Zambia is where the Zambezi carves history into basalt and the bush writes its stories in pawprints. The country’s modern identity grew from a copper-mining boom and independence in 1964, yet its soul is older—rooted in rivers, baobabs, and proud cultures that straddle ancient trade routes. Expect warm hospitality, honest cooking, and guides who know the bush like a family album.

Most travelers come for Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”) and stay for safari legends: white rhino tracking in Livingstone’s national park, elephants along the Chobe, and South Luangwa’s pioneering walking safaris. From June–October, dry-season wildlife viewing peaks; November–April brings emerald landscapes, migratory birds, and the Falls at their fullest.

Practical notes: Consider the KAZA Univisa (about US$50) if hopping between Zambia and Zimbabwe—it covers both sides of the Falls. ATMs are common in Livingstone; cards are widely accepted in lodges, while tips and markets are easiest with kwacha. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for safari regions. For flights, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Livingstone

Welcome to Zambia’s adventure capital, perched above the Zambezi and a short hop from the world’s most thunderous curtain of water. Livingstone blends colonial history with a freewheeling frontier energy—craft markets, cafés humming with overland stories, and a river that sets the daily rhythm.

Top sights span both nature and culture: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for rhinos, the Livingstone Museum for explorers’ lore, and the knife-edge viewpoints beside Victoria Falls. Adrenaline-seekers can raft the Zambezi, leap from the historic bridge, or swim near the edge in low-water season; romantics prefer sundowners on languid river cruises.

Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO (Livingstone) and hotels via Hotels.com (Livingstone). For easy Falls access, look at The Royal Livingstone or Avani; for riverfront vibes and good value, try Victoria Falls Waterfront; for quiet nature, consider Maramba River Lodge.

Getting in: Fly into Livingstone (LVI) or via Lusaka (LUN). Typical times: Johannesburg–LVI ~1h45; Lusaka–LVI ~1h10 (often on Proflight Zambia). Check fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival, First Glimpse of the Zambezi

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land in Livingstone and settle into your lodge. Shake off jet lag with a gentle stroll through town—drop by the Livingstone Craft Market for hand-carved bowls and colorful chitenge fabrics. For a first taste, grab late lunch at Kubu Café (excellent iced coffees, peri-peri chicken wraps, and reliable Wi‑Fi).

Evening: Toast your first African sunset on the river. Book the Lady Livingstone Sunset Cruise—expect crocodiles on sandbanks, hippos grunting, and a golden sky mirrored in the Zambezi. Light snacks and drinks are usually included.

Post-cruise dinner: Try Café Zambezi for flame-grilled tilapia, goat stew with nshima, or their famed oxtail—lively, local, and filling. For something refined, the Royal Livingstone Dining Room plates Zambian game alongside European classics with a view of the spray.

Day 2: Victoria Falls—Both Sides

Morning: Begin at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to feel the mist on Zambia’s side of the Falls. The Knife-Edge Bridge delivers electric views; in high water (roughly Feb–May), expect drenched clothes and rainbows. Low water (Aug–Dec) reveals the geology—raw, cathedral-dark basalt.

Afternoon: Cross the historic bridge to Zimbabwe for broader panoramas. A guided cross-border tour keeps logistics smooth and ensures you don’t miss iconic viewpoints like Main Falls and Danger Point. Consider the Victoria Falls private Guided tour Zambian Side and Zimbabwe—it coordinates border formalities and timing between parks.

Evening: If you lingered in Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe), dinner at Three Monkeys pairs wood-fired pizza with craft gin and a buzzy traveler scene; back in Livingstone, Zest Bar & Restaurant is great for fresh salads, burgers, and a casual cocktail under the stars. Tip: If you’ll cross both countries, buy the KAZA Univisa upon entry to save time and cash.

Day 3: White Rhinos and Railcar Romance

Morning: Track rhinos on foot—one of Zambia’s rarest experiences. The Walking Safari of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park goes with armed rangers and focuses on safety and conservation, often pairing rhino encounters with giraffe, zebra, and birdlife.

Afternoon: Cool down with gelato or iced coffee at Kubu Café, then dip into the Livingstone Museum, the country’s oldest—its archaeology, ethnography, and David Livingstone artifacts add context to the landscape outside. If you’re keen on a thrill and water levels permit, ask locally about seasonal swims at Livingstone Island near the lip of the Falls (Devil’s or Angel’s Pool—book far ahead and expect strict safety briefings).

Evening: Dine riverside at The Elephant Café (advance-only; a short boat trip upriver and a set tasting menu of Zambian-inspired dishes). Alternatively, Victoria Falls Waterfront’s restaurant dishes casual grills with a front-row seat to hippos snorting at dusk.

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Chobe, Botswana

Set the alarm—this is a big one. Chobe National Park is a short transfer from Livingstone via Kazungula, and it’s famed for vast elephant herds, lion sightings, and photogenic river cruises. Book a guided day trip like the Full-Day Chobe Trip Botswana, which typically includes hotel pickup, border assistance, a morning boat safari (watch for elephants swimming—magical), lunch in Kasane, and an afternoon game drive on sandy riverfront tracks.

