7-Day Lower Zambezi Safari from Lusaka: Wildlife & Lake Kariba

Seven days of game drives, river camps, and wildlife on your own schedule with a guide

A 7-day safari tour departing from Lusaka that combines Lower Zambezi National Park wildlife viewing with Lake Kariba camping, featuring guided morning and afternoon game drives, lodging at Kasaka River Lodge, meals included throughout, and cultural stops in Zambia's capital. Minimum four participants required to confirm; children welcome from age 12; English-speaking guide included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Lusaka and transfer

• Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
• Drive through Lusaka City
• Visit Lusaka International Museum
• Transfer to Lukasa Guest House
• Relax at guest house

Day 2 — Transfer to Lower Zambezi and sunset drive

• Breakfast in Lusaka
• Drive to Lower Zambezi National Park
• Check in at Kasaka River Lodge
• Relax by Zambezi River
• Guided sunset game drive
• Dinner at lodge

Day 3 — Morning and afternoon game drives

• Early morning game drive
• Return to lodge for breakfast
• Relax at lodge
• Afternoon game drive
• Dinner at lodge

Day 4 — Morning and afternoon game drives

• Morning game drive at first light
• Lunch and rest at lodge
• Afternoon game drive
• Dinner at lodge

Day 5 — Drive to Siavonga and camp

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Siavonga
• Visit Kariba Dam
• View lake and birdlife
• Camp at Lotri Bay on Lake Kariba
• Dinner at campsite

Day 6 — Relax at Lake Kariba campsite

• Enjoy lake views and birdwatching
• Relax at Lotri Bay campsite
• Watch sunset over lake
• Dinner at campsite

Day 7 — Return to Lusaka and departure

• Breakfast at campsite
• Drive from Siavonga to Lusaka
• Enjoy final views of Lake Kariba
• Transfer to Lusaka drop-off or airport

The Experience

You arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and transfer to Lukasa Guest House on the outskirts of Lusaka, driving through the city's streets to the Lusaka International Museum for a look at Zambia's history and heritage. After settling in, dinner is on your own at the guest house restaurant. The next morning, breakfast done, you depart for Lower Zambezi National Park—a five-hour drive through rolling landscapes, rural villages, and riverine scenery that builds toward the park itself. By afternoon you're at Kasaka River Lodge on the Zambezi, and by late light you're out on your first guided game drive, searching the diverse habitats for elephants, buffalo, antelope, and whatever else moves at sunset.

The next three days follow the same rhythm: early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, returning for breakfast and a rest, then an afternoon drive as animals emerge again in the warming light. Your guide spots lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and birdlife against the soft glow of sunrise and the dramatic light of late afternoon—moments built for photography and close sightings near water sources before dark. Meals at the lodge are included; nights you're under the stars reflecting on what you've seen.

On day five, after breakfast, you drive toward Lake Kariba and Siavonga, stopping to view Kariba Dam—one of the world's largest man-made dams—and taking in sweeping views of the lake, surrounding hills, local fishermen, and birdlife along the shoreline. You camp that night at Lotri Bay Lodge right on the lake's shore, with sunset views over the water and all meals included. Day six is a full day at Lake Kariba, enjoying the peaceful setting and the chance to absorb the landscape. On the final morning, you drive back to Lusaka through scenic landscapes and local villages, arriving for transfer to your drop-off point or the airport.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Lusaka throughout the route.
• entrance fees to Lower Zambezi National Park.
• lodging at Lukasa Guest House, Kasaka River Lodge, and Lotri Bay Lodge.
• all meals during the park and lake portions of the tour.
• guided morning and afternoon game drives with an English-speaking guide.
• visits to the Lusaka International Museum and Kariba Dam.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Livingstone Explore Africa Wildlife & Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you have seven days and want to combine wildlife viewing with river camping—the itinerary moves between Lake Kariba and Lower Zambezi National Park with lodge stays included, so your days are structured rather than self-planned.

Top questions

What wildlife can I expect to see on the game drives in Lower Zambezi?

Lower Zambezi game drives put you in front of elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelope, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife. Morning drives catch predators returning from the hunt and large herds moving through the plains; afternoon drives offer close sightings as animals gather near water sources before sunset.

Are meals included throughout the 7-day tour?

All meals are included at Kasaka River Lodge during your park stay and at Lotri Bay Lodge on Lake Kariba. Dinner on your first night in Lusaka at Lukasa Guest House is at your own cost, allowing you to choose from local and international options.

What is the minimum group size to confirm this tour?

A minimum of four participants is needed to confirm the tour. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide and private transportation throughout.

Where do I stay during the safari?

You stay at Lukasa Guest House in Lusaka on arrival, Kasaka River Lodge during your Lower Zambezi days, and Lotri Bay Lodge camping on the shores of Lake Kariba. All lodging except your first-night dinner is included.

How much driving is involved between destinations?

The drive from Lusaka to Lower Zambezi National Park takes roughly five hours through rural landscapes and riverine scenery. On day five, you drive from the park to Lake Kariba and Siavonga, and on the final day you drive back to Lusaka for your departure.

What should I know about fitness and health for this tour?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the game drives and camp activities. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Children are welcome from age 12 onward.