Zambia’s River Kingdoms

Three Rivers, Three Wilderness Areas, and one unforgettable African Experience

This is Zambia at its most immersive — a country where the wild feels genuinely spacious, the days move at their own pace, and the rivers are the heartbeat of everything. Begin near the thunder of Victoria Falls for your soft landing, then fly deep into Kafue — Zambia’s vast, undervisited national park, where big skies and quiet waterways reward those willing to go further. The Lower Zambezi follows: a spectacular corridor of elephant, lion and hippo where canoe, boat and walking safari combine in a way that nowhere else quite matches. Finally, South Luangwa — one of Africa’s truly great safari destinations, legendary for its predators, its walking safari tradition, and the kind of sightings that never leave you.

Your guide shapes every day around the season, the wildlife, and the moment. Nothing is rigid. Everything is possible.

This is Zambia’s wild heart — and this journey goes straight to the centre of it.

Experience The Highlights

Golden sunset over river with hippo opening jaws wide above the water, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Sunset over Zambezi River, Zambia, with vibrant sky and calm water.
Wide view of river filled with hippos in and out of the water, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Two elephants wading in the Zambezi River, Zambia.
General boma area deck overlooking the river
Inside Chula Island Camp tent, looking across double bed through mosquito netting at bush in background, Zambia.
Herd of elephants wading and drinking in Zambezi River, Zambia
Three buffalo in tall golden grass, one lying down and two facing the camera, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Itinerary Overview 

Quick Summary

Day Description Accommodation
Days 1 – 2 Arrive at the Victoria Falls – Livingstone Chundukwa River Lodge
Days 3 – 6 Kafue National Park (Musekese) Musekese Camp
Days 7 – 8 Lower Zambezi National Park (Chula Island Camp) Chula Island Camp
Days 9 – 10 Lower Zambezi National Park (Kutali Camp) Kutali Camp
Days 11 – 13 South Luangwa National Park (Kafunta River Lodge) Kafunta River Lodge
Days 14 – 15 South Luangwa National Park (Three Rivers Camp) Three Rivers Camp
Day 16 Depart South Luangwa

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Detailed Itinerary

Days 1 – 2: Arrive at the Victoria Falls – Livingstone

Victoria Falls in full flood at sunset, dramatic waterfall Zimbabwe
Chundukwa Lodge view from across the river, lodge with lights on in the distance across river in Zambia.
Woman on small wooden raft looking over Zambezi River at herd of elephants on the other side of the river, woman wearing white top and safari hat on a wildlife safari in Zambia.

Victoria Falls – Livingston

Arrive into Livingstone, your stay for two nights near the Falls.

Settle in, then enjoy the freedom to choose your pace: a guided visit to Victoria Falls, scenic flights, river time, or a dose of adrenaline (microlight, rafting, bungee if that’s your style).
It’s a wonderful way to ease into Zambia before the safari becomes properly wild.

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Chundukwa River Lodge
  • Meals: B,L,D

Days 3 – 6: Kafue National Park (Musekese)

Lion standing near guest tented accommodation in Kafue National Park.
Rare endangered wild dogs moving through golden grass in Zambia.
Guest deck at Musekese Camp during sunset, dinner prepared and ready.

Kafue National Park (Musekese)

Fly or transfer onward into Kafue, a vast, varied wilderness and Zambia’s largest national park.

Your base is intimate and quietly authentic, with days shaped around game drives and time on the river, watching elephants come down to drink, scanning for big cats, and enjoying the birdlife that makes Kafue such a favourite for keen naturalists.

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Musekese Camp
  • Meals: B,L,D

Days 7 – 8: Lower Zambezi National Park (Chula Island Camp)

Guide and guest crouching during a walking safari at sunset, viewing elephants in the distance in Zambia.
Adult hippo and calf resting on river island in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Herd of buffalo among trees with sunlight filtering in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park (Chula Island Camp)

Welcome to the Lower Zambezi, it’s broad, beautiful, and alive with movement.


Chula is deliberately simple and wonderfully close to nature, with open views across the river and a real sense of being away from it all.

This is a perfect place for gentle mornings, wildlife drifting past camp, and unhurried afternoons on safari.

