Introducing Zambia
Trip highlights
- Discover the flora and fauna of the Kafue River
- Explore South Luangwa on foot on a walking safari
- See herds of elephants gathering on the banks of the Zambezi River
- Stay at some of Zambia's most luxurious camps
- Take an exhilarating tour of both sides of the Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Zambezi looking for wildlife
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Kafue National Park
- Days 4–6 South Luangwa
- Days 6–8 Lower Zambezi
- Days 8–10 Livingstone and Victoria Falls
- Days 1–4 Kafue National Park
- Days 4–6 South Luangwa
- Days 6–8 Lower Zambezi
- Days 8–10 Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Wild Kafue
In the centre of western Zambia, two hours from Livingstone, you’ll find the vast wilderness of Kafue National Park. This rugged and wildlife-prolific park remains quieter than other regions and boasts a whopping range of habitats and thus, animals too. From open plains to wooded areas to the broad Kafue River, this flora and fauna paradise boasts a truly impressive array of sightings, including packs of the elusive wild dog, pods of hippo and numerous big cats and ungulate.
Where you could stay
Kafue National Park
Overview
Nestled within a tree island in the game-rich and utterly beautiful Busunga Plains, Shumba Camp fuses its wild and remote location with stylish design for a superior safari experience.
Soak up these fabulous sweeping views of a wide array of animals including wild dog, antelope and prides of lion, from your elegant tent or the camp’s wide deck. The spacious tents here are perched on raised wooden platforms and enjoy both indoor and outdoor showers.
After a day of wildlife spotting, whether it’s been from a hot air balloon, 4×4 or boat, return to Shumba for some relaxing moments. Take a dip in the pool, dine on delicious food, indulge in a massage and spend a cultural evening around the boma.
→ Find out moreKafue National Park
Highlights
- Four comfortable safari tents with sweeping views
- A lounge and bar area at the tree line
- Lantern-lit dining area beneath the canopy
- Fascinating day and night game drives
- Exhilarating hot air balloon safaris from August to October
Overview
In a small copse of sycamore fig trees, Busanga Bush Camp looks out across the vast grassy floodplains, at the heart of which it sits, and herds of passing game.
Made up of just four comfortable en suite tents, Busanga is an intimate and thoroughly authentic safari experience. Each has a veranda that soaks up the sweeping plains, a fine spot to watch the mist rise off the drying plains, a real spectacle when the sun is low in the sky.
There is also a lounge and bar area is under canvas at the tree line, and dining area is situated a little further back shaded by the canopy and lit by lanterns.
Activities at Busanga Bush Camp include day and night game drives, as well as boating during the early part of the season while unforgettable hot air balloon safaris fly from August to October. The Busanga Plains are famed for lion while wild dog and cheetah are also drawn to the prolific plains game, including puku, red lechwe, buffalo, wildebeest and the rare roan antelope. Hippo are also abundant, found in large pods in the channels. For birders, Kafue boasts around 500 species, including the endemic Chaplin’s barbet.
→ Find out moreSouth Luangwa on foot
The original ‘Walking Safaris’ started here in this remarkably game-rich sanctuary, and they are truly the most exhilarating experiences you could experience while out in Africa. All your senses are heightened and it’s a wonderful opportunity to pick out the smaller details of the park. Rather than scanning the horizon, your eyes are drawn to what’s right in front of you, from paw prints and animal dung tiny insects and the vegetation that provides shade, shelter and sustenance to the park’s inhabitants.
Where you could stay
South Luangwa National Park
Highlights
- 6 villas each with private plunge pool
- Main dining and bar area
- Firepit
- Yoga and exercise area
- Spa
- Day and evening game drives
- Walking safaris
Overview
A more contemporary and certainly deluxe addition to the safari lodges of South Luangwa, Chinzombo is an ambitious property that cleverly maintains its authenticity on a secluded bend of the Luangwa river.
Within sixty acres of private land, its six standalone and geometrically-designed villas are incredibly spacious and brings together modern innovation with the atmospheric style of camping. One of the villas can accommodate a family of five, and these are all connected by a winding path lined with Msikzi trees leading you towards the main lounge and dining area complete with firepit, spa facilities, yoga and exercise areas.
Enjoy day and evening game drives in this pristine wilderness, along with the signature walking safaris.
→ Find out moreSouth Luangwa National Park
Overview
A quietly luxurious bush camp, Mchenja sits in under the shade of a grove of ebony trees on the banks a great sweeping bend in the Luangwa River.
Five stylish octagonal tents have their own private en-suite open air bathroom plus Victorian style baths with river view. The central lounge is built around one of the old fallen Mchenja (ebony) trees and guests can cool off there in the camp’s plunge pool. Brunch is taken in the shady lounge but dinner is more often served on the river bank under the stars.
