Dates: July 29 – August 6, 2026
Cost: $10,995, Initial deposit of 35% ($3,850)
Number of Guests: 6 (1 male space remaining)
Leader: Buddy Eleazer
- Recommended for: Photographers of all levels that want to experience and photograph the best of African wildlife in pristine wilderness while improving their photographic skills.
- Fitness level: Low to Average – You will be required to climb onto and off a safari vehicle and do some short walks. The terrain over which you drive is unpaved and can be bumpy and dusty.
- The Location: The Zambezi and the Luangwa Rivers are magnets for wildlife and they are the prime destinations for an exclusive new African safari. The region includes great opportunities to photograph leopards, elusive wild dogs, lions, hippos and of course, elephants, zebras, giraffe and buffalo.
Trip starts and ends with round trip flight to/from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport
SAFARI OVERVIEW
A proper safari should deliver wildlife, but also deliver a feeling of being remote and timeless. Unfortunately, the world is getting smaller and the internet has opened up many of the wild places to growing amounts of tourism. We have been in search of the new ‘remote and timeless’. From that search, we have been following reviews on Zambia for a number of years. We have interviewed folks that have stayed in the various wildlife reserves of Zambia. We have watched (several times) any and all videos on the reserves and lodges to better understand what is possible. The genesis of this itinerary is based on that homework. At the end of this summary, we have included a few links of YouTube videos on South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. From these, I am sure you will agree, these are a “must see and photograph” destinations.
Day 1 – July 29, 2026 – LUSAKA – The trip begins with the group gathering in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport (JNB) for our flight to Lusaka, Zambia. Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International airport in Lusaka, you will be met and transferred to Wild Dog Lodge. In the evening your Magnum Excursions leader will introduce themselves to the group, run through the daily itinerary, as well as what to expect on the photo safari.
THE LODGE – (TripAdvisor Link as firewall blocks lodge website) – Wild Dogs Lodge is a charming and intimate safari lodge nestled in the beautiful Chimwankhunda Private Game Reserve, about 15 minutes from Lusaka International airport.
Its access to unspoiled landscapes filled with diverse wildlife, including rare species like the African wild dog (the lodge’s namesake), is a great option verses staying in the hustle and bustle of Lusaka city center. The lodge is also within reasonable proximity to the renowned Lower Zambezi National Park, making it the perfect starting point for our safari.
South Luangwa National Park
Discover the raw beauty of Africa on the South Luangwa Photo Safari, a dedicated wildlife photography journey during the dry season. Spend 4 nights in one camp, capturing South Luangwa’s incredible biodiversity, from elephants crossing the Luangwa River to leopards prowling the night. Known for its dense predator populations and breathtaking landscapes, South Luangwa offers exceptional opportunities to photograph lions, leopards, and more amidst meandering rivers and oxbow lakes in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas.
South Luangwa hosts large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippopotamus and (Thorneycroft’s) giraffe. Leopard and Lion are exceptionally well represented- indeed; South Luangwa is touted as having one of the highest densities of leopard in Africa. Birds are also a major attraction in Luangwa – with over 420 species recorded. The highlight of the birding experience here is seeing the various storks and herons flocking to feed on the fish in drying pools- which you can expect to see at this time of year. In all, it provides one of the highlights of African wildlife. This webpage offers you a glimpse of the safari.
Day 2 – July 30, 2026 – South Luangwa National Park – After an early breakfast at the hotel we will be transferred by road back to Lusaka Airport for our chartered flight into Mfuwe. The flight duration to Mfuwe is about one hour. Upon arrival we will be transferred to Chikunto Safari Lodge.
Day 3 – 6 – July 31, 2026 – August 3, 2026 – South Luangwa National Park
The mornings will start off early before sunrise as we try and maximize the early morning hours when predators are at their most active. The area around Chikunto is rich with wildlife, which attracts a variety of predators such as leopard, lions and African wild dogs. As the days warms up we will explore the river which is home to some of the highest hippo populations in Africa. Between the morning and afternoon safaris you will have some time download images and do some editing or soak in the magnificent surrounding you find yourself in. During the afternoon safaris you’ll follow up on interesting sightings from the morning safari, or explore the vast landscape and diversity that South Luangwa has to offer.