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Chula Island Camp
  • Meals: B,L,D

Days 9 – 10: Lower Zambezi National Park (Kutali Camp)

Guests in a canoe observing an elephant in the distance at Lower Zambezi National Park, Kutali Safari Camp, Zambia.
Safari vehicle in the foreground looking at a herd of elephants in golden grass at Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
Large leopard lying on a tree stump in the wild.

Lower Zambezi National Park (Kutali Camp)

Shift to Kutali, tucked into a winterthorn forest in another pocket of the park.

The drive between the camps will undoubtedly prove to be a game drive in itself.
These days are made for variety: game drives, superb walking safaris with specialist guides, and time on the water.

If you feel like something different, this is prime tiger fishing territory — thrilling, hands-on, and very Zambezi.

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Kutali Camp
  • Meals: B,L,D

Days 11 – 13: South Luangwa National Park (Kafunta River Lodge)

Wide-open view of Kafunta River Lodge across green water plains, lodge visible in background.
Lion cub playing among tree stumps, facing forward, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Hyena looking back over right shoulder toward camera in lush green grass, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

South Luangwa National Park (Kafunta River Lodge)

Fly to Mfuwe and transfer into South Luangwa, a park that consistently rewards patience and good guiding.

Kafunta sits in a wildlife-rich area with excellent viewing from the lodge itself — ideal for a slower moment between drives, watching animals come in for a drink.

Depending on the season, you may also catch special natural events (like the carmine bee-eater colonies around Oct/Nov).

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Kafunta River Lodge
  • Meals: B,L,D

Days 14 – 15: South Luangwa National Park (Three Rivers Camp)

A group of wild dogs playing together in long tall grass, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Herd of elephants crossing shallow river pools with hippo in foreground, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Luxury guest tented accommodation with double bed, soft interior colors

South Luangwa National Park (Three Rivers Camp)

 

Finish at wonderfully remote Three Rivers Camp, positioned where seasonal rivers meet, a setting that feels private, quiet and deeply “Luangwa”.


These final days are about soaking up the atmosphere: focused game viewing, relaxed pacing, and that beautiful sense of having a huge landscape largely to yourselves.

Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Three Rivers Camp
  • Meals: B,L,D

Day 16: Depart South Luangwa

Cheetah lying high in a tree surveying the land, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
View from inside guest accommodation, double bed overlooking river and deck outside
Massive herd of buffalo moving into the bush, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Depart South Luangwa National Park 

After breakfast, transfer back to Mfuwe for your onward flight connections. The experience is over, but the storytelling is just about to begin!
Daily Summary
 
  • Accommodation: Three Rivers Camp
  • Meals: B,L,D

Do You Have Questions About This Tour?

We Are Here To Help

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Accommodation on This Tour

Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.

Chundukwa Lodge view from across the river, lodge with lights on in the distance across river in Zambia.
Chundukwa Lodge view from across the river, lodge with lights on in the distance across river in Zambia.
Room in Chundukwa Lodge Zambia
Sunset of Zambezi river from deck at Chundukwa Lodge Zambia
Outside deck overlooking river in day time at Chundukwa Lodge Zambia
Chundukwa Lodge Zambia at night on main deck with candles burning in holders in trees
Chundukwa Lodge Zambia dinning table over looking Zambezi river at dusk with candle light on table
Bathroom at Chundukwa River Lodge in Zambia.
Woman on small wooden raft looking over Zambezi River at herd of elephants on the other side of the river, woman wearing white top and safari hat on a wildlife safari in Zambia.

Chundukwa River Lodge

Livingstone, Zambia

Chundukwa River Lodge offers a unique experience of luxury and tranquillity along the banks of the Zambezi River. The lodge features comfortable chalets with stunning views of the river, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Guests can enjoy river cruises, birdwatching, horse-riding and guided walks to explore the beauty around them. The lodge's restaurant serves delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients, and the bar offers a selection of wines and cocktails to enjoy while watching the sunset over the river.

With its peaceful setting and personalised service, Chundukwa River Lodge is the perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing getaway in Zambia.

Riverside Chalets

As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, our Riverside Chalets do not have air-conditioning. These units are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the river and forest, offering an authentic eco-lodge experience. All chalets feature an open-fronted layout, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. While doors and windows are covered with protective gauze, the units are not hermetically sealed. Each room includes mosquito nets, gauze-covered openings, and private balconies with stunning views of the river and surrounding trees.

