Self-Drive Classic Zambia - 15 Days

(Camping)

“Despite almost two weeks of incredible animal sightings, we were completely unprepared for volume and variety of animals we encountered at the Luangwa River.”

With the concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons or wafwas, being amongst the most intense in Africa, nothing will prepare you for the number of sightings and diversity of wildlife. Not even exploring Kafue National Park, the oldest game reserve in Zambia with its magnificent habitats and diversity.

This itinerary is one of our top picks for aspiring wildlife photographers, adventurous campers and those who prefer to get off the beaten track and leave the crowds behind….

Victoria Falls - Kafue National Park - South Luangwa National Park

- 4x4 hire – 4x4 dual cab with 1 rooftop tent includes camping equipment (Toyota Hilux or similar). Pick up Livingstone International Airport, drop off Lusaka International Airport. For details of the vehicle types available please see - Self Drive Vehicle Options.
- 4x4 hire vehicle cover - unlimited kilometres, collision damage waiver (USD3,000 excess), second driver, taxes and tourism levies, introduction to vehicle, travel pack and GPS unit.
- Accommodation as indicated below.
- Relevant Travel Africa Information sheets.

With Travel Africa you are safe in the knowledge that you are working with people who are experts in self-drive travel. We have driven the types of vehicles you are looking to hire and driven them in the places, and on the road conditions, that you will experience. We have enjoyed all kinds of self-drive trips in southern Africa for over 25 years – from quick flits along the Garden Route to 8 month adventure trips with fully equipped 4x4s and roof top tents throughout southern Africa.

We give you peace of mind by working closely with you to custom-make and book your itinerary – ensuring you have the most appropriate type of vehicle and accommodation for your trip. We also provide you with detailed trip dossiers, which include routes, directions, tips and hints on driving in southern Africa, ensuring you have all the information you need to enjoy every minute of your trip and feel comfortable and secure with your holiday plan!

Our in-depth knowledge of destinations, conditions, vehicles and equipment, based on extensive personal experience, gives you the peace of mind you need for your self-drive safari.

Interactive standard itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Collect your vehicle from Livingstone International Airport. Livingstone is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Victoria Falls. Stay on the banks of the Zambezi River and take advantage of the numerous adrenaline activities on offer - from white water rafting to helicopter flights, from elephant encounters to canopy tours. A sunset cruise along the Zambezi is a must. Cross the border into Zimbabwe to view the Falls from another stunning angle.

Stay at:
Waterfront Lodge or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 310kms, partly dirt / soft sand roads.

Found in the centre of western Zambia, Kafue National Park is the oldest and largest of Zambia’s national parks. It covers a massive 22,400 square km. First established as a National Park in the 1950s, Kafue is one of the largest national parks in the whole of Africa. Thanks to its size and variety of habitat types Kafue holds a fantastic diversity of wildlife.

It is a long drive from Livingstone to Hippo Bay, located on the southern edge of Lake Itezhi Tezhi so give yourself plenty of time (5-6 hours). As you enter Kafue from the south, and during your game drives, you will traverse the Nanzhila Plains, characterised by Miombo and Kalahari woodland, interspersed with dambos and grassy plains. Game-watching is a pleasure thanks to wide open spaces and good visibility. The seasonal Nanzhila River that flows across the plains overflows its banks during the rainy season, covering the entire area, with the exception of termite mounds. During the dry season plains game and predators are plentiful.

Stay at:
Hippo Bay Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 220kms, dirt roads (can be potholed).

Located on the banks of the Kafue River, Mayukuyuku is one of the most picturesque spots in Kafue. Fabulous views of the river including the rapids after which it gets its name. Fall asleep to the sounds of the hippos grunting and wake up to another day of searching for the amazing animal and bird life of Kafue.

Stay at:
Mayukuyuku Camp or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 310kms on good, main roads via Chipata or 175kms on dirt roads following the Luangwa River.

South Luangwa is known one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons or wafwas, is among the most intense in Africa.

The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of South Luangwa. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. Famous for its concentrations of leopards, consider at least one night drive during your stay.

Don't forget to visit the stunning Tribal Textile Factory - a superb example of community-based economic enterprises. These handmade textiles are exported throughout the world - be tempted by the factory's wonderful shop (see our blog about this great place).

Stay at:
Wildlife Camp or similar

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