South Luangwa Nsefu, Lower Zambezi & Kafue
Jewels of Zambia 2027
Everyone has a favourite safari destination, and if you spend time in Zambia I bet it will rocket to the top of your list! This is a place to fall in love with:. Stunning scenery, astounding amounts of wildlife and authentic safari experiences, complemented by contemporary additions, all make for a beguiling destination that will beckon you back, time after time.
From shimmering rainbows of bee eaters to the rib-shuddering roar of lions in the darkness, your senses will come alive in one of Africa's truly great wildlife destinations.
The biggest surprise is how relatively few visitors Zambia receives each year. Pristine wilderness, perfect peace and no crowds are some of its greatest attractions... for those in the know.
Safari Overview
14 day specialist photography safari spanning South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Kafue National Parks, Zambia
Dates: 24 September - 07 October 2027
Rates: £13,950
Single Supplement: £1,800
Add-on to Victoria Falls available on request
Fitness level: Easy. Vehicle safari, boat safari & hides. (additional walking/canoe safaris optional)
Tour leader: Trai Anfield - award winning wildlife photographer, film maker, travel writer and broadcaster
YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 HIGHLIGHTS
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Three carefully curated intimate camps in three remote, uncrowded and pristine wildlife locations
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Unrivalled wildlife viewing with high predator density and relaxed big cats, especially leopard and lion
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Great chances of African painted dog (wild dog) and cheetah too
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Access to exclusive-use hides including for carmine bee eaters
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Photography from canoe, motorboat and vehicle
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Renowned locations for walking safaris - option to photograph large mammals on foot
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Night drives available
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Astro photography sessions available on request
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Small group size - min 4 / max 6 guests
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Two exclusive-use game vehicles at every camp - each guest has a full row of seats
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Camps focussed on photographers with flexible timetables to allow us to stay on sightings
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Camps sited in the most peaceful areas of each park - no crowds at sightings
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Safari scheduled to ensure optimum photographic conditions and access to species
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Ideal for intermediate/experienced safari connoisseurs
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1-2-1 technical tuition, post production sessions and creative inspiration with award-winning tour leader
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Knowledgeable and experienced local guides throughout your stay
" Zambia: Where Safari Tradition Inspires Safari Future
Remote photographic safari locations without crowds
Specialist mammal & bird photography hides
Option to approach large mammals on foot, as well as boat and vehicle
An essential combination for any wildlife photographer! "
Trai Anfield, Tour Director
YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI ITINERARY
24 September
As our flight to Kafue National Park will depart bright and early on 25th September we advise that your international flight arrives in Lusaka on 24th September and you take advantage of the included night of hotel accommodation near the airport (B&B)
25 September
This morning we head to the airport to board a small aircraft for the flight to our first destination: Kafue, the largest National Park in Zambia. We have a very intimate safari ahead of us, at owner-operated Musekese Camp. With just five tents here we'll have a truly exclusive experience, shared only with the animals which roam into camp!
Our transfer to Musekese is a game drive in its own right, so have your cameras at the ready right from the airstrip. After check in and lunch we're heading straight out on afternoon game activities to begin exploring the magnificent habitats that surround us at Musekese.
The Lufupa and Kafue rivers draw game in at this dry time year and Kafue is renowned for both its predator sightings, with leopards, cheetahs, lions, and African wild dogs all well-represented here, and the most diverse range of antelopes in Africa: 21 species including red lechwe, puku, roan, and sable.
When conditions allow, boating on the rivers offers a whole new perspective for photographers, as does setting out on foot, which is an established way of safari here.
© Musekese Camp
26, 27, 28 September
Full days exploring Kafue National Park.
In addition to the iconic predators, Kafue is also a birding hotspot, with over 500 species, including the endemic Chaplin’s barbet and endangered wattled crane.
Owners Phil and Tyrone are very active in conservation in Kafue, so we will have an insight into ongoing projects here, including a possible visit to an anti-poaching unit. They also ensure that guiding here is top class, yet another reason to choose this wonderful small camp.
Throughout this photographic safari we will be staying in small camps where management understands the needs of photographers, so arrangements can be flexible. For example, we may stay out of camp on sightings and have brunch brought out into the bush rather than having to leave the action.