Please be aware that our location is nestled deep within nature, and it's not uncommon to encounter insects or hear hippos active at night. This is all part of the unique experience our guests love and embrace. We encourage you to come with a spirit of adventure and appreciation for the wild, tranquil beauty that makes our lodge so special. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms, and we can accommodate twin or king beds in each chalet.

Front view of tented accommodation at Musekese Camp with bush and sunrise over trees in the background.
Front view of tented guest accommodation in the Zambian bush, sunrise lighting.
Lion standing near guest tented accommodation in Kafue National Park.
Bathroom facilities inside a luxury tent at Musekese Camp, Kafue National Park.
Guest deck at Musekese Camp during sunset, dinner prepared and ready.
Guests seated around a campfire at Musekese Camp with river and bush in background.
Daylight view of guest deck at Musekese Camp, set for breakfast with bush in the background.
Interior of tented accommodation with double bed, Zambia.
View from guest tent deck overlooking the Zambian bush, sunrise lighting.

Musekese Camp

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Nestled in the heart of Zambia's Kafue National Park, Musekese Camp offers an intimate and authentic safari experience.

Overlooking the serene 'Eden' lagoon, the camp comprises six spacious canvas chalets, each thoughtfully designed with en-suite bathrooms featuring flushing toilets and on-demand hot showers. Powered entirely by solar energy, Musekese ensures a sustainable and comfortable stay.

Guests can immerse themselves in the rich wildlife through guided walking safaris, game drives, and boat excursions along the Kafue River.

The camp's commitment to conservation has transformed the area into a thriving haven for diverse species, including lions, leopards, elephants, and a plethora of birdlife.

With expert guides, exceptional cuisine, and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness, Musekese Camp provides a truly memorable African adventure.

Interior view of Chulu Island Camp tented accommodation, showing double bed in open-plan layout.
Open view of Chula Island Camp tented accommodation with double bed, spacious interior, and African bush visible outside.
Inside Chula Island Camp tent, looking across double bed through mosquito netting at bush in background, Zambia.
General dining area of Chula Island Camp main lodge, tented accommodation with rustic furnishings.
Typical outside view of Chula Island Camp tented accommodation with Zambian bush in background.

Chula Island Camp

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Nestled on the secluded Katengahumba Island within Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, Chula Island Camp offers an intimate and authentic safari experience.
With just five bespoke canvas tents, each accommodating up to two guests, the camp ensures privacy and personalised service. The tents are thoughtfully designed with high-quality linens, comfortable beds, and en-suite bathrooms featuring flushing toilets and traditional bucket showers.

Positioned to provide stunning views of the Zambezi River, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding wilderness right from their private verandas.
The central stretch-canvas tent serves as a communal area for dining and relaxation, set beneath towering Natal Mahogany trees.


Activities at Chula Island Camp include walking safaris, canoeing excursions, boating, tiger fishing, and game drives, all led by experienced guides.
The camp operates seasonally from mid-May to November, aligning with the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing.


Emphasising eco-friendly practices, Chula Island Camp runs on solar power and maintains a low environmental impact, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and conservation in the heart of the African wilderness.

Canvas Tent

Bespoke canvas tents featuring high-quality linens, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and traditional bucket showers, and private verandas overlooking the Zambezi River.

Guest suites at Kutali Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia at sunrise with lake view.
Dining tent at Kutali Safari Camp next to the lake, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia, in sunshine.
View from a guest suite over the lake at Kutali Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
Bathroom inside a tented accommodation at Kutali Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
Red sunset over guests’ tented accommodation at Kutali Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
Tented accommodation at Kutali Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
Outside view of tented accommodation at Kutali Safari Camp next to the river, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

Kutali Camp

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Kutali Camp is located under a stunningly cool Winterthorn forest on the secluded Kulefu Island in the remote eastern sector of the park, offering what is arguably the prettiest camp location in Zambia.
Nestled under the Winterthorn trees in Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, the camp provides an intimate and authentic safari experience with just five guest tents meant to host no more than ten people, ensuring exclusivity and personalised service.

