Zambezi Canoeing

Tusk & Mane Experience

Lower Zambezi National Park

Two camps, one river, countless encounters

Your safari begins with a light aircraft flight over Zambia‘s Zambezi Valley, revealing the sweeping floodplains and winding river channels that define this extraordinary landscape. After landing at Jeki Airstrip, you’ll be met by your guide for a short game drive into Kutali Camp, your home for the first three nights. Nestled beneath shady winterthorn trees, Kutali offers a classic safari experience with walking safaris, day and night game drives, and canoeing along the quiet channels. Elephants and buffalo are often seen in camp, while lions and wild dogs roam nearby.

From here you’ll journey deeper into the park to spend three nights at Chula Island Camp. Set on a private island within the Zambezi, Chula offers a wild and remote atmosphere. Here, boat safaris and fishing excursions allow you to explore the river, while walking safaris reveal hidden corners rich with birdlife and game. Nights are spent around the fire under star-studded skies, accompanied by the sounds of the bush.

This itinerary is designed for travellers seeking an authentic safari that blends adventure, variety, and simplicity. With only six nights split between two distinct camps, you’ll enjoy a rhythm of exploration and relaxation, with the comfort of personalised guiding and the intimacy of small-scale, owner-run camps. Whether on foot, by vehicle, or gliding silently in a canoe, you’ll discover the Lower Zambezi in its purest form.

7 ADVENTUROUS DAYS

DAY 1 | LUSAKA to LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Your adventure begins with a scenic 35-minute flight from Lusaka to Jeki Airstrip aboard Classic Zambia’s Cessna 210. From here, your guide will meet you for a short game drive transfer into Kutali Camp. Already, you’ll be immersed in the wildlife-rich floodplains, where elephants and antelope graze beneath the towering winterthorn trees. Arriving in camp, settle into your tent and take in the serenity of your surroundings. As the afternoon cools, set out on your first game drive or perhaps a gentle walk, learning the rhythms of the bush. Dinner is enjoyed beneath the stars, accompanied by the distant calls of hyenas and lions.

DAY 2 | KUTALI CAMP | 3 NIGHTS

Wake to the dawn chorus and enjoy a light breakfast before heading out for your morning activity. This might be a walking safari with your expert guide, tracking wildlife through the bush and learning about the smaller details of the ecosystem, or a canoe safari, gliding quietly along the channels where hippos and crocodiles reside. After returning to camp for lunch and rest during the heat of the day, your afternoon adventure may take the form of a game drive or boat safari, followed by sundowners on the riverbank. As night falls, you’ll have the opportunity to head out again, this time with a spotlight to search for leopard, genet, and other nocturnal creatures.

DAY 3 | KUTALI CAMP

Your final full day at Kutali invites you to embrace the rhythm of safari life. Mornings are dedicated to adventure, whether by vehicle, canoe, or on foot. Perhaps you’ll encounter elephants swimming across the river, wild dogs on the hunt, or a pride of lions lounging in the shade. Return to camp for an afternoon siesta, enjoying the sounds of the bush from your tent. Later, embark on another activity – a leisurely boat safari along the Zambezi, fishing for tigerfish, or a night drive to discover the secretive nocturnal life of the park. The day ends gathered around the fire, sharing stories under a vast African sky.

DAY 4 | TRANSFER to CHULA ISLAND CAMP | 3 NIGHTS

After breakfast, bid farewell to Kutali as you set out on a short transfer deeper into the park. Crossing the channels of the Zambezi, you’ll arrive at Chula Island Camp, your base for the next three nights. This secluded island setting offers a more adventurous atmosphere, where the camp blends seamlessly into its wild surroundings. After settling in, enjoy lunch and time to relax before an afternoon activity – perhaps a boat safari to explore the surrounding waterways or a guided walk across the island itself. As the sun dips below the horizon, gather for sundowners before dinner in this truly wild setting.

DAY 5 | CHULA ISLAND CAMP

Your day begins with coffee at dawn before setting out to explore the wilds of the Lower Zambezi from a new perspective. Walking safaris from Chula Island allow you to experience the bush intimately, tracking animals and discovering birdlife unique to this habitat. Alternatively, head out by boat to explore the river channels, where you may spot elephants drinking or fish eagles hunting. After a relaxed lunch in camp and some rest, the afternoon offers another chance to venture out – perhaps fishing for tigerfish or enjoying a classic game drive. Evenings at Chula are defined by campfire camaraderie and the wild soundtrack of the bush.

DAY 6 | CHULA ISLAND CAMP

On your final full day, choose from a variety of activities tailored to your interests. Canoeing along the waterways offers a serene yet exhilarating perspective, while game drives may reveal predators on the move. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the diversity here, from colourful bee-eaters to raptors. As the day unfolds, savour the relaxed pace of island life, enjoying time to simply sit and absorb the beauty of your surroundings. Your last evening is a chance to toast the adventure, sharing stories under the stars and celebrating the richness of this Lower Zambezi journey.

DAY 7 | DEPARTURE

After breakfast, bid farewell to the island as you transfer back to Jeki Airstrip by short game drive. From here, a 35-minute flight will return you to Lusaka, with the memories of an unforgettable week in the wilds of Zambia.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of the finest safari camps

Chula Island Camp – Lower Zambezi

Chula Island is like Jurassic Park, full of surprises with plenty of hidden lagoons and wetlands, and the game is unbelievable! There is actually no need to venture further than this island paradise. The camp is basic but luxury linens and en suite bathrooms provide all the comfort you need. Read More

Kulati Camp – Lower Zambezi National Park

Kutali Camp offers a classic tented safari experience on Kulefu Island in the Lower Zambezi National Park. With only five spacious tents shaded beneath towering winterthorn trees, the camp blends comfort with simplicity. Each tent features an open-air bathroom and views across the Zambezi River, creating an authentic yet comfortable atmosphere. Game drives, canoeing, walking safaris and river cruises provide endless opportunities for wildlife encounters, while evenings around the fire bring a true sense of bush camaraderie.Read More

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

7 days

START: Lusaka, Zambia | Finish: Lusaka, Zambia

Open camp-based safari staying at intimate camps of no more than 10 guests.
The ideal itinerary for exploring Lower Zambezi National Park from the water.

Please enquire for full information.

Inclusions

3 nights Kutali Camp
3 nights Chula Island Camp
All meals & selected drinks
Game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris & canoeing
Private guiding & activities
Internal transfers by vehicle & light aircraft

Exclusions

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Premium spirits & champagne
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature

YOUR HOSTS

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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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