Unparalleled on foot journey traversing South Luangwa, the Zambezi, and Victoria Falls

For those with a sense of adventure, a visit to not one but two of southern Africa’s best areas for walking safari—South Luangwa National Park and Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools—is in order. Spend 3 nights in the valleys of the Luangwa River, where the unspoiled bush and seasonal waters offer a lush habitat for giraffe, lion, buffalo, civet, elephant shrew, and kaleidoscopic bird life. Trace the footsteps of the first walking safaris, and leave ample time for early morning game walks, night game drives, and river trekking. Our adventure continues on the sprawling Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, where we’ll camp on the riverbanks by night and canoe downstream by day—35 miles in all! We’ll see herds of hippos and elephants along the river, and walk the nearby floodplains among huge albida trees. Treat yourself to a night in a luxury hotel as we cap off our adventure at spectacular Victoria Falls.

Activities

9 days of moderate walking safari, canoeing, game drives

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Canoeing down the Zambezi, one of the greatest rivers in Africa, past hippo and elephant, and sleeping on the banks of the river
• On foot interactions with elephants, spectacular birding, and learn how to identify tracks with the best safari guides in the business!
• Visit iconic Victoria Falls on the stunning Zimbabwe side
• Active safari trip for those who want to get close to nature outside of the noisy game vehicles

Duration: 9 days Start Location: Lusaka End Location: Victoria Falls

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive Lusaka

  Arrive at Lusaka International Airport in Zambia and tranfer to the South Luangwa Valley. Settle into Kalamu Lagoon Camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive.

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  Day 2 : South Luangwa National Park

  After breakfast, we'll depart Kalamu Lagoon Camp by vehicle and head east to Mphande Plains. From here we trek down to the Mapandwe stream and head downstream to the Luangwa River, where we have lunch on its banks. In the afternoon, we continue our walk westward and explore the Chinengwe area, arriving at Chinengwe Riverbed Camp in time for a sundowner and a shower.
   

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  Day 3 : South Luangwa National Park

  Today, we'll cross the river in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and explore the northern bank, stopping for lunch at the confluence of the Kalauzi stream. Later in the afternoon we cross back over to the southern side, where we will walk along the banks of the Luangwa River to Kalamu Star-bed Camp.

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  Day 4 : To Zimbabwe

  After an early morning breakfast, we'll trek downriver in the direction of Kalamu Lagoon Camp and air strip. We'll fly back to Lusaka to clear Zambian customs and immigration before continuing to Zimbabwe, finally arriving at Mana West air strip. From here, we'll take a short transfer to comfortable Ruckomechi Camp, which overlooks the Zambezi River.

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  Day 5 : Canoe safari begins

  We'll meet our canoe safari guides for a briefing, then start paddling downstream around eight miles to our mobile camp in Mana Pools National Park. Upon arrival, camp is already set up for us.

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  Day 6 : Zambezi River

  We'll awaken before dawn with tea and coffee to set off on an early morning game walk, then canoe to our next camp.

• Day 7 : Zambezi River

  Today we'll cover about 11 miles total, and we alternate between paddling in our canoes and walking.

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  Day 8 : Zambezi to Victoria Falls

  After breakfast by the river, guests will be transferred by vehicle and on foot to the nearby Chikwenya airstrip for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, we will transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, a luxury hotel within view of the falls. We'll enjoy a sunset cruise tonight on the Zambezi River.

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  Day 9 : Victoria Falls

  We'll tour Victoria Falls this morning, then depart for flights home in the afternoon.  Or add on a few extra nights in Victoria Falls or join our Hwange National Park extension for more time on safari!

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  Kalamu Lagoon Camp

  South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

  Kalamu Lagoon Camp is situated in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of eight safari-style reed and canvas tents, each with both indoor and outdoor showers. The camp's dining and bar area are under a canopy of giant ebony trees overlooking a beautiful lagoon just off the Luangwa River. A pool and viewing deck area located to the side of the camp offer spectacular views of the lagoon. Activities at Kalamu Lagoon Camp include day and night game drives, including potential sightings of leopard, genet, civet, elephant shrew and white-tailed mongoose.

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  Chinengwe Riverbed Camp

  South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

  Chinengwe Riverbed Camp is a tented camp situated in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of three dome-style tents erected on the base of the Luangwa River, right on the edge of the water. Each tent has its own bucket shower and hand wash basin, with hot water brought to the tent by staff when you wish to shower. The camp's dining area is along the scenic riverbed, with meals served around the fire.

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  Kalamu Star-bed Camp

  South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

  Kalamu Star-bed Camp is situated in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of three timber platforms, raised 10 feet above the ground with twin beds under mosquito nets and the stars as the roof! Each platform has its own bathroom with hot and cold running water. The camp's dining area is set up on the river bank with meals served around the fire.

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  Victoria Falls Hotel

  Victoria Falls

  The Victoria Falls Hotel is situated on a natural heritage site overlooking the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, only a 10-minute walk to the Falls.  The hotel has a distinctly colonial design, with Edwardian-style furniture and grand elegance.  It is set in lush tropical gardens, with the views and roaring sounds of the Falls as its most distinct feature.  All of the 180 en suite rooms have 4-poster or canopied beds and antique furniture.

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  Ruckomechi Camp

  Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

  Ruckomechi Camp accommodates guests in ten spacious en-suite tented unit, all of which overlook the Zambezi River.  Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts a favorite amongst guests: its outdoor "bath-with-a-view" in a secluded, scenic spot.  The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face the escarpment and are connected to the rest of the camp by low-level walkways that minimize our environmental impact.  There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star gazing deck.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File