Example Trip

Eastern Zambia: From Bush to Wetlands

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Highlights

Walking safaris, Self-drive 4x4, Hot springs, Wetlands, Local cooking class

Location

Zambia

Budget

From €2,950 p.p. excluding flights

Zambia at its Wildest

Eastern Zambia is wild, raw and still undiscovered by the masses. From Lusaka, you'll drive your own 4x4 straight into the bush. First to South Luangwa, where you'll come face to face with elephants on foot alongside an armed scout. Then you venture deeper into the wilderness to North Luangwa for the ultimate expedition feeling. No lines of safari vehicles, just pure silence.

Wash off the dust in the natural Kapishya Hot Springs, hidden among the palm trees. Via the granite rock formations of Mutinondo, you continue to the Bangweulu Wetlands. Here, you'll glide through the reeds in a traditional wooden canoe in search of the prehistoric shoebill stork. You end your journey in the countryside around Mkushi. This trip is for travellers who want to swap the beaten track for real adventure and encounters that stay with you.

17 days in Zambia

Day 1

Arrival in Lusaka

You arrive in Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Pick up your 4x4 with rooftop tent and drive to Pioneer Lodge, just outside the city's hustle and bustle. Take a dip in the pool and recover from your flight. Order a cold Mosi beer and get ready for the wilderness.

Day 2

Discover Lusaka

Today you'll discover Lusaka with guides Anella and her daughter Faith. No standard tourist attractions, but the real city. Together you'll wander through markets filled with colourful fabrics and street food. Afterwards, you'll head into the kitchen, where Faith will teach you how to prepare traditional Zambian meals.

Day 3

To South Luangwa

Leave the city behind and drive to South Luangwa National Park. The journey takes around eight hours through ever-changing landscapes. You'll stay at Msandile River Lodge on the riverbank. From your veranda, you'll have views of hippos and elephants. Welcome to the bush.

Day 4

Safari in South Luangwa

South Luangwa is the place for walking safaris. Today you'll head out with an armed scout. Without the sound of an engine, you'll hear everything around you and learn how to read animal tracks. In the afternoon, you'll go on a game drive. The guides here know exactly where the leopards like to hide.

Day 5 - 6

North Luangwa

Travel deeper into the wilderness to North Luangwa National Park. Very few people visit this remote area. You'll stay at Luambe Rest Camp and the intimate Ituba Tented Camp. No other tourists around you, just the sounds of the African bush beneath a star-filled sky.

Day 7 - 8

Camping in North Luangwa

Head even deeper into the bush. You'll camp at the simple Nkholo Campsite near Lufila Falls. Don't expect luxury, but do expect the ultimate adventure. Cook your own meal over the campfire and fall asleep to the distant roar of lions.

Day 9 - 10

Kapishya Hot Springs

After days on dusty roads, it's time to unwind. Travel to the hidden Kapishya Hot Springs, an oasis of natural hot springs nestled among the palm trees. Wash off the dust in the warm water and completely relax. You'll spend the night in a charming lodge.

Day 11 - 12

Mutinondo Wilderness

Drive to Mutinondo Wilderness, a rugged landscape of granite rock formations and forests. This is all about spending time outdoors. Hike to the highest viewpoints, swim in natural pools and enjoy the silence. Here, you'll have nature all to yourself.

Day 13 - 14

Bangweulu Wetlands

Your journey continues to the Bangweulu Wetlands. This vast wetland is a dream for bird lovers. Glide through the reeds in a mokoro (traditional wooden canoe). Together with fisherman Mussa, you'll search for the prehistoric shoebill stork. An incredible experience in this unique landscape.

Day 15 - 16

Countryside and Back to Lusaka

Travel back to Lusaka through the green countryside around Mkushi. Along the way, you'll spend the night at the cosy Fika Lodge to recharge. The following day, you'll return your 4x4 at Pioneer Lodge. Enjoy one final swim in the pool and raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure.

Day 17

Departure

Your adventure has come to an end. With a bag full of stories about walking safaris, hot springs and rare birds, you'll fly home today. You'll never forget Zambia's wilderness and warm hospitality. Safe travels and see you again!

Interested in this example trip in Zambia?

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What our travelers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 65 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 72 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 87 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 159 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 180 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 266 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 283 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 283 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 283 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 284 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 321 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 335 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 342 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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