We are excited to return to Zambia this summer after our inaugural journey last year. This year our main safari focuses on two incredible national parks, Kafue and South Luangwa, where you have a good chance to see Africa’s charismatic big mammals, as well as a rainbow of beautiful birds. We choose the dry season to visit as animals are more concentrated making them easier to find, and we are free to explore the full network of roads. We offer a third spectacular park, Lower Zambezi, as a pre-trip extension; it is a bit of a splurge based out of a lovely lodge located right on the river and is something we highly recommend!

Kafue National Park has been called Zambia’s Yellowstone; it’s a large, wildlife rich area and this year we stay at two locations with a full day safari in between. We kick off our adventures there with a boat trip on a beautiful river for an exciting start—last year we saw Lesser Jacana, Half-collared Kingfisher, Finfoot, and scores of herons, egrets, and other wading birds. Here at Mukambi Lodge our rooms and the dining area look out on the river, and coming to the gardens are barbets, bee-eaters and more—this lodge is simply a superb experience. This year we cover more of the park, reaching up to the park’s northern edge at the Busanga Plains where we stay at a simpler, more intimate camp just big enough for our small group of seven! Wildlife watching here is grand. It is a wetland area not unlike Botswana’s Okavango region.

We save you some road miles and have booked a flight to South Luangwa, a remote and beautiful park on Zambia’s southeastern border where unique subspecies of Wildebeest, Giraffe and Zebra occur. Both parks are excellent for seeing predators including Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, and Spotted Hyena. Birds include Lilian’s Lovebird, African Skimmer, Southern Ground Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, Bat Hawk, both Racket-tailed and Lilac-breasted Rollers, Red-throated Twinspot, colorful sunbirds, bee-eaters and many more species.

This is in true Naturalist Journeys safari style: in-depth, not rushing, and at prime locations. We highly encourage you to book the pre-tour to Lower Zambezi National Park, too. This is Zambia’s newest national park and a real gem, just across from (and with fewer visitors) Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Zambia, a diverse and spectacular country for birding, from wetlands and savannas to the endemic rich Miombo Woodlands
• Experience iconic African wildlife viewing in regions that have avoided mass tourism
• Travel with Frank Willems, a renowned and personable Zambia-based expert, in a small custom group (maximum 7 clients)
• Visit Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s best kept secrets, with large predators and breeding herds of Elephants
• Spend time in the Busanga Plains north of Kafue, Zambia’s highly productive wetlands that are very similar to the Okavango experience of Botswana
• View the dramatic topography in South Luangwa National Park, home to endemic Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest
• Watch Elephants, Baboons, Hippos, and water birds galore (including Finfoot!) as you dine al fresco at your lodges
• Pamper yourself on our optional three nights along the Zambezi River, adjacent to Mana Pools National Park, in one of Africa’s most game-rich regions at a premier lodge

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., July 20            Arrival in Zambia | Wild Dogs Lodge

Welcome to Zambia! Plan to arrive at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) at your leisure. A driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to our comfortable lodge located outside the busy city. Settle into your peaceful chalet, situated on lush grounds with shady trees. This lodge has terrific birding right on the grounds so it’s a great place to arrive early, rest up and start exploring. Dining is outdoors under the stars, a perfect introduction to Zambia!
Accommodations at Wild Dogs Lodge (D)

Mon., July 21             Kafue National Park

We leave Lusaka and drive to Kafue National Park, the oldest and largest (22,000 km2) national park in Zambia. The park is named after the Kafue River that cuts through it for 250 km and forms the beautiful Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the south, which draws large herds of varied antelopes and Elephants. Kafue is mostly covered in Miombo woodlands, which consist of tropical grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. Miombo woodlands cover much of central Africa with the most extensive stands occurring in Zambia. They are named after the oak-like miombo trees that dominate the area. In this habitat, Racket-tailed Roller are bold and vocal, a thrill to see and we can seek out Pale-billed Hornbill, Arnott’s Chat, and other specialties. Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s best kept secrets and therefore has avoided mass tourism, which allows us to experience amazing game viewing surrounded by stunning landscapes. Kafue is one of the base locations for the Zambia Carnivore Project, a non-profit group that we admire and support, and we invite their staff to join us for a presentation one evening.

The wildlife in Kafue is some of the richest in Africa. Populations are in a state of recovery and recent research and conservation efforts are making a huge difference. Breeding herds of elephants and large predators have returned to the park after years of poaching in the 1980s and 1990s. Big cats including several prides of Lions, Cheetah, and even Leopard are present and packs of endangered Wild Dog can be seen if we’re lucky. Common species we likely see include Buffalo, Zebra, and Hippo along with up to twenty species of antelopes. Birds of prey include, among others, four vulture species, Martial Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, African and Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle and Lizard Buzzard. Eurasian Hoopoe and Southern Ground Hornbill are often seen at close range to our vehicles.

