Thrills on the Zambezi: A Safari to Zambia’s Adventure Capital

Rafting group gets ready to attempt the Zambezi river rapids in Livingstone, Zambia

What to expect on this itinerary

The Zambezi River is Southern Africa’s adventure capital as big game adds new drama to nature’s escapades. Walk with rhinos, camp with elephants, kayak past hippos, bungee jump next to Victoria Falls, and enjoy days full of exciting safari activities. Tailored for the intrepid traveler, this 10-day safari features the best of everything that gives the Zambezi its reputation. Think big cats, exhilarating activity and pure adrenalin followed by memorable evenings where you settle into African hospitality and comfort.

Countries Visited

Botswana, Zambia

Places Visited

Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park

Suggested Duration

10 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Livingstone - Sunset Cruise Along the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is one of Africa’s great waterways. In places, the river flows languidly, slow enough for wildebeest and buffalo to swim across. In other spots, the water gushes with drama as it picks up speed and sends up flumes of spray and white water. Your lodge is situated on the river, allowing you to gaze out towards wading hippos while flanked by roaring rapids. Today you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel, where your sunset cruise will help you settle into the river’s charm. Hippos emerge from the water, crocodiles bathe on the banks, drinks and canapes are served, and the glowing African sun burns orange as it dips onto the horizon.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2

Livingstone - Helicopter Above Victoria Falls and Bungee Jump in No Man’s Land

Day 3

Livingstone - Walk With Rhinos and Kayak Past Hippos

Day 4

Chobe National Park - Thrilling Big-Game Mobile Camping Safari

Day 5

Livingstone - Charms of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers

Day 6

Livingstone - Southern Africa’s Best White-Water Rafting

Day 7

Lower Zambezi National Park - Game Drives With the Big Cats

Day 8

Lower Zambezi National Park - Exclusive Walking Safari in Big-Game Country

Day 9

Lower Zambezi National Park - Canoe With Big Game and Final Safari Wonders Along the Zambezi

Day 10

Livingstone - Depart for Home

Trip Highlights

  • Take a helicopter ride above Victoria Falls and then wander across narrow bridges to the cataracts alongside the epic cascades
  • Bungee jump in the no man’s land between Zambia and Zimbabwe and admire the rainbows in the Victoria Falls spray as you bounce up and down
  • Spend an afternoon tracking rhinos on foot in Mosi Au Tunya National Park
  • Kayak past the hippos and crocodiles of the Zambezi River as the morning sun glistens off the water
  • Escape to Chobe National Park for an exhilarating night of mobile camping amongst the world’s largest elephant population
  • Tackle the grade IV and V rapids of the Lower Zambezi on a white-water rafting adventure
  • Discover the big cats of Lower Zambezi National Park on privately guided game drives
  • Fully connect with the wild during a full-day walking safari on the Lower Zambezi savannah and track some of Zambia’s most inspiring four-legged residents
  • Settle into nature’s paradise and uncover the big game of the wilderness

Starting Price

$17,900 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 803 reviews

Bernard L.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Travel Review: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, 16 Days

Zicasso's trip designer arranged a flawless, extraordinary trip.

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Mona P.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, Wildlife, Nature, 13-Day Trip

We’re still not over our trip! Everything was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for organizing such a great experience and making it so effortless for me. I already have family and friends asking who I went through, and I’m guessing some of them will be reaching out to you in the next year.

I do have one small piece of constructive feedback about our camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve. The staff, lodge, and food were wonderful, but unfortunately, the safari guide fell short. We had just come from the camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve (where we left our hearts—the guide there was truly exceptional, with such a great personality), so the difference stood out even more. At the Olifants West Nature Reserve camp, we saw very few animals and the guide didn’t engage much—he barely spoke, and when he did, it wasn’t very professional or kind, especially toward my son. My son even said the trip might have worked better in reverse, since after Botswana it was hard to adjust to seeing only a few animals a day.

That said, I’m so grateful for how smoothly you planned everything, especially on such short notice. It really was a trip of a lifetime for us.

Thank you again!

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Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

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Edward L.
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Wildlife, 28-Day Trip

Fantastic job! Zicasso's travel specialist set up 28 days with flights, drivers, etc, and not a thing went wrong. She understood my needs and tailored the trip expertly.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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