Puku Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Puku Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Lusaka International Airport
Lusaka to South Luangwa: light aircraft & 4WD
At Lusaka Airport, you’ll transfer to a light aircraft for the flight of about 70 minutes to Mfuwe Airport, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. On arrival, you'll be met for the 45-minute drive to Chinzombo, passing the bustling Mfuwe village en route.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo is located on an expansive curve of the Luangwa River, overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. Run by Norman Carr Safaris, probably Zambia's oldest photographic safari company, with a track record of running first-class safari camps, and designed by two of the safari industry's leading designer/architects, this camp is a 'first' for Zambia in terms of its sheer opulence and very clean, contemporary style.
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo is located on an expansive curve of the Luangwa River, overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. Run by Norman Carr Safaris, probably Zambia's oldest photographic safari company, with a track record of running first-class safari camps, and designed by two of the safari industry's leading designer/architects, this camp is a 'first' for Zambia in terms of its sheer opulence and very clean, contemporary style.
"This really is a special place."
E & S H.fromCaliforniaArrived 1 Aug 2019, 4 nights
However you look at it, Chinzombo is not a typical Zambian camp. It's a step more luxurious and more contemporary than any of the other camps in South Luangwa, and at least a little more costly, too. However, its food and guides are very good indeed – at the top end of Zambia's normally high standards – so if luxury is your priority, then it's perhaps worth the extra cost. See our full report on Chinzombo
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Chinzombo to Liuwa: aircraft & helicopter or 4WD
Today’s journey takes about half a day, but it’s worth it. After a light-aircraft transfer to Kalabo, via Lusaka or Livingstone depending on the time of year, you’ll switch to a helicopter for the 15-minute flight to King Lewanika, or to a 4WD for the 2½-hour transfer to this remote park.
King Lewanika Lodge
The extreme isolation and wilderness nature of Zambia's Liuwa Plain National Park have always been major factors in its appeal – but these features have also made the logistics of visiting very challenging. With the opening of King Lewanika Lodge in the heart of the Liuwa Plains, the park's first permanent safari camp, this situation has changed.
The extreme isolation and wilderness nature of Zambia's Liuwa Plain National Park have always been major factors in its appeal – but these features have also made the logistics of visiting very challenging. With the opening of King Lewanika Lodge in the heart of the Liuwa Plains, the park's first permanent safari camp, this situation has changed.
The lodge is currently closed while it undergoes a change in ownership, and we are looking forward to seeing the updates when it reopens. Please call us for more updates.
Liuwa Plain National Park isn’t for everyone, and for those wanting to tick off regular wildlife sightings, this park may not be for you. However, for those looking for a wilderness experience, with stunning vista and landscapes plus the opportunity for some unique wildlife sightings, King Lewanika is a brilliant base from which to explore Liuwa, a modern and comfortable camp in a truly amazing part of Africa. See our full report on King Lewanika Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Liuwa to Tongabezi: helicopter, light aircraft & road
It’s an exhilarating 15-minute helicopter flight or a sandy 2½-hour 4WD transfer from King Lewanika to Kalabo Airstrip. From there you travel by light aircraft either direct or via Lusaka to Livingstone, from where it’s just a 45-minute drive to the green oasis of Tongabezi.
Tongabezi
Looking out over the Zambezi River from an open-fronted safari house, it’s easy to relax into this version of reality. When Tongabezi made its name over three decades ago, the concept of its luxurious, open-plan houses was revolutionary. Today, still owned by the original founding family, the lodge retains its luxury credentials, enhanced by an impressive attention to detail.
Looking out over the Zambezi River from an open-fronted safari house, it’s easy to relax into this version of reality. When Tongabezi made its name over three decades ago, the concept of its luxurious, open-plan houses was revolutionary. Today, still owned by the original founding family, the lodge retains its luxury credentials, enhanced by an impressive attention to detail.
The setting – among indigenous trees some 18km upstream of the Victoria Falls – is inspirational, giving superb views over the river yet shaded from the harsh Zambian sun. Adding a tropical feel, a waterfall streams down the natural rocks into the free-form swimming pool, while the Lookout affords something of a bird’s eye view.
Meals – which are excellent – are enjoyed in the thatched dining area or on the riverside deck, where a firepit brings warmth to cooler evenings. Drinks are always on hand, and if it all gets too much, just head to the spa for a soothing massage.
"Lodge was excellent with amazing views of the river..guide was excellent."
Mrs A.fromHenleyArrived 11 Aug 2023, 2 nights
Each house is allocated a personal “valet” to look after guests, and to arrange activities – from canoeing and island picnics to Falls and village excursions. Underpinned by Tongabezi’s commitment to its staff – and the wider community – it’s a standard of service that runs throughout. See our full report on Tongabezi
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Road transfer, Tongabezi to Livingstone Airport
Leaving Tongabezi’s tranquil location beside the Zambezi, you’ll first head east, into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and then north through the outskirts of Livingstone town. It's usually a 45-minute drive to the town’s small international airport, from where your onward flight departs.
Ends: Livingstone International Airport
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Inspire meExperiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Tribal Textiles Tour
One - two hours
Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.
More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
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The Elephant Café
Approximately four hours
Visiting The Elephant Café is a great combination of a magical elephant encounter and fine dining. Spend time getting to know the elephants, some of them rescued from the wild many years ago, and others born into the herd. Then sit down and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi.
More about The Elephant Café
Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Microlight Flight
15 or 30 minutes
For pure exhilaration, it's hard to find something better than flying in a microlight, swooping through the spray that crashes up and off the Victoria Falls, with rainbows shimmering below. If you don't like heights, then this isn't for you! For those looking for a different way to see the Falls, the microlight flights offer a stunning birds eye view of this spectacular natural wonder.
More about Microlight Flight
Kawaza Village Visit
Two to three hours
Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.
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Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
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Fishing on the Zambezi River
Three hours or Seven hours
Many people head to Livingstone not just to see the Victoria Falls, but also to relax after an international flight or a busy safari, and a perfect way to do this is with a fishing trip on the calmer sections of the Zambezi River above the falls, drifting with the current, casting your line, and keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks.
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Helicopter Flight - Zambia
12 or 25 minute flights
Witnessing the power of the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning sight, but to see the world’s largest waterfall from the air is a very different experience! A helicopter flight over the Falls is truly incredible, and a worthy addition to your time in Livingstone.
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Royal Livingstone Express
Four hours approx.
The Royal Livingstone Express is a lovingly restored steam train. Guests steam along the original Rhodesian railway line onto the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge. From here guests can marvel at the falls and the Batoka Gorge before enjoying 5-courses of fine dining.
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Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
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Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls