South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi Photo Safari, Zambia | Big Cats, Wild Dogs & Enchanted Winterthorn Forest | World Photo Travels | Photo Workshops, Guided Tours, Safaris & Expeditions

1 SPOT REMAINING

South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks — Photo Safari Into Zambia’s Wild Core

Limited to just 3 guests, this 13-day photography safari combines two exceptional wildlife regions and three very different safari bases, each selected for its unique photographic opportunities. From the predator-rich wilderness of South Luangwa to the Winterthorn forests and river landscapes of the Lower Zambezi, the journey is designed around wildlife behavior, changing light, thoughtful positioning, and the time needed to make the most of each encounter.

With single accommodation throughout and a maximum of three photographers, we can work at an unhurried pace, with hands-on photography instruction and the flexibility to respond to changing wildlife activity and light.

››  EXCEPTIONAL WILDLIFE  | South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi offer outstanding opportunities for leopard, lion, wild dog, elephant, and a rich variety of other wildlife.

››  TWO DISTINCT LANDSCAPES  | From the open plains and riverbanks of South Luangwa to the atmospheric Winterthorn forests and waterways of the Lower Zambezi.

››  PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST  | Thoughtful vehicle positioning, hands-on guidance, and the time to work with composition, behavior, background, and light.

››  3 GUESTS MAXIMUM  | A small, focused group with single accommodation and the freedom to work each wildlife encounter at your own pace.

South Luangwa National Park — Pristine Wilderness and Apex Predators

South Luangwa is one of Africa's premier wildlife photography destinations, with an exceptional concentration of wildlife and a remarkable variety of habitats. From open plains and riverbanks to dense woodland, the park offers constantly changing backgrounds, light, and opportunities to photograph natural behavior.

Our approach is to slow down and make the most of each encounter, working with our guides to position the vehicle carefully and balance subject, background, composition, and light. The result is not simply more photographs, but stronger and more intentional images.

Crocodile Nest at Flatdogs Camp - Private Safari Luxury

Overlooking the Luangwa River at the edge of South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp places you right in the heart of Zambia's wildlife country. A relaxed, authentic safari camp with a superb location, it is an ideal base for exploring the park and photographing its remarkable diversity of wildlife.

Our group has exclusive use of Crocodile Nest, a spacious private tented house with beautiful views over the Luangwa River, located at Flatdogs Camp.

Enjoy your own private swimming pool and relaxed outdoor space, along with game drives in your own private vehicle with an experienced guide. The house provides a comfortable and private base throughout your stay.

The house features three en-suite bedrooms with semi-open bathrooms, a sitting room, private dining area, WiFi, bar fridge, complimentary tea and coffee, and à la carte meal delivery from the main camp's restaurant.

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.

Two Camps. Two Worlds. Twice the Adventure.

Discover the contrasting landscapes of the Lower Zambezi through two distinctive wilderness experiences. Begin beneath the towering Winterthorn forests at Kutali Camp, then cross the Zambezi River to the secluded island setting of Chula Island Camp.

From woodland and riverbank scenes to open floodplains and water-based exploration, this dual-camp journey offers a varied photographic experience shaped by changing habitats, shifting light, and abundant wildlife, including the region's iconic elephants and predators.

Kutali Camp – Small, Remote and Intimate.

Striking the perfect balance between modern luxury and raw bush authenticity, Kutali Camp is an intimate, seasonal tented oasis. With only six guest tents, Kutali offers an intimate setting along the Zambezi River.

Each beautifully appointed tent features sweeping riverfront perspectives, comfortable beds wrapped in luxury linens, running water, flushing toilets, and traditional bucket showers. The camp's social hub is a shaded stretch-canvas pavilion under towering Winterthorn trees, creating an idyllic space for dining, relaxation, and effortless wildlife viewing along the river's edge.

Chula Island Camp – Seasonal Bush Camp in the Heart of the Wilderness

Escape to an untouched river island that offers one of the most intimate wilderness journeys in Africa. Bordered by the famous 'Discovery' channel, Chula Island Camp sits entirely secluded on Katengahumba Island. This private refuge provides a front-row seat to the Zambezi River and its abundant wildlife, creating a premier environment for exploration. While the camp retains the nostalgic charm and lightweight footprint of a traditional seasonal bush camp, it provides all the sophisticated luxuries desired by modern travelers.

