Zambia Safari & Lake Malawi Escape
From Victoria Falls to Kafue, the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, and the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi — this 15-day journey reveals the very best of Zambia and Malawi, all experienced in seamless, tailor-made luxury. Starting from $21,500 per person
Wild Zambia & Lake Malawi: Safari, Rivers & Relaxation
Best for: Couples, Multi-Generational Families, River Cruises, Game Drives, Leopard Viewing
For travelers seeking more than just a classic safari, this journey through Zambia and Malawi offers something deeper – wild beauty, remote frontiers, and slow, meaningful luxury. Begin at Victoria Falls, where the mist of Mosi-oa-Tunya sets the stage for adventure.
Witness big game in Kafue’s Busanga Plains, a seasonal wildlife haven tucked inside Zambia’s oldest national park. Canoe quiet waterways and explore predator-rich terrain in the Lower Zambezi, then track leopards on foot in South Luangwa, the birthplace of walking safaris.
Finally, unwind on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, where barefoot luxury meets turquoise waters and oceanside serenity – without ever leaving Africa.
The Ubuntu Travel Difference
Personalized Itineraries
Attention to detail from start to finish
Conservation Promise
Travel with a purpose
Experts in Africa
Our team of travel experts know Africa
Itinerary Highlights
- View Victoria Falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side
- Explore the seasonal and dramatic Busanga Plains in Kafue
- Canoe quiet waterways with expert guides and wildlife nearby
- Spot confident leopards in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi
- Discover barefoot luxury on Lake Malawi’s Likoma Island
- Stay in handpicked luxury lodges chosen for seclusion and wild views
What’s Included
- All tours and activities as specified by itinerary
- All ground transfers with private driver & guide
- All inter-Africa flights as specified by itinerary
- All safari lodges (Fully inclusive)
- All City hotels (B&B)
- Full support from the Ubuntu Travel team, during and after your trip
What will you experience on this Zambia Safari?
Our Favorite Itinerary Highlights
Victoria Falls
Feel the spray and thunder of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders – a breathtaking start or finish to any Zambia safari.
Handpicked Luxury Lodges
Stay at selected exclusive luxury lodges with private villas, all-inclusive personalized service, and breathtaking views.
Exception Leopard Viewing
South Luangwa is known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard,’ offering sightings that rival – and often surpass – those in South Africa’s renowned Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve.
Walking Safaris
Born in South Luangwa, Zambia’s walking safaris bring you eye-to-eye with the wild on foot – thrilling, immersive, and expertly guided.
Lake Malawi Likoma Island
Unwind on Likoma Island, where barefoot luxury meets turquoise waters, spa rituals, and sunset swims in the vast serenity of Lake Malawi.
Busanga Plains
Venture into the Busanga Plains, where misty floodplains, rising sun, and prowling predators create one of Africa’s most dramatic and untamed safari stages.
Photographic Specialist Safaris
Join specialist photographic safaris with access to expert guides, custom hides, rental gear, and on-site editing support.
Canoe Safaris
Glide silently on a canoe safari, safely led by expert guides, where each bend reveals elephants, vibrant birdlife, and the untamed rhythm of the river.
Private Dining & Bush Breakfasts
Savor private bush breakfasts and starlit dinners – whether on your private patio or set in the heart of the wilderness, these are moments made just for two.
Plan Your Tailor-Made Safari in Zambia
Reach out and let’s start the conversation. We’ll listen, get to know what matters most to you, and begin crafting a private, tailor-made journey through Zambia – filled with adventure and unforgettable moments. From Victoria Falls to walking safaris and bush dinners under the stars, we’ll take care of every detail so you can focus on the experience.
Luxury Lodges on this Zambian Safari
One of Zambia’s most prized safari lodges, situated in a hidden location on the banks of the Zambezi River
A contemporary retreat, tucked away in the renowned Lower Zambezi National Park
A spectacular safari haven that promises private Zambezi River views and an excellent range of adventures
When is the Best Time to Visit Zambia?
Zambia is a seasonal safari destination, with distinct wet and dry periods that shape the safari experience. The best time to visit depends on where you’re going – and what kind of safari you’re after.
Dry Season: June to October (Peak Safari Season)
Why go: This is Zambia’s prime wildlife viewing season. With water scarce, animals gather at rivers and waterholes – making sightings more frequent and dramatic. Drier conditions also mean the road network is more accessible, opening up remote corners of the parks.
Where to go: Excellent conditions in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue (Busanga Plains open from July), and Victoria Falls (lower water = clearer views).
Ideal for: Walking safaris, canoe safaris, predator sightings, and photography.
Travel tip: October is the hottest month of the year – but it’s also one of the most rewarding for big game activity.
Emerald (Green) Season: November to April
Why go: Lush, green landscapes return, birding reaches its peak, and the parks are quiet and full of color. Photographers will love the light and vibrant scenes.
Where to go: Select lodges in South Luangwa remain open. Victoria Falls roars to life, especially from March to April.
Closed parks: Much of the Lower Zambezi and Kafue’s Busanga Plains are inaccessible due to flooding.
Ideal for: Birders, photographers, and travelers seeking a slower, less-traveled safari experience.
Shoulder Months: May & November
May: The rains have cleared, the bush is still lush, and wildlife begins to gather – a beautiful, quieter time to travel. Co-founder Kyle Green visited South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi in May and recorded exceptional sightings – including six leopards in a single day at Lower Zambezi.
