Vervet Monkey Safari: Summary
Vervet Monkey Safari in a nutshell
This thrilling fly-in safari delivers luxury and usually excellent game, featuring two sister camps that major on responsibility for their ecosystems as well as top-quality guiding and high standards of care.
Beginning in South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge offers guests the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. This small tented camp has an unmatched vantage point, looking west over a huge floodplain toward the Luangwa River. North brings you directly into the game-rich Mfuwe area, where the park’s reputation for prolific game was forged; south yields quieter, more private viewing.
A light aircraft hop over the Great Escarpment drops down into the Lower Zambezi, where Chiawa Camp nestles on the banks of Zambezi River in a prime location: within Zambia’s national park and facing Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park across the river.
This top-class wildlife area allows walking safaris, 4WD safari and night drives on dry land, or you can explore from the water by motor boat or padding a Canadian-style canoe – the change of perspective bringing very different wildlife encounters.
This is a great safari exploring contrasting parks from luxurious camps in stunning locations. The guiding is top-notch, the game densities excellent and there’s a refreshingly wide range of activities available.
At a glance
| Starts: | Lusaka International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Puku Ridge - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| 4 nights | Chiawa Camp - Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| Ends: | Lusaka International Airport |
Puku Ridge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chiawa Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Vervet Monkey Safari.
- Tracking leopard on foot near camp
- Waking up to camp-fire coffee in the cool of dawn
- Relaxing on our veranda with a drink and a great view
- Following lions as they hunted all around our 4WD
- Boating beside elephants swimming across the Zambezi
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Vervet Monkey Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Key species to see on the Vervet Monkey Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Vervet Monkey Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
77% chance
52% chance
22% chance
6% chance
5% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Vervet Monkey Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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
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.
More about Kawaza Village VisitPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther ideas for Zambia safaris
Look at these ideas in Zambia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
Visiting Kafue
US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person
Giraffe Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.
Visiting South Luangwa, North Luangwa
US$8,700 - US$10,430 per person
Purple Roller Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
Visiting Kafue
US$9,320 - US$9,320 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person
Hippo Safari
10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
Visiting South Luangwa, Livingstone
US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$10,660 - US$13,240 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$9,590 - US$12,210 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,490 - US$9,410 per person
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,370 - US$8,500 per person
Scrub Hare Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Camps run by welcoming owners with a passion for their environment are rare, and Tafika is one of the best. Combine this with walking safaris at equally excellent bushcamps for the best of the South Luangwa.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$6,290 - US$7,630 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.
US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person
Superb Starling Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.
US$8,500 - US$12,950 per person
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.
US$8,510 - US$16,430 per person
Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.
US$8,840 - US$10,760 per person
Buffalo Safari
9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.
US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$8,730 - US$21,060 per person
Spotted-necked Otter Safari
6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Discover the heart of the Okavango Delta and diverse Linyanti, staying in two classic luxury canvas camps in private reserves this is a varied, wildlife-filled safari experience.
US$8,490 - US$14,800 per person
Ground Squirrel Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Experiencing the wilderness with an engaging guide whilst staying in a private mobile camp is often the highlight of a safari. Combine that with a charming camp overlooking the Okavango Delta and you’re onto a winner!
US$8,840 - US$11,190 per person
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.
US$8,670 - US$9,130 per person
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
US$7,770 - US$12,280 per person