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THE ITINERARY COLLECTION
ZAMBIA / ZAMBIA SAFARI

Zambia Safari Itinerary: 10 days

A night to recover after the journey, then eight nights moving deeper into South Luangwa and back.

A ten-day Zambia safari itinerary with one Lusaka recovery night, Mfuwe Lodge, Bilimungwe and Kapamba in South Luangwa.

Explore the itinerary
Alisha and Matt together on a Bora Bora beach

A trip from Alisha & MattPlanned with couples in mind.

Alisha and Matt beside the river at sunset on safari in Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
One valley.

YOUR TIME10 days · 9 nights

THE FOCUSSouth Luangwa · Mfuwe · bushcamps

THE BASESArrival hotel: Bonanza Resort in 2021 + Mfuwe Lodge + Bilimungwe Bushcamp + Kapamba Bushcamp

THE PACEOperator-led outings + camp time

THE EXPERIENCES TO BUILD A TRIP AROUND

Give these places their time

Let the bushcamp circuit set the rhythm, with time between guided outings.

A PLACE IN THE PLAN

Guided safari outings

Choose the available guided outings with the camp team.

See where it fits →

A PLACE IN THE PLAN

Time at bushcamp

Leave the middle of the day for the camp rather than adding another transfer.

See where it fits →
GET TO KNOW THE PLACE

One valley.
Time in the bush.

Let the camp sequence set the journey and the guides shape the outings. A Lusaka recovery night leads into Mfuwe, Bilimungwe and Kapamba, then back to Mfuwe. The open safari days are intentional: wildlife and conditions deserve more influence than a timetable written at home.

Our safari company of choice was The Bushcamp Company. We travelled with them for the South Luangwa portion of this trip, staying at Mfuwe Lodge, Bilimungwe and Kapamba.

The sequence is one night near Lusaka, one at Mfuwe Lodge, two at Bilimungwe, three at Kapamba and two back at Mfuwe. The trip plan sets out the camps and leaves most safari days open. Let the lodge guides arrange outings and transfers for the conditions.

See how the route fits together ↘
Play video

COME ALONG WITH US

What happens on safari in Zambia

24:15 · Published 2021

Our trip footage is a look at the experience at the time. Use the guide for current planning advice.

Watch on YouTube ↗
A LITTLE ORIENTATION

Get your bearings before setting out.

The sequence is one night near Lusaka, one at Mfuwe Lodge, two at Bilimungwe, three at Kapamba and two back at Mfuwe. The trip plan sets out the camps and leaves most safari days open. Let the lodge guides arrange outings and transfers for the conditions.

ROUTE DIAGRAM · NOT TO SCALE
LusakaOne arrival night
Mfuwe LodgeOne night
BilimungweTwo nights
KapambaThree nights
Mfuwe LodgeTwo final nights
Mfuwe airportDeparture
10 DAYS · 9 NIGHTS · YOUR OWN ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PLAN

ON THE MAP

See how the journey fits together.

Follow the numbered stops alongside the day plan. The lines show the order of the journey; use your transport booking or navigation for the actual route.

Explore the places in the list below.

  1. 01 Lusaka
    Day 1 →Place ↗
  2. 02 Mfuwe
    Day 2 →Place ↗
  3. 03 South Luangwa National Park
    Day 4 →Place ↗
  4. 04 Mfuwe
    Day 8 →Place ↗

Place coordinates: Wikidata , Wikipedia and © OpenStreetMap contributors. Geography: Natural Earth. Select a place for its source.

THE ROUTE AT A GLANCE

Your Zambia Safari route and overnight stays

DayRoute or focusOvernight
1LUSAKA AIRPORT → HOTELLusaka-area arrival hotel, Bonanza Resort in the journey.
2LUSAKA → MFUWE LODGEMfuwe Lodge.
3MFUWE → BILIMUNGWEBilimungwe Bushcamp.
4SOUTH LUANGWABilimungwe Bushcamp.
5BILIMUNGWE → KAPAMBAKapamba Bushcamp.
6SOUTH LUANGWAKapamba Bushcamp.
7SOUTH LUANGWAKapamba Bushcamp.
8KAPAMBA → MFUWEMfuwe Lodge.
9MFUWE LODGEMfuwe Lodge.
10MFUWE → LUSAKA → ONWARDOnward travel.
THE PLAN

Your Zambia Safari itinerary, day by day

Open a day for the stops and practical advice. Let the plan help you decide where to linger.

10 days · 9 nightsA ROUTE TO MAKE YOUR OWN
ZAMBIA SAFARI · THE ROUTE
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DAY1

Recover near Lusaka.

LUSAKA AIRPORT → HOTELChoose the main outing · keep alternatives separate

A quiet first night comes after the long international journey.

  • Airport pickupArrange vehicles for the group and the actual luggage load. Confirm the fare and payment method directly.
  • Arrival hotelThe 2021 notes name Bonanza Resort. Verify the current property and reservation before booking.
  • Rest and dinnerPool or spa time is optional and separately arranged. Leave room to sleep before the domestic flight.