Guests staying at Mchenja can choose whether they want to view their wildlife on foot or an open vehicle. The camp is the perfect destination to complete a walking or driving safari that has combined stays at Mchenja’s sister bush camps, with a little more comfort and pampering after time in the bush.
→ Find out moreSouth Luangwa National Park
Overview
This stunning hilltop lodge was built in the 1970s for Kenneth Kaunda, the former president of Zambia. It has thankfully retained its original colonial style, and outside the grand dining room a long veranda stretches with views down the valley to the Luangwa River itself. On warm evenings, dinner is served outside near roaring fires that all adds to the atmosphere. Dinner is often accompanied by the grunt of lions or the saw of leopards in the wooded valleys that surround the lodge.
Each of the ten suites at Chichele comes complete with a four-poster bed, air conditioning, luxurious bathroom and every amenity guests could wish for – all in the middle of the African bush. As with the rest of the lodge, the suites are decorated in an understated and elegant Victorian style. Watching the sun rise over the Luangwa Valley from a private suite is a rare privilege and well worth getting up early for.
From Chichele Presidential Lodge, you also have the particular privilege of being able to go on night game drives, when it is possible to see all sorts of animals that are seldom seen by day – such as leopard, hyena and bush baby.
→ Find out moreLower Zambezi highlights
The Lower Zambezi National Park borders Zimbabwe in the south-eastern section of Zambia. The park itself covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, but most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. Huge herds of elephant, are often seen at the river’s edge and can be as significant as one hundred members of a family. You will also likely see another of the Big Five, the ‘Island hopping’ buffalo which roam freely in vast numbers.
Where you could stay
Lower Zambezi
Overview
This camp sits in a stunning location, on the confluence of the main Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers, offering a rustic but comfortable option for those that want to experience Africa in a similar pioneering style as the courageous explorer Dr David Livingstone, 150 years ago.
We recommend Chongwe Camp for travelers wanting to encounter one of Africa’s remotest areas, and the animals of the relatively undiscovered wilderness that is the Lower Zambezi. Chongwe River Camp is the sister to the Chongwe River House, and offers a more informal and adventurous experience that allows guests to get closer to Zambia’s wild and pristine tranquility.
Each of the eight river facing tents is secluded in the shade of a large grove of old Winterthorn trees, ensuring the tents stay cool in the heat of the midday sun. The camp also gives you uninterrupted views of the river and the wildlife that comes there to drink or cool down. A range of guided activities can be tailored to meet specific interests to ensure your time here is truly memorable.
Also part of the camp are the Chongwe suites which offer sublime luxury and service against a beautifully wild setting. Nestled under ancient winterthorn trees at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers are the Cassia suite (one bedroom) and the Albida suite (two bedrooms). The suites are perfect for honeymooners or families and friends travelling together. Both have butler service, plunge pools overlooking the river and private dining options. Also included are private game viewing activities.
→ Find out moreLower Zambezi
Highlights
- Seven luxurious and individually-designed tented suites
- An expansive family house with views of the Zambezi
- Game viewing by land and boat or canoe
- Private decks and private plunge pools with stunning views
Overview
You’ll find this luxurious bush camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The seven tented suites and one expansive family house are individually designed and boast their own plunge pools and stunning river views. Dine in the central dining and bar area, out on your own private deck or enjoy a private sunset cruise or dinner out under the stars beyond the bounds of camp.
After a day in the bush, fishing, birdwatching and game drives, take some time to cool down in the outdoor pool under the trees.
The camp’s location within the park allows the team to offer truly immersive safari experiences, not only on land by four-wheel game-viewing vehicles, but also on foot and even by boat or canoe. And with expert private guides and “Muchindas” (butlers) to see to your every need, you can be assured of excellent and attentive service.
→ Find out more
Lower Zambezi
Overview
Sitting on the banks of the Zambezi River, an area that abounds with savannah wildlife, Chiawa camp is family owned and friendly safari camp experience in the idyllic surroundings of the Lower Zambezi.
The multi-award winning camp began as the first photo safari in operation in the park, today its reputation as a superior lodge for families and honeymoons is known afar. From the open-sided communal lounge to the tents’ private decks with outdoor showers, every feature of the camp connects guests to its stunning surroundings.
The plunge pool, luxury suites and wooden raised decks all boast remarkable views over the Zambezi River where the resident wildlife, from elephants to lions, gathers.
Accommodating a maximum of 18 guests, the camp has evolved over time and after a recent renovation offers an even higher degree of comfort and luxury.
Creative, seasonal menus are a highlight of any stay and meals are served in the alfresco dining area.
