Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Tours Africa representative who will assist with your luggage and help you check in for your domestic flight to Mfuwe. Landing in the heart of the Luangwa Valley, a Robin Pope Safaris guide will greet you and transfer you to Luangwa River Camp. The drive offers an engaging introduction to rural Zambia, passing through small villages alive with colour and everyday activity before you reach the tranquil setting of the camp.

Luangwa River Camp is an intimate ten-bed retreat located in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area, directly opposite the wildlife-rich Luangwa Wafwa section of South Luangwa National Park. Blending the comforts of a lodge with the warmth and flexibility of a bush camp, it offers beautifully crafted interiors that highlight local artistry and natural materials. The main area is raised on wooden decks between one and three metres high, providing sweeping views over the river and park beyond. A waterfall-fed swimming pool sits at the heart of the camp, offering a refreshing escape during the heat of the day, while open-plan lounge, dining, and bar areas create a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by a rest before heading out on your first afternoon game drive. As the sun sets over the valley, stop for sundowners before choosing either to return to camp or continue your drive into the night to search for nocturnal species such as civet, genet, or leopard, returning to camp by around 8 p.m. for dinner and a peaceful night beneath the stars.

The following day is yours to spend exactly as you wish, with a range of experiences available to suit your interests and pace. You might begin with an early morning walking safari, setting out on foot with your guide and armed scout to explore the bush at ground level. It’s an immersive way to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem—animal tracks, bird calls, and medicinal plants—while also gaining a deeper understanding of how the region’s wildlife and habitats interconnect. Later, you may choose to venture out again on an afternoon game drive, offering the chance to cover more ground and observe larger species such as elephant, buffalo, and lion.

If you’re in the mood for something different, a visit to Tribal Textiles can be arranged. This inspiring social enterprise showcases vibrant, hand-painted fabrics that are transformed into a variety of home décor and fashion items, each piece reflecting the colours and spirit of Zambia—an ideal stop for meaningful souvenirs or gifts. Another rewarding option is an excursion to Kawaza Village, where you can experience genuine rural life, meet local families, and even share a traditional meal prepared by the community.

Nothing during your stay is fixed to a rigid schedule. Your days are entirely flexible and can be tailored with your guide to reflect your interests, whether that means focusing on wildlife, photography, culture, or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquillity of the Luangwa River.

Today unfolds entirely at your own pace, with the freedom to choose how you’d like to experience the Luangwa Valley. You might begin with an early morning game drive, when the light is soft and wildlife most active, or opt for a guided bush walk—an intimate way to encounter the sights, sounds, and scents of the African wilderness. Walking in the company of your guide and scout brings a new perspective, revealing the subtleties often missed from a vehicle.

Later in the day, you may decide to visit Tribal Textiles, a vibrant local workshop known for its hand-painted fabrics that capture the colours and energy of Zambia. Here, artists transform cotton cloth into intricate designs that are crafted into cushion covers, bags, and wall hangings—unique mementos of your time in the valley. Another enriching alternative is a visit to Kawaza Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local residents, learn about traditional customs, and share a home-cooked meal for a genuine insight into rural Zambian life.

There’s no fixed itinerary; your guide will help plan the day around your interests and energy levels. Whether you choose adventure, culture, or quiet relaxation along the riverbank, the rhythm of Luangwa life will unfold naturally around you.

Today you fly north to Kasanka National Park, accompanied by your Robin Pope Safaris guide. This lesser-known gem of Zambia is celebrated for its serene beauty and remarkable wildlife spectacles. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Wasa Camp, your home for the next three nights. Nestled on the edge of Lake Wasa, the camp offers peaceful views across the water and direct access to the park’s pristine habitats.

During your stay, you’ll witness one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural events—the annual bat migration. Each evening, as the sun sets, millions of fruit bats take to the sky in swirling clouds that darken the horizon, an awe-inspiring sight found nowhere else on earth. The following days will be devoted to exploring Kasanka’s varied landscapes of woodland, swamp, and riverine forest, as well as enjoying this spectacular migration up close from specially designed viewing hides.

Your first full day in Kasanka begins with the soft light of dawn spreading across the wetlands, a perfect time to head out for a gentle birding walk. With over 400 species recorded, the park is a true haven for bird enthusiasts—keep an eye out for Pel’s fishing owl, Ross’s turaco, and the striking purple-crested turaco among many others. After a relaxed breakfast back at camp, you might spend the late morning simply enjoying the stillness from your deck overlooking Lake Wasa, where hippos wallow and the calls of fish eagles echo across the water. In the afternoon, set off on a slow drive through the open dambos, scanning for Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, puku, and other antelope as they graze in the golden light. The day ends back at Wasa Camp with dinner served under the vast Zambian night sky.

Today offers a mix of quiet observation and spectacular natural drama. After breakfast, visit the renowned Fibwe hide—perched high in the treetops—to look down onto the papyrus swamps below. This is one of Africa’s best places to see the shy and rarely spotted sitatunga antelope, moving gracefully through the reeds. It’s a serene experience that reveals the more secretive side of Kasanka’s wildlife. Return to camp for a leisurely lunch and some time to rest before the evening’s main event. As the sun dips low, head to a clearing near the bat forest to witness one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles—the annual bat migration. Millions of fruit bats take to the air in a swirling, thunderous display that fills the sky with motion and sound, an unforgettable finale to your day in this remarkable park.

After a final breakfast in camp, the morning unfolds in quiet rhythm as you prepare to leave the peaceful wilderness behind. A short transfer takes you to the airstrip, where your light aircraft awaits to carry you southward over Zambia’s magnificent landscapes. The flight offers breathtaking views, crossing the rugged escarpment and tracing the Luangwa River as it winds through valleys dotted with villages and forests—a final reminder of the country’s natural beauty.

Upon landing in Mfuwe, you will connect onward to Lusaka, descending into the capital city where modern life replaces the untamed silence of the bush. Here, a Tours Africa representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the Protea Lusaka Tower Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel provides a stylish and comfortable space to unwind after your travels.

You might take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants before settling in for a relaxed evening. After days spent immersed in Zambia’s wild and beautiful corners, tonight brings a gentle return to comfort and reflection, with time to savour the memories of your safari adventure and the incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and people you have encountered along the way.

Depending on the timing of your onward flight, the morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to take part in one final activity—perhaps a short walk or drive to savour the sights and sounds of the bush one last time—or simply relax over breakfast, watching the light shift across the landscape as the camp begins to stir. When the time comes, your guide will transfer you to the airstrip for your flight back to Lusaka or onward to your next destination, marking the close of your Zambian adventure. Though your journey home begins today, the memories of remote wilderness, warm hospitality, and extraordinary wildlife encounters will remain vivid long after you leave.