Authentic Luxury in South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls
Three of Zambia's greatest wildlife regions strung together with some of the best family-operated luxury lodges in Africa. Begin with four nights at Sungani in the remote south of the Luangwa Valley, where leopard-rich game drives, walking safaris and a network of photographic hides fill the days. Fly to the Lower Zambezi for four nights at Old Mondoro, a tiny riverside camp where elephants wander through and afternoons are spent on the water watching pods of hippo. Finish on the upper Zambezi above Victoria Falls at Royal Chundu, trading game drives for sunrise paddles, island picnics and a guided tour of the Falls.
4 nights
The South Luangwa is where the walking safari was born, and it remains one of the finest wildlife valleys on the continent. Leopard sightings here rival anywhere in Africa, and the resident guides — many with decades of experience — are among the best in the business. Expect intimate bush camps tucked along the Luangwa River, prolific night drives, and dawn walks through ancient ebony groves. The valley is home to endemic Thornicroft's giraffe and some of the highest concentrations of predators in southern Africa.
4 nights
The Lower Zambezi is where land and water safari converge. Canoe silently past drinking elephants, fish for tiger fish in the rapids, and return to camp for afternoon game drives through pristine mopane forest. The camps here sit right on the Zambezi River with the Zambezi Escarpment as a backdrop — the setting is cinematic. It is less visited than South Luangwa, which means fewer vehicles and a genuine sense of wilderness.
3 nights
Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world — a mile-wide curtain of water plunging into the Batoka Gorge. Livingstone, the town on the Zambian side, is the quieter, more refined base compared to its Zimbabwean counterpart. Beyond the Falls themselves, the Zambezi upstream offers sunset cruises, cultural visits to local villages, and a roster of adrenaline activities from bungee jumping to microlight flights over the spray.
Visa — none needed. US passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Zambia as a tourist. Simply share your itinerary at the port of entry and you’ll be issued a tourist visa on arrival, good for up to 90 days (per calendar year; any extension must be approved by Zambian Immigration). If your trip crosses into Zimbabwe around Victoria Falls, ask for the KAZA UniVisa on arrival — one visa covering both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Passport. Valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with 3 blank pages. If you transit through South Africa, you’ll also need 2 consecutive completely blank visa pages (endorsement pages don’t count).
Vaccinations. None required to enter. A yellow-fever certificate is required only if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk.
Good to know. No limit on currency in or out. Cannabis and CBD — in any form — are illegal. A departure tax applies when you leave: it’s included in international airfares, but for private or chartered domestic flights you’ll pay a small fee in Zambian Kwacha at the airport gate.
U.S. Embassy, Lusaka: zm.usembassy.gov
Guidance for US passport holders — if you travel on another passport, please confirm the requirements for your nationality.
Every departure runs a similar route with all-in pricing. Prices vary by season.
Inclusions: Safari lodge and camp rates are inclusive of all meals, drinks, and most activities — including game drives — but exclude top-shelf drinks and premium activities like helicopter excursions. City and beach stays follow each property's own board basis, shown on the lodge.
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