Escape to Tranquility: Zambezi River in 6 Days

Travelers seeking a taste of Zambia’s wilderness without sacrificing comfort will find this 6-day luxury safari along the Zambezi River quite compelling. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, the detailed itinerary and guest reviews paint a picture of an experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and plenty of wildlife encounters.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the seamless mix of water-based safaris and land excursions offers a unique perspective on the Zambezi’s ecosystem. Second, staying at seasonal lodges with luxurious amenities ensures comfort even in remote settings. Third, the variety of activities—from game drives and bush walks to canoeing—keeps the experience lively and engaging. A potential consideration is the price point of nearly $2,000 per person, which may seem high, but the value is reflected in the wide range of activities, exclusive lodges, and flights included.

This safari is best suited for travelers who want a luxurious yet authentic African bush experience, are comfortable with a packed itinerary of activities, and are eager to explore Zambia’s wildlife from multiple angles. If your idea of a trip includes both adventure and relaxation, this could be your ideal escape.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Prices cover flights, meals, activities, and transfers, simplifying planning.
• Diverse Activities: Offers game drives, bush walks, canoe trips, fishing, and boat safaris for varied wildlife encounters.
• Secluded Lodges: Stay at Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro Lodge, which provide intimacy, comfort, and prime wildlife viewing.
• Wildlife Diversity: Expect to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
• Water-Focused Safaris: Canoeing and boat safaris put you closer to aquatic wildlife and offer scenic waterway views.
• Flexible Booking: Keep your plans flexible with a “pay later” option and full refund policy if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the 6-Day Zambezi River Safari

This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most untouched wildernesses in style. From the moment you arrive in Lusaka, the experience promises a smooth transition into the wild with a seaplane transfer that sets the tone for adventure and luxury. The first part of your journey involves a charming 20-minute boat ride along the Zambezi, which instantly immerses you in the river’s tranquil beauty and wildlife activity.

Day 1: Arrival and First Water Safari at Chiawa Camp

Arriving at Lusaka Airport, you’ll board a charter flight to Lower Zambezi, a move that not only saves time but also offers spectacular aerial views of the landscape. The short transfer from the airstrip to Chiawa Camp is complemented by a boat ride, giving you your first glimpse of the river’s ecosystem. Guests have described this as a “fantastic way to start the trip,” noting the chance to see animals like elephants and hippos even before stepping onto land.

Chiawa Camp itself is a highlight—an elegant, seasonal lodge with private suites featuring plunge pools and outdoor bush showers. The chance to view wildlife from a bush hide or simply relax with a drink by the river makes this spot a perfect introduction. The evening game drive, which can extend into the night, is a favorite among reviews because it offers the thrill of spotting nocturnal animals like bush babies and owls, often with the assistance of experienced guides.

Days 2 & 3: Active Days of Game Viewing and Water Adventures

These days blend morning game drives or bush walks with afternoon water-based activities. Guests consistently mention the variety of options—some prefer game drives, while others opt for canoe safaris or fishing. Canoeing is especially popular, offering an up-close encounter with hippos and crocodiles, with guests noting the “close, personal wildlife sightings” that water activities allow.

Brunch at camp is a leisurely affair, often enjoyed on the deck overlooking the river, where the sounds of elephants or fish eagles are the soundtrack. Afternoon activities are flexible, letting you choose between more game drives, boat safaris, or relaxing at camp. This diversity keeps the experience fresh and personalized.

Days 4 & 5: Remote Wilderness at Old Mondoro Lodge

Transitioning to Old Mondoro Lodge takes you deeper into Zambia’s wilderness, with a scenic boat trip through the river’s winding channels. Guests find this part of the safari particularly rewarding for its seclusion and intimate wildlife encounters.

The lodge’s remote setting means fewer crowds, giving you a more authentic, undisturbed experience. Mornings begin with coffee by the fire, followed by options for game drives, bush walks, or river safaris. Wildlife sightings here include large herds of buffalo, elephants, and even predators like lions and leopards. Night drives offer a different perspective—spotting nocturnal species or listening to the sounds of the bush under a starry sky.

