Giraffe Safari: Summary
Giraffe Safari in a nutshell
This classic Zambian safari spends nine nights deep in the bush, split between the North and South Luangwa national parks. Its focus is on remote wilderness locations and excellent small bushcamps with a mix of 4WD and walking safaris. It will appeal to experienced safari goers who appreciate how secluded and untamed these parts of the Luangwa Valley really are.
All three camps are owned and operated by the Coppinger family, who we’ve been working closely with for over 20 years. Whilst ensuring an intoxicating safari experience is paramount, the accommodation is also very well appointed and the food, delicious.
You’ll start by flying into the South Luangwa, where Tafika has just six chalets, all overlooking the Luangwa River. The main activities here are game drives and walking safaris, though mountain-biking safaris are also popular and a visit to the local community would be enlightening.
You’ll then hop by light aircraft to the incredibly remote North Luangwa National Park. With only four chalets, Takwela Camp offers an intimate experience in an untouched wilderness. Explore by vehicle and on foot in the company of an excellent guide.
Your last three nights are spent at Mwaleshi Camp in the North Luangwa. Mwaleshi exclusively offers walking safaris, which rank with the best in Africa. It’s another small camp in an area with abundant wildlife.
At a glance
| Starts: | Lusaka International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Tafika - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Takwela Camp - North Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Mwaleshi Camp - North Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Lusaka International Airport |
Tafika
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Takwela Camp
North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Mwaleshi Camp
North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Giraffe Safari.
- The adrenaline of tracking lion on foot
- Seeing a leopard on its kill in the dead of night
- Stalking through the bush with an expert guide
- Biking through a village like a local
- Convivial company from great companions
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Giraffe Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Night drive
Key species to see on the Giraffe Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Giraffe Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
99% chance
98% chance
97% chance
96% chance
50% chance
20% chance
8% chance
4% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Giraffe Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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
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 VisitLet us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse this Expert Africa website, then call us. We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for Zambia safaris
Look at these ideas in Zambia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$8,060 - US$10,020 per person
Vervet Monkey Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$8,150 - US$11,200 per person
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
Visiting Kafue
US$8,240 - US$8,670 per person
Purple Roller Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
Visiting Kafue
US$8,270 - US$8,680 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,480 - US$9,230 per person
Hippo Safari
9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
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.
Visiting South Luangwa, Livingstone
US$7,480 - US$8,820 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,410 - US$9,140 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$9,070 - US$10,950 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Yellow Baboon Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Two authentic bushcamps offer access to Ruaha’s remote wildernesses through walking safaris, day and night 4WD drives and fly-camping. Explore in almost utter isolation, with superb guiding to heighten your immersion in nature.
US$7,950 - US$9,220 per person
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.
US$8,110 - US$10,240 per person
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A short, high-quality safari staying at two lavish camps with excellent hospitality and guiding standards. The journey takes you from the wildlife-rich, lush Okavango Delta to dry open plains split by the meandering Selinda Spillway.
US$7,860 - US$15,360 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$7,840 - US$18,400 per person
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.
US$7,780 - US$12,800 per person
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person
Superb Starling Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.
US$8,300 - US$11,720 per person
Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.
US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.
US$8,460 - US$14,980 per person
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
US$7,540 - US$11,910 per person