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FROM US$7,480-US$8,820

Hippo Safari

Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.

Hippo Safari: Summary

Hippo Safari in a nutshell

This safari features a comprehensive exploration of South Luangwa National Park before concluding with two nights near Livingstone, where a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls is a must.

The first three camps are run by Robin Pope Safaris, whose team have earned a great reputation for their superb standard of guiding and highly-personalised level of care. The camps are contrastingly designed and so offer interesting variety, yet share the same smart-quality and understated style. Their intimate atmosphere and emphasis on great guiding also attracts a crowd of like-minded travellers, whose priority is to enjoy the excellent wildlife and immersion in wilderness.

The safari begins at Nkwali camp, near the game-rich region of Mfufwe, before moving to Tena Tena and Nsefu in the remoter, and comparatively quieter, Nsefu sector. Whilst thrilling sightings might occur throughout, night drives and walking safaris add a further exilherating element to the bush experience.

Then, after flying by light-aircraft to the Livingstone area, Stanley’s camp offers a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding sights. Bordering Mosai-oa-Tunya National Park, guests can unwind with visits to see the re-introduced white rhino, explore the local museum, or instead engage in the popular adrenaline-packed activities available from The Falls.

At a glance

Starts: Lusaka International Airport
3 nights Nkwali - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
2 nights Tena Tena - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
2 nights Nsefu - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
2 nights Stanley Safari Lodge - Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia Full Board
Ends: Livingstone International Airport

Nkwali

Days 1-4

Built on the banks of the Luangwa River, Nkwali Camp sits in the shade of tall mahogany, ebony and sausage trees. Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris it is well-situated a relatively short drive from Mfuwe Airport, overlooking South Luangwa National Park.

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Tena Tena

Days 4-6

On the north side of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Tena Tena lies in the remote but game-rich Nsefu Sector. Due to the changing course of the river, the camp was moved about a kilometre upstream in 2012, and while it is still on the riverbank, the river itself can be some distance away during the dry season. The camp, which is run by Robin Pope Safaris, focuses on excellent guiding and flexible activities, with personal service and attention, all in very comfortable surroundings.

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Nsefu

Days 6-8

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, Nsefu Camp lies in the remote and game-rich Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa. The national park's oldest camp, it was originally built in the 1950s, and retains a reputation as a high-quality camp with a strong focus on guiding. It is run by Robin Pope Safaris, and lies a meandering few hours' game drive from the main RPS base at Nkwali.

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Stanley Safari Lodge

Days 8-10

Bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone, about 3km as the crow flies from the Victoria Falls, Stanley Safari Lodge offers a peaceful base from which to explore the area. Unlike most other lodges we feature in Livingstone, it is set on a hill overlooking unspoilt bush, well away from the river, but with views of the spray from the Falls when they are in full flow.

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Nkwali

Nkwali

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Tena Tena

Tena Tena

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Nsefu

Nsefu

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Stanley Safari Lodge

Stanley Safari Lodge

Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Hippo Safari.

  • Identifying animal prints and scat on foot
  • Following a leopard hunting during night drives
  • Listening to the cacophony of bull frogs at night
  • Swimming at Stanley's, overlooking unspoilt bush
  • Feeling the rush of air, bunjee jumping off Vic Falls

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Hippo Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Kayaking

  • Microlight

  • Night drive

  • White-water rafting

About image

Key species to see on the Hippo Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Hippo Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Lion

99% chance

Leopard

99% chance

Buffalo

99% chance

Spotted Hyena

99% chance

Wild dog

86% chance

Wildebeest

43% chance

Eland

33% chance

Roan antelope

14% chance

Sable antelope

13% chance

Aardvark

5% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

White Rhino

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Hippo Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Tribal Textiles Tour

Tribal Textiles Tour

One - two hours

Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.

More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Rhino Walk

Rhino Walk

Around four hours - mornings only

Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.

More about Rhino Walk
93% (3 reviews)
The Elephant Café

The Elephant Café

Approximately four hours

Visiting The Elephant Café is a great combination of a magical elephant encounter and fine dining. Spend time getting to know the elephants, some of them rescued from the wild many years ago, and others born into the herd. Then sit down and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi.

More about The Elephant Café
80% (2 reviews)
Chobe Day Trip

Chobe Day Trip

Full day - typically around 11 hours

For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.

More about Chobe Day Trip
Microlight Flight

Microlight Flight

15 or 30 minutes

For pure exhilaration, it's hard to find something better than flying in a microlight, swooping through the spray that crashes up and off the Victoria Falls, with rainbows shimmering below. If you don't like heights, then this isn't for you! For those looking for a different way to see the Falls, the microlight flights offer a stunning birds eye view of this spectacular natural wonder.

More about Microlight Flight
100% (1 reviews)
Kawaza Village Visit

Kawaza Village Visit

Two to three hours

Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.

More about Kawaza Village Visit
100% (1 reviews)
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Three hours

Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.

More about Livingstone Island
95% (8 reviews)
Fishing on the Zambezi River

Fishing on the Zambezi River

Three hours or Seven hours

Many people head to Livingstone not just to see the Victoria Falls, but also to relax after an international flight or a busy safari, and a perfect way to do this is with a fishing trip on the calmer sections of the Zambezi River above the falls, drifting with the current, casting your line, and keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks.

More about Fishing
80% (1 reviews)
Helicopter Flight - Zambia

Helicopter Flight - Zambia

12 or 25 minute flights

Witnessing the power of the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning sight, but to see the world’s largest waterfall from the air is a very different experience! A helicopter flight over the Falls is truly incredible, and a worthy addition to your time in Livingstone.

More about Helicopter Flight
100% (7 reviews)
Royal Livingstone Express

Royal Livingstone Express

Four hours approx.

The Royal Livingstone Express is a lovingly restored steam train. Guests steam along the original Rhodesian railway line onto the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge. From here guests can marvel at the falls and the Batoka Gorge before enjoying 5-courses of fine dining.

More about Royal Livingstone Express
87% (3 reviews)
Historical Bridge Tour

Historical Bridge Tour

Two hours - AM & PM departures

A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.

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Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Two hours - AM & PM departures

One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?

More about Tour of the Falls
100% (4 reviews)

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