing herds of elephants, and buffaloes, an impressive population of Nile crocodiles, plus predators like lions, leopards, and the African wild dog. Together with the wildlife, there is the big blue Zambezi River. Once in the Lower Zambezi National Park, the guides will take us on an adventure game drive.

We'll return to camp for a delicious lunch and time to relax before we venture back into the wild. 

This afternoon, we're off on an afternoon boat safari into the heart of the National Park, teeming with animals. This area is a true wildlife sanctuary. The Zambezi River is  Africa's fourth-longest and largest, flowing into the Indian Ocean. Boat trips are the best way to enjoy the greatness of the Zambezi River.  

Our amazing day ends with a delightful dinner and drinks at the camp as we watch the sunset over the river.

Included

All Meals

Game Drives by Safari Vehicle and/or Boat

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Zambezi River

Day 6: Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Enjoy the crisp morning air in the Lower Zambezi National Park with a quick breakfast before embarking on today’s adventure—a boat safari, starting from the camp. 

Glide along the Zambezi River, looking out the waking wildlife at the water’s edge. Expect to see the Big Four (Rhino populations are scarce due to poaching). Lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards are the main predators. Leopards are especially at home because of the many large trees in which this slightly elusive cat likes to hide.  Mid-morning, take a break for tea, coffee, and biscuits. 

Our guide will provide an insightful tour through the park. Lunch awaits at the camp, followed by a leisurely afternoon tea with coffee and cake. 

We'll conclude the day with an early evening game drive. Whether you are already a hardcore bird enthusiast or never thought about ‘birding’ before, your first safari to the Lower Zambezi will ensure that birds will win over your heart. 

This evening, we'll toast our amazing safari experience with drinks at sunset and dinner. 

Included

All Meals

Guided Safari

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Zambezi River

Day 7: Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Wake up in the serene Lower Zambezi National Park and start your day with a light breakfast. Today’s adventure begins with another game drive in the heart of the park. On the fertile banks of the river, elephant herds and other herbivores feast on juicy green leaves. Rich soil, tall green trees, elephants, birds, and other wildlife: the result is a stunningly beautiful rich landscape, a true utopia for anybody seeking pure Africa. 

Along the way, savor tea, coffee, and biscuits while spotting wildlife. 

After the drive, return to camp by river, relishing the scenic views, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Spend a leisurely afternoon at camp relaxing before our next late afternoon safari adventure. Spotting wildlife never gets old! 

Late afternoon offers an opportunity for another exciting game drive with snacks and drinks as you watch the sunset, followed by a relaxing dinner back at camp.

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

River Cruise

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Livingstone

Day 8: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our new friends, reminiscing about the wonderful moments shared. We'll transfer to the Royal Airstrip for your flight back to Lusaka. 

If you are joining us for the extension, from here, you'll fly back to Lusaka for the flight to Mfuwe.

Included

Breakfast

KAFUNTAHIRESDECKANDFIRE

Day 1: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025-South Luangwa Extension

After a delightful breakfast, we'll whisk you away to the Royal airstrip for your flight to Lusaka, where you'll seamlessly transition to a plane bound for Mfuwe International Airport.

Touching down at Mfuwe, a warm welcome awaits as a guide from Kafunta River Lodge stands ready to escort you to your haven of relaxation. 

Settle into your accommodations and have lunch at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore the surroundings before indulging in a delightful dinner at Kafunta River Lodge.

Included

All meals

Local flights and transfers

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South Luangwa National Park

Day 2: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025-South Luangwa Extension

After breakfast, we'll embark on an exhilarating morning game drive through the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. This is indeed the premier park in Zambia and one of the best national parks in Africa. As you traverse the landscape, keep your senses alive, anticipating encounters with majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and even elusive leopards. Pause in the wilderness for a refreshing break, savoring hot tea, aromatic coffee, and delectable biscuits while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Return to the lodge for lunch, replenishing your energy for the adventures ahead. Later in the day, partake in a traditional afternoon tea at the lodge while gazing at the Luangwa River. Enjoy a moment of tranquility amid the natural splendor. 

As the sun begins its descent, embark on an unforgettable night game drive, venturing into the depths of the wilderness. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, the air fills with anticipation. The night safari begins as you board an open-air vehicle designed for nocturnal excursions. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, you venture into the heart of the wilderness, where the nocturnal world comes alive. 

Dinner will be at the lodge tonight.

Included

All meals

Safari

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South Luangwa National Park

Day 3: Thursday, June 5th, 2025-South Luangwa Extension

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge. Following breakfast, embark on an exhilarating morning adventure, choosing between a thrilling game drive through the wilderness or a captivating walking safari. If you're opting for the game drive, use the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife amid nature's splendor. Meanwhile, adventurers on the walking safari will delve deeper into the African bush, experiencing a closer encounter with the flora and fauna.