Each bespoke tent offers comfort with high-quality linens, comfortable beds, flushing toilets, running water taps, and traditional safari-style bucket showers, alongside strategic placement for breathtaking views of the Zambezi River.
The main area, shaded by towering Winterthorn trees, is the perfect communal space for dining and enjoying wildlife spectacles.


Activities are abundant with game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating, and fishing in the diverse Zambezi surroundings, promising frequent encounters with elephant herds, buffalo, impala, and the park's predatory cats.
Open from May to November, Kutali Camp invites guests to a harmonious blend of luxury and nature, where discoveries await in every safari.

Standard Tent

Bespoke tent with high-quality linens, comfortable beds, flushing toilets, running water taps, and traditional bucket showers, offering stunning views of the Zambezi River.

Wide-open view of Kafunta River Lodge across green water plains, lodge visible in background.
Aerial shot of Kafunta River Lodge showing thatched roof and open-plan design, bush surrounding lodge.
Guest accommodation with thatched roof and mosquito netting, view from back of room looking out to bush.
Interior of guest room with double bed, side view, mosquito netting, looking into the bed. Description: The rooms offer cozy interiors with classic safari style, ensuring comfort during stays.
Main lodge deck area with seating for guests, overlooking bush, ideal for drinks and game viewing.
Evening dinner setting on outcrop deck, sunset over the bush
Small plunge pool with umbrella overlooking waterways and surrounding bush
Main guest swimming pool with overflowing views of surrounding bush

Kafunta River Lodge

South Luangwa, Zambia

Kafunta River Lodge is a charming and friendly safari lodge located in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Positioned along the Luangwa River, the lodge offers a unique combination of comfort and wildlife experience.

Guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and night drives led by experienced guides to witness the diverse wildlife in the park. The lodge features comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool overlooking the river, and a cozy lounge to relax after a day of adventure. With its beautiful setting and excellent service, Kafunta River Lodge ensures an unforgettable African safari experience.

Standard Suite

Kafunta Suites (there are two of them) features a spacious bedroom with a double bed and a mezzanine where we can add one or two single beds to accommodate up to 2 children, a large bathroom with a shower and a separate stand-alone bathtub, a sitting area, and an upstairs and downstairs deck. A suite supplement applies when requesting a suite for one or two people.

Front view of Three Rivers Camp guest lodge, river in foreground, bush in background, stilted accommodation
View from inside guest accommodation, double bed overlooking river and deck outside
Casual stilted seating area with aerial view of river at Three Rivers Camp
Luxury guest tented accommodation with double bed, soft interior colors
Bathroom with double basin in tented accommodation, Three Rivers Camp
Private deck with outdoor bed and candlelit lamps overlooking river
General boma area deck overlooking the river
Long-range view of tented guest accommodation at Three Rivers Camp
General dining area outdoors under thatch roof overlooking river

Three Rivers Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Nestled at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi Rivers, Three Rivers Camp offers an exclusive safari experience in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park.
This intimate camp features five sophisticated tents, each stylishly decorated with natural hues and materials, providing a spacious bedroom with twin beds, a sitting area, and large gauze windows overlooking either the Luangwa River or a lagoon. The en-suite bathrooms include dual sinks, a flushing toilet, and both indoor and outdoor showers. A unique feature of each tent is a private raised platform with daybeds, allowing guests the option to sleep under the African sky, enveloped by a protective mosquito net.
The camp's remote location ensures a private and pristine safari experience, with activities such as game drives and bush walks led by expert guides.
Guests can immerse themselves in the abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, making Three Rivers Camp an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and luxurious African adventure.

Safari Luxury Tent

Spacious tents featuring twin beds, a sitting area, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and private raised platforms with daybeds for optional outdoor sleeping.

Price Includes

  • Accommodation as per itinerary

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Transfers and flights as per itinerary

  • Entrances to parks

Please Note
This is a sample itinerary. Connect with one of our African specialists to build your personal itinerary.

 
 
 

Price Excludes

International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included

All rates are based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.

 
Retail Terms and Conditions
 
 

Why African Signature

Curated Destinations

The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.

Tailored Experiences

The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.

Sustainable Stewardship

The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.

Do You Have Questions About This Tour?

We Are Here To Help

Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.

 Travel Insurance

Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.

In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.

Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.

Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.

Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!

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