Accommodation consists of six beautifully appointed, custom tents featuring luxury mattresses, fine linens, running water, flushing toilets, and bucket showers. The central canvas mess area is sheltered by a grove of cool Natal Mahogany trees, providing a relaxing, shaded oasis for dining, unwinding, and absorbing the sights and sounds of the island.

Itinerary

Before the trip

Flights from home » Lusaka » Mfuwe*

• Flights between Lusaka and Mfuwe are operated by Proflight Zambia. The recommended flight is Lusaka - Mfuwe at 10:35 a.m.
• We have not included this flight in the safari price, as for some travelers it may be part of their international itinerary. For example, travelers arriving from Johannesburg can fly to Mfuwe with a connection in Lusaka.
• When booking a connected international itinerary, the international baggage allowance may apply to the entire journey, providing a higher allowance than a separate domestic ticket.
• If an overnight stay in Lusaka is required, we recommend Protea Hotel Lusaka Airport for its convenient location.

*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.
• Additional photo equipment allowance: When purchasing your domestic flights, we will also include an "Excess Baggage Allowance Bundle." Each bundle provides an additional 15 kg for your photo backpack, allowing you to take it to the aircraft, where it will be carefully loaded into the hold.
  
  If you book a separate Lusaka - Mfuwe flight, make sure to add sufficient additional baggage allowance.

Day 1 | June 10, 2028

Mfuwe » Flatdogs Camp » South Luangwa NP

• Arrive into Mfuwe Airport today, where your Zambia photo safari officially begins.
• Upon arrival at Mfuwe Airport, you will be met by the Flatdogs Camp team for a short transfer to the camp.
• Settle into our riverside tented house, overlooking the Luangwa River, before enjoying afternoon tea and heading straight out on our first game drive into South Luangwa — one of Africa's premier destinations for wildlife photography.
• Return to camp after dark for dinner, followed by time around the campfire to share the day's wildlife sightings and photographic highlights.

Days 2-6 | June 11-15, 2028

South Luangwa National Park

• Over the following days, rise early for a pre-dawn game drive while the valley is still cool and the light is soft, tracking South Luangwa's exceptionally high density of leopards as they finish the night's hunt, along with lion, elephant, buffalo, and the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe found nowhere else on Earth.
• Return to camp midday to relax by the river, review the morning's images, and watch elephants and giraffe drift past camp on their way to drink — wildlife sightings from your tent's deck are part of daily life at Flatdogs.
• As the sun drops, set out on an afternoon game drive that continues after dark — South Luangwa is one of the few parks in Africa permitting night drives, opening up sightings of hunting leopards, genets, civets, and other nocturnal wildlife rarely seen elsewhere.
• Return to camp for dinner overlooking the river and an evening around the fire, trading stories and photographs from a valley teeming with over 400 bird species and 100 mammal species.

Day 7 | June 16, 2028 |

Flatdogs Camp, South Luangwa » Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi.

• After a short morning game drive, we pack our bags and depart for Mfuwe Airport.
• We fly direct from Mfuwe Airport to Jeki Airstrip.(The current planned departure is 10:45 a.m.; the exact flight schedule will be confirmed closer to departure.).
• After landing at Jeki Airstrip, enjoy an introductory game drive to Kutali Camp, approximately 45 minutes.
• Upon arrival at camp, enjoy lunch before being shown to your tent.
• After a siesta and afternoon tea, head out on an evening game drive.

Day 8 | June 17, 2028

Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

• Today we immerse ourselves in the magical Winterthorn forest surrounding Kutali Camp, where every outing brings unforgettable wildlife encounters and stunning African landscapes.
• Our morning begins with breakfast around the campfire, with porridge warmed over the flames and toast prepared over the coals, before heading out on our morning game drive.
• The Lower Zambezi offers exceptional photographic opportunities. Possible sightings include leopards, lions, large elephant herds, buffalo, a variety of grazers, and, with some luck, a pack of African wild dogs. The birdlife is equally impressive and diverse.
• A mid-morning break with tea, coffee, and cake is enjoyed at a scenic location, either in an open forest clearing or along the banks of the Zambezi River.
• Return to camp around midday for lunch, relaxation, and time to review images or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Following afternoon tea, we set out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the golden hours and beyond sunset, offering opportunities to photograph nocturnal wildlife.
• Return to camp after dark for dinner, stories from the day, and a relaxing evening around the bonfire.