Our lodge is located on the banks of the Kafue River in an excellent location for wildlife and game drives. At mid-day breaks, enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or birding on the grounds.

Sunsets are incredible, and after dinner we often gather around a fire, listening to night sounds and trading conversation with other guests.

This afternoon, we take a relaxing boat cruise down the Kafue River, floating past wading Hippos and drinking Elephants. Some of the largest Nile Crocodiles can be found along the riverbanks, which we view from the safety of our boat. This is also be a great chance to see some of our more aquatic bird species such as African Finfoot, African Jacana, possibly Lesser Jacana, African Darter, and various colorful kingfishers.  Accommodations at Mukambi Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Tues., July 22        Birds & Mammals of Kafue National Park

We spend our time exploring the spectacular landscapes and abundance of birds and mammals in Kafue National Park. With over 500 bird species and 150 mammal species, it will be an exciting four days. Our game drives offer a great opportunity to explore the vast park. We keep an eye out for the colorful Schalow’s Turaco on sycamore figs along with Malachite Kingfisher, African Green-Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill, delicate Böhm’s Bee-eaters, Wattled and Grey Crowned Cranes, Goliath Heron, Woolly-necked Stork, and many others. We try to find the endemic Chaplin’s (or Zambian) Barbet, a rare and threatened species of which a few family groups occur in the area.

We feature game drives here both morning and afternoon, covering a lot of areas known for prime wildlife such as waterholes, river tributary courses, and good grazing areas where species congregate. Immersing ourselves in the landscape, we listen and watch for birds as we drive the routes traversed by antelope and African Buffalo. Our rugged land rovers are like blinds, giving us a great way to spy little “bird parties” of Southern Cordonbleu, Red-billed Firefinch and Orange-winged Pytilia, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Brubru, Chinspot Batis, and beautiful Violet-backed Starling. We may find secretive roosting African Barred or African Scops Owls. Little Bee-eaters are common, and in woodlands we may find the beautiful Swallow-tailed Bee-eater as well. Collared Palm-thrush, Black-backed Barbet and Grey-olive Greenbul are among local specialties, too.

At day’s end, we return to Mukambi Safari Lodge, situated right on the banks of the Kafue River. It is the perfect place to relax with a cold drink and gaze across the open landscape scanning for Impala, Elephant, or Hippo right from the verandah of the lodge. Last year we watched African Finfoot make tracks across the water, this elusive species is common on the river here! Enjoy late-afternoon tea or a cocktail and some delightful and creative cooking.
Accommodations at Mukambi Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Wed., July 23        Full Day Safari North to Busanga Plains Camp | Kafue National Park

After breakfast, we pack up and head to the northern part of Kafue National Park to explore the Busanga Plains. With wide-open spaces that are flooded during the rainy season, we drive through large areas of lush vegetation that can support a variety of mammals and birds. This unique wetland ecosystem covers 275 square miles and is comprised of open plains, palm groves, reed beds, and lagoons covered in lilies.

We arrive at our intimate tented camp before lunch. With only four ensuite tents, this seasonal camp creates a safari experience like no other. The spacious tents have comfortable beds, electricity, and attached bathrooms with running water and bucket showers. The camp has a refreshing pool to take a dip in while overlooking the expansive plains. For those who want an even better view, climb up to the viewing platform that is nestled in a fig tree above the boma.

Our expert and Zambia-based guide, Frank Willems, loves this area of the park and strongly recommended we add it to our journey. Busanga is a Ramsar-designated Wetland of International Importance, a wonderful place to find Wattled and Gray Crowned-Cranes, African Openbill, and numerous water associated birds of all sorts, including African Skimmer.
Accommodations at Busanga Plains Camp (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 24 & Fri., July 25             Busanga Plains Camp | Zambia’s Spectacular Wetlands

We enjoy two game drives a day while exploring this stunning part of the park. Enjoy sunrise over the plains during the early morning safari while searching for big Lions, Buffalo, Elephant, Wildebeest, and Roan and Sable Antelopes that the Busanga Plains are known for. Less common antelope species such as Puku, Oribi, and Red Lechwe are possible in large numbers.

