The Grand Zam

Overview

Map

Key Information

Duration

12 days

Safari type

Luxury

Included meals

19 (12 breakfast, 3 lunch, 4 dinner)

Transport

Boat, Minibus

Group sIZE 12-18

12 days

Accommodation

11 nights, comfortable lodge

Areas Visited

Gallery

Day by Day

• Day 1

  We’ll meet you at Lusaka International Airport and transfer you to Pioneer Camp, a peaceful setting on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy an alfresco dinner under the stars and unwind after your flight.

• Days 2-4

  Depart early for Busanga, where you’ll spend three nights at Kasanka Camp in full board chalets hosted by Northern Kafue Safaris.

  Days 3 & 4: Explore the floodplains and woodlands of this iconic region on game drives in search of lions, leopards, and massive buffalo herds along the Lufupa River. The Busanga ecosystem offers some of the best predator sightings in the country, paired with golden light and vast, open skies.

• Day 5

  After breakfast, return to Pioneer Camp in Lusaka for a one-night stopover. You’ll be accommodated in one of the Miombo chalets and enjoy a relaxing evening before heading northeast the following day.

• Days 6-7

  Depart for Kasanka National Park where we’ll set up camp at Pontoon or Kabwe Campsite.

  Day 7: Rise early for a visit to Fibwe Hide, the best place in Africa to spot the elusive sitatunga antelope. Floating reed beds make this one of the most unique ecosystems in Zambia. The birdlife here is phenomenal and the landscapes are serene and unspoiled.

• Days 8-10

  After breakfast and packing down camp, we drive to the remote Bangweulu Wetlands. Here you’ll stay at Enzobi Campsite, fully serviced by our team.

  Day 9: Venture out by mokoro (dugout canoe) into the swamps in search of the iconic shoebill stork—a highlight for any wildlife enthusiast.

  Day 10: Opt for another mokoro excursion or a combination of morning and afternoon game drives. Activities are flexible and tailored to your preference.

• Dsys 11-12

  From Bangweulu, we pass through Lavushi Manda National Park, journeying to the scenic Mutinondo Wilderness. We’ll set up camp at one of the area’s exclusive sites.

  Day 12: Enjoy the freedom to explore—hike granite hills, swim or paddle in clear rivers, or simply relax in solitude. You may walk independently or be accompanied by a guide—Mutinondo is one of the few places in Zambia where this is safely possible.

• Day 13

  Today is a journey you’ll never forget. We take the O5 Road, Zambia’s wildest route, over the Muchinga Escarpment and into the Luangwa Valley. It’s a 10-hour adventure through astonishingly remote country.

  You’ll arrive at Flatdogs Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, greeted by a comfortable chalet and a well-earned sundowner.

• Day 14-15

  Enjoy two full days of game viewing with Flatdogs’ expert guides, joined by your Zambia Safari Company host.

  Morning drives, followed by brunch and siesta, and then afternoon or evening safaris. This park is known for its high predator densities, elephant herds, and spectacular birdlife.

• Day 16

  After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer you back to Pioneer Camp in Lusaka. Settle in for your third stay at this relaxing property—it may start to feel like home.

• Day 17-19

  Depart south for Mvu Camp in the Lower Zambezi Valley. Depending on road conditions and group size, we’ll use either the scenic Leopard’s Hill Road or the Escarpment Route.
  Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp while you enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi—your first taste of this wild and magnificent river.

  Day 18: Take a full-day game drive in Lower Zambezi National Park. With its albida forests, riverfront wildlife, and rich biodiversity, the park is truly magical.

  Day 19: Choose between another full-day drive, a morning and evening drive, or a second boat cruise. The flexibility is yours.

• Day 20

  After breakfast and breaking down camp, we’ll return to Pioneer Camp—a 5-hour drive from Mvu. This marks the end of your incredible journey, though the memories will last a lifetime.

Paul's perspective