We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Zambia is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Addicted to Zambia
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Zambia for 10 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport you will be met by our representative and assisted with Immigration and Customs procedures. You will then be directed to the domestic check-in counters for your flight to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa. The flight will take just over an hour.
ProFlight (Light Aircraft): Fly from Lusaka Intl (LUN) to Mfuwe (MFU) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
On arrival at Mfuwe Airport, you will be met by your guide and you will be transferred by road to the South Luangwa National Park.
Nkwali Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp.
South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred by game vehicle to Tena Tena.
Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector, Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. On a double tiered river bank each room enjoys its own private view onto a long stretch of the Luangwa River. With the ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, this area plays host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.
South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Mfuwe Airport, where you will check in and board your flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park.
ProFlight (Economy Class): Fly from Mfuwe (MFU) to Jeki Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Old Mondoro, located in the wonderfully open area of Faidherbia Forest within the Lower Zambezi National Park. The comfortable rooms are strung out along a hippo-friendly channel off the Zambezi, enjoying great views with their half-height walls and timber decks. Activities at Old Mondoro focus on game drives, walks, canoeing and boating, though the elephant and hippo activity around camp are enough to encourage a lodge-based safari!
Lower Zambezi National Park
You will be transferred back to the airstrip where you will board your flight to Livingstone.
ProFlight (Light Aircraft): Fly from Jeki Airstrip to Livingstone Airport (LVI) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where you will be met and transferred to your final lodge on this holiday.
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is a small, friendly and informal lodge, just 35 minutes from Livingstone. It's the perfect setting for guests to enjoy total peace and quiet while still being close to the Falls and all the adventures that Livingstone has to offer.
Victoria Falls - Zambia
You will be transferred back to Livingstone Airport, where you will check in for your flight home.
Nkwali is located on a private stretch of land, overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. The area surrounding Nkwali is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands.
Guests staying here can often see as much wildlife around the camp as they do on game drives into the Park itself, including leopard, lion and occasionally wild dog. The area is also particularly good for the Thornicroft giraffe (an endemic species), and elephants also regularly cross the Luangwa River or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room.
Although the camp is just outside the National Park, the game drive vehicles access the Park by either by boat (2 minutes) or via the camp's pontoon (10 minutes away). The main bridge across the river to the Park is also only 15 minutes away.
This particular area of the Park is accessible all year and so the game is very relaxed and used to the vehicles. This gives great photographic opportunities as the game allows the vehicles to get close.
With a guest to guide ratio of 4:1 each guest is offered increased flexibility and choice on activities and therefore a far more personalised experience.
The 6 chalets are spacious and during the day are fully open to wonderful river views. In the evenings the Constantia grill doors are pulled together to close the open room fronts. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious with double sinks and showers from which you can enjoy the enormous African skies.
The main bar area, right on the edge of the Luangwa riverbanks, is built around a huge ebony tree with fantastic views of the river and across to the Park - an ideal spot to enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the sun set over the Luangwa. Set back from the river on a lagoon are the dining room and swimming pool, from which guests are often treated to elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Chalet | ||
Includes: | All meals; Park fees; shared game viewing activities; laundry; bar drinks; inter-camp transfers; and transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Tena Tena is a remote and small camp, situated within the South Luangwa National Park, and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. The camp is synonymous with Robin Pope Safaris as it was the first camp which Robin opened and ran and has become a favourite amongst many safari lovers over the years.
The great number of game in the Park is impressive in its own right, but it is the sheer abundance of leopards that the South Luangwa National Park is most famous for - although not guaranteed it is usual for everyone coming through on a 3 or more night safari to see at least one leopard. The Park also has 2 endemic species - the Thornicoft's giraffe and the Cookson's wildebeest.
From the camp there is the daily option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is always available. Meanwhile, for a cultural experience, a visit to the Kawaza Village is not to be missed.
Near the camp there is a spectacular lagoon, Buca Buca, where a whole morning can be spent quietly sitting while the game comes down to drink. With the camp being remote and small, guests have these scenes to themselves.
The 6 tented rooms are spacious but cosy. Each tent is adapted to its specific location so as to maximize the privacy in the rooms with a gorgeous view across the river, and consists of a private veranda, dressing room, a large open air bathroom and outdoor shower.
A large marquee hanging from the trees covers the camp's main area. Here comfortable loungers are provided for guests to relax on, and watch game wandering on the opposite banks of the river. Meanwhile, a short distance below, on the edge of the Luangwa River, is the perfect setting for guests to enjoy sundowners and meals – which is often accompanied by a glorious African sunset and, occasionally, wallowing hippos.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Tented Suite | ||
Includes: | All meals; Park fees; all game viewing activities; laundry; bar drinks; inter-camp transfers; and transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
The beautiful and intimate Old Mondoro is situated within the Lower Zambezi National Park and derives its name from the Goba legend of a white lion that used to prowl the area. Although the white lion is long gone, the camp reflects the wild spirit that still lives on in its descendants that roam free in the spectacular woodlands and plains, which you too will explore during your stay here.
Old Mondoro is one of the Lower Zambezi’s most exclusive camps and offers an ideal blend of nature and comfort. A rare find, this is the ideal safari escape for those who expect the very best yet want a little less of lavish luxury – a real safari.
Day game drives are conducted in custom, open 4x4 safari vehicles and this is the best way to see as many animals as possible, close up. You can also explore the Zambezi River and its islands by boat, offering amazing opportunities for photographing birds, elephant, hippo and croc abound, and the sunsets are to die for.