This vast area of flooded plains are superb for birding. Internationally important numbers of Wattled and Gray Crowned-Cranes are found here along with a wealth of other waterbirds including Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Long-toed Lapwing, and Lesser Jacana. The more wooded sections host intriguing species like Lesser Honeyguide, Brown Firefinch, and the beautiful Black-backed Barbet. Many bee-eater and woodpecker species reside here as well, along with some of the most iconic African bird species like Pel’s Fishing Owl and Ross’s Turaco which we hope to get lucky with.

We return to the camp late morning to enjoy a delicious lunch and a relaxing break before the late afternoon safari. Having the whole camp to ourselves is a special experience in the wilds of Africa! The expansive views of the plains guarantee seeing multiple mammal species at the same time as large herds gather here in the dry season. We keep our eye out for Cheetah, Serval Cat, and Wild Dogs, more elusive to find but possible!
Accommodations at Busanga Plains Camp (B,L,D)

Sat., July 26    Charter Flight to Mfuwe | South Luangwa National Park

Today we embark on the next part of our safari! We save you a LOT of driving and streamline travel to our next park with a charter flight to Mfuwe where we meet local guides for the transfer to our delightful lodgings at Flat Dogs Camp, our safari camp that is home for the next three nights. South Luangwa National Park is among Africa’s top-rated safari parks, and as a result has a higher level of visitation than Kafue, but offers us different habitats, different species and terrific birding.

Our lodge is perfectly situated at the central entrance to the national park. This makes access for our game drives quick and easy. Our expert local guide will take us to the best locations in the park to spot wildlife. Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Impala, Bushbuck, and Puku are common. Thousands of Hippopotamus form the world’s largest population here. Wild Dog numbers have increased in recent years and sightings have become more common year-round. Leopards typically hunt at night and if we are lucky, we spot one as we come back in the early evening from our afternoon game drive. South Luangwa National Park is known as the place to see Leopards, often nicknamed “Valley of the Leopards,” and one of the few parks that allows spotlit night drives.

The birdlife in this park is phenomenal and we look for White-fronted Bee-eaters and Horus Swift that nest in holes in the riverbank, brightly colored Lilian’s Lovebird, Gray Go-away-bird, Three-banded Plover by ponds and streams and Three-banded Courser in the grasslands. Elegant Grey Crowned-Crane join a host of large wading birds and Hamerkop. The highly dynamic Luangwa River with its many sandbanks hosts African Skimmer, White-fronted Plover, and White-crowned Lapwing. We may hear a noisy gang of Red-faced Mousebird or Green Woodhoopoe or discover noisy Terrestrial Bulbul low in the brush. Kingfishers are plentiful, some associated with water and others with woodlands, including Giant, Pied, Malachite, Gray-headed, Brown-hooded, and Woodland. Overhead we are alert for sightings of Tawny Eagle, Bateleur, African Harrier-Hawk or Banded Snake-Eagle. We may get lucky with some of the migrants coming back in, such as Southern Carmine Bee-eater and Klaas’s Cuckoo. And on our night drives we are on the lookout for the owls and nightjars that call this park home, which include Pel’s Fishing Owl and Verreaux’s Eagle Owl.

This camp takes great pride in its dining and tables are set outside with candlelight. Choices are plentiful and wildlife is free to roam among the casitas and dining area; don’t be surprised if you hear noises at night, and expect a guard to take you to your safe lodgings after dark. It’s a wonderful privilege to be so immersed in nature.
Accommodations at Flatdogs Camp (B,L,D)

Sun., July 27 & Mon., July 28          Spectacular Birds & Wildlife of South Luangwa National Park

We spend the next two days exploring the pristine landscapes and unique and abundant wildlife of South Luangwa National Park. Bordered by the Muchinga Escarpment to the northwest and the Luangwa River to the southeast, the park covers just over 9,000 square kilometers of varying habitats and dramatic topography.

South Luangwa National Park is home to many of the famous African mammals such as Lions, Hyena, Wild Dog, Elephant, and Buffalo, but perhaps the most unique species we may come across is the endemic Thornicroft’s Giraffe. Their distinctive patterns and slightly smaller size differentiate them from other giraffe species in Africa. In addition to the more than 100 mammal species, there are also some 470 bird species that have been found in the park.

Birds we are on the lookout for when out and about include Namaqua Dove, Swainson’s and Red-necked Spurfowls, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Spur-winged Goose, African Openbill, Cardinal, Golden-tailed, Bearded and Bennett’s Woodpeckers, White-browed Coucal, Collared Palm Thrush, Purple-crested Turaco, African Gray and Southern Red-billed Hornbills, and more. Lovely forest birds like Peter’s Twinspot and Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike are possible.