Day 9 | June 18, 2028 |

Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi » Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi

• After a traditional breakfast around the campfire, we head out on our morning game drive.
• After returning to camp, we pack our bags and leave them in our tents for transfer to Chula Island Camp.
• After lunch, we transfer from Kutali Camp to Chula Island Camp by boat along the Zambezi River, enjoying spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings along the way.
• Upon arrival at Chula Island Camp, you will be shown to your tent.
• After afternoon tea, we head out on an evening game drive.
• Dinner, and a relaxing evening around the bonfire.

Days 10-12 | June 19-21, 2028 |

Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

• We stay at Chula's secluded island for three more days on the water and in the bush — a bit different rhythm from the forest days at Kutali.
• Surrounded by river channels and framed by the distant escarpment, Chula puts us right in the middle of the action, with some of the highest leopard densities in the valley making for regular, close encounters with these elusive cats.
• We push further into the "Inner Circle," one of the park's richest wildlife areas, on the hunt for the towering bull elephants that rear up on their hind legs to strip the highest Winterthorn branches — a signature Lower Zambezi behavior found almost nowhere else.
• Each day mixes it up: game drives at dawn and dusk, night drives for the valley's nocturnal hunters, and quiet boat cruises tracing the river's edge — giving us every angle on the park, by land and by water.
• Between the dust-lit forest light, elephants framed against blazing sunsets, and predators on the move, this stretch of the trip consistently delivers some of the safari's strongest images.

Day 13 | June 22, 2028

Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi » Lusaka

• With our Zambia photo safari drawing to a close, we savor one last morning in the wilderness — a fitting send-off after an extraordinary journey between the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa.
• After an early breakfast, we head out for a final game drive before transferring to Jeki Airstrip for the flight to Lusaka and your onward connections.
• Our return flight Jeki–Lusaka is included in the trip cost (exact schedule to be confirmed closer to departure; additional photo equipment allowance included). We plan to arrive in Lusaka before 14:00 (2:00 p.m.)
• From Lusaka, you may fly home, or stay on an extra day to explore the city.

Included in Your Safari Package

Weather & Clothing

June falls in the heart of Zambia's dry winter season, with clear skies and virtually no rain. Days are pleasant and mild, with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 60s to mid-70s °F (20–24 °C). Mornings and evenings are notably cold at this time of year — often the coldest of the safari season — with temperatures dropping into the upper 30s to low 50s °F (3–10 °C) during early-morning game drives, night drives, and boat outings on the river.

Layered clothing is essential: lightweight, breathable fabrics work well for midday game drives, while a warm jacket, fleece, hat, and gloves are strongly recommended for early morning departures, evening and night drives, and time on the water, when the wind chill can make it feel colder still.

Neutral earth tones are recommended to blend into the natural surroundings. Avoid bright colors, whites, and blacks, which can be more noticeable in the bush environment.

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during the day. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are useful for short walks, camp surroundings, and general comfort during the safari.

Medical & Health Guidelines

Malaria: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Mid-June falls within the dry season, when mosquito activity is generally lower than during the wetter months; however, malaria risk is still present, particularly in areas near water sources. Consult your physician or a travel health specialist for personalized advice.

Tetanus: A current tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended and considered standard for travel to remote safari destinations.

Hepatitis A (and often B): Hepatitis A vaccination is commonly recommended for travelers to Zambia. Hepatitis B may also be recommended depending on individual circumstances and travel plans.

Blood type: It is advisable to know your blood type when traveling in remote areas where medical facilities and emergency services may be limited.

Difficulty Level

This trip is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable spending long days outdoors. Most wildlife viewing is done from open safari vehicles and boats, with optional walking activities available for those who wish to participate.

Game drives take place on unpaved bush roads, which can be bumpy and may be tiring for guests with back or joint sensitivities. Early morning departures, extended time in the field, and occasional walks on uneven terrain require some stamina. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and there will be regular breaks and time to relax 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.

Booking and Payment Schedule

Please register for this safari using the form below. A deposit payment of $4000 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit upon registration. The remaining balance is due March 1, 2028.