Quintessential Zambia
Victoria Falls-Zambia
Victoria Falls - Zambia
Zambia - Game Drive
Zambia - Walking Safari
Zambia - Elephant
Zambia - Sunset Cruise
Zambia - Hippo
Zambia
Zambia - Monkey

Quintessential Zambia

From: 
Regular price
$28,275.00
Sale price
$28,275.00

Single Room, Solo Traveller, Children and Cross-Season pricing is available on request
Surcharges may apply during Easter, Christmas and New Year periods

The published itinerary is based on the Deluxe Category (Silver). The itinerary is also available in both First Class (Bronze) and Super Deluxe Class (Gold) - itinerary/price available on request (itineraries in other categories may vary slightly from that published below).

Bespoke Holiday
10 Days Victoria Falls (Zambia) to Lusaka
Departs: May to November
Victoria Falls (Zambia) (3) | Lower Zambezi (3) | South Luangwa National Park (3)
 
Discover the wild beauty of Zambia on this bespoke itinerary showcasing the best of this stunning country. Begin your journey in Livingstone with a visit to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Continue your adventure to the pristine wilderness of Lower Zambezi National Park, where you’ll be immersed in nature with exhilarating game drives, guided walking safaris, and tranquil sundowner cruises on the Zambezi River. Finally, explore the renowned South Luangwa National Park with expert guides who will lead you through its rich landscapes on foot and by vehicle. Encounter diverse wildlife along the Luangwa River, including hippos, crocodiles, and big game. This journey offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural wonder, and authentic safari experiences.
 
Highlights:
  • Witness the thundering sound and misty spray of the majestic Victoria Falls
  • Explore the Lower Zambezi National Park, a pristine wilderness area teeming with wildlife
  • Discover South Luangwa’s hidden treasures including the spectacular Luangwa River, teeming with hippos

Day 1: 

Welcome to Zambia. On arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met in the arrivals hall by a lodge representation and transferred to your lodge (transfer time approx. 25 minutes). The remainder of your day is at leisure to experience a game viewing activity on offer.

Situated along the southern border of Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. It forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and stretches across almost two kilometres into a gorge over one hundred metres below - making it one of the world’s widest waterfalls. Dubbed ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ by locals, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Zambia. It is world-renowned for its sheer beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife.

Day 2 & Day 3: Victoria Falls (Zambia) (BLD)

Two leisurely days at Tongabezi Lodge, to experience their bespoke hospitality firsthand. Embracing a tailored approach, there is no fixed schedule—just the freedom to engage in activities that resonate with your ideal getaway. Choose from a variety of inclusive excursions, each perfectly timed to enhance your holiday. Options abound: marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls, embark on an early morning game drive through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, take a serene sunset cruise down the Zambezi River, or savour a romantic sampan dinner drifting along the river's gentle currents.

Day 4: Victoria Falls – Lower Zambezi (BLD)

Time permitting, experience one last early morning game viewing activity before your departure. You will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area and transferred to Harry Nkumbula International Airport where you will be met by a representative and assisted with check-in for your scheduled charter flight to the Lower Zambezi (seasonal flights may go via Lusaka). Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure to experience a game viewing activity.

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, 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.

Day 5 & Day 6: Lower Zambezi (BLD)

Unlike typical African safaris, the Lower Zambezi safari experience offers a distinct blend of remoteness, exclusivity, and immersive encounters with wildlife. Patience is key for both guests and guides during game viewing, and the results are often outstanding.

Chiawa Camp is located in the middle of prime wildlife and habitat zones of the Lower Zambezi National Park, which means you usually don’t have to travel far to see wildlife. What’s more, often wildlife make their way into camp to visit you, providing out-of-this-world game sightings. Wildlife to be spotted includes elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck, hippos and crocodiles.

Your stay at Chiawa Camp includes a range of safari activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and Zambezi River safaris, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in the wild.

Day 7:  Lower Zambezi – South Luangwa National Park (BLD)

Time permitting, experience one last early morning game viewing activity before your departure. You will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area (departure time will be advised locally) and transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Mfuwe. Upon arrival at Mfuwe airport, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your lodge. Remainder of the day at leisure to experience a game viewing activity.

Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.

Day 8 & Day 9: South Luangwa National Park (BLD)  

Two days to experience the activities on offer at Puku Ridge. South Luangwa National Park is abundant with elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, zebras and various antelope species – many of which will be easily spotted as you lounge on your balcony or eat dinner. This stunning area can also be explored on foot with park rangers and tracking guides, and at night offering a chance to see some of the more elusive animals, such as leopards, genets, and honey badgers. Sunset is a perfect time to indulge in a cocktail in the bush, or on the banks of the Luangwa River in the company of one of Africa's largest hippo populations.