In the afternoons we return to our lodge to unwind. Enjoy a dip in the pool or relax and keep an eye out for Elephants, Baboons, Bushbuck, and Hippos right from your porch. With no fences in the game management area, the camp is regularly visited by large herbivores. 

Mfuwe has evolved as a tourist center, an important part of their economy that has engendered a respect of the park and its wildlife. Those that wish to do so can venture out to a few local artisan shops such as Tribal Textiles or Mulberry Mongoose to find some treasures to bring home.
Accommodations at Flatdogs Camp (B,L,D)

Tues., July 29              Morning Game Drive | Flight to Lusaka | Wild Dogs Lodge

Enjoy one last early morning game drive and then it’s time to pack up. We return to Wild Dogs Lodge in Lusaka this afternoon. Take time to get organized to fly home, or simply enjoy the lodge grounds.

Over dinner on the outdoor patio, we share highlights and favorite species of our Zambia journey.
Accommodations at Wild Dogs Lodge (B,L,D)

Wed., July 30              International Departures

Our adventure comes to an end. Our gracious lodge makes sure your airport transfer is timed to match your international flight as our flock disperses today.

Lower Zambezi National Park Pre-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., July 16: Arrival in Lusaka | Wild Dogs Lodge

Welcome to Zambia! Our pre-tour extension (like our main safari) begins in Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia. Please plan to arrive at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) at your leisure. A driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to our comfortable lodge located outside the busy city. Settle into your peaceful chalet, situated on lush grounds with shady trees. This lodge has terrific birding right on the grounds so it’s a great place to arrive early, rest up, and start exploring. Dining is outdoors under the stars, a perfect introduction to Zambia!
Accommodations at Wild Dogs Lodge (D)

Thurs., July 17 : Flight to Zambezi River National Park | Afternoon Boat Cruise

This section of the mighty Zambezi River is strikingly different from both the Luangwa and Kafue Rivers, being up to two miles wide in places, slowly meandering in a multitude of channels through a myriad of sandy islands.

Lower Zambezi National Park is just across the river from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and shares that gorgeous riverine habitat of spreading trees with an open understory. It is less visited than Mana Pools and often described as a “hidden gem” of African parks. Its Wild Dog population is on the rise and the park is known to have a high density of Leopards, a species not found at Mana Pools. The Lower Zambezi Valley is part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and an impressive escarpment rises behind the lodge, in view of all our game drives. Because of its premier location, we are using the Royal Zambezi Lodge here, a five-star accommodation. What a nice way to start our journey with lovely amenities! Our lodge claims to have a front row seat on both wildlife and scenic beauty and we agree.
Accommodations at Royal Zambezi Lodge (B,L,D)

Fri., July 18 & Sat., July 19 : Two Full Days in Lower Zambezi National Park

The spectacular Lower Zambezi National Park was established in 1983 and covering over 1500 square miles, it is the larger of the two parks that comprise a united conservation area on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border. The park and its lodges are committed to high climate, community and biodiversity standards, rated as one of the most effective of its kind in the world. Habitat conditions are excellent as prior to becoming a national park this was a private park exclusively for use by the Zambian president (thus the royal connotation). Our thatched cottages are private suites with a patio and Elephants and Buffalo are often in view. The public areas have a historic feel to them on the inside, and grand views on the outside decks and patios. If you wish, you can book an Africa bush spa treatment (additional cost) to ease the bumps of our safari drives. Depending on the water levels, we may book a river cruise and there are canoes available.

Best of all, we continue our hunt for Zambia’s wildlife and birds in this newest of Zambia’s national parks. Over 370 species of birds have been recorded in the park, which is an Important Bird Area of Zambia. African Fish Eagle are common here along the river, and big colonies of White-fronted Bee-eaters nest in holes in the riverbank. The wild nature of this large park increases our chances of encountering predators on a kill with attendant vultures. All vulture species are rapidly declining in Africa and of real concern so a chance to see them is prime. Night drives are allowed in the park (they are not in Mana Pools) with a chance to see African Porcupine, civets and genets, and possibly Leopard or the rarer chance to see Aardvark. Kingfishers are varied and include Pied, Giant, Brown-hooded, Woodland, and in small reed patches, Malachite. We have a good chance here to see Greater Kudu and Waterbuck, as well as Side-striped Jackal and even Honey Badger.

