This 21-day self-drive safari across Zambia offers a unique combination of independence and expert support. Designed for travelers seeking both adventure and structure, the journey blends the freedom of self-driving with the presence of an experienced tour host to enhance each stage of the experience.

Over the course of the expedition, guests will explore some of Zambia’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions, including North Luangwa, Luambe, South Luangwa, and Kafue National Parks. The itinerary features a mix of full-board lodges and self-catering bush camps, providing a balance of comfort and immersion in the wilderness. Experiences include self-drive game viewing, guided walking safaris, and evenings spent around the campfire under the African sky.

Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by Joshua Lawes, Ntanda Safari’s Wildlife Safari Specialist. This safari is carefully designed to offer a balanced experience of exploration, flexibility, and expert guidance, creating an authentic and memorable journey through Zambia’s diverse landscapes.

• Arrive at Lusaka International Airport met by Joshua with the hired vehicle.

• We do recommend once you reach Lusaka from the airport, stop at the shopping mall and buy some snacks and beverages for the road trip the next day.

• Arrival at first nights accommodation - settling in

  Enjoy the day at your own leisure. Double Chalet room Bed & Breakfast included. Lodge does have a bar & restaurant for your convenience and for your own account

Joshua is Ntanda Safari's Wildlife Safari Specialist and a US-born conservation enthusiast. He has been on the ground conducting wildlife conservation in Southern Africa since 2016, working in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa as well as on the eastern boundary of Kafue National Park in Zambia, protecting both the Lunga and Kafue River systems.

Joshua will accompany you and your group throughout your entire safari, sharing his knowledge and experience of the African bush.

07:30 Breakfast at Lodge

08:00 Get an early start and depart from Lusaka to Lodge in Mkushi. 6 hour driving time, 281 kilometers driven.

14:00 Arrival & settling in. Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Lunch & Dinner - Please note that Fika Lodge have a restuarant and bar for your convenience and for your own account - very good food

Enjoy some leisure time. You can go for a nature walk - beautiful and tranquility mark this bush surroundings. If you are not too tired

After the long drive you can even explore the little town Mkushi and surroundings. You can also stock up in Mkushi with snacks and beverages.

07:00 Breakfast at Fika Lodge

08:00 Depart from Mkushi to Mutinondo Wilderness Reserve

12:30 Arrival at Mutinondo Wilderness - safety briefing. 4 hour 15 minute drive, 271 kilometers.

14:00 Lunch

Leisure time

After you have settled in and had relaxed you can explore this massive 10,000-hectare property, where you can visit the waterfalls, kayak and raft on the river, hike, relax and unwind.

20:00 Dinner

Recommend: Do Laundry during your stay at Mutinondo. Laundry $1 per item (no underwear)

07:00 Breakfast

Activity/Leisure time

13:00 Lunch

Activity/Leisure time

20:00 Dinner

All activites are free to do by ourselves, if we want to book a guide it's $50 per day.

Recommend: Visit Kundalila Falls during stay at Mutinondo - ask for packed lunch if you think you will leave late and won't be back for lunch

Breakfast at Mutinondo

Depart from Mutinondo Wilderness Reserve to Chishimba Falls Lodge Note:

Chishimba Falls Lodge is newly opened in 2024 and, although a basic Zambian lodge, is very clean with a cool restaurant & bar, good local food and is an inviting environment for waterfall adventure.

Arrival at Chishimba Falls Lodge, drive time 5 hours 23 minutes 348 kilometers

After lunch you can do the short walk and visit Chishimba Falls.

07:00 Drive to KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS. On the road into Kapishya, take the opportunity to stop at CHUSA FALLS. After spending time at this waterfall, continue to Kapishya for the overnight where you can again visit the hot springs or choose the option of kayaking on the river.

Driving Note:

The trip into Kapishya Hot Springs is a one hour drive on a dirt road that must be traveled slowly and is more challenging in the rainy season.

Arrival at Kapishya Hot Springs - settling in

Lunch

Leisure time - enjoy the Hot Springs (it is amazing)

16:00 Go for a late afternoon game drive (with your own vehicle)

Dinner

Breakfast

Lunch

Day at your own leisure - talk to your host about activities you are interested to do on arrival.