On our last morning, we’ll head out for a safari early in the morning, after which we’ll proceed to Mfuwe Airport mid-morning, for our scheduled flight into Jeki airstrip in the Lower Zambezi National Park. After a short road transfer, we will arrive and settle into Chula Camp which will be our home for the next 3 nights. We should arrive in time for a delicious lunch and orientation of the camp before heading out on our safari activity in the afternoon.
The Lodge – Chikunto Safari Lodge (Link to Lodge)
We will stay at Chikunto Safari Lodge. Chikunto Safari Lodge offers an exceptional, photography-focused safari experience in South Luangwa National Park – one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Activities include guided morning, afternoon, and night game drives, each carefully timed and positioned to make the most of natural light and wildlife movement. Immersive walking safaris offer a slower, more intimate perspective of the bush, ideal for capturing details often missed from a vehicle.
This destination offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the predator-rich landscapes of the South Luangwa Valley, renowned for its high predator density, particularly along the Luangwa River during the dry season. The area around Chikunto Safari Lodge is teeming with wildlife, drawing predators such as leopard, lions, and African wild dogs. Early morning safaris take advantage of the predators’ heightened activity, ensuring thrilling sightings in the soft morning light. As the day warms, you’ll explore the river, home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations, adding another layer of wildlife intrigue. The combination of abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and expert guidance creates an unforgettable safari experience focused on predator behavior and action.
Safari Highlights
- Lodge is located inside the park – You can start to photograph the wildlife as soon as you drive out of the lodge, unlike everyone else who has to go through the park entrance gate.
- The main aim of the safari is to show you great sightings and teach you both technical and artistic skills to elevate your own photography.
- Unfenced with free roaming animals, this is an authentic African wilderness experience.
- We cater for all levels of photographers, from beginners to the experts – everyone will feel welcome.
Photography Highlights
- Excellent sightings of large water birds in the Luangwa River.
- Large elephant herds in the woodlands, drinking at the river’s edge and in front of the camp.
- A strong wild dog population.
- One of the only places to see Thorny-crofts Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis Thornicroft.
- Long night drives with strong spotlights offers the best chance to see genets, civets, owls and leopards in Africa.
Lower Zambezi National Park
The Treasures of the Lower Zambezi is a thrilling wildlife photography safari in one Africa’s hottest current safari destinations. Explore the winter thorn forest in search of incredible photographic opportunities with leopards, lion, elephants and so much more. You’ll also have the chance to spend time drifting along the ox-bow lakes and tributaries of the mighty Zambezi River in search of hippos, crocodiles, birds and predators. This safari is sure to bolster your wildlife portfolio in a way that only the Lower Zambezi National Park can!
Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s most scenic and unspoiled wilderness areas, located along the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi River.
Covering over 4,000 square kilometers, the park is framed by the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment to the north and the river boundary to the south, creating a diverse landscape of river channels, floodplains, woodlands, and grasslands.
This destination offers a diverse range of activities at a prime location camp in the heart of Lower Zambezi National Park, ensuring a truly immersive experience. From game drives in search of predators, to walking safaris that allow you to connect with the wilderness on a deeper level, every day presents new opportunities. You’ll also enjoy canoeing and boating on the majestic Zambezi River, offering a unique perspective to photograph the landscape and its wildlife. At Chula Island Camp you’ll experience a variety of activities tailored to enhance your wildlife adventure, making this tour a perfect blend of action, relaxation, and unforgettable moments in nature.
This rich habitat supports a wide range of wildlife, including large herds of elephants and buffalo, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and abundant hippos and crocodiles along the river. The park is also a haven for birdlife, with over 300 recorded species.
What makes Lower Zambezi particularly special is its intimacy and exclusivity – visitor numbers are low, and most safari activities take place in open vehicles, on foot, or by canoe.
This allows for close, unobtrusive encounters and excellent photographic opportunities, especially in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon.
Day 6 – 9 – 03 Aug – 06 Aug – Lower Zambezi National Park
Our days will start off early with a cup of coffee overlooking the breathtaking Zambezi River before heading out on our first activity for the day. Depending on animal movements and photographic opportunities we will decide what activities to embark on. There are numerous options including game drives, walks, canoeing and fishing. All of these options will be clearly communicated, but, one thing is for sure, no matter the option decided, it is guaranteed to be an amazing experience!
On our last morning and after our morning activity we will transfer by road to Jeki airstrip for our scheduled return flight to Lusaka. Arrival in Lusaka will mark the end of our safari.