THE DAY’S ROUTELUSAKA AIRPORT → HOTEL

MEALS & BREAKSRest and dinner

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Lusaka-area arrival hotel, Bonanza Resort in the journey.

DAY2

Fly to Mfuwe.

LUSAKA → MFUWE LODGEA journey day · include bags and each connection
A wooden Mfuwe Lodge sign beside the safari road
Mfuwe Lodge

Protect the flight and lodge transfer.

  • A light morningHave breakfast and confirm checkout and the airport pickup.
  • Domestic flightBook the current service and baggage allowance. Do not rely on the old aircraft or ticket limits.
  • Lodge transferArrange collection at Mfuwe airport through the safari operator. Settle in without promising an arrival-day game drive.

THE DAY’S ROUTELUSAKA → MFUWE LODGE

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Mfuwe Lodge.

DAY3

Into the bushcamp circuit.

MFUWE → BILIMUNGWEMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time
Travellers in an open safari vehicle in South Luangwa
An outing with the guides

The operator sets the transfer route and timing.

  • Transfer to Bilimungwe“Bili” in the trip plan refers to this camp in the Bushcamp Company circuit. Confirm the camp name on your own booking.
  • Settle into campDiscuss the next outings, walking options and practical arrangements with the guide.

THE DAY’S ROUTEMFUWE → BILIMUNGWE

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Bilimungwe Bushcamp.

DAY4

A full Bilimungwe day.

SOUTH LUANGWAMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time
A brightly coloured bird perched above the grass in South Luangwa
South Luangwa birdlife

Leave wildlife timing to the guides.

  • Guided safari activitiesChoose from the outings actually available at the camp for your dates. Walking or driving is subject to the operator’s conditions and your group.
  • Time between outingsKeep the middle of the day for meals, rest and enjoying camp. Sightings are never guaranteed.

THE DAY’S ROUTESOUTH LUANGWA

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Bilimungwe Bushcamp.

DAY5

Move to Kapamba.

BILIMUNGWE → KAPAMBAA journey day · include bags and each connection

The camp move is the main fixed plan.

  • Operator-arranged transferConfirm whether the move is by vehicle or includes any walking; do not assume a walk between camps.
  • Kapamba arrivalSettle into the new base and discuss the next two full days. Any sunset outing depends on the actual arrival time.

THE DAY’S ROUTEBILIMUNGWE → KAPAMBA

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Kapamba Bushcamp.

DAY6

A day around Kapamba.

SOUTH LUANGWAMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time
A giraffe in an open clearing in South Luangwa
South Luangwa

Keep the day available for the camp’s programme.

  • A guided outingLet the guide choose the route for current wildlife movement and conditions.
  • A quiet camp breakMeals and rest fill the gap between available activities. River activities or special meals require the operator’s arrangement.

THE DAY’S ROUTESOUTH LUANGWA

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Kapamba Bushcamp.

DAY7

Another full bushcamp day.

SOUTH LUANGWAMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time

A third Kapamba night gives this part of the route time to settle.

  • Morning and later outings, as arrangedAgree the activity options and pace with the guides.
  • Leave time to lingerEnjoy the camp and the outings arranged with your guides. There is no need to add another transfer today.

THE DAY’S ROUTESOUTH LUANGWA

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Kapamba Bushcamp.

DAY8

Return to Mfuwe Lodge.

KAPAMBA → MFUWEMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time
A leopard resting among branches in South Luangwa
South Luangwa

Keep the move coordinated by the safari operator.

  • Camp transferPack for the operator’s pickup and confirm the journey.
  • Back at the lodgeSettle back into the lodge and enjoy the open time. Arrange a spa appointment or another safari outing separately if you want one.

THE DAY’S ROUTEKAPAMBA → MFUWE

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Mfuwe Lodge.

DAY9

A final full safari day.

MFUWE LODGEMain visiting day · give the featured stops their time
The setting sun beside an open safari vehicle
A last safari evening

Keep this day open for the lodge and its guides.

  • An available guided activityChoose your final outing from the lodge’s current programme.
  • Prepare for departureConfirm tomorrow’s vehicle, flight and connection margins. Leave the evening unhurried.

THE DAY’S ROUTEMFUWE LODGE

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Mfuwe Lodge.

DAY10

Depart Mfuwe.

MFUWE → LUSAKA → ONWARDDeparture or onward travel · keep the connection first

Treat this as a full travel day.

  • Airport transfer and domestic flightUse the operator’s current reporting and transfer times.
  • Onward connectionThe journey continued through Lusaka and Johannesburg to Cape Town. Check whether bags must be collected and rechecked and leave suitable connection time.

THE DAY’S ROUTEMFUWE → LUSAKA → ONWARD

MEALS & BREAKSLeave a meal break around the main visit. Choose somewhere that fits this day’s route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Onward travel.

GET TO KNOW THE PLACE

Things to See in Zambia Safari

Get to know the main sights before putting them into your day. Open a card for the visit details and its place in the route.

