Luxury Walking Safari: South Luangwa

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Zambia is best known for its walking safaris, but the range of experiences goes far beyond. Here are some of the top safari activities:

• 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.
• Canoe safaris on the Zambezi and her tributaries – glide past elephants and hippos for a peaceful, water-level perspective.
• Classic game drives in South Luangwa, Kafue, and the Lower Zambezi – ideal for predator sightings.
• Sunset river cruises on the Zambezi – perfect for photography, birdwatching, and sundowners.
• Zambezi River lodge transfers – travel between lodges by boat for a scenic and wildlife-rich connection.
• Victoria Falls experiences – rainforest walks, microlight flights, and serene upstream cruises from Livingstone.
• Leopard viewing – South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top places to see leopard.
• Birding – especially rich during the emerald season (Nov–April).
  Wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain – Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, in a surreal and remote landscape.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls – Livingstone depends on what you want to experience:

• March to May: Peak water flow – the falls are at their most dramatic, with huge spray and thunderous views. Expect to get wet!
• June to August: Moderate flow – ideal for photography and seeing the falls clearly without too much mist.
• September to November: Low water levels – parts of the Zambian side may dry up, but this is the only time to swim in Devil’s Pool and explore the rock formations of the gorge.

For most travelers combining Victoria Falls with a safari, June to August offers the best overall experience – with good visibility at the falls and excellent wildlife viewing throughout 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.

Walks range from 7 to 14 kilometers and are tailored to your fitness level and comfort. You set the pace, with vehicle support always available if preferred. Every walk is led by a professional guide and armed scout for safety and insight.

For this specialized walking safari, typical trail distances between camps are:

• Mchenja to Nsolo – 12 km (approx. 4 hours)
• Mchenja to Kakuli – 7 km (approx. 2 hours)
• Kakuli to Nsolo – 14 km (approx. 4.5 hours)
• Nsolo to Luwi – 9.5 km (approx. 3 hours)

Your main luggage will be transferred separately to the next lodge, so you’ll only need to carry essentials for the morning walk.

The minimum age is 12 years old, at the discretion of the guide. Walks are safe, immersive, and ideal for active travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.