Exclusively Yours: Wild Zambia Safari
Destination
Zambia
Travel Period
May – September
Duration
12 days | 11 nights
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located between Livingstone and the Zambezi River, and at only 66 km2 (25mi2) is Zambia’s smallest national park. It extends from the Batoka Gorge and continues along the Zambezi River, just above Victoria Falls. Livingstone itself borders on several ancient wildlife migration routes and river crossing points, some of which are still frequented by elephants. A few of these fall within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where wildlife can be found throughout the year, especially elephants during the drier months.
What makes this park unique in Zambia is that it’s the only wildlife area with white rhinos. These are closely protected from poachers by the scouts from DNPW (Department of National Parks and Wildlife). It is free from predators but its riverine forest and mopane woodland have a mixed variety of regular game like zebra, bushbuck, impala, warthogs, and baboons.
The park is home to the Old Drift Crossing Point, where ox-wagons were floated across the Zambezi before there was a bridge. There is also a cemetary where the first European settlers were buried.
Livingstone
This laidback and friendly border town on the edge of the Zambezi River is named after famous Scottish explorer and missionary Sir David Livingstone, the first non-Zambian to encounter the majestic Victoria Falls in 1855. It serves as a hub for exploring the further reaches of Zambia and offers a multitude of activities for adrenaline junkies, including white water rafting, gorge swinging, jet boating, microlight plane rides, elephant back safaris, and bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge which, at 111 meters (364 ft), is one of the highest bridge jumps in the world.
While fisherman angle for Tigerfish upstream, downstream the Zambezi River rages with up to grade 5 rapids, such as the aptly named ‘overland truck eater.’ During the drier months, a rock pool known as Devil’s Pool forms on the edge of the Falls, creating the ultimate infinity pool. During a full moon, especially from June to August, visitors have the chance to witness a lunar rainbow over the Falls at night.
Capturing the authentic African bush camp experience in true Tongabezi luxury and style, Sindabezi Island is ‘nature therapy’ for the soul.
Enjoy views of the Zambezi River floodplain and Victoria Falls National Park from your open-fronted Chalet, knowing your only neighbours are the resident wildlife. Quiet hang-out spots and the main camp beckon you to unwind amidst the tranquillity of this tiny isle, just 12km upstream from Victoria Falls.
With zero grid dependence, Sindabezi is one of Africa’s top 10 eco lodges according to Fodor’s. So the only footprints you will leave behind are in the island’s silky soft sand. Mosi-oa-Tunya, or Victoria Falls, is celebrated as one of the world’s iconic natural wonders. Fly, swim, raft, or simply gaze in awe at the most dramatic part of the mighty Zambezi River.
Sunrise Chalet 1
A glorious sunrise view is all yours at Sunrise Chalet 1, the only chalet on the southern side of Sindabezi Island. The other feature that sets it apart is the large, modern outdoor bathtub. Covered by a blanket of bubbles and with a sundowner in hand, you can watch the Zambezi River drifting down to the Falls as the sky turns shades of pink, purple and orange. Sunrise Chalet 1 holds firm to its spot in the ‘romance department’ on Sindabezi Island.
Chalets 2-4
Paths made in the soft sand or along raised wooden walkways lead you to the three luxury en-suite Chalets, each tucked away in a quiet spot on Sindabezi Island. While the Chalets all share certain qualities, like private river-facing decks, luxurious interiors and double or twin sleeping options, each has its own special feature. The ‘loos with a view’ are a quirky feature of both Chalets 2 and 3, while the hammock in Chalet 4 is ideal for lazy afternoons. Another special highlight of Chalet 4 are the resident hippos that wallow in the river below, keeping you entertained from the comfort of your deck.
Honeymoon Chalet
Secreted away on a secluded part of Sindabezi Island with a sandy shoreline and stunning river view all to yourselves, celebrate love as castaways in the Honeymoon Chalet. Imagine bathing together beneath the stars on your private deck before climbing into a four-poster bed draped in netting. Then, wake to hippos in the river and birds twittering in the trees, knowing another day of relaxed island living lies ahead of you. The natural beauty of the island is complemented by the luxury of the Honeymoon Chalet. Modern fittings pair effortlessly with locally sourced wooden furnishings and textiles.
Whether you’re feeling laidback and lazy or active and adventurous, you set the pace of each day spent on Sindabezi Island. There is something indulgent in waking up knowing you have the whole day to yourself, without a set itinerary. The only thing you have to worry about is being back on the island by nightfall. You won’t want to miss the magic that settles over the island at night.
There is a lovely range of Zambezi activities to enjoy while staying on Sindabezi Island. You might like to start the morning on lazy sunrise boat cruise drifting down the Zambezi River and then end the day on the river sampan for a dinner quite unlike any other. And of course, the activity that steals the show, is your visit to the mighty Victoria Falls.
Day 1-4 – Livingstone Island Tour
When the Zambezi River is high, ten million litres of water rush over the lip of Victoria Falls each second, falling 108 metres into the roaring chasm below. Livingstone Island sits in the heart of this spray, on the brink of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and offers an experience that is entirely unique.
The journey begins with an exciting boat ride, through the fast-moving channels of the Zambezi River and then you follow in Dr David Livingstone’s footsteps as you tour the island, hear about its history, experience luxury dining, and soak up the sights. In certain seasons you can even swim in Angel or Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the waterfall. The tour is subjective to water levels of the Zambezi River and is often closed when water levels are at their highest, between the end of march and middle of june.
Archaeological diggings around the Falls have yielded stone artefacts that date back some 3 million years. However, it was only in November of 1855 that the Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone travelled down the Zambezi River to see for himself the spot that the indigenous people called Mosi oaTunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Members of the local Makolo tribe transported Livingstone to the Falls in canoes, so that his first sighting of the largest waterfall in the world was from an island right at the heart of the falling water.
