Is this trip suitable for first-time safari travelers?

This trip suit travelers who already know they enjoy a raw, unfiltered wilderness experience

What makes North Luangwa different from South Luangwa?

North Luangwa is one of Zambia's wildest and least-visited parks — far fewer vehicles, a genuine sense of remoteness, and a real wilderness experience, complementing South Luangwa's more classic, leopard-rich game viewing later in the trip.

Are Shoebill sightings guaranteed?

o sighting in the wild is ever guaranteed, but Bangweulu is one of the most reliable places in Africa to find them, with a dedicated excursion built into the itinerary specifically for this.

Can this trip be shortened or customized?

Yes — as with all Brightpath itineraries, this trip is fully customisable to your dates, interests, and pace.

15-Day Shoebill, Leopard & Wilderness Safari — Zambia

Best Season
This trip can only be possible in June and July totally dependant on previous rain season
Minimum Age
7
Maximum Age
99

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

This is Zambia at its most remote and untouched — a 15-day road journey through some of the country’s least-visited wilderness, built for travelers who want more than the well-trodden safari circuit. From the ancient miombo woodlands of Mutinondo, to the rare Shoebill storks of the Bangweulu Wetlands, to the wild, rarely-visited North Luangwa, and finally the leopard-rich valleys of South Luangwa — this trip covers ground very few travelers ever see.

Staying throughout in permanent, en-suite tented camps, this is genuine wilderness travel without sacrificing comfort — full board where camps offer it, and carefully planned provisioning everywhere else, so you’re always well fed even in Zambia’s most remote corners.

New to mobile safaris? Read about how our private mobile safaris work — camp life, a typical day and what to expect.

Highlights

Track down the elusive Shoebill stork in the Bangweulu Wetlands — one of the best places on Earth to see this rare, prehistoric-looking bird
Explore Mutinondo Wilderness's ancient granite whalebacks and miombo woodland, a haven for hikers and birders alike
Venture into North Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia's wildest and least-visited parks
Finish in South Luangwa, world-renowned for leopard sightings and the birthplace of the walking safari
Thousands-strong herds of black lechwe across the Bangweulu plains
A genuine off-the-beaten-path itinerary — remote wilderness, not a repeat of the standard circuit

Day 01 :

Arrival & Chisamba

Arrive into Lusaka and transfer directly to Chisamba, avoiding Lusaka's city traffic on arrival day. Overnight at Fringilla Lodge.

Day 02 - 03 :

Mutinondo Wilderness

Two nights exploring Mutinondo's granite whaleback hills and miombo woodland on foot — birdwatching and hiking through one of Zambia's most scenic and lesser-known wilderness areas.

Day 04 - 06 :

Bangweulu Wetlands

Three nights at a camp on the edge of the Bangweulu floodplain. A full-day excursion in search of the Shoebill stork is the highlight here, alongside morning and afternoon game drives across the plains, home to thousands of black lechwe and abundant birdlife.

Day 07 :

Transfer to North Luangwa

A long but genuinely rewarding drive to the boundary of North Luangwa National Park. Overnight at a riverside camp near the park's Mano Gate.

Day 08 - 10 :

North Luangwa National Park

Transfer into the park with a game drive along the way, followed by two full days of morning and afternoon game drives through one of Zambia's wildest and most remote parks — a genuine wilderness experience, far from the more-visited southern parks.

Day 11 - 13 :

South Luangwa National Park

Three nights in South Luangwa, world-renowned for leopard sightings and considered the birthplace of the walking safari. Morning and evening game drives throughout, with a sundowner to mark your arrival.

Day 14 :

Transfer to Lusaka

A full day's drive back to Lusaka (approximately 700km). Overnight at Pioneer Lodge, ready for departure the following day.

Day 15 :

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.