November: Marks the onset of the rains. Early in the month, game viewing can still be excellent before the weather shifts more dramatically.
Explore More Tailor-Made Safaris
For couples who want more than a “click and go” honeymoon safari, Zambia offers something richer – slower mornings, wild beauty, and intimate moments shared in nature. From the spray of Victoria Falls to sunset canoe safaris and candlelit bush dinners under the stars, this is a love story written in the wild.
FROM $13,500 per person
Zambia is the home of the walking safari and this 8-night journey through South Luangwa lets you experience it the way it was meant to be: on foot, immersive, and unforgettable. Stay at three distinct luxury camps, with expert guides, and round out your adventure with traditional game drives for a complete perspective of the wild.
From $12,500 per person
This 9-day journey takes you from thundering Victoria Falls to Hwange’s green Ngamo Plains and the wildlife-rich shores of Lake Kariba – a summer safari of walking safaris, game drives, and sunsets from Bumi Hills’ iconic infinity pool. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline, wilderness, and soul-soothing views to reconnect with nature.
From $8,500 per person
FAQs About Safaris in Zambia
How do I get to Zambia from the USA?
Most travelers from the U.S. fly into Lusaka (LUN) or Livingstone (LVI) via major international hubs such as Johannesburg, Doha, or Addis Ababa.
While there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Zambia, Delta offers nonstop flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg, where you can easily connect via Airlink to Zambia’s key safari gateways. There are also convenient connections from Cape Town with Airlink.
Why visit Zambia?
Zambia offers one of Africa’s most authentic and adventurous safari experiences. With exceptional guiding, legendary walking safaris, and dense concentrations of wildlife in places like South Luangwa and Kafue, it’s ideal for those looking to go deeper into the wild. You’ll find intimate, conservation-driven luxury lodges in truly remote settings – with front-row access to predators, elephants, and dramatic wilderness.
For many, Zambia is a standout for its high leopard density in South Luangwa and strong wild dog populations in Kafue – making it a dream destination for serious wildlife lovers. Add in the wonder of Victoria Falls, and you have a safari that’s both raw and refined.
When is the best time to go to Zambia?
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season (June to October) – when wildlife viewing is at its peak and park access is at its best. This is the prime window for walking safaris, canoeing, and predator sightings across Zambia’s top parks.
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South Luangwa: Open year-round, but game viewing is at its best from July to October. May and June still offer lush landscapes and strong sightings – with fewer travelers, which we see as a major advantage. We also know of a remote region in the southern sector that’s well worth considering. Possibly Kyle’s favorite wilderness destination in Zambia – chat to us if you’re curious.
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Lower Zambezi: The park reopens in May, with canoe safaris, boat cruises, and game drives hitting their stride by June. Wildlife viewing peaks from August to October. Ubuntu Travel visited in May 2025 and had exceptional sightings – ask Kyle Green about his experience firsthand.
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Kafue National Park: Best visited from July to October, when the Busanga Plains are dry and accessible – ideal for spotting lion, cheetah, and wild dog in wide, open terrain.
The emerald season (November to April) brings green landscapes, peak birding, and dramatic storms – but access to Lower Zambezi and Kafue’s Busanga Plains is typically limited due to flooding.
For a quieter experience with striking beauty, consider traveling in the shoulder months of May or early November.
What are the top activities to do in Zambia?
Zambia is best known for its walking safaris, but the range of experiences goes far beyond. Here are some of the top safari activities:
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Walking safaris in South Luangwa and North Luangwa — Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari. Our specialist walking safari itinerary in South Luangwa lets you move between remote bush camps entirely on foot, accompanied by expert guides and armed scouts. For the adventurous, we can also arrange fly camping – sleeping under the stars with only a mosquito net and the sounds of the wild around you.
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Canoe safaris on the Zambezi and her tributaries – glide past elephants and hippos for a peaceful, water-level perspective.
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Classic game drives in South Luangwa, Kafue, and the Lower Zambezi – ideal for predator sightings.
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Sunset river cruises on the Zambezi – perfect for photography, birdwatching, and sundowners.
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Zambezi River lodge transfers – travel between lodges by boat for a scenic and wildlife-rich connection.
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Victoria Falls experiences – rainforest walks, microlight flights, and serene upstream cruises from Livingstone.
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Leopard viewing – South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top places to see leopard.
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Birding – especially rich during the emerald season (Nov–April).
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Wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain – Africa’s second-largest migration, in a surreal and remote landscape.
When is the best time to visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls?
Should I take malaria preventatives in Zambia?
Yes – Zambia is a malaria-risk area, and we strongly recommend speaking with your travel doctor or a certified travel clinic about preventative medication before your trip. Most safari lodges are located in remote areas where mosquitoes are present, especially during and just after the rainy season (November to April).
We also advise using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evening, and sleeping under mosquito nets — all standard precautions provided at most lodges.
Please consult your doctor for up-to-date health advice based on your personal health history and travel itinerary.
When is the Busanga Plains open for safaris?
The Busanga Plains are a seasonal safari destination, typically open from June through October (sometimes extending into early November), depending on flood levels. Camps like Chisa and Busanga Bush Camp welcome guests only when water levels recede sufficiently. This dry window offers the best wildlife visibility and access to the expansive floodplains.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Malawi?
Yes – staying on Likoma Island, the water around Lake Malawi is clean, clear, and generally free from bilharzia. We work exclusively with trusted lodges in safe zones, so you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and lakeside relaxation with confidence.
