3-Week Zambia Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Zambia tour 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 Day Zambia Safari Itinerary, incl. Livingstone and South Luangwa
This comprehensive 15-day safari combines 3 days in Liuwa Plains, 2 days in Kafue, and 4 days in South Luangwa. The itinerary includes strategic stops in Lusaka and Chipata, with comfortable camping and lodge stays throughout.
- Day 1
Livingstone
Begin your Zambian journey in Livingstone. Visit Victoria Falls in late afternoon around 4 PM when the light is ideal for photos and crowds are thinner. Bring a lightweight raincoat since the falls' spray can soak you completely, even from the viewing areas.
- Days 2-3
Ngonye Falls & Journey to Liuwa Plains
Take a scenic drive along the Zambezi River to Ngonye Falls. You'll need good walking shoes for the 3-hour hike to the island viewpoint since the rocks get slippery. The next day brings a long drive north through Barotse floodplains to reach the remote Liuwa Plains National Park.
- Days 4-5
Liuwa Plains National Park
This vast 3,660 km² wilderness offers incredible wildlife experiences. Visit in late October to see one of Africa's hidden gems: the migration of over 26,000 wildebeest. Your best chance to spot the park's numerous hyenas is during early morning game drives. The mornings can get quite cold, so pack plenty of warm clothes.
- Days 7-8
Kafue National Park
Stay at Mayukuyuku Camp by the Kafue River. The park's many waterholes attract lots of predators, especially wild dogs and cheetahs. The Miombo woodland creates a totally different environment from Liuwa's open plains, giving you new wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Days 9-10
Lusaka to Chipata
Take time to explore Zambia's capital Lusaka and the eastern town of Chipata. Stop at the Luangwa Bridge market in the morning when you'll find the best selection of local baskets and wood carvings. Remember to negotiate prices with respect.
- Days 11-14
South Luangwa National Park
This park is the highlight of your safari. Schedule game drives for early morning and late afternoon to see the most wildlife along the Luangwa River. From July to October, animals cluster around the remaining water as side channels dry up. The park is excellent for birdwatching, particularly the beautiful carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks.
- Day 15
Departure from Mfuwe
Leave from Mfuwe airport in the morning. If your flight schedule allows, fit in one last game drive.
