Leopard Country, River Forests & Raw Africa | South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi, Zambia | World Photo Travels | Photo Workshops, Guided Tours, Safaris & Expeditions

Private departures available

Small-Group Photo Safari Into Zambia’s Wild Core

Zambia has quickly become the go-to safari destination for travelers in the know. Its remote parks, abundant wildlife, and exceptional photographic opportunities make it a must-visit for wildlife photographers. From the high density of predators in South Luangwa to the pristine riverine landscapes of the Lower Zambezi, every moment offers a chance to capture unforgettable images.

☛ FEATURE: Luxury small group safari: With just four participants and ideally located camps, this safari delivers comfort, freedom, and personalized attention—allowing you to photograph wildlife at your own pace, far from crowds and away from the rush.

☛ FEATURE: Predator-Rich Wilderness: Both parks boast some of Africa’s highest leopard densities, plus strong lion and wild dog populations. Predators roam open plains, riverbanks, and trees—creating consistently exciting wildlife photography opportunities.

☛ FEATURE: Strategic Vehicle Positioning: Our experienced guides prioritize precise vehicle positioning over rushed sightings—giving you the time and space to capture striking angles, perfect backgrounds, and ideal light for flawless wildlife images.

☛ FEATURE: Light, dust, and atmosphere: From the dust-filled backlight of South Luangwa to the soft, filtered evening light of Lower Zambezi’s Winterthorn forests, these parks offer some of the most atmospheric conditions in Zambia for wildlife photography.

South Luangwa National Park — Pristine Wilderness and Apex Predators

South Luangwa is one of Africa’s most respected destinations for wildlife photography, offering a raw and untamed experience shaped by exceptional predator density and dramatic natural light. The park’s varied terrain — from riverbanks and open plains to woodland and thickets — creates constant opportunities for photographing leopards, often seen in trees or moving through open ground, as well as lions, large herds of elephant and buffalo, and African wild dogs.

Flexible off-road positioning and thoughtful vehicle placement allow us to work scenes deliberately, balancing subject, background, and light. Combined with dust, backlight, and atmosphere, South Luangwa consistently delivers powerful, high-impact images that define the character of Zambia wildlife photography.

Tena Tena Camp – Small, Remote and Intimate Luxury

Tena Tena is a remote, intimate camp located in the exclusive Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park. Nestled beneath a magnificent grove of mahogany trees, each tent is set apart for privacy and overlooks a stunning stretch of the Luangwa River, where hippos wallow and lions roam. Open-to-the-elements bathrooms are spacious and designed to blend with nature, featuring curved walls around the trees and subtle, natural tones. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch elephants, hippos, and antelope along the riverbank, while the camp’s location between the river and a complex lagoon system attracts abundant wildlife just steps from your tent.

Small and carefully managed, Tena Tena is run by an experienced team committed to delivering exceptional service and a deeply immersive, personalized safari experience.

Lower Zambezi National Park — Raw, Untamed, and Visually Striking

Lower Zambezi is one of Zambia’s quietest and most remote safari destinations, perfectly suited to atmospheric, storytelling-driven wildlife photography. Set along the Zambezi River and framed by forested floodplains, the park moves at a slower pace, allowing time to work scenes carefully as light filters through trees and dust hangs in the air.

The enchanted Winterthorn forest is especially renowned among professional wildlife photographers and documentary film crews, offering elegant compositions of elephants feeding from high branches, backlit riverine scenes, and exceptional evening light. A resident local wild dog pack adds rare and intimate photographic opportunities, making Lower Zambezi a place where mood, behavior, and environment come together naturally.

Chula Island Camp – Charm of seasonal bush camp in the Heart of Wilderness

Explore pristine and untouched wilderness in one of Africa’s most remote safari destinations. Chula Island Camp is located on Katengahumba Island, separated from the mainland by the famed canoeing area, the ‘Discovery’ channel. This secretive and private Island gives unparalleled views over the Zambezi River. The wilderness experience and wildlife viewing are second to none. A stunning tented camp with all the luxuries one could wish for, but with the charm and ethos of a true seasonal bush-camp, Chula offers the chance to experience this extraordinary landscape and its abundant wildlife through a range of activities, including day and night game drives, walking safaris, and water safaris.

All six tents are bespoke and exceptionally comfortable, featuring high-quality linen, plush mattresses, flushing toilets, running water, and traditional bucket showers. At the heart of the camp, a stretch-canvas main area sits beneath the cool shade of Natal Mahogany trees—an ideal space for relaxed meals, quiet reading, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the wild.

Itinerary

Day 0 | June 23, 2026

Arrival in Johannesburg » Overnight at City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport

• Arrive with us at Johannesburg International Airport after our Mashatu–Timbavati safari.
• We recommend booking City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport, offering comfort and convenience just minutes from the terminal—ideal for early flights to Zambia the following day.