Alisha and Matt beside the river at sunset on safari in Zambia

SOUTH LUANGWA

Guided safari outings

Choose the available guided outings with the camp team.

Plan your visit

Walking or driving is subject to the operator’s conditions and your group.

A full Bilimungwe day.

See day 4 Safari transfer information

SOUTH LUANGWA

Time at bushcamp

Leave the middle of the day for the camp rather than adding another transfer.

Plan your visit

Sightings are never guaranteed.

A full Bilimungwe day.

See day 4 The Bushcamp Company
A male lion resting beside water in South Luangwa
A South Luangwa sighting
MAKE ROOM FOR THIS

One valley.
Time in the bush.

Eight safari nights give the camp circuit room to unfold. Enjoy the different bases and let the guides arrange outings for the conditions; wildlife has its own timetable.

A GOOD PLACE TO LAND

Find a base
that suits your days.

Start with where you want to spend the evening, then consider the next morning’s journey.

A PLACE TO LAND.
A BASE TO EXPLORE.
LUSAKA AREA · ONE NIGHT

Arrival hotel: Bonanza Resort in 2021

A recovery night before the domestic flight; confirm the current property.

Find it on the map

These stays give the route its overnight stops. Before booking, ask about the things that will shape your day: breakfast, arrival time and transfers. Check what your chosen room rate includes.

BEFORE YOU SET OUT

A little preparation makes a better day.

Use the links below for current visitor information, then check the details with the people arranging your visit.

Our safari operator: The Bushcamp Company ↗Camp planning and current activities ↗Safari transfer information ↗Proflight Zambia ↗

KNOW THE PACE BEFORE YOU GO

Make the day fit the visit

Let the bushcamp circuit set the rhythm, with time between guided outings.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Count the whole journey

Have the operator coordinate Mfuwe flights, camp moves and road transfers. Keep the international connection outside the activity programme.

WALKING & CHOICES

Choose the version you will enjoy

A full safari day includes rest as well as outings. Choose activities with the guides for the actual conditions and participation requirements.

BEFORE YOU SET THE DATES

What to arrange first

Confirm the camps, light-aircraft baggage arrangements and included transfers first. Wildlife and daily activity programmes remain variable.

THE MAIN DECISION

Start with the parts that set the day

Have the operator coordinate Mfuwe flights, camp moves and road transfers. Keep the international connection outside the activity programme.

PICK YOUR SEASON

Zambia Safari, month by month.

Compare average daytime highs and overnight lows to help choose a season and pack for the trip.

The charts use the same temperature scale so you can compare these reference locations.

Lusaka

Reference station: Lusaka City · 1,252 m elevation

Average daily highAverage daily low°F
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Warmest average daysSeptember, October

Coolest average nightsJuly

Plan for the actual outingUse these averages to compare seasons, then check a forecast before packing. They do not show rainfall or guarantee the weather for your dates.

1991–2020 station normals reported to the WMO, via NOAA. High-temperature data ↗ · Low-temperature data ↗ Coastal, city and mountain conditions can differ. These are averages, not a forecast or record extremes.

View the monthly figures
Lusaka: average daily high / low
Month°F°C
January80° / 63°26.9° / 17.3°
February80° / 63°26.8° / 17°
March81° / 62°27.2° / 16.9°
April80° / 60°26.7° / 15.3°
May78° / 55°25.4° / 13°
June74° / 52°23.6° / 10.9°
July79° / 51°26.1° / 10.5°
August86° / 55°29.8° / 12.7°
September89° / 60°31.5° / 15.8°
October89° / 65°31.5° / 18.1°
November87° / 65°30.4° / 18.3°
December82° / 64°27.6° / 17.5°
A NOTE FROM ALISHA & MATT

Choose the visit
that suits you.

Book the visits that determine the day, then give the gaps a purpose: lunch, the journey and a chance to sit down.

Alisha & Matt
01

Book the circuit together.

Camp opening seasons, availability, road access and transfer arrangements determine whether this sequence works for your dates.

02

Let the guides set the activities.

Walking, driving and river-related experiences depend on the operator and conditions. Discuss your preferred pace before booking.

03

Keep the first night useful.

The Lusaka recovery stop separates the international arrival from the domestic journey.

04

Recheck all travel requirements.

This was a 2021 trip. Use current official entry information and your airline’s baggage policy for your actual booking.

BEFORE YOU GO

A few questions
before you go.

Are the safari outings fixed day by day?

No. The trip plan sets out the camp sequence and nights. The operator and guides arrange activities for current conditions, access and your group.

Can I combine this with the other guides?

Yes. Join the guides at the travel days, then count the hotel nights. One guide’s departure can be the next guide’s arrival, so adding all the day counts would give you time you do not actually have. Match the connections before booking.

How do we keep a copy?

Use “Save this trip” to bookmark the guide in this browser. For a copy to take along, choose “Print this itinerary”: every day opens for printing, and your device’s PDF option lets you save the plan.

THERE’S MORE TO SEE, TOGETHER.

Where shall
we go next?

Follow along for more places we have been and ideas to help plan your own visit.

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