Category: Extreme Wilderness • Walking Safari • Conservation • Expedition
Destination: North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Travel Style: Fly-in expedition with remote bush camps
Accommodation Level: Authentic bush camps (comfortable, unfenced, eco-focused)
Ideal For: Experienced safari travelers, adventurers, conservation-minded guests

WHY THIS SAFARI IS UNIQUE

North Luangwa is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses—a vast, remote park with no permanent lodges, no mass tourism, and extremely limited visitor numbers. Access is by light aircraft only, and most exploration is done on foot, guided by some of Zambia’s most experienced walking safari specialists.

This is not a luxury safari. It is a true expedition—raw, immersive, and profoundly rewarding. Wildlife encounters are unfiltered, conservation impact is tangible, and silence replaces engines.

If you want to understand Africa as it once was, this is the journey.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Zambia & Fly-In to North Luangwa

Crossing Into True Wilderness

Arrive in Lusaka and connect to a scheduled or charter light aircraft to North Luangwa National Park. Enjoy aerial views of the Luangwa Valley—rivers, oxbow lagoons, and endless bush.

Land on a remote bush airstrip and transfer to your expedition bush camp, unfenced and set deep within the park.

Afternoon:

• Welcome briefing and safety orientation
• Introduction to walking safari protocols
• Short orientation walk around camp

Evening:
Campfire dinner under the stars with sounds of lions, hyenas, and night birds.

Overnight: Remote bush camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Orientation Walks & Wilderness Acclimatization

Learning to See the Bush

After an early breakfast, head out on your first proper walking safari, accompanied by:

• A professional walking guide
• An armed Zambia Wildlife Authority scout

Focus of the Day:

• Reading animal tracks and signs
• Understanding wind direction and safety positioning
• Identifying trees, plants, and medicinal uses
• Observing buffalo, elephant, antelope, and birdlife

Afternoon:
Rest at camp during peak heat, followed by a short late-afternoon walk or wildlife discussion.

Overnight: Bush camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3–6: Multi-Day Walking Safari Expedition

The Heart of the Journey

These days form the core expedition, moving deeper into North Luangwa’s untouched landscapes.

Daily Routine:

• Early morning departure on foot
• Walk 8–15 km per day (pace adapted to guests)
• Traverse diverse habitats:
  • Riverine woodland
  • Open floodplains
  • Mopane forest
  • Dry riverbeds and escarpments

Wildlife Encounters May Include:

• Large elephant and buffalo herds
• Lions and hyenas
• Cookson’s wildebeest (endemic subspecies)
• Thornicroft’s giraffe
• Exceptional birdlife

Bush Camps:

• Temporary, low-impact camps
• Comfortable beds, solar lighting, bush bucket showers
• Camp moved or rotated to reduce environmental impact

Evenings are spent around the fire, sharing stories, conservation insights, and reflections.

Overnight: Mobile bush camps
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (daily)

Day 7: Final Walk & Reflection

Closing the Circle

Enjoy a final morning walk focusing on interpretation rather than distance—slowing down, absorbing the environment, and reflecting on the journey.

Return to the main bush camp for a farewell lunch and final evening in the wild.

Overnight: Bush camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Fly-Out & Departure

Leaving the Wild Behind

Early breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Lusaka and onward connections.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ Fly-in transfers (Lusaka ↔ North Luangwa)
✔ Multi-day guided walking safaris
✔ Professional walking safari guide
✔ Armed Zambia Wildlife Authority scout
✔ All accommodation in remote bush camps
✔ All meals throughout the safari
✔ Park entrance & conservation fees
✔ All camp logistics & safety equipment

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

✘ International flights
✘ Visa fees
✘ Travel & medical evacuation insurance (mandatory)
✘ Tips & personal expenses
✘ Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)

PRICE ESTIMATE (PER PERSON)

From USD 5,500 per person
(Based on 2 guests sharing; small group departures only)

Pricing Notes:

• Prices vary by season and aircraft availability
• Single supplement applies
• Limited departures per season due to conservation limits

PRECAUTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Fitness & Participation

• High fitness level required
• Guests must be comfortable walking long distances
• Ability to follow guide instructions strictly is essential

Age Restrictions

• Minimum age: 16 years
• No exceptions due to safety regulations

Safety

• Strict safety briefings conducted daily
• Armed scouts present on all walks
• No walking without guide under any circumstances

Medical

• Comprehensive travel insurance required
• Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended
• Inform operator of any medical conditions in advance

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

June – October (Dry Season)

• Cooler temperatures
• Better wildlife visibility
• Ideal walking conditions

WHO THIS SAFARI IS FOR (AND NOT FOR)

Perfect for:
✔ Experienced safari travelers
✔ Adventure seekers
✔ Conservation-focused guests
✔ Photographers & naturalists

Not suitable for:
✘ First-time safari travelers
✘ Guests seeking luxury amenities
✘ Those uncomfortable with walking or remote conditions

FINAL WORD ON ZAMBIA SAFARIS

Zambia offers fewer vehicles, deeper encounters, and stronger conservation impact than most safari destinations. It is a country for travelers who value authenticity over indulgence and experience over spectacle.

Walking safaris are Zambia’s signature—and North Luangwa is the pinnacle.