8 Days Ultimate South Luangwa & Victoria Falls Safari : Travel to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and then enjoy a scenic flight to South Luangwa National Park. This wildlife sanctuary, recognized as one of the finest globally, hosts over 60 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Embark on a walking safari through the bush to experience the wildlife up close, or seek out the Park’s renowned leopards. Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls following your safari adventure. For those in search of an adrenaline rush, swimming in the Devil’s Pool is an exhilarating option, situated right at the brink of the 100-meter-high falls.
South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park, along with the Luangwa River, draws a significant array of wildlife due to its abundant vegetation. Herds of elephants and buffalo are plentiful, along with significant antelope species like impala and puku. Among the other antelope species are the common waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, kudu, grysbok, oribi, reedbuck, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable, and roan. The leopard watching in this area is exceptional, featuring species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, which are unique to this location.
The main predators in South Luangwa Park include lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs. The dry season of the Luangwa River, when all wildlife gathers along its banks, offers an unforgettable experience. The local lion prides benefit from abundant hippo populations, while yellow baboons and Defassa waterbuck provide a striking contrast to their southern relatives, and the endangered wild dog also flourishes.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, promises to create an indelible impression on you. The months of April and May offer the most breathtaking views of the falls. In April, the water levels reach their peak for the year, while the geological formations of the falls exhibit their most pristine state during the dry season, especially in October and November. The wildlife is remarkable, and there are many safari opportunities in the region, particularly from May to October.
Day 1 : Arrive /Flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa NP
Upon your arrival at Lusaka International Airport, a representative from African Vacation Safaris will be there to welcome you. They will help you with your luggage and facilitate your check-in for the local flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park, which has a duration of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
A guide from Chikunto Safari Resort will greet you at Mfuwe Airport, and you will be taken for approximately 45 minutes to the South Luangwa National Gate, where you will enter the park for an additional game drive to the lodge. Once you have checked in, you will enjoy the remainder of the evening at your own pace before dinner is served, and you can retire for the night whenever you wish.
Day 2 – 4 : Explore South Luangwa National Park
During your visit, you will enjoy three complete days to discover South Luangwa National Park, featuring two game viewing activities each day: a morning and an evening game drive safari, or an exceptional walking safari — renowned as the finest in Southern Africa.
Following a delightful breakfast, we will set off for a game viewing adventure in the South Luangwa. Throughout the day, you have the option to choose between game drives and walking safaris, and after sunset, you can embark on a night game drive in search of nocturnal species such as the elusive leopard and the majestic lion during their hunts. You will return to the lodge in time for dinner, and then retire for the night at your convenience.
Day 5 : Flight to Livingstone Via Lusaka
Breakfast is provided at the start of the day, after which your guide will take you to Mfuwe airport to catch your flight to Livingstone. Your journey will begin with a flight to Lusaka, followed by a transfer to another aircraft heading to Livingstone.
Upon your arrival at Livingstone International Airport, a driver from Chundukwa River Lodge will be there to welcome you and take you on a transfer that lasts approximately 1 hour. Arrive at Chundukwa for check-in, followed by lunch with a view of the Zambezi River (lunch or snacks based on your arrival time).
The Boat Cruise is scheduled to leave the lodge at 5 p.m., featuring sundowners and snacks for your enjoyment. As the sun dips below the horizon on another African evening, the river bursts forth in a vibrant display of color… On your first day, you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and wildlife gathering at the water’s edge, providing a wonderful and soothing introduction to the essence of Africa.
You arrive back at the lodge just before dusk, take some time to freshen up, and unwind before enjoying dinner and settling in for the night.
Day 6: Full Day Trip to Victoria Falls
Enjoy breakfast in the morning before departing for a full day trip to Victoria Falls. Your Victoria Falls Day Trip includes a private vehicle along with a guide/driver who will keep you engaged throughout the entire day. Visitors have the chance to experience a private vehicle for a day at their own pace, exploring Victoria Falls, the historic Livingstone Museum, and the vibrant town filled with lively markets and diverse people.
Embark on a guided tour of the Falls in the morning, followed by a brief opportunity for some curio shopping at the falls market.
Your experience will include a Livingstone city tour, featuring a blend of shopping in cultural markets, exploring the city, and a visit to the Livingstone Museum. At 12:30, you will be taken to the Livingstone Island launch site for your Devil Pool lunchtime experience.
Your adventure at Devil’s Pool begins with a boat ride that swiftly takes you over the falls and onto a quaint island nestled in the heart of the 1.7km expanse of the falls. Here, you will gain the unique perspective of witnessing the complete grandeur of the falls, the gorge, and its vibrant rainbows. A swim in the notorious Devils Pool will be presented to you. Following that, you can enjoy a delightful three-course lunch served in a charming little tent nestled in the forest by the edge of the falls. The food we may include is prepared by three African lady chefs who have passionately cooked for 17 years in their bush kitchen on this island. This is an extraordinary experience that you will cherish for years, and your activity will conclude between 2:30 pm and 3 pm.
The Flight of the Angels (15-Minute Helicopter Flight) – Following your visit to the Devil’s Pools, you will be escorted to the launch site where your guide will be ready to assist you. From there, you will proceed to the Helicopter Flight Base for your 15-minute helicopter experience.
Embark on the Flight of Angels, a remarkable helicopter journey above the breathtaking Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge, Zambezi River, and the verdant Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Batoka Sky offers adventurers a selection of three stunning scenic flights: the brief 15-minute flight, the 22-minute gorge flight, and the extended 30-minute scenic flight.
After a day of adventure, you will return to the lodge to enjoy sundowners on the patio, followed by a delightful dinner in the evening, all before settling in for the night at your leisure.
Day 7 : Bush Experience and Local Culture Tour
Your day will commence with a two-hour morning horse ride. We offer horses that cater to every level of rider. Experience our most popular ride with a 1h30 – 2h journey through the riverine woodland area on our property. Departing early morning, you’ll return to enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Late morning – Attend our Nakawa school project, engage with the children, connect with the teachers and the community. Discover the incredible individuals who bring everything together! Join us for lunch at Chundukwa River Lodge. For each guest who visits the project, we contribute K300 to the school fund. A charming curio shop is available, featuring items crafted by young boys honing their carpentry skills. You might consider purchasing a piece for a friend, knowing that it supports a worthy cause.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, or you may choose from optional activities such as a River Cruise, Guided Bushwalk, Horse Ride, or Birding Tour.
Day 8: Departure
On the final day, you will enjoy breakfast in the morning, and depending on your flight schedule, there will be an opportunity for an additional early morning Horse Ride before your departure.
You will later be dropped off at Livingstone International Airport for your flight back home or for onward arrangements.
End of 8 Days Ultimate South Luangwa & Victoria Falls Safari
