Self-Drive Zambia Explorer - 14 Days

(Camping)

Get ‘off the beaten’ track and explore the wonderful game reserves of Zambia on this self-drive camping safari. Start in Livingstone and visit the incredible spectacle of the Victoria Falls before leaving the crowds behind as you experience two of Zambia’s premier national parks. Firstly visit the Lower Zambezi National Park located on the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi River. This reserve features an exceptional, undeveloped wilderness renowned for its abundant game - hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, fish eagles, lion, leopard and herds of elephants can be spotted. Then it is on to fantastic South Luangwa National Park, known as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and well known for its exceptional leopard and wild dog sightings. The concentration of animals along the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons or wafwas, is among the most intense in Africa

Victoria Falls - Lower Zambezi 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 260kms, a mix of good main roads and dirt roads (the last 60 kms from Chirundu to the park is a dirt road where high clearance 4x4 is required).

Your route today will take you down the northern Zambezi escarpment into the Zambezi Valley. At the border town of Chirundu you will head east along the Zambezi River to your campsite located in the Chiawa Game Management Area which borders the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Located on the Zimbabwean border in the southern reaches of Zambia, the Lower Zambezi region is best known as the home to the Lower Zambezi National Park which features exceptional, undeveloped wildlife areas. It is renowned for its abundant game - hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, fish eagles, lion, leopard and herds of elephants can be spotted, among other species. The landscape is characterised by rugged, unspoilt wilderness of vast floodplains, scattered with indigenous woodlands. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities along the Zambezi including self-drive and guided game drives, walking safaris, canoe trips, and excellent tiger fishing. The area around your lodge is rich in wildlife with animals (big and small) frequently visiting the lodge!

Stay at:
Mvuu Lodge Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 300kms 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:
Track & Trails River Camp or similar

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