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Zambia Safari Experience — South Luangwa

South Luangwa's leopards, river life and walking safaris — from two exceptional and complementary camps.

Zambia
8 days / 7 nights
Flexible safari days — vehicle safaris, optional walking safaris and night drives where conditions allow

A safari experience designed around one of Africa’s most authentic destinations: South Luangwa National Park — renowned for its leopards, walking safaris, riverine landscapes and one of the best concentrations of wildlife on the continent.

The itinerary combines the logistical comfort of Lusaka with two exceptional camps: Kaingo Camp, famous for its photographic hides and its location on the Luangwa River, and Chamilandu Bushcamp, an intimate and remote camp ideal for a wilder, more exclusive experience.

Destination: Zambia
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group size: Maximum 8 travelers
Activity level: Flexible safari days — vehicle safaris, optional walking safaris and night drives where conditions allow
Dates: 1 – 8 July 2027
Price: Pricing available soon

Expedition highlights

South Luangwa National Park — famous for leopards and authentic safari
Kaingo Camp: photographic hides on the Luangwa River
Chamilandu Bushcamp: intimate, remote and classic
Walking safaris with expert guides and armed staff
Night drives and dry-season wildlife concentrations

Who this expedition is for

Wildlife lovers and photographers who want the real spirit of South Luangwa: leopard country, photographic hides, walking safaris and small, remote camps far from the crowds.

The photography experience

South Luangwa rewards photographers who work low, close and patiently — and this itinerary is built for exactly that. At Kaingo you photograph from hides set on the Luangwa River, working hippos, elephants and carmine bee-eaters at water level, while Chamilandu's remote position puts leopard country on your doorstep for the first and last light of the day. Walking safaris change the discipline entirely: tracks, textures and behavior read at ground level beside expert guides.

Night drives open a portfolio most safaris never touch — leopards on the move and the nocturnal cast of the dry season. Throughout, your expedition leader works beside you on positioning, exposure and anticipating behavior. Sightings are never guaranteed; the conditions to work them properly are what this itinerary is designed around.

Day by day

Day 1 — Arrival in Lusaka
Arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, reception and transfer to the hotel. A rest-and-preparation night before the safari: recover from the international flight, check luggage and get equipment ready for South Luangwa. Night in Lusaka.
Day 2 — Flight to Mfuwe · Kaingo Camp
Morning domestic flight to Mfuwe, gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Reception by the local team and transfer to Shenton Safaris' Kaingo Camp, beside the Luangwa River and renowned for its photographic focus and specialist hides. First open-vehicle safari in the afternoon, conditions permitting.
Days 3–4 — Kaingo Camp: safaris and photographic hides
Full days in one of the most productive sectors of the Luangwa Valley: morning and afternoon/night safaris, visits to photographic hides as availability and conditions allow, and patient time along the river — excellent country for leopards, lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope and a great variety of birds.
Day 5 — Kaingo to Chamilandu Bushcamp
A last morning activity at Kaingo, then transfer to Chamilandu Bushcamp, operated by The Bushcamp Company — small, elegant and very intimate, elevated above the Luangwa River. Afternoon safari by vehicle or on foot, depending on logistics and conditions.
Days 6–7 — Chamilandu: walking safaris and classic game drives
Full days combining vehicle safaris with walking safaris led by expert guides and armed staff — tracks, signs, birds, plants and the real sensation of walking the African bush. The final day runs flexibly around the group's interests and wildlife movement, closing the safari with the most intimate side of South Luangwa.
Day 8 — Return to Lusaka
After breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe airport for the domestic flight back to Lusaka and transfer to the hotel. A final buffer night avoids tight same-day international connections. Night in Lusaka.

On the ground

Accommodation

One night in Lusaka on arrival and departure; three nights at Shenton Safaris' Kaingo Camp beside the Luangwa River; three nights at Chamilandu Bushcamp (The Bushcamp Company), an elevated, intimate camp facing the river.

Meals

All meals during the safari; meals in Lusaka according to arrival and departure times.

Transportation

Domestic flights Lusaka–Mfuwe–Lusaka, internal transfers, and safaris in open 4x4 vehicles.

What is included

Included

One night in Lusaka at the start and one at the end
Three nights at Shenton Safaris' Kaingo Camp and three at Chamilandu Bushcamp
Domestic flights Lusaka–Mfuwe–Lusaka and internal transfers
Accommodation throughout the itinerary and meals during the safari
Open-vehicle safaris; walking and night safaris where applicable
Access to photographic hides according to camp operations
Specialist local guides
Park and conservation fees as per final quotation

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance (required)
Visas, where applicable
Gratuities
Premium drinks and spirits
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Any service not listed as included

International airfare is not included. Travelers arrange and purchase their own international flights; we provide clear arrival guidance for every expedition.

Important considerations

July is dry season in South Luangwa: vegetation opens up, temperatures are pleasant and wildlife concentrates near water — an excellent time for safari. The itinerary stays flexible around wildlife movement. Park and conservation fees are confirmed with the final quotation. Sightings are never guaranteed.

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is required for all Okapi expeditions.

Your expedition leader

Álvaro Cubero

Co-Founder & Expedition Director · Wildlife Photographer

Álvaro Cubero is a wildlife photographer and expedition leader with more than a decade behind the camera — a Canon EOS Master Ambassador whose photographs have been published in National Geographic and reached the finals of the Smithsonian Photo Contest. He has organized and led photography expeditions and workshops in more than 25 countries across four continents, from the savannas…

Meet the whole team