Northern Zambia Safari Route

This alternate itinerary is great for repeat Zambian visitors as it explores the little known highlights of Northern Zambia inccluding Kasanka, the Bangweulu Wetlands and unique Hot Springs.

This adventure which starts in Lusaka and includes the jaw dropping annual Kasanka National Park bat migration, the vast and diverse Mutinondo Wilderness Area, Kapishya hot springs and the Bangweulu Wetlands, a conservation success story home to the prehistoric Shoebill.

This exciting 12 day trip is going to be the one that allows you to go home a story-teller.

Northern Zambia Safari Route

*Note this route can be done in reverse order

Forest inn, Mkushi
Kasanka National Park
Bangweulu Wetlands
Mutinondo Wilderness
Kapishya Hot Springs
Forest Inn, Mkushi

Day 1 – 2: Forest Inn

A stop-over enroute to Mutinondo Wilderness

After landing in Lusaka and meeting with your safari team, you will travel to Forest Inn on the Great North Road where the real adventure begins. Set in 160ha of protected Miombo forest, Forest Inn is a rich oasis for birdlife. Lush lawns and tranquil gardens provide habitat for productive birding, forest walks or a relaxed sundowner.

Day 2 – 4: Mutinondo Wilderness Camp

Mutinondo Wilderness Area, Northern Zambia

Mutinondo Wilderness is a paradise unique to Zambia! Free of big game, guests are able to celebrate pristine miombo woodland, streams, waterfalls and inselbergs, over 60 km of well-maintained and signed tracks, and views from horizon to horizon without evidence of human activity.

Mutinondo Wilderness highlights include:

Natural Rock Pools

Crystal clear rivers fall into natural rock pools which make for the perfect swimming and picnic spots!

Hiking & Walking

There are over 60km of walking and hiking trails in the reserve! The absence of large game means you can walk unguided and explore as you wish!

Canoeing Adventures

Float down among the water lilies, listening to chattering Olive-grey Bulbuls, perhaps catching a glimpse of Ross’s Turaco, a Half-collared Kingfisher or an African Finfoot

Day 4 – 6: Kasanka Campsite

Kasanka National Park

Our mobile camp is set up in a quiet corner of Kasanka National Park, home to the world’s largest mammal migration! Enjoy access to the hides for the bats, the best spots to photograph the sitatunga and take day trips out into the Luwombwa region for excellent birding opportunities, specials include: Pels Fishing Owl, Bohm’s Bee-Eater, Ross’s Turaco – twitchers or non-twitchers, Kasanka is a birders paradise

Kasanka Highlights include:

Incredible lion encounters

Enjoy guided drives to access to the private hides for the bats as well as to the best spots to photograph the sitatunga.

Stunning Scenery

Listen to the sound of hippo, fish eagle, puku and vervet monkeys move through the trees and across the lawns in front of your lodge chalet.

Bushcamp Style Accommodation

An authentic bushcamp that provides all the important fundamentals of a comfortable camp but focuses on the outstanding guiding and wildlife experience.

Day 6 – 9: Bangweulu Wetlands

Kafue River, Central Kafue National Park

Our mobile camp is perfectly positioned in the Bangweulu Wetlands in an island thicket of indigenous trees. The camp is always alive with bird movement and the sound of thousands of lechwe sloshing in the waters around camp at night will stay with you long after you leave. Sunrise over the Bangweulu Wetlands can be viewed on the eastern side of camp and guarantees the most stunning start to the African day.

The peaceful harmony of the local fisherman brings a unique experience to this camp, with community conservation playing a crucial role in wetland conservation and its wildlife, especially the iconic Shoebill. Each day ends looking out at the sunset before you, a special place that will live on in your memory forever.

Bangweulu Wetlands highlights include

Shoebill Paradise

The main nesting season for Shoebills is from May to August when they can usually be seen on canoe trips. Nesting occurs from July to October.

Guided Walks in the swamps

There is a staggering variety of other bird species as well as the black lechwe which are found in their hundreds of thousands in and around the wetlands.

Scenic Views

Our campsite is set up on an island in the heart of the wetlands! This busy wetland provides a fascinating eco-system for a myriad of wildlife and birdlife, all within viewing distance from the camp.

Day 9: Kapishya Hot Springs

Northern Zambia

After an adventure in the Bangweulu wetlands, we travel northwards to Kapishya Hot Springs for 2 nights of sheer relaxation. Kapishya is a quiet secluded lodge just off the Great North Road, along the banks of the Mansha River. The Hot Springs are an idyllic spot to spend your time relaxing in the natural, sulphur free water. As your feet sink into the soft white sand, you can forget about the stresses of the outside world and reflect on the spectacular memories made up to this point.

Kapishya Hot Springs highlights include:

Peace and Tranquility

Mobile camp will be set up so that you can make the most of the scenary surrounding you. Sit back and relax in this lush, green, tropical haven.

A Variety of Activities

This area can be explored on foot using self-guided walking trails, by bicycle, on the river by rafting or on horseback.

Hot Springs

These Springs are fed by cold water springs which permeate down 7 kilometres to be superheated and then forced back to the surface dropping 1o degrees with every kilometre,ending up on the surface at a luxurious 41 degrees… a heavenly rest for tired, sore muscles.

Available travel dates : July – December

2 pax $3255 pp, 3 pax $2613 pp, 4 pax $2292 pp

Interested in booking this safari?

email the res team to make an enquiry

Still not sure a mobile safari is the right option for you?

That’s OK. We get it!

It can be hard to imagine what 2 weeks of safari exploration with your guide, your safari vehicle and tent would be like.

But rather than let your doubt dissuade you, why not take our short 2 minute quiz that will tell you whether you will love a mobile safari OR if you are better suited to the more permanent lodges and camps?

take the quiz

Northern Zambia Safari Route

11 nights

5 campsites

2 lodges