15 Days Budget Zambia Safari Holiday
15 Days Budget Zambia Safari Holiday
Looking for a value for money safari without compromising on the wildlife experience, Look no further; a safari doesn’t have to break the bank.
If you want to save even more money, consider visiting South Luangwa during the green season when lodges offer cheaper rates. The green season is a wonderful time to go on safari, especially if you want to see wildlife offspring, lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists!
These lodges have been carefully selected for offering excellent safaris and for their superb locations. They offer a comfortable place to stay, good food and stunning views.
Safari highlights
- Lusaka city tour
- South Luangwa national park
- Luambe national park
- North Luangwa national park
- Kapishya Hot Springs
- Victoria falls
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Lusaka international airport and transfer to your guest house for relaxation and overnight
Upon arrival in Lusaka, the main capital of Zambia our guide will pick you up and transfer to your guest house for relaxation and overnight
Day 2: Full day Lusaka city tour
After Lazily morning breakfast you will enjoy full day city tour of Lusaka which will include a visit to the popular elephant orphanage followed by lunch at Lilayi Lodge. After you will return to the guest house for relaxation as you prepare for your safari.
Day 3: Domestic flight to South Luangwa National Park
After morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight from Lusaka to South Luangwa national park, we recommend flying because during the wet season the roads are very difficult to Navigate as the park is located 700 kms from Lusaka your guide will receive you and transfer you to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 4: Full day game drives in South Luangwa National Park
Morning and afternoon shared game drives returning to the camp late morning for lunch and a rest. The afternoon game drive stops for sun downers in the bush after which follows a night game drive in the park in search of nocturnal wildlife in the park.
Day 5: Drive to Luambe National Park
After morning breakfast you will meet your guide and start your drive through the game-rich Nsefu sector of the Luangwa Valley to Luambe National Park, arriving in time for a late lunch. Or take along a packed lunch and arrive in time for the afternoon game drive.
Luambe is a small park, just 25 kms long, sandwiched between South and North Luangwa National Parks. Due to its history and the proximity of human populations, Luambe is not a big five destination. It will take a few years of lodge presence and visitors ‘patronage to encourage the growth of its wildlife numbers. The lodge consists of five spacious and comfortable en-suite safari tents on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking one of the river’s largest hippo pods. Expect a noisy night!
Day 6: Full day activities in Luambe National Park
After morning breakfast you will enjoy game drives; walking safaris; birding and hippo watching. Carmine bee-eaters arrive from Mozambique beginning in late July to nest in the river banks. By August and September, you can enjoy morning coffee near their colony which allows you to see these beautiful birds leave their nests at first light to take to the air in search of insects.
Day 7: Drive from Luambe National park to North Luangwa National Park
This is your most adventurous day, driving between Luambe NP and North Luangwa NP, a scenic journey which takes you through rural Zambia. You carry a packed lunch. You cross a pontoon over the Luangwa River into the North park by early to mid-afternoon. From there you will drive to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 7: Full day game drives in North Luangwa National Park
As there are limited game tracks in this park, walking safaris are the main activity in this true wilderness. As the dry season wears on, buffalo congregate in huge herds for protection from the predators which stalk them. Lions have a reputation for being fierce in North Luangwa.
Day 8: Drive from North Luangwa to Kapishya Hot Springs
After morning breakfast you will bid farewell to the lodge and drive up the Luangwa Valley escarpment to exit the park at Mano Gate. Your destination today is Kapishya Hot Springs on the private Shiwa Ng’andu Estate. Shiwa Ng’andu is a manor house and farm built by Sir Stewart Gore-Browne in the 1920s and which today welcomes tourists as a game farm, historical site and unique accommodation. The 100 square km estate offers good walking and horseback riding for competent riders. Birding is also excellent. Kapishya Hot Springs is located 30 kms from the manor house. Chalet accommodation here is set in lovely gardens only a few minutes’ walk from the hot springs. Your Kapishya host is Mark Harvey, grandson of Sir Stewart, who also owns and operates Buffalo Camp, your accommodation in North Luangwa National Park.
Day 9: Kapishya Hot Springs
We suggest an early morning tour of the Shiwa Manor House between 8:30 – 9:30 am. For the rest of the day, relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and hot springs. Sort through your photos and use the wireless to contact the outside world. Kapishya has a spa on site offering all sorts of pampering services.
Day 10: Drive to Mutinondo Wilderness
Your destination today is the Mutinondo Wilderness, a private 100 square km preserve of indigenous miombo woodland. Mutinondo is perfect for exploring on foot. Accommodation is rustic stone chalets tucked away in the whalebacks which are a distinctive geographical feature of Mutinondo. September is the month known for the miombo flush — the deciduous forests turn red and yellow — Mutinondo is one of the best destinations to experience these colours.
Day 11: Full day exploration of Mutinondo Wilderness
Explore the Mutinondo Wilderness on foot. A guided, full day hike down the escarpment to Mutinondo Waterfalls can be arranged in advance for a small, additional cost for the guide. Otherwise, there are other less strenuous hiking trails you can undertake on your own.
Day 12: Drive back to Lusaka
After morning breakfast you will start your drive to Lusaka, upon arrival you will check in to your guest house for relaxation and overnight
Day 13: Flight from Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
After morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your connecting flight to Livingstone, upon arrival you will be received by our guide and transfer to your guest house for relaxation and overnight.
Day 14: Full day exploration of Victoria falls
After morning breakfast you will drive to the mighty Victoria Falls for a hike, this magnificent water falls is one of the finest waterfalls in southern Africa, sitting near the thunder that smokes is one of the most magnificent safari experiences in Zambia later you will return to the guest house for relaxation and overnight.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for your own ward flight
After a delightful experience in Zambia depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your own ward flight.
Trip includes
Tour includes for trip are provided upon booking.
Trip excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Zambia tourist visa
- Tips for guides and hotels
- Personal expenses like Alcoholic drinks, enroute meals and shopping
When to book this safari package
We recommend booking this trip at least 3 months in advance but last minute Enquiries can be made through our office in Zambia through info@wildernessexplorersafrica.com
Best time to book a budget safari in Zambia
The green season is a fantastic time to go on a budget Zambia safari. Not only is the price significantly cheaper, the bush experience is totally different: there is an abundance of young wildlife, fewer vehicles, and incredible bird life.