Canoeing safaris were founded on the Lower Zambezi. Tranquil yet exciting, close up viewing of fauna and riverine flora in near silence is one of Africa’s bucket list experiences. Drift down legendary waterways comfortable in the knowledge that you are in the hands of some of Africa’s best and most experienced river guides.
The 5 rooms are strung out along a hippo-friendly channel off the Zambezi, enjoying great views with their half-height walls and timber decks. Appropriately constructed of canvas and natural materials, the rooms have an open and adventurous feel, providing a perfect retreat after a day filled with excitement in the bush and yet where much of the action will happen right in front of you. At nig,ht canvas blinds are rolled down and secured although with the night chorus you are assured of never feeling too cosseted or cut off from the action! Each room also has a shaded timber sun deck complete with a comfy daybed for relaxation with the very best of views.
There is also a family room which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms - making this an ideal choice for families.
Delicious meals are served fireside or in the open-sided thatched dining room, and star-gazing in this remote spot makes a perfect pastime.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Bush Chalet (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied - selected periods only) | ||
Includes: | All meals; beverage, house wines and local spirits; a laundry service; shared game drives (night and day); bush walks; boat trips; angling; canoe trips; and airstrip transfers are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is a small, friendly and informal lodge, just 35 minutes from Livingstone but in the heart of the wild. The lodge is situated in a secluded position on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River, with wonderful views across to the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank.
It's the perfect setting for guests to enjoy total peace and quiet while still being close to the Falls and all the adventures that Livingstone has to offer. Away from the noise and bustle of the activities around town, the perfect silence is enhanced by birdsong, the sound of hyena and lion on the opposite bank and the whistle of frogs along the river’s edge.
A sunset cruise is the perfect way to start your stay here when you first arrive - relaxing on the peace and quiet of the Zambezi with a drink of your choice and snacks, watching whatever wildlife comes your way and with a virtually guaranteed perfect sunset.
After exploring the Falls, return to the lodge and relax around the pool, or join a guided birding walk through the river woodland. If you have longer to spend at the lodge, enjoy a dawn cruise as the river awakes, or go fishing for bream and tigerfish. A visit to the local village can also be arranged, where many of the Waterberry staff life. The Waterberry guide will show you daily life, housebuilding and agriculture and the Tukongote School which was built with guest donations.
Each of the 7 thatched cottages are different in size and style, and have a private terrace where guests can sit, relax and enjoy the view. The cottages are set around the beautiful lawns and gardens on the banks of the Zambezi. Named after birds found around the lodge, these are lovely cool rooms open to the high thatch.
The Woodlands are available to those wanting to be in the wild without sacrificing comfort and luxury. The three 40m2 safari tents have a lounge seating inside and out and a private veranda garden.
The River Farmhouse is a 3 bedroomed private house for exclusive use by groups or families. The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond.
Meals are served in the dining area or al fresco on the sun terrace and deck overlooking the river. Guests may choose to have private dinners on their terraces or one of the secluded pontoons or platforms around the lodge.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Cottage | ||
Includes: | All Inclusive Package: Airport transfers; all meals and drinks; a laundry service; and two in-house activities per day (Falls visit (including entrance fee); sunset, daytime or dawn cruise; fishing; island picnic; guided birding; guided village walk, guided tour of town and local markets) are included. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zambia
As of 01 November 2022, passengers carrying passports from the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or the European Union will no longer have to purchase visas in order to enter Zambia and can obtain a free visa on arrival. Please note this ruling may be subject to change at short notice.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Zambia High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements or check here:
https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/nationals-who-dont-require-visa/
https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/nationals-requiring-visa-prior-to-travel/
Visas can issued at any Zambia Embassy, online via https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/#/ or single or double entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You cannot get a multiple entry visa on arrival.
If you plan to get a visa on arrival, make sure you have the correct amount of cash (US dollars) with you as change may not be available. If you enter through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or the Harry Mwanga International Airport in Livingstone, you can now make payment for single and double entry visas via credit card at the Zambian Immigration desks.
Visa costs (subject to change) are as follows: Single Entry Visa USD 25 per person; Double Entry Visa USD 40 per person; Multiple Entry Visa USD 75 per person; Day Tripper Visa USD 10 per person (enter and exit through same port); Transit Visa USD 50 per person.
For visitors wanting to travel across to Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa is also an option (although unfortunately this is not always available). This visa allows tourists of certain nationalities to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe, within a 30 day period from the date of their first entry.
This same visa will also allow those who cross into Botswana for a day trip to come back into Zambia (or Zimbabwe) without paying any extra visa fees - please note however it is not valid if staying in Botswana overnight.
The UniVisa can ONLY be obtained at SELECTED border posts - the international airports in Lusaka and Livingstone and at the land borders at Livingstone (Zimbabwe border) and Kazungula (Botswana border) - the current price is USD 50 per person (subject to change) and is valid for 30 days.
To check whether you are eligible for this visa, please visit https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/kaza-univisa/.
For everyone entering Zambia, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Zambia.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Zambia, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Zambia. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Zambia requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Zambia - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Tsetse flies are found throughout some of Zambia's National Parks, especially in the Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers and other locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and don't walk through bushes during the hottest part of the day.
The official language of Zambia is English. Commonly-spoken indigenous languages number over 70 and include Lamba, Kaonde, Tumbuka, Ngoni, Ila,Senga, Chewa, Chibemba, Nsenga Chinyanja, Lunda, Chitonga, Kaonde, Silozi, Nkoya, and Luvale.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph.
Avoid taking pictures of sensitive sites including power stations, explosives factories, pumping stations, army barracks, government buildings, river junctions, road and rail bridges, the Ndola Oil refinery, mining areas and airports. If in doubt, don’t take pictures.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.