Soul of Zambia Safari

This is an authentic, owner-guided Zambia safari, featuring abundant diversity in the Kafue and high densities in the Lower Zambezi.

While the Kafue is the oldest and largest national park in Zambia, seasonality and poaching have subdued its safari popularity. However, experienced safari operators rate the Kafue one of the more authentic wildlife destinations in southern Africa. Higher elevation makes it cooler than the Luangwas, giving rise to variable ecology, and hence a large variety of animals. In fact, the Kafue boasts more antelope species than any park south of the Congo Basin. In addition to more common species, these include blue and yellow-backed duiker, sitatunga and lechwe, roan, sable and hartebeest.

Since losing all its rhino and 90% of its elephant populations to poaching, operators in the Kafue are increasing conservation efforts to aggressively conserve wildlife in the park. This includes preserving one of the last viable cheetah populations and the largest wild dog population in Zambia.

In contrast to the Kafue’s diversity, the Lower Zambezi National Park has a lower variety of animals. However large herds of buffalo and elephant are common and predator concentrations are high. The Zambezi River is certainly centrepiece of this region, with canoeing, fishing and boating safaris offered at most camps.

Our Soul of Zambia Safari takes intrepid safari-goers back to the early days of safari exploration. With so many wildlife-viewing activities available, you are assured of a truly authentic bush experience. Here you’ll join owner-guides on foot, by canoe, boat or game viewer for a thrilling no frills, back-to-basics safari.

Highlights

Wake up to a dawn chorus

as the sun rises through the trees

Dip your feet in the Kafue river

while sipping a cool cocktail

Canoe silently along the Zambezi river

alongside herds of bathing elephant

Feel the excitement growing

as you track big game on foot

Experiences

Day One

Your Zambia safari starts

You are met on arrival in Lusaka or Livingstone and assisted with visa and immigration formalities (we recommend that late arrivals spend a night in Lusaka)

Transfer 4.5 hours by road to Musekese Camp in the Kafue National Park

Settle into camp, enjoy lunch and some chill time before your first safari activity this afternoon

Day Two

Kafue National Park

Spend your days at Musekese camp enjoying the park in your preferred way

Your guides will brief you on animals movements and activities and hence how best to view them

A morning walking safari in the cool of the day introduces you to the smaller things that are missed from the vehicle. Besides a low density of vehicles, the park offers large, quiet areas for uninterrupted walking safaris.

Day Three

Kafue National Park

Explore further from camp on morning, evening or full day game drives

Predator activity is good, while plains game is plentiful and there is a pretty good chance of seeing some action.

Otherwise, you may prefer to spend time in the treehouse hide at camp, bird watching or game viewing.

Day Four

Kafue National Park

If you’re new to bird watching, there’s no better place to start enjoying it.

However, if you’re a regular twitcher, you’re in the best place to add to your life list.

And then, after a hot day in the bush, retreat to the cool of the Kafue River.

Watch as animals come down to drink and water birds go about their chores. Or spend hours on the water, fishing for the feisty tiger fish.

Finally, toast the end of the day with a cool one as the sun sets.

Day Five

Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park

Today you start the second half of your Zambia safari

After an early morning activity and breakfast, a 25 minute boat ride brings you to the Lufupa air strip for your charter flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park.

You are met at Jeki airstrip by your guides and transferred to your mobile camp on an island in the Zambezi River.

Days Six

Lower Zambezi National Park

Once again, a wide variety of safari activities is on offer.

Walking safaris are best done in early mornings or afternoons, during cooler weather.

Day and night game drives offer the chance to see large game, both the usual suspects and less common animals

Day Seven

Lower Zambezi National Park

Canoe safaris offer a unique perspective on viewing game.

Gliding silently alongside the river bank brings you very close to hippos, crocodiles and elephants, the former not easily accessible on foot or by vehicle.

Day Eight

Lower Zambezi

For a less intrepid water safari, a pontoon or aluminium boat offers a comfortable way to explore larger sections of the river.

Moreover, it offers unique angles for wildlife photography.

And finally, what river safari would be complete without a few hours of catch-and-release fishing? Fly and lure fishing of tigerfish, bream and catfish are an integral part of a safari along the Zambezi River.

Day Nine

Departure

Return to Jeki airstrip this morning for your flight back to Lusaka

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

Zambia safari - fishing in the Lower Zambezi NP

TRIP COST
From US $ 5050 per person sharing (2 – 6 people)

Please note regarding this trip:
- Unless otherwise specified, prices shown are based on low season rates. These prices will change for travel in high season
- Specials may apply to one or more of the hotels in any itinerary. The price shown may not take these into account. Please contact us for a date-specific quote
- Unless you’re looking at a scheduled departure or founders’ trip, all itineraries are customisable. Tell us how we can make it perfect for you.
TRIP INCLUDES
Meet and greet and assistance on arrival in Lusaka
Transfer Lusaka to Musekese
Full board accommodation (all meals, local beers, house wines and spirits)
Safari activities (walking, game drives, canoe and boat trips)
Charter flight Kafue to Lower Zambezi
Scheduled flight Lower Zambezi to Lusaka
Laundry
Park fees, conservation contribution, MedEvac cover
TRIP EXCLUDES
Zambia visa
Guide gratuities
Personal purchases
TRAVEL FOR LESS AS A GROUP
Seven people: from US$ 4820 per person sharing
Eight people: from US$ 4540 per person sharing
Nine people: from US$ 4325 per person sharing
Ten people: from US$ 4150 per person sharing

These costs based on air transfers Lusaka – Kafue – Lower Zambezi – Lusaka
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
The camps used in this itinerary are closed during the wet season, between Dec and May.
Since they fall on the cusps between wet and dry seasons, June and Nov are priced as low season
High season therefore falls within the driest months of July and Oct
CAMPS
This itinerary stays at Jeffery & McKeith’s Musekese Camp in the Kafue National Park
With only five chalets, taking a maximum of ten people, this is a perfect safari for a family or friends group.
Since there is a minimum of two guides on hand at any time, you are entirely assured of enjoying activities at your pace and interest.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable with all the necessities, including en suite flushing toilets and on-demand hot water bucket showers.
A well configured solar set up provides power for the camp.
Importantly, the main area has plenty of surplus power 24/7 to keep all your devices fully charged and drinks ice cold.
In the Lower Zambezi, this itinerary uses Tusk & Mane’s Chula Island fly Camp
This is a true fly camp, with lightweight canvas and netting tents and en suite bathrooms.
Each tent is equipped with comfortable single or double beds, complete with crisp linen. All creature comforts are included, along with flush toilets and hot water bucket showers on demand.
While comfortable and welcoming, the camp has a light footprint and the focus of the stay is on the safari experience.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Both the Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks are malaria endemic areas. We encourage travellers to seek advice on malaria prevention prior to travelling here.
Tsetse flies are common in the Kafue in the dry season. While the past 50 years have been Trypanosomiasis-free, the flies do deliver a painful and itchy bite. We therefore recommend treating clothing and carrying good repellents while travelling.