The gallery forests and woodlands that flank the Zambezi River are known for their lowland bird community, typical for Mozambique and just entering Zambia here, with Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Eastern Nicator, Sombre Greenbul, Purple-crested Turaco, Lilian’s Lovebird, and Bearded Scrub-Robin. The area is well-known for the high densities of Southern Crested Guineafowl and Crested Francolin. Due to the proximity of the escarpment, Black Stork is feasible while Eastern Black Saw-wing occurs here regularly in winter. Pel’s Fishing Owl and Verreaux’s Eagle Owl reside not far from the lodge and we may get lucky to find them. Among the many raptors are specials like Bat Hawk and African Cuckoo Hawk. The river itself is so large that it holds a myriad of islands, hosting both species of dynamic rivers as well as of marshlands, such as White-crowned and Long-toed Lapwing, White-fronted Plover, Goliath and Purple Herons, Collared Pratincole, Greater Painted Snipe, and more.
Accommodations at Royal Zambezi Lodge (B,L,D)

Sun., July 20 : Morning Game Drive | Return to Lusaka | Main Safari Begins

We make the most of our time available before the flight back to Lusaka, driving out to see what is happening with all the local wildlife. If we are missing any species of note, we make a last good effort to find them.

Wild Dogs Lodge is the meet-up point with our comrades for the main safari. Birding is quite good on the grounds there. Flowering trees attract sunbirds, and a wild area behind the lodge attracts any number of species. The rest of our adventures awaits!
Accommodations at Wild Dogs Lodge (B,L)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of this 11-Day Zambia Safari is per person, based on occupancy: $11,500 DBL / $12,090 SGL. This cost includes accommodations for 10 nights, all meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D), all land transportation, game park and other entry fees.

Tour cost does not include: transportation from your home city to and from Lusaka, optional activities, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, gratuities for guides, lodges and drivers, beverages from the bar or personal, medical, and cancellation insurance.

The cost of the Lower Zambezi National Park is $5390.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive July 20, 2025 at your leisure. 

Departure Airport: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart July 30, 2024, at your leisure.

Extension Arrival Airport: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia

Extension Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive on July 16, 2025, at your leisure.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early in Lusaka to rest up from your travels, we can book you an early night at our first night lodge, Wild Dogs Lodge. It's a very comfortable lodge to relax at after a long journey. They have a restaurant, bar, and pool on site as well as nice gardens for birding.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go” tab.

• Frank Willems — Zambia & Zimbabwe Expert
  

  Frank is Zambia’s leading ornithologist and ecologist. Being from Dutch origin, he worked with the Dutch ornithology trust SOVON after obtaining his MSc in Ecology from Nijmegen University. Most of his professional work focused on the breeding ecology and population dynamics of birds in the Netherlands. His involvement in Foundation WIWO focused on bird research and training projects mainly in Russia and Iran.
  
  He came to Zambia with his wife Inge in early 2008 to work with Kasanka Trust on the management of Kasanka and Lavushi Manda National Parks, as well as Shoebill Island Camp in Bangweulu Wetlands. Tasks varied from mammal and bird monitoring, supervising PhD studies on Shoebill, Kinda Baboon and Straw-coloured Fruit Bat, facilitating film crews and writing management plans, to anti-poaching activities, building scout camps and bridges, creating firebreaks, and filling potholes in the dirt roads. The very Bangweulu Shoebills prominently feature in BBC's monumental "Africa" production, alongside Kasanka's mega-colony of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats (the world’s largest mammal migration) and the eagles preying on them, both facilitated by Frank.
  
  Since late 2017 Frank and family, now based near Fringilla, Chisamba, run their own company Kigelia Solutions. Major projects since have included the Birds of Zambia app, a biodiversity survey of the Mafinga Mountains with the BirdLife partner BirdWatch Zambia, an NHK film production on African Skimmer, consultations linked to community conservancies in Mpumba, the creation and management of Kalwelwa Bushcamp in Mwinilunga, and the creation of Birding Zambia.
  
  Side activities include the function of ‘Zambian Bird Recorder’ and Technical Advisor of BirdWatch Zambia, and country rep for African Bird Club. Several of his free-time explorations have focused on remote and unexplored parts of the Mwinilunga district. The large evergreen forests he and others identified using Google Earth, prove to hold real surprises like Vermiculated Fishing-owl and Spot-breasted Ibis. Frank is determined to ultimately create a large conservancy to protect Mwinilunga’s rich biodiversity.
  
  From a young age, Frank has guided and trained people, in the Netherlands, Zambia, and many other countries. He loves sharing his passion for and knowledge of the bush. During his twelve years in Zambia, he guided numerous groups in numerous places, including tens of film crews and research groups, photographers and journalists.

  Other trips with Frank Willems — Zambia & Zimbabwe Expert

Essential Information +

Pace & Protocols +

Packing List +

Suggested Reading List +

Useful Links +

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