20 Days Zambia and Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Hwange, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba & Matobo Hills

From $9,890 per person (based on 2 travelers)
Explore the wild beauty of Southern Africa with a comprehensive 20-day safari across Zambia and Zimbabwe – top national parks, legendary rivers, and cultural highlights included

Zambia and Zimbabwe Safaris | South Luangwa National Park | Lower Zambezi National Park | Victoria Falls Holidays | Hwange National Park Tours | Mana Pools Canoe Safaris | Lake Kariba Boat Cruises | Matobo Hills Cultural Safari

Day 1: Arrive in Lusaka, Zambia – Overnight Stay

Your safari begins as you arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. You’ll be met and transferred to a comfortable hotel or guesthouse for your first night. This evening is free to relax and prepare for your adventure into Zambia’s premier national parks.

Overnight at Latitude 15° or similar.

Day 2: Fly to South Luangwa National Park – Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Mfuwe Airport, gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Transfer to your lodge or camp located on the Luangwa River. After check-in and lunch, head out for your first evening game drive, returning after dark with spotlights to search for nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight at Chikunto Safari Lodge, Flatdogs Camp, or similar.

Day 3: South Luangwa – Morning Walk and Afternoon Game Drive

Start the day with a walking safari, a hallmark activity of South Luangwa. Led by armed rangers and trackers, this experience focuses on animal tracking, plants, and birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a vehicle game drive, where sightings of leopards, lions, elephants, and giraffes are common.

Overnight at your chosen camp.

Day 4: South Luangwa – Full Day Wildlife Viewing

Spend a full day exploring South Luangwa, one of Africa’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. The park is home to over 60 mammal species and more than 400 bird species. Depending on wildlife movements, you may opt for extended drives or remain near productive areas like oxbow lagoons and riverbanks.

Overnight at Chikunto Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 5: Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park

Today you fly to Lower Zambezi National Park, located along the northern bank of the Zambezi River opposite Mana Pools. This region offers a mix of river-based activities and traditional game drives. After arrival and check-in at your riverside camp, enjoy a sunset boat cruise or short game drive.

Overnight at Sausage Tree Camp, Baines River Camp, or similar.

Day 6: Lower Zambezi – Canoe Safari and Game Drive

Explore the Zambezi on a guided canoe safari, paddling gently through channels with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on shore. In the afternoon, head out on a 4×4 game drive in search of lions, buffalo, and leopards.

Overnight at your selected Lower Zambezi lodge.

Day 7: Lower Zambezi – Walking Safari and Fishing

Start the day with a walking safari, then spend your afternoon fishing for tigerfish or relaxing at your lodge. The park offers diverse landscapes from woodland to floodplains and thick riparian forest.

Overnight at Sausage Tree Camp or similar.

Day 8: Fly to Livingstone – Victoria Falls (Zambia Side)

Transfer by flight to Livingstone, gateway to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Check into your lodge and enjoy a guided afternoon tour of the falls. At this time of year (season depending), you can see the Eastern Cataract and take part in optional activities like microlight flights or river rafting.

Overnight at Avani Victoria Falls Resort or Tongabezi Lodge.

Day 9: Cross to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Sunset Cruise

After breakfast, transfer across the border into Zimbabwe, where you’ll check into a lodge or hotel on the Zimbabwean side. In the evening, join a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, ideal for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.

Overnight at Ilala Lodge or Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Day 10: Victoria Falls – Leisure or Optional Excursions

Spend the day at your own pace with optional activities including: helicopter flights over the falls, bungee jumping, village tours, or a visit to the local markets. You can also explore the rainforest trail system near the falls.

Overnight at your selected lodge in Victoria Falls.

Day 11: Drive to Hwange National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Depart by road for Hwange National Park (approx. 4 hours), Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous reserve. After lunch at your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s mix of woodlands and open savannah.

Overnight at The Hide Safari Camp, Somalisa Camp, or similar.

Day 12: Hwange – Full Day Safari

Morning and afternoon game drives will take you to different regions of Hwange. Expect to see large elephant herds, lions, spotted hyenas, buffalo, sable antelope, and more than 400 bird species.

Overnight at your lodge in Hwange.

Day 13: Hwange – Walking Safari and Night Drive

Today includes a morning bush walk with expert guides and an optional night drive to observe wildlife not visible during the day. Animals like civets, aardvarks, and bush babies are often seen.

Overnight at The Hide or similar.

Day 14: Drive to Lake Kariba – Afternoon Boat Safari

Transfer to Lake Kariba, a journey of roughly 5 hours by road and boat. Kariba offers tranquil settings and excellent water-based game viewing. In the evening, enjoy a boat safari across the lake’s inlets and islands.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or Changa Safari Camp.

Day 15: Lake Kariba – Walking Safari and Scenic Exploration

Morning walking safari and afternoon boat cruise to explore more of Kariba’s vast water network. You may spot elephants on the shore, crocodiles along the banks, and an array of birdlife including fish eagles and herons.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 16: Fly to Mana Pools – Afternoon Game Drive

Fly to Mana Pools National Park, renowned for its wildlife-rich floodplains and famous elephant bulls. Check into your riverside tented camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or Nyamatusi Camp.

Day 17: Mana Pools – Canoe Safari and Walking Safari

Today you’ll paddle down the Zambezi River on a guided canoe safari, encountering hippos, crocodiles, and animals drinking from the riverbanks. In the afternoon, walk through riverine forest, tracking elephants and other large mammals on foot.

Overnight at your Mana Pools camp.

Day 18: Mana Pools – Full Day Wilderness Safari

Combine walks, game drives, and scenic stops to explore more of Mana Pools’ wilderness. Your guide may lead you to places where lions were last seen or help you approach a herd of elephants at close range.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or similar.

Day 19: Fly to Matobo Hills – Visit Ancient Rock Art

Fly to Bulawayo and transfer to Matobo Hills, a UNESCO-listed landscape of granite boulders and ancient caves. In the afternoon, visit Nswatugi Cave to see 2,000-year-old San Bushman rock paintings.

Overnight at Amalinda Lodge or similar.

Day 20: Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Harare for Departure

Begin your day tracking black and white rhinos on foot in Matobo. Later, transfer by road or air to Harare International Airport for your international departure.

This 20-day Zambia and Zimbabwe safari combines classic wildlife viewing with cultural sites, river safaris, mountains, and real wilderness exploration.

Included

• All airport pickups, domestic flights, and ground transfers
• 19 nights’ accommodation in camps and lodges
• Full board except Victoria Falls (B&B)
• Game drives, walking safaris, canoe trips, boat cruises
• Park entry and conservation fees
• Cultural visits and guided tours
• Professional guides throughout

Not Included

• International airfare
• Entry visas
• Optional Victoria Falls activities
• Personal expenses and insurance
• Drinks (unless included), laundry, and gratuities