The Camp: Chula Island Camp – (Link to camp website)
Chula Island Camp is a secluded, luxury tented retreat tucked away on Katengahumba Island, a private and wild haven in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.
Surrounded by river channels and shaded by majestic Natal Mahogany trees, the camp blends seamlessly into its natural setting, creating an immersive safari atmosphere that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to the bush.
Easily reached via a scenic 30-minute flight from Lusaka to Jeki Airstrip, followed by a game drive and short boat transfer, Chula
Chula Island Camp offers a rich and varied safari experience in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, ideal for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.
Activities include guided game drives and walking safaris with opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and the endangered African wild dog.
Canoe safaris along secluded channels bring you eye-level with hippos and crocodiles, while boat cruises reveal vibrant birdlife and river scenes perfect for golden-hour photography.
Optional – Day 10 – 06 Aug – Aug 07– Lusaka Overnight Stop
Due to the logistics of having a morning game drive on August 6th, our flight back into Lusaka could make for a tight connection from Lusaka to Johannesburg (or any other connection destinations such as Nairobi or Dubai). Until we can confirm options for flight times, and to give us more relaxing travel and to not cut short any final morning game drive activities on August 6th, we have added an overnight stay in Lusaka, allowing for easier flight connections back home.
The trip cost is $10,995. Single supplement cost will be determined if single spaces are available. To hold your spot in this trip requires a deposit of 35% ($3,850).
Included in the safari cost:
- Flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to/from Lusaka South Africa
- One (1) arrival night in Lusaka (Wild Dog Lodge)
- Four (4) Nights at fully catered accommodation at Chikunto Safari Lodge, including activities
- Includes Conservation and Community Levy
- Includes Value Added Tax (VAT) @15%
- Three (3) Nights at fully catered accommodations at Chula Island Camp, including activities
- Includes Conservation and Community Levy
- Includes Value Added Tax (VAT) @15%
- One (1) departure night stay in Lusaka at end of the safari
- Water, tea and coffee, local beers, spirits, soft drinks and house wine at the lodges
- Laundry services at the lodges
- All required transfers and flights internal to Zambia
- Private suite (sharing) with en-suite facilities
- Game Drives each morning and afternoon plus night game drives
Excludes
- Specialty wines, cocktails, craft beer and imported spirits
- Curios, and items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
BACKGROUND MATERIAL
Country Overview of Zambia
A little background on Zambia. Zambia, once the British colony of Northern Rhodesia, gained independence in 1964. This landlocked African nation is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and friendly, hospitable people. It shares borders with eight countries, including Tanzania to the north, Angola to the west, and Zimbabwe to the south—where the two nations meet at one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders: Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a top draw for visitors.
Beyond the falls, Zambia is home to some of Africa’s most unspoiled wildlife areas. South Luangwa National Park is famed for walking safaris and leopard sightings, while Lower Zambezi National Park offers exceptional river-based game viewing.
English is the official language used in education, business, and government, but Bemba is the most widely spoken local language, especially in the north and central regions. A friendly “Shani” (How are you?), a heartfelt way to connect and often brings a smile.
Helpful links to videos on South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks
| Video By: | |
| South Luangwa – Pangolin | https://youtu.be/rUGBS2JvH3g?si=TvBCN6tqA0WqxMa3 |
| South Luangwa – Wildlife Worldwide | https://youtu.be/fVyTgkB3y4M?si=876Vbv94f760jd59 |
| Simon D’Entremont | https://youtu.be/yE-eX9bybuQ?si=QTqaVH8TFeht9qoA |
| South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi | https://youtu.be/3WOEfzhS4xE?si=yGyXo5bJ1vXIXUJ4 |
| Vic Falls, South Luangwa – Allison Anderson | https://youtu.be/81WdRlLAfmw?si=m4REQcGeqxTsrtDM |
| Lower Zambezi – Wild Eye | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp3JzaZqtOo&list=PLq6cMC2TmDOuf4RH62b625Det9ClPGzJ5&index=162 |
| Lower Zambezi – Wild Eye | https://youtu.be/c-hGNv3i8XA?si=ORitVy0OYY3RMJeH |
| Lower Zambezi – Wild Eye | https://youtu.be/W-OdHZW8iLQ?si=Z2SHEcjs-zZh8cod |