Zambia: Leopards, Elephants & Waterfalls Oh My!

Arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, our peaceful riverside retreat that will be home for the next few nights.

As the heat of the day softens, the group will gather and head out onto the Zambezi River for a sunset cruise. At this hour before the sun sets, the river is quietly humming—hippos surfacing in the shallows, birds skimming low across the water, and the distant murmur of the bush settling into evening. With a drink in hand and light bites served on board, it’s an easy, grounding introduction to Zambia’s slower tempo.

The evening is left open. You might linger over dinner at the hotel with new friends, or retreat early, letting the sounds of the river ease you into the adventure ahead.

Begin the day slowly with breakfast at the lodge, before we set out to explore Victoria Falls, one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Africa. Stretching across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, the falls offer a constantly shifting perspective, from wide, thundering cascades to more intimate vantage points where we can feel their full force.

For the adventurous, we can walk along the Knife-Edge Bridge, where the energy of the falls is unmistakable. The air is thick with mist, rising in soft plumes that catch the light and form fleeting rainbows as we stand over 300 feet above the Zambezi River.

Later, we'll set out on a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, one of Zambia's smaller parks but a special one. Here, we'll be accompanied by an expert guide as we move through the bush, tracking endangered white rhinos and other wildlife at a gentle pace. Along the way, we'll pause for a picnic lunch and gain a deeper understanding of the surrounding ecosystem from our guides.

Returning to the lodge, there’s time to rest and reset before the evening. We’ll come back together and make our way to Chef Sungani, an intimate dining experience set within the chef’s private residence. Here, we’ll share a meal that reflects the region, with seasonal, locally sourced, and thoughtfully prepared plates.

After breakfast, we'll cross into Zimbabwe for a deeper look at the region’s shared history and culture. Our first stop is the Victoria Falls Bridge, an early 20th-century engineering feat that spans the powerful Zambezi River. Standing here, with the spray of the falls nearby, we'll gain a sense not only of its scale, but of the ambition and ingenuity behind its construction.

We then continue to the Dusty Road township, an authentic glimpse into local daily life. Walking through the community, we’re welcomed into a lively atmosphere shaped by local vendors, open-air cooking fires, and the buzz of conversation and creativity. There’s a natural warmth here that's expressed through handmade goods, bold colors, and an unmistakable Zimbabwean sense of humor.

We’ll sit down together to enjoy a home-style meal hosted by Sarah, a local restaurateur whose work is deeply rooted in supporting women and celebrating Zimbabwean culture, adding a meaningful dimension to the experience.

Returning to our hotel, we'll have time to relax, perhaps with a swim or a quiet moment overlooking the river.

Later in the afternoon, we'll take a short drive up the river to The Royal Livingstone Hotel for an elegant afternoon high tea. Delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with preserves, and a selection of loose-leaf teas are served in a setting that feels indulgent.

The evening is left open to do as you wish. Whether that means a light dinner out with friends or a quiet night in, our guide will be on hand with thoughtful recommendations.

The morning starts with a relaxed breakfast before we make our way to the Baobuyu Learning Center. Here, we'll spend time understanding the work being done to provide free education and meaningful support within the local community. It’s a grounded, human experience that offers us a deeper sense of connection to this place and its people. We’ll also be introduced to a women’s needlework initiative, where practical skills are creating pathways to independence and long-term opportunity.

In the afternoon, our focus shifts back to the wild as we arrive at The Elephant Café, set along the banks of the Zambezi River. We'll be welcomed immediately into the presence of a rescued herd of elephants, with the chance to observe them up close and see their intelligence and gentle nature firsthand. The encounter is thoughtfully guided, allowing us to learn about their stories and the conservation efforts behind their care.

As the elephants wander back into the bush, we'll sit down for an unhurried meal overlooking the river. The cuisine is inventive yet rooted in traditional methods and flavors, drawing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and incorporating wild edibles in subtle, creative ways. 

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we begin the day at WayiWayi Art Studio and Gallery, where we'll spend time with local artists and see the positive impacts their creativity has on their community.

Then, we'll take to the skies for our journey toward the Lower Zambezi, connecting via Lusaka. The flight between Livingstone and Lusaka includes a light snack on board, with the option to grab something additional in the departure lounge before we continue. As we transition north, the landscape shifts beneath us, offering a sense of just how vast Zambia truly is.

Our local guide will meet us on arrival at Royal Airstrip and transfer us to Baines River Camp, our base for the next few nights. Set along the banks of the Zambezi River and positioned near Lower Zambezi National Park, the camp embodies the intersection of indulgence and wilderness. 

There’s time to settle in and freshen up before we head out for a sunset game drive, our first introduction to this new ecosystem. As the light softens, we'll watch for movement in the bush, spotting elephant, zebra, and, with luck, the more elusive predators that move through this landscape, such as lions and leopards.

