3-Week Zambia Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Zambia itineraries
Compiled by
NadineZambia travel expert at TourRadar
16 Days in Zambia, incl. Livingstone and Bangweulu Wetlands
An extensive 16-day birding tour spans 6 prime locations across Zambia, featuring 2 nights at Forest Inn Lodge, chartered flights to Shoebill Island, and a celebratory farewell dinner in Lusaka.
- Days 1-2
Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Begin in Livingstone with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Visit Victoria Falls early next day before the crowds around 8am. Watch for African Black Swift and Schalow's Turaco near the falls. Wear shoes with good grip as the mist makes paths slippery.
- Days 3-4
Nkanga Conservation Area
Travel 290km north to Masuku Lodge in Nkanga Conservation Area. You'll find the endemic Chaplin's Barbet here. Go for early morning walks when viewing is best. The lodge sits by a lake that draws many waterbirds.
- Day 5
Lochinvar National Park
Take the 97km drive to Lochinvar, where you can spot over 3,000 Wattled Cranes. Join a walking safari along Chunga Lagoon. Pack waterproof boots for the muddy floodplains. Stay overnight in Monze town.
- Days 6-7
Forest Inn Lodge
Journey north across three provinces to Forest Inn Lodge. Look for Red-throated Twinspot and Miombo Sunbird in the surrounding Miombo woodlands. The lodge provides basic but clean rooms with mosquito nets.
- Days 8-9
Kasanka National Park
Stay at Luwombwa camp to explore Kasanka's varied habitats. Look for African Finfoot and Pel's Fishing Owl by the river. From October through December, you can watch millions of fruit bats roosting at dusk.
- Days 10-12
Bangweulu Wetlands
Take a charter flight to Shoebill Island Camp if weather allows. In wet season, you might need a 4x4 transfer instead. Go on early morning boat trips to find the elusive Shoebill Stork. The wetlands support over 400 bird species.
- Days 13-14
Mutinondo Wilderness
Visit Mutinondo to spot rare birds like Long-toed Flufftail. The granite outcrops offer great viewing spots. Bring a telephoto lens for photos. The walking trails need moderate fitness levels.
- Days 15-16
Return to Lusaka
Drive to Lusaka for a final dinner to celebrate your bird sightings. Leave from Lusaka International Airport the next day. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic.
15 Day Western Zambia Itinerary, incl. Kafue and Livingstone
The ultimate 15-day safari features 3 nights at Busanga Plains, 4 nights at Liuwa Plains camps, and peaceful stays at Mukambi lodge. A thoughtful mix of game drives and leisure time spans six major destinations.
- Day 1
Lusaka
Land in Zambia's capital and take a quick 30-minute transfer to your city center hotel. Use this day to adjust to the time zone and climate. Pack light clothes that dry quickly since Zambia gets hot during the day but cools off at night.
- Days 2-3
Kafue National Park
Take a 5-hour drive west from Lusaka to Zambia's largest national park. Stay at Mukambi Lodge on the Kafue River with four observation decks for wildlife spotting. Book game drives for early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. The riverside location offers great sunset views. Bring insect repellent since mosquitoes come out at dusk.
- Days 4-5
Busanga Plains
Travel north to Busanga Plains, the highlight of Kafue. The roads are rough but worth it. Morning game drives are best for seeing lions hunting in the misty plains. Since the camps are unfenced, always listen to your guide's safety instructions about wildlife.
- Day 6
Mongu Transfer
Take a 6-hour drive to Mongu, the main town in western Zambia. Bring motion sickness medicine if you need it. Stay at the Crossroads Hotel which is simple but clean. Use your free afternoon to buy supplies before heading to more remote areas.
- Days 7-8
Liuwa Plains
Getting to Liuwa Plains involves crossing a pontoon and a 2.5-hour drive. You can see Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration here. Stay at Katoyana Campsite but bring drinking water and camping gear if it's not included. The area is known for excellent hyena viewing at night.
- Days 9-10
Southern Liuwa Plains
Move to Kwale Campsite in southern Liuwa. This area is perfect for bird watching so pack binoculars and a bird guide. There's no cell service or electricity here so bring power banks and download maps you can use offline.
- Day 11
Sioma Falls
Drive back to Mongu then continue to Sioma Falls. The campsite is basic but offers incredible views. Plan to photograph the falls in the morning light.
- Days 12-14
Livingstone & Victoria Falls
End your trip in Livingstone near Victoria Falls. Stay at the comfortable Zambezi Waterfront Lodge. Visit the falls before 10 AM to avoid crowds and see rainbows in the mist. The falls are fullest from March to May but can be very low from October to December.
- Day 15
Departure
Book an afternoon flight since morning fog can delay departures. Use your extra time to explore the city or shop at local markets.
15 Days in Zambia Safari, incl. South Luangwa and North Luangwa
Your 15-day adventure covers three national parks, dedicating 5 days to South Luangwa, 3 to North Luangwa, and visits to Kapishya Hot Springs and Mutinondo Wilderness. Each location provides 2-3 days of wildlife encounters and walking safaris.
- Day 1
Mfuwe & South Luangwa National Park
Land at Mfuwe Airport and take a 45-minute transfer to your first campsite by the Luangwa River. You'll want to arrive by mid-afternoon. Grab your binoculars for some evening wildlife watching - you can spot hippos getting ready for their night routine right from the riverbank.
- Days 2-3
South Luangwa National Park
Two full days to explore South Luangwa's rich wildlife areas. Game drives start at 5:30 AM when predators are hunting. You'll see Africa's largest hippo populations in the river channels. Pack light clothes in neutral colors since midday temperatures can hit 95°F/35°C.
- Days 4-5
Nsefu Sector
Travel 2 hours through local villages to reach the quiet Nsefu sector. This area is perfect for walking safaris. Make sure to pack good hiking boots and the right socks. Look out for Thornicroft's giraffe - you'll only find them in this valley. Kalovia Campsite gives you clear views of animals visiting the river to drink.
- Days 6-7
North Luangwa National Park
A 4-5 hour drive through Luambe National Park takes you to North Luangwa. With fewer than 500 yearly visitors, it's truly remote. Morning walking safaris with armed scouts offer exciting wildlife encounters. Pay attention to the safety talks and stay with your guide.
- Day 8
Escarpment Journey
Drive up the Luangwa Valley escarpment, climbing 1,400 meters through different landscapes. You'll notice the air getting cooler as you go up. At Samala Campsite you can swim in mountain streams. Bring water shoes - the rocks get slippery.
- Days 9-11
Kapishya & Mutinondo
Relax in Kapishya's hot springs and hike around Mutinondo's unique granite formations. The springs stay at 40°C/104°F - perfect after long safari days. You'll need a headlamp to walk between your tent and common areas at night.
- Days 12-13
Bangweulu Wetlands
Walk and boat through this special ecosystem. It's one of the best spots to find the rare shoebill stork. October visitors go to Kasanka National Park instead to see millions of fruit bats migrate.
- Days 14-15
Mkushi to Lusaka
Stop overnight at Forest Inn in Mkushi on your way back to Lusaka. The final drive takes about 4 hours. Book late afternoon flights to avoid rushing.
