10 Day In-Depth Zambia Safari

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you are met by an African Sky representative who assists with formalities and check-in for your flight to Livingstone. After landing in Zambia, you are welcomed at Livingstone Airport and transferred into town with a stop at the Livingstone Museum. The museum houses the largest collection of Sir David Livingstone’s letters and journals and provides a fascinating introduction to the explorer’s life and the history of this part of Africa.

From the museum you continue towards the Zambezi River, pausing for a first glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls. The spray and roar of “the smoke that thunders” set the tone for your safari. You then check in at the Royal Livingstone, where the late afternoon is at leisure. Take a stroll in the manicured gardens, watch zebras graze on the lawns or simply relax on the terrace with views of the river drifting by.

This morning is dedicated to exploring the falls section of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The local name, meaning “the smoke that thunders,” has been used for centuries and perfectly describes the spectacle before you. From the network of paths and viewpoints, you enjoy sweeping vistas of the curtain of water plunging into the gorge below. A walk across the knife-edge bridge, with spray rising all around you, is a thrilling highlight and offers some of the most dramatic views of the falls.

At the entrance to the falls there is an extensive African curio market, where you can browse carved stone and wooden sculptures, textiles and other handcrafted souvenirs before returning to the hotel around midday. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the pool, spa or river views. In the late afternoon, you board a riverboat for a relaxed sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Traditional cocktails and snacks are served as you watch hippos bob in the water and the sun sink into the horizon in a blaze of color.

This morning, enjoy a dedicated visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary located in the wilderness near Livingstone. The experience begins with a detailed introductory briefing where you'll learn about the conservation efforts, the unique personalities of the resident elephants, and the non-coercive methods used in their care. You will join the elephants and their dedicated handlers on a peaceful, guided "bush walk," moving quietly alongside the herd as they feed and socialize naturally in their environment.

This intimate time offers unparalleled photo opportunities and allows for respectful, close-range observation of these magnificent pachyderms. Depending on the route, you may pause along the banks of the Zambezi River to appreciate the vast scale of the landscape. The encounter concludes with an opportunity for further interaction and feeding the elephants, followed by a late breakfast or early lunch. You will then return to the Royal Livingstone, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a swim, relax with a book on the deck, or take a gentle stroll to listen for the distant rumble of the Falls at dusk.

After breakfast you return to Livingstone Airport and board a flight of just over an hour to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. On arrival you connect with a charter flight into the Chiawa Game Management Area, where the bush quickly replaces the city skyline. From the airstrip you are transferred to Royal Zambezi Lodge, set on the banks of the northern Zambezi River with sweeping views over the water.

The lodge lies between Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park and Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, separated only by the wide, wildlife-rich river. After settling into your suite and enjoying lunch or high tea, you set out on your first safari in this remote wilderness. An afternoon game drive or river activity introduces you to the elephants, antelope, hippos and prolific birdlife that make the area so special.

Your days at Royal Zambezi begin early with a wake-up call and a light snack before heading out on a morning activity. Drift along the Zambezi on a river cruise, gliding past pods of hippo and basking crocodiles, or explore the riverine forests and open plains on a game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle. Antelope approach the water cautiously, and elephants regularly cross the channels, providing unforgettable photographic opportunities. The chorus of water birds, from kingfishers to fish eagles, adds a soundtrack to every outing.

After brunch and a few hours at leisure, you venture out again in the late afternoon for another safari. Choose from game drives, guided bush walks, canoe excursions or catch-and-release tiger fishing. As darkness falls, an after-dinner drive offers the chance to spot nocturnal species like leopard, hyena and civet. Guests also have the opportunity to join a cultural village visit to a nearby Goba community, providing insight into local life along the Zambezi. Each experience deepens your connection with this wild and wonderfully unspoiled corner of Africa.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Luangwa River Camp as the sun rises over the river and the bush comes to life one last time. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be a little time for a last look at the river or a short walk around camp before you say goodbye to the staff who have hosted your stay.

You are then transferred by road back to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka. In Lusaka you connect with an onward flight to Johannesburg, where your journey concludes. Your exploration of Zambia’s premier wilderness areas – from the spray of Victoria Falls to the waters of the Lower Zambezi and the game-rich plains of South Luangwa – comes to an end, leaving you with a wealth of safari memories.