Returning to camp for dinner, we'll gather over a relaxed meal at Baines' Restaurant before retreating for the night. After a full day of travel and transition, it’s a quiet landing into our new setting, with the sounds of the river close by as we rest for what lies ahead.

Enjoy the crisp morning air in the park with a quick breakfast before we start on today’s adventures.

We'll head out on an early birding game drive. Whether you're already a hardcore bird enthusiast or have never thought about birding before, your first safari to the Lower Zambezi will ensure that birds will win over your heart. We'll stop for tea and biscuits along the way. 

After a buffet lunch at the lodge, we'll enjoy some free time around the camp. If the river is low, sit back and relax on the riverbanks with your toes in the sand as the water flows by. 

In the afternoon, we'll glide along the Zambezi River, looking out for wildlife at the water’s edge. Expect to see the Big Four, though rhino populations are rare due to poaching. Lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards are the primary predators in this area. We might also spot leopards among the many large trees where they like to hang out, despite their general elusiveness. 

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

Wake up and start your day with a light breakfast. Today’s adventure begins with another game drive or river float 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 diverse wildlife create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, a genuine utopia for anyone longing to experience pure Africa. 

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

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

This time of day offers an opportunity for another exciting game drive with snacks and drinks as you watch the sunset, followed by a relaxing farewell dinner back at camp.

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our new friends, reminiscing about the wonderful moments shared. We'll transfer to the Royal Airstrip for our flight back to Lusaka, landing at 11:30 am. 

If you are joining us for the extension, we'll fly on to Mfuwe after bidding farewell to the others in Lusaka. 

If not, feel free to book your onward flights from Lusaka anytime after 2 pm, so you have adequate time to get through the airport. 

After we say our goodbyes to our core trip friends who aren't continuing with us, we'll board our plane to Mfuwe International Airport.

Once we touchdown, we’re welcomed by our guide from Kafunta River Lodge to begin the short transfer into the wilderness that will be our home for the coming days.

On arrival at the lodge, we settle into our surroundings at a leisurely pace, with lunch served whenever we’re ready. There’s no strict program here—just time to breathe, unpack, and ease into the atmosphere of the South Luangwa.

The rest of the afternoon is left open to us. We might relax at the lodge, take in the river views, or enjoy the stillness that defines this part of Zambia, where wildlife often passes quietly through the edges of camp.

As night falls, we'll gather for a four-course dinner served under the open sky. With the sounds of the bush around us and the stars overhead, it’s a gentle introduction to our time in this remarkable landscape.

After breakfast, let's head out on an early game drive into the wild heart of South Luangwa National Park, a landscape widely regarded as one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions. The park slowly comes to life at this hour: light peaking through the woodland, animal tracks freshly imprinted in the sand, and the possibility of encounters with lions, giraffes, elephants, and the elusive leopard prowling through the undergrowth.

Midway through our drive, we'll pause in a quiet clearing for a simple bush break with freshly brewed tea and coffee paired with biscuits. It’s a moment of stillness in the middle of the wilderness, greeting the day together as the sun rises.

We'll return to the lodge for lunch and time to rest, before gathering again later in the afternoon for a classic tea overlooking the Luangwa River. As the day softens, the river becomes a focal point for spotting movement in the golden light, serving as a backdrop to conversation and quiet anticipation.

As dusk settles, we set out once more for a night game drive, stepping into a different version of the bush entirely. From open-air vehicles designed for nocturnal exploration, we move through the darkness with our guide, scanning for the animals that emerge after sunset.

The day comes to a close over a relaxed meal at the lodge, with the sounds of the night wilderness floating in from beyond camp. 

A hearty breakfast at the lodge sets us up for the day ahead before we set out into the national park once more. You'll choose how to spend the morning exploring, depending on your preferences and energy levels. 

For those drawn to faster movement and covering distance, we'll set off on a game drive, scanning the open plains and riverine habitats for wildlife—lion, elephant, giraffe. For those who prefer a slower adventure, a walking safari offers an entirely different perspective: tracking footprints in the sand, noticing finer details in the landscape, and experiencing the bush at ground level with an expert guide.

Coming back together as a group, we'll visit Project Luangwa and Tribal Textiles, where we have the opportunity to spend time with local makers and explore handcrafted jewelry, beadwork, and textiles. It’s a thoughtful stop and a chance to connect more directly with the creative and community-led side of the region.

Returning to Kafunta River Lodge, we'll indulge in a freshly prepared lunch and some time to unwind. Later, we gather again for afternoon tea, taking in the calm of the lodge and the surrounding river setting as the day settles into a slower pace.

As evening approaches, let's set out on our final game drive of the trip, watching the bush shift into its dusk rhythm. A shared dinner awaits us at the lodge one last time as we savor regional flavors and spirited conversation under the vast African sky.

As our journey comes to an end, we'll return to the airport after breakfast for our flight to Lusaka, landing at 1:30 pm. Plan any onward travel after 4 pm to allow ample time to clear customs and security. 

While our adventure may be over, the memories we've created and the connections we've made will last a lifetime.