Back in Livingstone in the evening, keep dinner simple: Cafe Zambezi’s spicy piri-piri prawns or a comforting oxtail pot with nshima hit the spot after a long day. Celebrate the checklist: elephants, buffalo, maybe lions, definitely memories.

South Luangwa (Mfuwe)

They call South Luangwa the Valley of the Leopard—and with reason. The Luangwa River winds through ebony groves and open savanna, concentrating wildlife in a way photographers dream about. This is the birthplace of the classic walking safari, where expert guides translate tracks and alarm calls into narrative.

Expect day and night game drives, bush walks, and the kind of stargazing that resets your sense of scale. In dry season, animals crowd the lagoons; in the green season, birding explodes with migrants and luminous light. It’s a destination that rewards early starts and unhurried afternoons by the river.

Where to stay: Search a range of camps—from great-value riverside bases to upscale bushcamps—on VRBO (South Luangwa/Mfuwe) and Hotels.com (South Luangwa/Mfuwe). Flatdogs Camp suits first-timers and families; Track & Trail River Camp and Wildlife Camp balance comfort with great guiding; Mfuwe Lodge offers a polished experience and seasonal elephant “lobby” visits when wild mangoes ripen.

Getting there from Livingstone: Fly LVI–LUN (~1h10) then LUN–MFW (~1h10). With connection, expect 3.5–5 hours total and about US$220–360 one-way depending on season. Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Road transfers exist but take 14–18+ hours and are not recommended for a weeklong trip.

Day 5: Fly to the Valley of the Leopard

Morning: Early flight from Livingstone to Mfuwe via Lusaka. Grab coffee and a pastry at the airport, and keep binoculars handy—the descent into the Luangwa Valley is scenic.

Afternoon: Check in and rest through the heat. Tea at 3:30 pm, then your first game drive: expect puku and impala on the floodplains, hippos yawning in oxbow lagoons, and, if you’re lucky, a leopard draped in leadwood shade. Your guide will ease you into the ecosystem—bird calls, tracks, and the “why” behind animal behavior.

Evening: Night-drive spotlighting begins after sundowners. Look for genets, civets, porcupines, and hunting lions; South Luangwa’s nocturnal action is superb. Return to a fireside dinner—most camps offer set menus highlighting local produce (think pumpkin soup, grilled bream, and lime tart).

Day 6: Walking Safari and Riverfront Game

Morning: Lace up for a guided walking safari, the park’s signature. You’ll read stories in the sand—fresh hyena tracks, mongoose middens, dust-bathing spots for guinea fowl—and learn plant uses from your guide and scout. It’s less about distance and more about immersion.

Afternoon: Siesta hours are for birding from your deck (carmine bee-eaters in season, fish eagles year-round). If you want an outing, stop by Tribal Textiles near Mfuwe for hand-painted fabrics and a light lunch at the Courtyard Café—great quiches and fresh salads when open in season.

Evening: Sunset game drive along the Luangwa River. Keep an eye out for elephants crossing at dusk and lions keying in on buffalo herds. Dinner back at camp; share sightings under the Milky Way with a local Mosi lager or a G&T.

Day 7: Last Dawn, Then Onward

Morning: One final drive—this is when the bush likes to surprise you. If leopards have eluded you, ask your guide to check ebony groves where guinea fowl scatter at first light.

Afternoon: Brunch and checkout. Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka and onward connections. Typical MFW–LUN flight time ~1h10; plan a mid/late-afternoon departure. Search options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If overnighting in Lusaka, ask your lodge about a late checkout and a quick city dinner before the airport.

Evening: In transit.

Food & Drink Shortlist (Livingstone)

• Kubu Café: Breakfast to late lunch—excellent cappuccinos, pancakes, and peri-peri wraps.
• Café Zambezi: Hearty local plates (ox-tail, goat curry, nshima) and grilled fish; lively atmosphere.
• Zest Bar & Restaurant: Burgers, salads, and relaxed cocktails—good for groups.
• Royal Livingstone Dining Room: Elegant Zambezi-facing dinners; book for sunset.
• The Elephant Café: Set-menu fine dining paired with a river trip; prebook only.

What to Pack

• Neutral layers, a warm jacket for winter dawn drives (Jun–Aug), brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses.
• Closed-toe walking shoes, a small daypack, and a soft-sided duffel (domestic flight limits).
• Binoculars (8x or 10x), spare batteries, dry bag for electronics near the Falls.
• Insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis per your doctor’s advice.

Four days in Livingstone frame the spectacle—Victoria Falls, a Zambezi sunset, and a foray into Botswana’s Chobe—while three days in South Luangwa deliver the soul of safari: silence, stars, and tracks that tell stories. This 7-day Zambia itinerary balances iconic sights with unhurried wild time, making room for wonder and the unexpected.