Guests have praised the culinary offerings, often dining under the stars, and the staff’s attentiveness, which made even the most adventurous days comfortable. Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species, especially around the water channels and open plains.

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Day 6: Farewell and Return to Lusaka

The final morning begins with an early game activity to soak in the last sights of the wilderness. The transfer back to Lusaka includes a scenic flight, giving you another chance to admire Zambia’s landscape from above. Guests remark on how well-organized and smooth this last leg of the journey is, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s all-inclusive nature covers charter flights, accommodations, meals, transfers, and scheduled activities, which simplifies planning and helps you focus on the experience rather than logistics. The price of $1,942 reflects this convenience and the premium lodges involved, offering a good value considering the remote locations and diverse activities.

However, extras such as souvenirs, additional meals or beverages, optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary, and international flights are not included. Guests should budget accordingly and consider travel insurance, especially for the flights and activities.

The Experience in Perspective

This safari offers a well-rounded mix of adventure and comfort. The lodges, especially Chiawa and Old Mondoro, provide high-end amenities, yet the activities put you right in the middle of Africa’s wilderness. The water safaris are particularly memorable—many guests mention how canoeing and boat cruises provided close encounters with wildlife that land safaris can’t match.

Timing-wise, the safari balances morning and afternoon activities with plenty of downtime for relaxation. The guided bush walks are insightful, often led by knowledgeable guides like Peter or Mike, who share fascinating details about the flora and fauna.

One guest described the experience as “a perfect balance of thrill and tranquility,” emphasizing how the wildlife sightings and luxury accommodations made it stand out. Another reviewer noted the small group size—which enhances the personal touch and allows for tailored experiences.

Who Would Enjoy This Safari?

This experience suits travelers who want a luxurious adventure in Africa’s wilderness, especially those keen on water activities like canoeing and boat safaris. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the Big Five, birdwatchers, and those who appreciate comfortable lodges with private plunge pools and gourmet meals.

If you’re traveling with a sense of curiosity and flexibility, ready for early mornings and exciting game drives, this safari will deliver. It’s particularly attractive for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers seeking a balance between guided excursions and personal downtime.

The Sum Up

This 6-day Zambezi River safari offers a remarkable blend of wildlife viewing, water adventures, and luxury accommodations. It provides a comprehensive look at Zambia’s incredible biodiversity, from the water’s edge to the bush’s depths. The variety of activities ensures you’ll never tire of exploring, while the high-quality lodges make sure you’re comfortable after each day’s adventures.

While the cost might seem steep, the inclusive nature—covering flights, meals, and excursions—adds significant value, especially for travelers wanting an all-in-one package. It’s best suited for those eager to experience Zambia’s wilderness with a touch of indulgence and who want a safari that balances active days with moments of relaxed enjoyment.

For anyone craving an authentic yet upscale safari experience that highlights the scenic Zambezi River’s wildlife and natural beauty, this tour is a serious contender.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers charter flights between the specified points, accommodation, meals, transfers, scheduled activities, and government bed levies.

Are there any optional activities not included?
Extras such as additional meals, beverages, souvenirs, or activities outside those listed are not included. You might want to budget for these separately.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What types of wildlife might I see?
Expect to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species like fish eagles. Night drives may reveal nocturnal animals.

What’s the accommodation like?
You stay at seasonal lodges, including Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro Lodge. Guests praise the comfort, private plunge pools, and excellent service.

What activities are available during the trip?
You can enjoy game drives, bush walks, canoe safaris, boat cruises, fishing, and night drives, providing diverse ways to experience the wildlife.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and luxury, wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those comfortable with early mornings and active days.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small-group nature and personalized guides make it welcoming for solo travelers looking for an authentic safari experience.

This safari provides a well-rounded, memorable adventure for anyone wanting to experience Zambia’s wilderness from multiple angles—by land, water, and luxury. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving an unforgettable escape, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: