This 17-night itinerary (9 nights lodging and 8 nights camping) combines and Great East Road with the Great North Road, allowing you to see Kasanka National Park, North & South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi - it makes a wonderful loop. It also allows you to stay in a range of remote exclusive campsites, which we think are some of the best in Africa. The lodges - Chongwe and Takwela - all offer fantastic experiences too, but can be swapped with more affordable options. Flatdogs Camp will also be a highlight.
7th time to Africa and this was the itinerary I'd been waiting for. Remote, exciting and educational (with plenty of game!). Thank you, Safari Drive!
On arrival at Lusaka International, you will be met by a member of the Safari Drive team and transferred to Latitude 15, our favourite boutique hotel in Lusaka. Here you will be introduced to your vehicle and have your briefing.
Today you have the morning to gather your supplies for the trip ahead. You will then head out of Lusaka to Fika Lodge (formerly known as Forest Inn) near Mkushi.
Today you have a good drive ahead to Kasanka National Park, home to the famous bat migration. This is a very wild area, not visited by many tourists - which is a good thing!
Today you leave Kasanka heading further north, staying at the remote and charming Mutinondo Campsite. Uniquely, you can hike freely in this beautiful wilderness as well as swim safely in the pools beneath the waterfalls or canoe along the river. An extra night here would be very worthwhile if you want to slow down.
Another day, another remote campsite. This time just outside North Luangwa National Park. From here you can explore the park taking a game drive along the Luangwa River. You should spot plenty of hippo and crocodile as well as other wildlife coming to drink at the water's edge.
Surrounded by beautiful cathedral mopane woodland and situated on the banks of the mighty Luangwa River, Ituba Campsite is ideally situated to explore Chifunda.
Make your way into North Luangwa to the wonderful Takwela Camp, located just outside North Luangwa's southern gate. The camp is located on a stunning river bank in the wild and should you consider adding another night into this itinerary then we would suggest here.
Back to camping in this game rich area. You can choose to do your own game drives or take part in guided activities with guides from Zikomo Lodge. Dinner can be ordered in advance from the lodge if you don't wish to cook for yourselves.
Flatdogs is known as the heart of South Luangwa. Many love coming here and consider it a great value for money stay. From here you can drive into South Luangwa yourself or do the guided activities on offer.
Today you leave South Luangwa and drive to Bridge Camp. A pit stop between Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.
Today you make your way to Chongwe River Lodge which is in a beautiful location on the banks of the Zambezi River. For the next two nights you can unwind, take guided game drives and walks or perhaps just watch what comes to drink by the river.
Return to Latitude 15 for your final night in Zambia. Your vehicle will be collected from you here.
Today you will be transferred to the airport in good time for your international flight home.
Over the years we have researched and refined the list of vehicle equipment that we provide. The equipment is identical in every vehicle but we always ensure you have the essentials for each country and its respective driving conditions.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Our expert team - both in the UK and Africa - work collectively to make sure you have a fantastic holiday. Importantly, we don't outsource any part of our service so we can ensure the correct level of quality and service is delivered.
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Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Africa live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