→ Find out moreLively Livingstone
The mighty Victoria Falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. Livingstone is the town found on the Zambian side of the water, and luxury hotels either in the town or somewhere alongside the Zambezi upstream are a great base from which to fully explore this magnificent spectacle.
Where you could stay
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Highlights
- 12 tented suites (including 3 family units)
- Infinity pool
- Spa
- Day and evening game drives in Mosi-oa Tunya National Park
- Fishing and river cruises
- Excursions to Victoria Falls
Overview
In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms.
Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom.
The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife.
Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel.
Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- The Zambezi River, spanning over 2,500km, serves as a vital lifeline for Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Nestled on its banks, Wilderness Toka Leya is a temporary structure constructed on raised wooden decks to minimise disruption to the surrounding nature. Committed to conservation, the lodge actively works on rehabilitating riverine woodland and implements energy-saving, recycling, and upcycling processes to reduce environmental impact.
- Toka Leya is part of the Wilderness portfolio, Jacada’s parent company and a purpose-driven enterprise focused on conservation projects across Africa. Your stay contributes to preserving and protecting over 2.3 million hectares of wilderness, with plans to expand to over 5 million hectares by 2030 in alignment with UN climate goals. In the Zambezi region alone, they currently conserve over 10,3230 hectares.
- Through their non-profit, Children in the Wilderness, they’ve conducted environmental education and literacy programs in the Zambezi area. This includes offering scholarships, providing school equipment, supporting nutrition programs, and conducting teacher training and community development projects for young people.
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Overview
Set on a quiet, secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river, the Royal Chundu River Lodge oozes sophistication and grace. Overlooking the unspoiled expanse of the Zambezi River and the Zimbabwean savanna of the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, it’s a place to come and relax by the river, watching for the wildlife that pass by. The lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property, only one of two in Zambia. The other is The River Lodge’s sister property, The Island Lodge.
Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project.
Composed of 10 luxurious suites sleeping 20 people in total, River Lodge is the main hub at Royal Chundu and the larger of the two lodges. Each magnificent and spacious river-front suite features thatched roofs and opens on to a private deck for uninterrupted river views. Suites come with double showers and king-size beds.
For evening meals, enjoy the unique African experience of the dining outside at the beautiful boma. There’s also a dining room for intimate indoor occasions. Excellent spa facilities will help you unwind while activities are a mix of river-based relaxation and Falls-based adventure.
→ Find out moreLivingstone and Victoria Falls
Highlights
- A choice of private cottages and houses
- Romantic floating dinners on the Zambezi
- A private valet throughout your stay
- On-site gym with river views
Overview
Set on the banks of the Zambezi in a secluded spot upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi delivers luxury and tranquility in equal measure.
The five cottages and seven open-fronted houses that make up the camp have bags of personality and character. Some come with private wooden decks and plunge pools overlooking the river, others open-air clawfoot tubs inviting romantic evenings under the stars. The garden house, with a protected lawn and plunge pool, provides total privacy. Attention to detail is evident in everything from the elegantly canopied beds to carefully chosen artwork.
This is one of the most romantic places to stay in the area, the atmosphere inviting and hidden spots for relaxation plentiful. The lodge makes the most of its location away from the falls, providing a welcome haven after a day marvelling at the Zambezi’s majesty. The welcome is exceptional – and the team friendly and warm.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Tongabezi, a member of Green Safaris, is part of a small group dedicated to sustainable tourism in lesser-visited destinations in Zambia and Malawi. Their mission is to provide economic benefits while protecting Africa’s ecosystems, wildlife and communities. Conservation and community development are integral to their business, with each property supporting various upliftment projects addressing key social and environmental issues.
- Tongabezi addresses Zambia’s education challenges, including a shortage of teachers and infrastructure. They fund and support the Tujatane School, providing a holistic education to rural Zambian children. The school now educates over 280 students from preschool to grade 9, sponsoring some to high school and university. Tujatane alumni include professionals like pilots, doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants and teachers who have returned to give back.
- Green Safaris founded the Mukuni Community Farm to counter biodiversity loss and environmental issues caused by industrial farming in Southern Africa. This organic project supplies fresh produce to local lodges and businesses while serving as a learning centre for sustainable agricultural practices. The goal is to create resilient food systems, address nutrition challenges, and contribute to a greener planet.
Tour both sides of the Falls
Witness the incredible waters of Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience of the falls, otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. You’ll not only get wonderful views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World but also learn a great deal of interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa’s most famous landmark.
Em Hunter, an African travel expert at Jacada Travel, put together such an incredible four country itinerary thru Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa for my family as well as a bonus rendezvous with our friends at the andbeyond Ngala Lodge at Kruger National Park that we are already looking forward to planning our next trip with her. While on…
Why book with Jacada
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.