Day 10: South Luangwa National Park - Lusaka (B)

Time permitting, experience one last early morning game viewing activity before your departure. You will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area and transferred to the airport. Depart Mfuwe by scheduled charter flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka. Upon arrival collect your luggage and proceed to check in for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Private airport/hotel return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver / driver guides
  • 9-nghts' accommodation as specified (or similar)
  • Meals and drinks as specified in itinerary
  • Shared game viewing activities with English-speaking driver-guide
  • Laundry at safari lodges/camp
  • Seat in charter flights between Airports and Camps/Lodges as specified: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)/Chiawa Safaris-Chiawa Camp; Chiawa Safaris-Chiawa Camp/Mfuwe Airport (MFU); Mfuwe Airport (MFU)/Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
  • VAT
  • Tourism levy at 1%
  • 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Zambia
  • Zambia Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International and regional scheduled flights
  • Transfers not specified in itinerary
  • Any local/domestic flights not mentioned under inclusions
  • Meals and beverages not specified in itinerary
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visas Fees (where applicable)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

 

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Victoria Falls (Zambia)

Tongabezi Lodge – River Cottage
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Welcome to Tongabezi Lodge, a beautiful riverside retreat just 14 km upstream from Victoria Falls, featuring personalised service (including a dedicated butler), meals on a floating sampan, fishing excursions, spa days, and sunset cocktails on a solar-powered dhow.
Accommodations are uniquely designed, ranging from the Tree House with its semi-outdoor bathtub to the luxurious Dog House with a private plunge pool, alongside River Cottages and exclusive Houses. The River Cottages feature high ceilings, giant bespoke wood and glass windows, and doors leading onto expansive sustainable pine decks. The best of 'Made in Zambia' is carried throughout both the interior and outdoor spaces in the most elegant ways.
Amenities include two main swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, expansive lawns, an onsite community vegetable garden, and a curio shop. Unique dining experiences, such as private meals beneath lunar rainbows at the Falls, add to the magic, while the innovative bath menu allows guests to customise their soak with eco-friendly products. Guests can also engage in meaningful community and conservation activities, like village tours and rhino walks, because Tongabezi Lodge believe that ethical equals unforgettable.
Images Credit: Green Safaris/Tongabezi Lodge

Lower Zambezi

Chiawa Safaris – Chiawa Camp – Superior Safari Tent
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top safari destinations, Chiawa Camp is a fully solar-powered, multi-award-winning retreat set along the banks of the Zambezi River beneath a majestic canopy of Mahogany trees. Located in a prime position within the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, the camp boasts an inviting thatched lounge and bar area, complete with an elevated viewing deck offering breathtaking vistas of the Zambezi.
Guests can expect attentive yet unpretentious, personalised service, along with exceptional cuisine and luxurious tented accommodations featuring panoramic views of the Zambezi and its resident wildlife. As the pioneering lodge in the Lower Zambezi, this family-owned and operated camp offers a diverse range of activities—including game drives, guided bush walks, boating, and catch-and-release fishing—all led by some of the most skilled guides in Africa.
For those who prefer to unwind at camp, there’s still plenty to do: an in-room massage, time spent in the wildlife viewing hide, a refreshing dip in the pool with its scenic sundeck, or a workout in the camp’s well-equipped fitness shack.
Images Credit: Chiawa Safaris/Chiawa Camp

South Luangwa National Park

Chiawa Safaris – Puku Ridge – Puku Ridge Room
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Puku Ridge, named after the Puku antelope that graze the floodplains in its view, is perched on a ridge in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park at one of its most beautiful locations. The camp was rebuilt completely in 2019 in an African canvas/chic style that blends in completely with its gorgeous environment. This is a luxury camp with every comfort, yet is intimate and friendly offering the authentic safari experience that many people long for.
Each of Puku Ridge’s 8 luxury safari tents are set on an elevated ridge overlooking plain and woodlands, full of wildlife. A super-king or large twin bed configuration for the ultimate sleep with air conditioning (which is a rare and welcome luxury in the Luangwa valley) and overhead fans, all within a stylish take on the mosquito net. Ensuite facilities include indoor shower plus “his & hers” washbasins and huge bathtub with view.
Puku Ridge is wilderness refined – from the elegant architectural lines to the thoughtfully outfitted game viewing vehicles and the perfectly-positioned photographic hide in front of the camp’s private watering hole.
Images Credit: Chiawa Safaris/© Scott Ramsay

Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
 
Entry Requirements - Zambia
Travellers may be required to obtain a visa prior to arrival or on arrival depending on nationality.
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.  

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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