Day 1 | June 24, 2026

Johannesburg » Lusaka » Mfuwe

• To continue with us to Zambia, please book the recommended connecting JNB–LUN-MFU flights with Proflight Zambia
  
  Johannesburg to Lusaka
  Flight No: P00023
  Departure: 24 Jun, 12:00
  Arrival: 24 Jun, 14:00
  
  Lusaka to Mfuwe*
  Flight No: P00808
  Departure: 24 Jun, 16:35
  Arrival: 24 Jun, 17:45
• Upon arrival in Mfuwe, we'll embark on a 2-hour drive to Tena Tena Camp.
• After settling into your tents, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Days 2-4 | June 25-27, 2026

Tena Tena Camp, South Luangwa National Park

• Over the next three days, we will immerse ourselves in the Nsefu Sector and other parts of South Luangwa National Park, where each day brings countless close encounters with wildlife and striking African landscapes.
• At dawn, breakfast is served around the campfire, with porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals.
• The morning walk or drive departs soon after breakfast.
• Photography opportunities in the area are excellent. The Luangwa Valley, known as the Valley of Leopards, lives up to its name. Other wildlife you may encounter includes family herds of elephants, the endemic Thornicroft giraffe, lions, buffalo, wild dogs, and more.
• A mid-morning break with tea, coffee, and cake is taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or along the Luangwa River.
• Return to camp for lunch around mid-day.
• Following afternoon tea, we go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the evening, providing opportunities to capture nocturnal wildlife.
• Return to camp around 20:00, with dinner generally served at 20:30.

Day 5 | June 28, 2026 |

Tena Tena Camp, South Luangwa » Lusaka or Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi.

• We pack our bags and depart on a morning game drive, which continues on to Mfuwe.
• If you are not joining us in Lower Zambezi National Park, we recommend booking the 12:20 Mfuwe–Lusaka flight P00805* with Proflight Zambia. You can fly home from Lusaka, Johannesburg, or another city of your choice.
• For those traveling with us to another of Zambia's premier safari destinations, the magical Lower Zambezi National Park: After arrival in Mfuwe, we will fly from Mfuwe Airport to Jeki Airstrip. Please book the scheduled Proflight Zambia flight P00621 Mfuwe–Jeki*, departing at 10:45.
• At Jeki Airstrip, a vehicle from Chula Island Camp will meet us for a 1.5-hour drive through the park, offering excellent game viewing en route.
• Upon arrival at camp, you will be shown to your tent. Depending on arrival time, lunch will be served, followed by a siesta, afternoon tea, and an evening game drive.

Days 6-8 | June 29 - July 1, 2026 |

Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

• We have three full days to enjoy the mighty Zambezi and exceptional wildlife encounters in a one-of-a-kind setting.
• Chula offers the opportunity to explore this unique landscape and its abundant wildlife through a variety of activities by land and water, including day and night game drives, walking safaris, and water safaris.

Day 9 | July 2, 2026

Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi » Lusaka

• After an early breakfast, enjoy a game-drive transfer to Jeki Airstrip for your flight to Lusaka and onward connections.
• For your return please book the scheduled Proflight Zambia flight P00621 Jeki-Lusaka*, departing at 12:30.
• From Lusaka, participants may fly home, stay an extra day to explore the city, or continue on our Victoria Falls photo add-on.

*IMPORTANT BAGGAGE INFORMATION:

• Checked baggage: 1 x 23 kg
• Carry-on baggage: Due to limited space in some aircraft cabins, hand baggage is strictly limited to 5 kg and must fit under the seat in front of you (except Exit Row seats). This limit includes handbags, laptop bags, and similar items. Maximum dimensions are 30 cm x 25 cm x 15 cm for domestic flights and 65 cm x 20 cm x 35 cm for international flights. Items exceeding these limits will be sky-checked into the baggage hold before boarding.
• When purchasing a domestic flight ticket, we recommend also buying an "Excess baggage allowance bundle". Each bundle allows up to 15 kg for your photo backpack and is offered during booking. You may purchase two bundles if needed. This allows you to bring the backpack to the gate, where it will be carefully placed in the hold and returned to you upon arrival.
• If your ticketed journey includes a Proflight Zambia international flight on the same ticket, the international baggage allowance applies to the entire journey, and no excess baggage bundle is required for the JNB–LUN–MFU sector.

Weather & Clothing

Expect pleasantly cool to mild weather typical of Zambia’s dry winter season. Days are usually sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s °F (24–28 °C), while early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, dropping into the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7–13 °C).

Layered clothing is essential: lightweight, breathable fabrics work well for daytime game drives, while a warm jacket or fleece is needed for dawn and dusk outings.

Neutral earth tones or camo patterns are recommended to blend into the natural surroundings. Avoid bright colors, whites, and blacks, which can startle wildlife or attract unwanted insects.

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, plus sturdy walking shoes or boots for comfort during lodge walks and hide visits.

Medical & Health Guidelines

• Malaria: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to both South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Late June is part of the dry season, so mosquito activity is lower than in the wet months; however, the risk is not zero, especially in riverine areas.
• Tetanus: Strongly recommended and considered standard for travel to remote safari destinations.
• Hepatitis A (and often B): Commonly recommended for travel to Zambia, regardless of season.
• Blood type: It is advisable to know your blood type when traveling in remote areas where medical facilities are limited.

Difficulty Level

This trip is suitable for travelers who are reasonably fit and comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Wildlife viewing is primarily from open safari vehicles, but some walking safaris may be included, so sturdy boots with good ankle support are strongly recommended.

Game drives take place on bumpy, unpaved roads, which can be tiring for those with back or joint sensitivities. Early mornings and long days in the field may also require some stamina, but there are regular breaks and plenty of time to rest between activities.

Important Insurance Information

We require that all participants have coverage for cancellation, medical expenses, and repatriation. Because this photo safari visits remote destinations, emergency evacuation insurance is also mandatory.

We strongly recommend that every guest’s policy additionally covers, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment, medical costs (including full hospital expenses if needed), and personal accident or death. Coverage for lost baggage, emergency travel, and similar contingencies is also highly advised.

Included in Your Safari Package

Terms of Payment

Please register for this workshop using the form below. A deposit payment of $3500 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due March 20, 2026.