11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari
Zambia and Zimbabwe share some of Africa’s finest wilderness, and the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari brings their best together. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd designed this itinerary around four legendary destinations spanning two countries. South Luangwa delivers the birthplace of walking safaris and exceptional leopard density. Lower Zambezi National Park then adds canoe safaris and tiger fishing along the mighty Zambezi River. Victoria Falls contributes unmatched natural drama, while Hwange National Park closes the journey with Zimbabwe’s largest elephant population.
Every activity within the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari connects travelers to authentic, expertly guided experiences. Guests explore riverine forest, canoe the Zambezi, witness thundering waterfalls, and track elephants across eleven structured days. Kunda, Tonga, and Zimbabwean cultural traditions add meaningful depth throughout this ambitious cross-border journey. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd prioritizes seamless logistics, expert guiding, and authentic engagement throughout this remarkable itinerary. Consequently, travelers leave with a genuinely comprehensive perspective spanning two of Southern Africa’s finest wilderness nations. Below, you will find the complete itinerary, a highlights table, cultural insights, and full inclusions for the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari.
Safari Highlight: 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari
| Day | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Mfuwe, transfer to South Luangwa | Riverside lodge, South Luangwa |
| Day 2 | Morning walking safari, afternoon game drive | Riverside lodge, South Luangwa |
| Day 3 | Leopard tracking game drive, night drive | Riverside lodge, South Luangwa |
| Day 4 | Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park | Riverside camp, Lower Zambezi |
| Day 5 | Canoe safari on the Zambezi River | Riverside camp, Lower Zambezi |
| Day 6 | Game drive and tiger fishing excursion | Riverside camp, Lower Zambezi |
| Day 7 | Fly to Victoria Falls | Riverside lodge, Victoria Falls |
| Day 8 | Falls tour, cultural village visit | Riverside lodge, Victoria Falls |
| Day 9 | Sunset cruise, transfer to Hwange National Park | Lodge, Hwange |
| Day 10 | Full-day game drive in Hwange National Park | Lodge, Hwange |
| Day 11 | Final game drive, departure transfer | N/A |
Detailed: 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Mfuwe and Transfer to South Luangwa
Your 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari begins upon landing at Mfuwe Airport, South Luangwa’s main gateway. A Terenga Africa Safaris representative greets you and manages transfers efficiently and smoothly. Shortly after, you check into a comfortable riverside lodge overlooking the Luangwa River.
Afternoon remains relaxed, allowing time to settle in after your international journey. Your guide provides an orientation covering walking safari basics and the full eleven-day journey ahead. Evening brings a welcome dinner as excitement builds for tomorrow’s first walking excursion. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd structures this pacing carefully across such an ambitious cross-border itinerary. Sleep comes easily tonight, preparing you for tomorrow’s introduction to walking safari traditions.
Day 2: Morning Walking Safari and Afternoon Game Drive
Sunrise brings your first walking safari, moving slowly and quietly through South Luangwa’s riverine forest. Your armed guide explains animal tracks, dung identification, and smaller creatures often missed during vehicle-based drives.
This methodical pace reveals details about the bush that game drives typically overlook entirely. Afternoon continues with a traditional game drive, covering greater distances and seeking larger wildlife concentrations. Evening returns to the lodge for dinner as your guide compares today’s walking and driving experiences. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this combination an excellent introduction to South Luangwa’s dual safari styles.
Day 3: Leopard Tracking Game Drive and Night Drive
Morning brings a game drive specifically focused on tracking South Luangwa’s renowned, high-density leopard population. Your guide’s tracking skills and local knowledge significantly improve chances of a rewarding sighting.
Afternoon remains relaxed, allowing time to rest before this evening’s specialized activity. As darkness falls, a guided night drive reveals nocturnal species rarely visible during standard daytime excursions. Genets, civets, and occasionally leopards themselves appear during these quieter, more mysterious evening drives. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this day a genuine highlight for dedicated leopard enthusiasts.
Day 4: Fly to Lower Zambezi National Park
Morning brings a scenic flight from South Luangwa toward Lower Zambezi National Park, further south. Views from above reveal the dramatic transition from Luangwa’s riverine forest toward the mighty Zambezi River.
Upon arrival, you check into a comfortable riverside camp overlooking this world-renowned waterway. Afternoon remains relaxed, allowing time to enjoy the camp’s setting along the Zambezi’s calm waters. Evening brings dinner as your guide outlines tomorrow’s canoe safari plans in detail. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this transition among the safari’s most dramatic scenic shifts.
Day 5: Canoe Safari on the Zambezi River
Morning brings a guided canoe safari, paddling silently along the Zambezi River’s calm, wildlife-rich channels. This quiet, low-impact method reveals elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from a genuinely unique water-level perspective.
Your guide explains river ecology, navigation techniques, and safety protocols throughout this exhilarating morning excursion. Afternoon remains relaxed, allowing time to reflect on this morning’s remarkable water-based wildlife encounters. Evening returns to camp for dinner as hippos call from the nearby river. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this canoe safari among the journey’s most memorable, distinctive experiences.