Livingstone was so affected by the sight that he exclaimed in his notes, “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Kafue National Park covers an expansive 22,400 km2 area in western Zambia. The park was proclaimed in 1950, making it Zambia’s oldest national park and one of the world’s most important natural heritage sites. As an essential water source for the region, Kafue is also one of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian ecoregion – and home to elephant, large predators, the highest diversity of antelope species in Africa, and 515 bird species.
Lack of funding and effective management over the years hampered park operations and allowed poaching, human encroachment and charcoal production to take their toll on both landscape and wildlife. Yet large tracts of wilderness containing a diversity of wildlife species still remain intact. In 2021, Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) invited African Parks to implement a Priority Support Plan.
Over 18 months, significant infrastructure investments were made, protection measures improved, over 200 jobs created, and education enhanced through a literacy programme. This paved the way for a 20-year management agreement between African Parks and the Zambian government in July 2022, for the full protection of Kafue’s valuable landscape.
Kafue’s expansive landscape, its variety of lodges and the recovering wildlife is an opportunity to boost Zambia’s tourism industry and deliver critically needed revenue for the park, and provide employment and benefits to local communities. In this way, Kafue can fulfil its promise to become one of Africa’s most exceptional tourist destinations.
‘Lwenge’ takes its name from the ancient local word for this stretch of the Kafue River; it’s tranquil, unhurried waters the perfect backdrop to your safari. Here elephants cross on an almost daily basis, zigzagging from bank to bank, whilst leopard and lion seek shade in the lush riverine vegetation. And for those in the know skimmer island is a mere stone throw away.
With just 10 beds, the camp is aimed at exclusive-use bookings, be it families, friend and photographic groups or couples that want that extra bit of space and privacy. A spectacular view from the camp of the Kafue River sets the tone, there is also a purpose-built guide’s room included on the property, not to mention a well-appointed pool and WiFi connection too.
Chalet
Rooms at Musekese Camp are spacious and comfortable with all the necessities. This includes en-suite flushing toilets and on-demand hot water showers.
The wildlife viewing in and around Lwenge is exceptional – this is the Musekese area of the Kafue. Game numbers and the quality of sightings have improved year upon year thanks to increased protection and concerted habituation by Phil, Tyrone and the team.
All the major predators are present, with leopard particularly well represented. Elephant herds are always visible in the dry season months and the plains game is as numerous as it is varied from sable and hartebeest to zebra and puku (puku in their thousands!). Birding is top-class, with hundreds of species recorded in and around the area from Pel’s Fishing Owl to African Finfoit.
With a diverse range of safari activities available, our Lwenge River Camp in Kafue National Park is perfect for every safari enthusiast. We specialize in walking and boat-based safaris on the Kafue River, led by our team of highly qualified and professional guides.
In Zambia, guides are accredited to the same high standard as school teachers, ensuring a knowledgeable and enriching experience. We also offer both day and night game drives, providing opportunities to witness the full spectrum of the park’s wildlife. For those with an interest in conservation, a visit to the Musekese Conservation NGO Research Centre can be arranged. Photography is a core passion of our company, and our guides are experts in finding the best light, angles, and anticipating wildlife behavior to help you capture the perfect shot.
Musekese Conservation is a Zambian run Non-Profit organisation created by the founders of Classic Zambia Safaris and Musekese Camp. Each and every guest that stays with CZ is contributing to the conservation of the Musekese-Lumbeya area. The primary focus was to establish law enforcement efforts, which has been achieved with over 40 officers trained and stationed in the region.
Today our community-arm has grown, with efforts expanding into the surrounding game management areas alongside an increasingly concerted wildlife research program, studying the recovery of wildlife in the area.
Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 km2 (1,580 mi2), with game concentrated on the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the park’s resident wildlife, and enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge.
The riverine woodland includes ebony, fig, and Albida trees, whose seed pods are a huge attraction to the elephants and browsing animals. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with Mopane forest interspersed with winter thorns and huge Acacias.
The hills which form the backdrop to the park are covered in broadleaf woodland and on the opposite bank of the river lies Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. Animals can be seen crossing from one side to the other.
Chongwe House, newly reimagined and rebuilt, offers a luxurious sole-use safari retreat on the banks of the Chongwe River in Lower Zambezi, Zambia. Designed for families and friends, this four-bedroom private house blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, featuring open-air bathtubs, outdoor showers, a private pool, and spacious indoor-outdoor living areas. With a personal chef, bespoke dining experiences, and exceptional hospitality, every moment at Chongwe House is about comfort, connection, and adventure in one of Africa’s most stunning wilderness areas. Now open from May to November 2025.
Bedroom
Designed for families and friends traveling together, Chongwe House offers four beautiful bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, featuring indoor and outdoor showers and open-air bathtubs. Whether you choose a double or twin configuration, every room allows guests plenty of space to retreat in privacy before reuniting in the shared living areas.
Nestled between the Zambezi River and an imposing mountain escarpment, Lower Zambezi offers a wide variety of activities in a breathtaking wilderness. Glide past wading elephants in a canoe, embark on boat safaris, or try your hand at catch-and-release tiger fishing. Explore the landscape on day and night game drives, walking safaris, or from a secluded wildlife hide.
For a deeper connection to nature, sleep under the stars or experience local culture through guided excursions. With an abundance of lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 370 bird species, Lower Zambezi is an adventurer’s paradise, best explored from April to November when the river is at its most magical.
LAND ACTIVITIES
WATER ACTIVITIES
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