Wild Zambia & Lake Malawi

Where the mist of Victoria Falls meets the tranquil flow of the Zambezi, your journey begins. After meeting your host and fellow travelers, explore both the wonder and the work that define this region — touring the mighty Falls, timed for the full moon to witness the ethereal lunar rainbow, and discovering Livingstone’s rich heritage at the local museum and vibrant markets. In August, the Zambezi is at its most dramatic — spray rising above the gorge while the surrounding bush lies golden and dry, perfect for exploring by boat or on foot. Step behind the scenes of progress at Ele-Collection, a groundbreaking initiative turning plastic waste into eco-aggregate for construction, creating livelihoods and protecting wildlife. Visit the Tujatane School, founded by Tongabezi, where your travels directly support education for 280 local children. Enjoy a private picnic on a Zambezi island, sip sundowners on the river, and dine aboard the Royal Livingstone Express — each moment a celebration of Africa’s spirit, ingenuity, and beauty.

Set on a secluded bend of the Zambezi, Tongabezi Lodge blends romance, sustainability, and Zambian artistry. Thatched cottages and open-fronted houses overlook the river, with private plunge pools and personal valets ensuring effortless comfort. Guests are welcomed into the rhythm of the lodge’s community projects and its tranquil riverside life — dining by lantern light, lulled by hippos at dusk, and awakening to the call of fish eagles at dawn.

Leaving Livingstone, fly by private charter into the heart of Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildernesses. This vast ecosystem of riverine forests, sweeping plains, and tree-dotted savannas makes Kafue one of the continent’s most ecologically varied parks — home to wetlands, woodlands, and the open Busanga Plains. Join expert guides on game drives and walking safaris to encounter elephant, lion, cheetah, and endangered African wild dog. Visit the Chunga community and its cooperative farm to see how sustainable agriculture and wildlife coexist, and learn how local families are shaping a future where conservation and livelihood support each other. Evenings invite reflection on the day’s discoveries — sundowners beside the Kafue River and the quiet hum of the bush under a canopy of stars.

Perched along a tranquil bend of the Kafue River amid lush riverine woodland, Ila Safari Lodge defines modern eco-luxury. Its solar-powered design and pioneering electric game vehicles lead Zambia’s “silent safari” movement. Spacious tented suites open to sweeping river views, each blending organic textures with polished elegance. Dine under the stars or enjoy a soak in your outdoor tub as hippos surface below your deck — immersed in comfort and connection to one of Africa’s most untouched landscapes.

Fly east to the Lower Zambezi National Park, a breathtaking wilderness where escarpment cliffs give way to floodplains, woodlands, and the wide, glimmering Zambezi River. From your luxury camp, watch herds of elephants wade between the islands beneath towering winterthorn trees and the ochre cliffs of the escarpment — a setting that captures the essence of wild Zambia. Learn about the inspiring women of the Kufadza Scout Unit, an all-female anti-poaching team supported by Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), and learn how their courage and commitment are safeguarding this fragile ecosystem. Your group will also help fund an aerial patrol with CLZ — a vital hour-long flight used to detect illegal activity and monitor wildlife movements across this vast terrain. Explore the park by game drive, river cruise, canoe, or on foot, guided by experts attuned to the rhythms of the bush. Each evening brings a different kind of magic — sunset on the water, firelit dinners under the stars, and the soundtrack of hippos grunting in the dark.

Tucked within the park’s most wildlife-rich corridor, Sausage Tree Camp and Potato Bush Camp blend refinement with raw natural beauty. Elegant tented suites feature private plunge pools and uninterrupted river views. Personalized guiding, exceptional cuisine, and seamless service define the experience— while their shared solar-powered ethos ensures every indulgence treads lightly on the land. Whether dining by lantern on the sandbanks or savoring sundowners as elephants cross the channel, this is Zambia’s Lower Zambezi at its most luxurious and alive.

Continue your journey northeast to South Luangwa, a legendary wilderness known as the Valley of the Leopard and the birthplace of the walking safari. In August’s dry season, the Luangwa River shrinks into oxbow lagoons, drawing concentrations of wildlife and offering unparalleled game viewing. The Luangwa River winds through woodlands and floodplains alive with life — leopards draped in ebony branches, elephant herds crossing the shallows, and endemic species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest found nowhere else on earth. Visit the team at Conservation South Luangwa, whose anti-poaching and wildlife rescue initiatives protect this remarkable ecosystem. Meet the handlers and K9 unit dogs sponsored by Bushtracks travelers, and know that your group’s visit helps fund a fully trained detection dog — part of the elite team that tracks poachers, as well as searches and removes snares throughout the park. At Mulberry Mongoose, transform reclaimed snare wire into your own piece of jewelry, and paint your own tote or cushion in vibrant Zambian designs with the artisans of Tribal Textiles. Between these encounters, experience classic game drives and tranquil walking safaris that reconnect you with the wild at its most elemental.

Shawa Luangwa Camp and Chikunto Safari Lodge capture the essence of Luangwa’s untamed beauty. Set among ebony groves and riverine woodland, Shawa Luangwa embodies the pioneering spirit of its namesake guide, Jacob Shawa, offering Zambia’s first electric “silent safaris.” Chikunto’s elevated tents overlook a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, with a saltwater pool and the option to visit the photographic hide. Wherever you stay, expect warm hospitality, exquisite comfort, and nights filled with the sounds of the wild.

Your adventure concludes in pure serenity on Likoma Island, set amid the shimmering waters of Lake Malawi. This inland sea glows turquoise beneath August’s clear skies — a striking contrast to the golden bushveld you’ve left behind. After days of exploring Africa’s wild heart, this tranquil escape invites you to slow down and absorb the beauty around you. Discover the island’s welcoming spirit through visits to its school, hospital, tree nursery, and organic farm — each supported by the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation. Their island projects — from reforestation to women-led farming and plastic reduction — show how tourism directly supports the wellbeing of the Likoma community. Visit the renowned Katundu Workshop, where local artisans craft beaded textiles and chandeliers from upcycled materials, and explore the island’s historic St. Peter’s Cathedral. In the afternoons, snorkel or kayak in crystal-clear waters, or unwind on powder-soft beaches as dhows glide across the horizon. On the final night, as the sun sets, gather for a festive farewell dinner under the stars and toast to the landscapes, people, and conservation stories that have shaped your journey.

Named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the top ten most romantic lodges in the world, Kaya Mawa redefines barefoot luxury. Each room is sculpted into the rocks or perched above the beach, with private plunge pools, hand-carved details, and sweeping views across the lake. Powered entirely by solar energy and built in partnership with the island community, Kaya Mawa is a model of sustainable indulgence — where every detail reflects the harmony between comfort, culture, and conservation.