Classic Zambia

Board your overnight flight from London to Johannesburg before taking a connecting flight to Livingstone. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Tongabezi Lodge where you will find yourself just upstream from the thundering Victoria Falls. Stretching across the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this epic waterfall is not only a World Heritage Site but one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Which is easy to comprehend once you set eyes on the mile-long string of cascades plunging across the cliff face, causing immense clouds of spray that rise up to 400m.

Romantically set on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi is the perfect base for exploring both the falls and its surrounds. Sunrise and sunset river cruises, bird walks and white water rafting are all on offer, but if you’re looking for something extra special for your holiday, why not opt for a helicopter flight over the falls – one of the most thrilling ways to see the cascades.

Stay: Three nights in a river cottage at Tongabezi Lodge – full board

Leaving the Victoria Falls behind you set off to explore one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas – the Lower Zambezi. Dominated by rugged escarpment, lush woodland and an abundance of floodplains and oxbow lagoons, it’s no wonder the park has a thriving wildlife population that includes 50 different mammals and over 400 different species of bird.

Famed for its large elephant herds, the park also supports a healthy population of lion, buffalo, leopard and impala amongst many others. As a guest at Chongwe, you’ll be able to observe pods of hippo and basking crocodiles from the privacy of your veranda or you can choose to head out on game drives, bush walks and canoe safaris. All activities are led by knowledgeable and seasoned guides.

Stay: Three nights in a double tent at Chongwe River Camp – full board

Your next port of call is Zambia’s most famous safari destination, the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park. Sprawling for 9,000 square kilometres and dissected by the Luangwa River, this immense wilderness boasts a staggering concentration of game. You can expect encounters with a variety of wildlife including leopard, lion, Thorneycroft giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay zebra, as well as large herds of buffalo, hippo and elephant.

The birthplace of the walking safari, exploring on foot is still one of the finest ways to experience all South Luangwa has to offer – especially the smaller aspects of the bush – but day and night game drives are also the menu. You’ll be staying at a secluded safari camp overlooking a permanent oxbow lagoon where lions and wild dogs are frequent visitors. The second night will be spent under the stars at the Luwi Sleepout – a truly magical way to experience the African bush.

Stay: Two nights in a double tent at Luwi Bush Camp – full board

Your experience of the South Luangwa continues on days 10 and 11. You’ll drive – or walk – to Kakuli Camp which enjoys a prime location on the banks of the Luangwa River. Day and night game drives, bush walks and boat safaris (in the green season) with qualified guides will bring you in close proximity to a variety of species, but the area is especially famed for its lion, leopard and elephant population. It’s also a great spot for viewing carmine bee-eaters with a colony located close to camp. Alternatively, you can kick back in your suite and watch hippos wading in the river below.

Stay: Two nights in a double tent at Kakuli Camp – full board

After a series of wildlife adventures, it’s now time to jet off for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Flying into Likoma Island, you will be met and escorted to your private island resort overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. Panoramic views, private terraces and direct access to the water ensure a wonderfully laidback experience.

But if you’re still feeling active, walking or biking around the island is an excellent way to soak up the scenery and meet the friendly locals. The balmy waters around the lodge are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, whilst water skiing, kite-surfing, tube riding and fishing trips complete the menu of activities on offer.

Stay: Four nights in a standard room at Kaya Mawa – full board

Today you’ll be transferred by Likoma in time for a scheduled light aircraft flight to Lilongwe. From there you will fly to Johannesburg and connect on to your flight back to London.