8 Day Unspoilt Zambia Wilderness

Day 1: Lusaka - South Luangwa National Park

At Lusaka Airport, you will board a flight to Mfuwe Airport and from there you will be escorted on a 40-minute road transfer to Nkwali Camp, in the midst of vast grasslands and ebony woodlands. After settling into your suite, you will enjoy some time to spend at your leisure. Enjoy drinks on the deck overlooking the river or relax in the crystal-clear waters of the swimming pool.

Game viewing activities proceeding afternoon tea can be taken in the form of walking safaris, birding, game drives and river safaris. During a game viewing excursion, it is often possible to spot a variety of carnivores, antelope, bird and insect species, as well as the occasional predator on the prowl.

Alternatively, take a tour around the local villages for an introduction to their unique culture. Visit the schools, houses, shops and markets occupied by the local people and learn a bit more about their daily lifestyles. Not sure how to explain this unique culture to your friends and family at home? Tribal textiles are a popular part of Zambia that can easily be taken home with you.

After an afternoon of gathering new memories, return to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks around a campfire. Shortly after, you will be served with a freshly prepared meal. Seated in either the dining room or at an alfresco table, your friendly staff will wait on you as you taste the flavor of the bush. Enjoy a drink under the stars before returning to a peaceful night's rest in your comfortable suite.

Day 2:South Luangwa National Park

Wake up to the sounds of the flowing Luangwa River as you enjoy a warm cup of coffee before preparing for your morning activity. A morning game drive takes you to the South Luangwa National Park where sightings of zebra, hippo, elephant and a variety of antelope species are common. The endemic Thornicroft's Giraffe is unique to the valley and their heads can be seen towering over the mopane, leadwood and winterthorn trees.

The drives are taken in open-top safari vehicles, allowing for unfiltered panoramic views. You can also choose to go on a walking safari guided by a National Park scout instead. Follow the spoor of the wild into an untamed diversity of plant, insect and bird life. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a siesta before afternoon tea.

Cruise down the South Luangwa River in a two-seater canoe or on a sunset river cruise, as you spot the sly crocodiles lazing on the banks and the eyes of a hippo peeking out from the water. Stop in the middle of the river during your cruise, or take a break from your canoe on one of the islands to admire the spectacular sunset with refreshing sundowners.

As you sail back to the lodge, you will witness the changing colour of the African sky and enjoy a starry night around the campfire. Entertained by local tales of the fauna and flora, you will enjoy an indoor or outdoor dinner. Menus are influenced by a combination of local and international flavours and promises to be a culinary delight. Once your taste buds have been satisfied, return to your suite for a relaxing bath in your open-air bathroom. Get in bed and fall asleep to the sounds of the active bush.

Day 3-5:South Luangwa National Park

After an early wake up, indulge in a delicious breakfast before venturing through the park to your next destination. Upon arrival at Nsefu Camp, you will unpack and settle into your comfortable rondavel (thatched chalet). Take a walk down to the camp's waterhole to see a congregation of wildlife, such as mammals, antelope, insects and birds.

After lunch, head out into the South Luangwa National Park to explore the depths of the wilderness on a game drive, or tread along the contours during a guided walking safari. Seasonal boating is available from the end of December to April. Explore the water channels and bird life that adorn the lagoons as you paddle your way around. Your guide will provide an in-depth description of the fauna and flora as well as explain how the various organisms interact with one another.

Educational and interactive activities include village tours and visits to the Wildlife Education Centre to learn more about the South Luangwa Valley and its wildlife, as well as how to conserve it. A trip to the nearby Kawaza Village will return you with new cultural insights as well as souvenirs of tribal textiles.

Night drives venture out after tea time and return before dinner. With the spotlight operated by your guide and the safari vehicle's headlights providing the only light on this excursion, it is sure to be an exhilarating experience. Spot the sparkling eyes of a bush baby, watch as a lioness breaks away from the herd to pursue its prey and listen to the hooting of the owl. Head back to a dinner table adorned with a freshly prepared meal, welcoming your arrival. Dine indoors or alfresco before enjoying post-dinner drinks around a campfire.

Day 6-7:Lower Zambezi National Park

A road transfer will take you to Mfuwe Airport where you will board a flight to the Lower Zambezi. At the airstrip, a guide will meet you and take you on a short road transfer to a boat crossing point. A 20-minute motorboat ride on the Zambezi River will take you to your accommodation. You will stay at Chiawa Camp in an en-suite safari tent.

An afternoon tea will be prepared before you embark on your afternoon game viewing activity. You will have a choice between a Zambezi River safari in a canoe or a sunset boat cruise, or a fishing trip. A walking safari is the opportune time to discover the intricate facets of the bush and to enjoy excellent wildlife photographic opportunities.

On return at the lodge, you will have the option of joining a guide on a night drive, where you will be lead to uninterrupted encounters with the nocturnal wildlife. The spotlights used to venture through the bush are carefully designed to providing minimal obstruction to the animals, maintaining an unspoilt game viewing experience. Return to the lodge for dinner, drinks around the fire while stargazing and an early night's rest.

Day 8: Lusaka

If you wake up early enough, you'll be able to enjoy a final morning game viewing activity and a delicious breakfast. Your departure from the camp will be in a boat transfer to the boat crossing point. From there, a road transfer will take you to an airstrip where you will board a flight to Lusaka Airport. Your prearranged onward travel arrangements will be met at this airport.