South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Kafue National Parks
Zambia Off The Beaten Track 2027
Zambia - Off The Beaten Track
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.
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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.
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The biggest surprise is how few visitors Zambia generally - and our destinations in particular - attract each year. Pristine wilderness, perfect peace and no crowds are some of its greatest attractions... for those in the know.
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Zambia: safari as it should be:
Unrivalled wildlife viewing
Remote, uncrowded and pristine locations
Leopard, Lion, Wild Dog, Hyena, Carmine Bee-eater, Thorneycroft giraffe & other iconic African wildlife
Access to exclusive hide network
Options for exploring on foot, boat, canoe and vehicle
Outstanding guiding teams
No/Minimal single supplement​
Safari Overview
12 day specialist photography safari spanning South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Kafue National Parks, Zambia
Dates:
Rates:
Fitness level required: Easy. Vehicle safaris & hides easy. Optional extra easy - moderate walking safaris.
Tour leader: Trai Anfield - award winning wildlife photographer, film maker, travel writer and broadcaster​​
YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 HIGHLIGHTS
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Three superb wildlife locations
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Very high predator density with relaxed big cats, especially several resident leopards and lion prides
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Good chance of African painted dog (wild dog)
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Specialist floating hide for carmine bee eaters
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Several low angle hides available for large mammals, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra, lion
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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 - everyone has a full row of seats
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Three small, intimate camps
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Camps focussed on photographers and flexible 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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Great for intermediate/experienced photography 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
An essential combination for any wildlife photographer! "
Trai Anfield, Tour Director
YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI ITINERARY​​
Day 1
As our flight to South Luangwa National Park will depart bright and early on Day 1 we advise that your international flight arrives in Lusaka the day before and you take advantage of the included night of hotel accommodation near the airport (B&B)
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Fly Lusaka - Mfuwe
Transfer 2.5 hrs by vehicle to Kaingo camp.
Our transfer is a game drive in its own right, so have your cameras at the ready right from the minute we land! Along the way you'll start to appreciate the beauty of South Luangwa, as well as the sheer volume of wildlife living here along the River Luangwa and the surrounding mopane, ebony and baobab forests, ox-bow lagoons and the open Lion Plain close to camp.
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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.
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Days 3, 4 & 5 (B,L,D)
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Typical Schedule For Full days In South Luangwa
05:30 Wake-up Drums (Light breakfast served tea/coffee etc)
06:00 Morning game activity walk/drive/hide
11:00 Communal Brunch
12:30 Midday game activity hide/short walk
15:00 Afternoon tea
15:30 Afternoon game activity drive/hide including sundowners & snacks (while shooting if preferred!)
20:00 Pre-dinner drinks at bar
20:15 Evening dinner (3 course served meal)
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Please note: we are staying in small camps where management understands photography, 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.
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We have the privilege of spending each day in the wilderness in search of the finest photographic opportunities, either by vehicle, on foot or taking advantage of one or more of the the hides exclusive to guests at Kaingo - these include:
During our stay at Kaingo / Mwamba camp we will also have access to the following hides.
Activity images below ©Kaingo
Carmine Bee Eater Hide
A floating hide, operational only during the carmine nesting season - it should be coming into operation by the time we visit.
The Wild Dog Lagoon Hide
Though wild dog are not guaranteed by any means, they do show up here from time to time, alongside many more regular smaller mammals and birds. In fact they show up regularly across the area, so we will always have one eye out for them.
The Last Waterhole Hide
A famous hide with water level & slightly raised shooting positions, which attracts large mammals in impressive numbers
Hippo Hide
A water level view of all the grumpy action around a busy hippo pool - never a dull moment!
Walking Safaris In Zambia
Encountering large, charismatic animals on foot and at close range is 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.
"As the dry season starts to bite so the drama heightens and the photographic opportunities multiply."
Trai Anfield, Tour Director
Day 6
Today it's time to transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park and our next camp, Kutali, via direct flight from Mfuwe Airport to Jeki airstrip (approx1.5 hours direct flight)
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Kutali is located on little Kulefu island, on the Zambezi, and definitely gives authentic island vibes in an especially intense and intimate safari experience, to an extent you may not have experienced before.
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Accommodation here is brilliantly simple yet comfortable, helping us remember that less can be so much more, and allowing us to really feel at one with our magnificent natural surroundings.
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​In Lower Zambezi we experience the sublime light that this region 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 larger boats for photographic outings with a difference.
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Days 7, 8 & 9 (B,L,D)
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We have the luxury of spending each day at Kutali utterly immersed in the wilderness, in search of close encounters with the local wildlife and unique photographic opportunities. We may set out either by vehicle, on foot or on the water, depending on sightings - every day is different!
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Day 10 (B)
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After our last early morning activity and brunch we say goodbye to Kutali and the mighty Zambezi and look ahead to our next destination: Kafue, the largest National Park in Zambia.
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Here we have another very intimate safari ahead of us, at owner-operated Musekese Camp. Owners Phil and Tyrone are very active in conservation in Kafue and also ensure guiding here is top notch.
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Days 11, 12 & 13 (B,L,D)
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We have the luxury of spending each day at Musekese utterly immersed in the wilderness, in search of close encounters with the local wildlife and unique photographic opportunities. We may set out either by vehicle, on foot or on the water, depending on sightings - every day is different!
Day 14
After breakfast it is time to take our leave of Kafue, 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 from Lufupa to Lusaka / Livingstone 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.
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BOOK YOUR ZAMBIA 2027 PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI
​Your quote will include:
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1 night Lusaka hotel accommodation (B&B)
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4 nights Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa (all inclusive full board)
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4 nights Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi (all inclusive full board)
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4 nights Musekese Camp, Kafue (all inclusive full board)
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1 night Livingstone / Lusaka (B&B)
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Return flights Lusaka - Mfuwe - Jeki - Lufupa - Livingstone/Lusaka
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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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Expert local guides
​​Excludes:
International flights, visas, personal travel insurance, meals not stated, premium drinks, gratuities.