Day 6: Game Drive and Tiger Fishing Excursion
Morning brings a traditional game drive across Lower Zambezi’s productive floodplain and woodland terrain. Elephants, buffalo, and lions frequently appear across this well-protected, wildlife-dense national park.
Afternoon brings an optional tiger fishing excursion, targeting this river’s famously hard-fighting fish species. Even non-anglers enjoy this relaxed boat-based activity, watching birdlife along the Zambezi’s productive banks. Evening returns to camp for a final Lower Zambezi dinner before tomorrow’s flight toward Victoria Falls. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this day a fitting blend of wildlife viewing and river recreation.
Day 7: Fly to Victoria Falls
Morning brings a scenic flight from Lower Zambezi toward Victoria Falls, spanning the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Upon arrival, a Terenga Africa Safaris representative welcomes you and manages transfers to your riverside lodge.
The remaining afternoon allows time to settle in and enjoy views over the Zambezi River. Evening brings a relaxed dinner as your guide outlines tomorrow’s falls exploration and cultural activities. Guests often notice the falls’ distant roar and rising mist even before arriving on-site. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this transition among the journey’s most dramatic scenic shifts.
Day 8: Falls Tour and Cultural Village Visit
Morning brings a guided walking tour along Victoria Falls’ dramatic viewpoints and rainforest trails. Thundering water, rising spray, and vibrant rainbows create an unforgettable sensory experience throughout the visit.
Afternoon includes a visit to a nearby cultural village, showcasing traditional customs and heritage from both countries. Dancers, artisans, and storytellers demonstrate traditions passed down through many generations of local communities. Evening returns to the lodge for dinner reflecting on today’s natural and cultural experiences. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this day among the safari’s most memorable overall experiences.
Day 9: Sunset Cruise and Transfer to Hwange National Park
Morning remains relaxed, allowing time for optional activities like helicopter flights over the falls. Afternoon brings a relaxed sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, often revealing hippos and elephants nearby.
Following the cruise, a scenic drive carries you toward Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve. Upon arrival, you check into a comfortable lodge bordering this renowned elephant sanctuary. Evening brings dinner as your guide outlines tomorrow’s game drive plans within Hwange. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd manages this transfer smoothly, connecting two of Zimbabwe’s premier destinations.
Day 10: Full-Day Game Drive in Hwange National Park
Morning game drives reveal Hwange’s remarkable elephant density, among the highest anywhere in Southern Africa. Artificial waterholes throughout the park concentrate wildlife, creating exceptional viewing opportunities during dry season months.
Afternoon continues with additional game viewing, seeking lions, buffalo, and diverse antelope species. Your guide explains Hwange’s unique water management system and its role in supporting this ecosystem. Evening returns to the lodge for dinner beneath Zimbabwe’s warm, star-filled sky. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd considers this full day a fitting, wildlife-rich close to this cross-border journey.
Day 11: Final Game Drive, Transfer, and Departure
Morning brings one final game drive across Hwange’s grassland and woodland terrain before departure preparations begin. Guests often capture memorable final photographs during this last, unhurried wildlife viewing session.
Afterward, Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd manages your transfer toward Victoria Falls Airport for onward travel. Guides use this final journey to gather feedback and discuss future travel possibilities across the region. This closing day wraps up the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari on a memorable note. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd thanks every guest for choosing this ambitious, comprehensive journey.
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers in Mfuwe and Victoria Falls
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals during the safari
- Professional English-speaking guide
- South Luangwa National Park entrance fees and walking safaris
- Domestic flights between all destinations
- Lower Zambezi National Park entrance fees and canoe safari
- Tiger fishing excursion
- Victoria Falls entrance fees and sunset cruise
- Hwange National Park entrance fees and game drives
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees for both countries
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Laundry services
Extend Your Adventure With a 4- Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking safari
After completing the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari , you can extend your African journey with an unforgettable 4-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari. This extension creates an extraordinary combination of Tanzania’s open savannah wilderness and Uganda’s ancient tropical forests.
The journey takes travelers toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla destinations. Instead of endless grasslands, Uganda introduces misty forests, rolling hills, and beautiful green landscapes. Gorilla trekking provides the main highlight of this extension. Travelers enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The journey through Bwindi becomes an adventure itself. Dense vegetation, forest sounds, colorful birds, and changing trails create an exciting atmosphere. Eventually, visitors spend valuable time observing mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
The extension can also include cultural experiences around Bwindi. Travelers may discover local traditions, crafts, music, food, and community life. A Batwa cultural experience can provide further insight into the human heritage connected to Uganda’s ancient forests. Combining the 11-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari with a Uganda gorilla trekking safari creates an exceptional East African journey.
Optional Safari Extension: 4- Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Day 1 |
Flight from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to Kigali airport and have afternoon Kigali city tour | Kigali: chez lando hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast |
Day 2 |
Morning road transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest (Rushaga sector) and afternoon relaxation at the lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Drinking Water |
Day 3 |
Go mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest and afternoon enjoy batwa cultural experience with community involvement | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Drinking Water |
Day 4 |
Road transfer to Kigali international airport Rwanda for a flight back home | None
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Drinking Water |