Best of Kafue & South Luangwa

On arrival at Lusaka Airport, our driver will welcome you and transfer you to Ila Safari Lodge in the central part of the vast Kafue National Park.

Ila Safari Lodge opened in July 2016 on the east bank of the Kafue River, outside the park on privately owned property close to the Hook Bridge — the gateway to the central Kafue National Park.

While the Kafue may not compare favourably against the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi in terms of animal density on an average drive, it is renowned for species diversity and is fast becoming an essential destination for any properly seasoned visitor to Zambia.

The camp accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in large, luxurious tents on raised decks overlooking the river. Game drives and walks in the park are offered, as well as cruises on the river. Access to the park is usually gained across the river, where vehicles are kept park-side for game drives.

Explore the river by boat at sunset — fishing rod in hand as the sky turns gold over the water.

Relax on the wooden deck with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the river and the bush settles into dusk.

Unwind in a freestanding tub on the deck — lanterns glowing, petals in the water and the Kafue River beyond.

You will be transferred from Ila Safari Lodge to Chisa Busanga Camp by game drive, with lots of game and scenery to see along the way. Chisa Busanga will be your home for three nights as you explore the game-rich Busanga Plains.

Green Safaris built Chisa Busanga Camp to mimic its surrounds through beautiful architecture and environmentally conscious design.

Chisa is the Nyanja word for “bird’s nest,” and the rooms were inspired by the weaver bird nests that decorate the trees here. Sitting on a small tree-lined island, the camp uses only solar power — as do the game-drive vehicles used to explore the watery dambos beyond.

The four Nests blend seamlessly into the wild outdoors while delivering creature comforts inside. Built four metres off the ground and shaded by terminalia trees, each Nest offers expansive views from a luxurious bed, private outdoor deck and indoor/outdoor shower.

Elevated nest suites glow against a purple twilight sky — architecture inspired by the birds of Busanga.

Canvas, woven branches and green cushions frame endless plains — wine on the table, wilderness beyond.

You will be transferred to Busanga Airstrip for a shared charter flight to Lusaka, where you connect onto a scheduled flight to Mfuwe Airport. At Mfuwe, a guide will welcome you and transfer you to Shawa Camp for your final four nights in the game-rich South Luangwa National Park.

Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, eco-friendly bush camp overlooking the Luangwa River in the Nsefu Sector — one of the park’s most untouched areas where excellent year-round game viewing and astonishing habitat diversity make it ideal for safaris by foot and vehicle.

The camp was named after legendary Zambian safari guide Jacob Shawa, who is the head guide and an inspiration for the team and the Luangwa community. Each of the five Safari Suites is individually styled for a modern under-canvas experience on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Keeping with the Green Safaris philosophy, the camp is 100% sustainable and run completely off-grid. They offer “Silent Safaris” championed through green technology like electric boats, bikes and game-drive vehicles.

Pyramid tents tucked among the trees — raised decks, woven walls and the river just beyond.

Blue lanterns glow on the wooden deck as the Luangwa River turns pink and gold at dusk.

A table for two beside the pool — white linen, lanterns and the river stretching to the horizon.

From yawning lionesses beside the vehicle to giraffe at arm’s length — South Luangwa delivers unforgettable sightings.

Your guide will transfer you to Mfuwe Airport for a domestic flight to Lusaka, where you connect onto your international flight home or to your next destination.