Leisure time - enjoy the Hot Springs (it is amazing)

Dinner

Recommend: Visit THE SHIWA HOUSE (THE AFRICA HOUSE) to visit the 40+ room main house and then explore the stunning beauty of the 10,000- hectare property that represents one of Zambia’s national treasures and has a best-selling book written about

Suggested Activities:

• Hiking

• Biking

• Canoeing

• Mini Game Drives

• Hot Springs

06:00 Breakfast at Kapisha Hot Springs

06:30 Depart from Kapisha Hot Springs to Samala Camp The road is generally adequate, but can be challenging due to sandy river crossings and steep terrains. Expect to encounter wildlife, including various game species, which may be less accustomed to human presence. Conditions can change rapidly, so it's important to check weather forecasts before your trip.

17:30 Arrival at Samala Camp. Drive time 8 hours 646 kilometers

IMPORTANT: on your way to Samala you have to stop in Mpika town , fill up with fuel and buy all water, alcohol beverages, soft drinks and food . At Samala you have to do self-catering there are pots, pans and utentsils but you have to have all your food & beverages since there is no shops near, it is in the Bush.

Make yourself a packed breakfast for your trip to NLRL

06:00 Depart from Samala Camp to North Luangwa National Park gate (10 min)

Once you are through the National Park gate, it is a game drive all the way through to NLRL

13:00 Lunch at NLRL

15:00 Afternoon tea & coffee

15:30 Afternoon/Evening scheduled guided game Activity - Game Drive or Walking Safari

20:00 Dinner

06:00 Breakfast

06:30 Morning scheduled guided game Activity

Game Drive or Walking Safari

12:00 Lunch

Leisure time

15:00 Afternoon tea & coffee

15:30 Self drive game drive

20:00 Dinner

06:30 Breakfast at NLRL

07:00 Game drive by yourself on your way to Luambe Camp - this drive includes a pontoon crossing

12:00-13:00 Arrival at Luambe Camp - Safety Briefing - settling in

Lunch

15:00 Afternoon tea & coffee

15:30 Afternoon/Evening scheduled guided game drive/Walking Safari

Dinner

07:00 Breakfast at Luambe Rest Camp (you can leave earlier ask Luambe to give you a packed breakfast)

Road trip to Wildlife Camp

Arrival at Wildlife Camp - Safety Briefing - settling in

Leisure Time

Suggested Extra Activities:

• Tribal Textiles

• Local Village Tour

• Project Luangwa

Drive from Wildlife Camp to Bridge Camp We recommend on your way to Bridge Camp when your reach Chipata to buy all your food, some beverages and snacks for the road to Bridge Camp and the next day on your way to Lusaka. You can also buy some alcoholic beverages if you have preferences. (Bridge Camp have a small bar with limited stock)

14:00 Arrive at Bridge Camp Drive Time 6 hours 30 minutes 395 kilometers

Leisure time - enjoy the tranquility and relax. Bridge camp is just an overnight to break the long journey to your next destination.

07:00 Breakfast at Bridge Camp

08:00 Drive from Bridge Camp to Wild Dogs Lodge 12:00 Arrival at Wild Dogs Lodge

Drive Time 4 hours 220 Kilometers

Enjoy the day at your own leisure

IMPORTANT: While in Lusaka buy some food and beverages for your stay at Mapunga on a self-catering basis

08:00 Drive from Wild Dogs Lodge to Mapunga

14:00 Arrival at Mapunga Bush Camp - Safety Briefing.

Drive Time: 5 hours 40 minutes 330 Kilometers

The rest of the day will be at your own leisure, I have not booked any activities and you are on a self-catering basis.

On arrival talk to your host for example for if you want to book a guided trip to the Busanga or any other guided game drives - you can pay this at the end of your stay.

Day Trip to Busenga Plains includes breakfast, snacks and game drive, $120 per person.

Boat Cruise $40 Person.

These 2 days are at your own leisure.

Self Game Drives.

Day Trip to Busenga Plains includes breakfast, snacks and game drive, $120 per person.

Boat Cruise $40 Person.

Drive from Mapunga to Wild Dogs Lodge Arrival at Wild Dogs Lodge - settling in

Enjoy the day at your own leisure

Breakfast at Wild Dogs

Driving to Lusaka International Airport where Joshua will drop you off to catch your international flight.