Return to the lodge for a delectable lunch and some relaxation. Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at the lodge, savoring the tranquility of your surroundings and reflecting on the day's adventures.

As the day progresses, set out on an unforgettable afternoon/evening night drive into the wilderness.

Conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner at the lodge, where you can relish the flavors of Africa and share stories of your day's experiences under the vast African sky.

Included

All meals

Safari

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Mfuwe

Day 4: Friday, June 6th, 2025- South Luangwa Extension

After breakfast, enjoy cultural exploration as you visit Project Luangwa, Tribal Textiles, and Mulberry Mongoose, with a potential stop at a local village, time permitting. At Mulberry Mongoose, you have the chance to craft your own bracelet. This will be at a cost to you.

We'll return to the lodge for lunch and quiet time to relax. 

As the sun begins its descent, set out on an afternoon/evening night drive into the wilderness as you witness the breathtaking African sunset.

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, sharing stories and memories of the day's adventures under the starlit African sky.

Included

All Meals

Safari

Not Included

Bracelet class

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Mfuwe

Day 5: Saturday, June 7th, 2025-South Luangwa Extension

As our journey draws to a close, you'll return to the airport after breakfast for your flight to Lusaka. While our adventure may be over, the memories we've created and the connections we've made will stay with us for a lifetime. 

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa

This luxurious Zambia Hotel with river-facing rooms ensures each guest enjoys the same serene views that once captivated David Livingstone, the intrepid explorer and missionary who was the first European to set eyes on the Falls.

Baines River Camp

Baines River Camp

Experience the allure of untouched wilderness at Baines' River Camp, where luxury meets adventure on the serene banks of the Zambezi River.

Kafunta River Lodge - Extension

Kafunta River Lodge - Extension

Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambian safari lodge, combining all the essentials for a great safari, including its spectacular location at the edge of the floodplain. Beyond the plain, lies the Luangwa River – one of the best game viewing areas in the magical South Luangwa National Park. 

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni is the owner and founder of Girls' Guide to the World, and she only picks a few trips to do each year. She has traveled to 80 countries and counting. Her favorite part about guiding tours is meeting the amazing women who join her. 

 

gg2theworld

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,995

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$9,455

Optional Trip Extensions

5-Day Trip Extension to South Luangwa - Private Room

5-Day Trip Extension to South Luangwa - Private Room

Can't get enough Safari Time? Join us on a five day safari extension.

FROM$5,495.00/pp

Water runs through them!

Zambia & Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe are neighbors, sharing the Victoria Falls between them. Zambia is a first-class destination with fewer tourists, enabling a more personalized safari experience. Once there, you must head over to Zimbabwe to experience the falls from both sides! Safe, secure, and otherworldly, this region does not disappoint.

Zambia & Zimbabwe

What's Included

What's Included

Accommodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels, lodges, or camps

All safari and game drives, entry to Victoria Falls

Flights within Zambia

Expert guides and trip leaders

All ground transportation within the country

Entry and park fees to Victoria Falls on the Zambian side

Entry and park fees on the Sunset Cruise

Entry and park fees to South Luangwa National Park

Entry and park fees to Lower Zambezi National Park

2 glasses of house beer or wine with dinner

All meals except lunch on days 2 & 4

A small group experience

Zambia entry visa

Gratuities

Personal purchases

Trip & Health Insurance (required)

Spa treatments

All international flights to/from Africa

FAQs

The trip starts in Livingstone so fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). The trip ends in Lusaka. You can fly directly from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) back home or arrange for a flight from there back to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) (at your own cost). 


The trip officially starts on May 26th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Zambia, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know, and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts. 

All US and Canadian citizens must have an e-visa to enter Zambia. GG2W will instruct you as to how to apply. Both travel insurance and medical insurance are required. Please see our travel insurance page for more information. Your passport must be valid for six months after departure from America. Please remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card.

As for other vaccines, the CDC recommends cholera, hepatitis A&B, rabies, typhoid, and malaria pills.

The domestic carrier we will be using in Zambia requires checked luggage to weigh no more than 15 kg and carry-on bags to weigh no more than 5 kg. All of your bags will be weighed before boarding the plane. There will be a fee if your bags are overweight. So, pack smartly as you will want to buy souvenirs.

In winter, which is when we will be visiting, there’s hardly any rain and humidity is low. The skies are cobalt blue, the days are hot, and the nights are cool. Expect high's in the high 70's and low's in the mid 50's. 

Think LAYERS! The mornings will be chilly during the morning game drives and the afternoons will be warm. Light weight clothes in neutral colors to ward off the sun. All of our hotels have pools so don't forget your bathing suits to lounge after lunch.

Inquire about this trip

Zambia: Leopards, Elephants & Waterfalls Oh My!

Zambia· May 26 - June 3 2025· 8 nights

FROM$9,995/pp