"As the dry season starts to bite so the drama heightens and the photographic opportunities multiply."
Trai Anfield, Tour Director
29 September
Today it's time to transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park and our next base, Chula Island Camp.
Chula is located on Kulefu Island, on the Zambezi, and definitely gives authentic but luxury island vibes in an especially intense and intimate safari experience.
Arrive in time to settle in, lunch and then head out for our first photography session here in the afternoon.
© Chula Camp
30 September, 1 & 2 October
Full days exploring this uncrowded area of Lower Zambezi National Park.
Accommodation at Chula is brilliantly simple yet very comfortable, helping us remember that less can be so much more, and allowing us to really feel at one with our magnificent natural surroundings.
In Lower Zambezi we experience the sublime light that the area is famed for at this time of year, head for large mammals on foot on walking safaris, including elephant, lion and buffalo, and of course search out all of the iconic species which call this magical place home, drawn irresistibly to the life-giving Zambezi.
This means that, as well as classic game drives, it is rewarding to take to the water in canoes and motorboats for photographic outings with a difference.
October 3
After our last early morning activity and brunch we say goodbye to Chula Island and the mighty Zambezi, transferring to our final location, South Luangwa National Park.
Our home in South Luangwa, Tena Tena camp, is little short of legendary. It is beautifully located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa, most recently made made famous as the location for the BBC Kingdom series, which followed the fortunes of the lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog residents here.
As we search out these predators you'll appreciate the beauty of South Luangwa, the sheer volume of wildlife living here along the River Luangwa and the diversity of habitats including mopane, ebony and baobab forests, ox-bow lagoons and open plains.
We will check in and have lunch at camp, then we're straight out on afternoon game activities to begin exploring the magnificent habitats of this northern sector of the park. Here both prey species and predators are abundant in extraordinary densities, with 10 resident leopards and substantial prides of lion. Elephant are found in large numbers too, alongside hippo, buffalo, giraffe all drawn to the last of the dry season water in oxbow lagoons and small waterholes.
We have the luxury of spending each day at Tena Tena utterly immersed in the wilderness, in search of close encounters with wildlife and unique photographic opportunities. We may set out either by vehicle or on foot depending on sightings, or make use of the exclusive waterhole and carmine bee eater hides - every day is different!
© Tena Tena Camp
During our stay at Tena Tena camp we will have access to the following hides.
Carmine Bee Eater Hide
Operational only during the carmine nesting season - it should be in operation at the time we visit.
Hippo Hide
Again, only operational in dry season, we will have the chance to watch the antics of the hippos as they wallow, fight and care for young. We never know when other wildlife may visit too!
A Note On Walking Safaris In Zambia
Encountering large, charismatic animals on foot and at close range is one of the most thrilling of safari experiences, especially for photographers: it's a revelation to be able to shoot from ground level perspectives, often leading to even more powerful and dynamic shots than are possible from a vehicle.
South Luangwa is the premium place for African walking safaris and was the first place to offer them. As a consequence the animals here are relaxed about being approached on foot, and the guides are immensely experienced in this type of activity.
07 October
After breakfast it is time to take our leave of Tena Tena, carrying wonderful memories, fantastic images and new friendships with us. Our transfer to the airstrip will take the form of a final game drive, so keep your cameras at the ready. A short flight to Lusaka will connect us with our international flights home...or onward to Livingstone to explore the country's most famous natural wonder - Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders, otherwise known as Victoria Falls.
BOOK YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI
Dates: 24 September - 07 October 2027
Rates: £13,950
Single Supplement: £1,800
Add-on to Victoria Falls available on request
Cost includes:
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1 night Lusaka hotel accommodation (B&B)
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4 nights Musekese Camp, Kafue (all inclusive full board)
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4 nights Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi (all inclusive full board)
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4 nights Tena Tena Camp, South Luangwa (all inclusive full board)
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Small aircraft flights between all locations
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All airport and lodge road transfers
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All reserve entry fees, game drive, walking and hide activities
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Expert wildlife photography / videography tuition
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Outstanding local guides
Excludes:
International flights, visas, personal travel insurance, meals not stated, premium drinks, gratuities.