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Zambia is a vast country of natural landmarks with an abundance of stunning scenery and remarkable wildlife. It is home to some of the continents finest National Parks providing the perfect base from which study the biology and ecology of this amazing country.

Typical itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

    Today you will travel to UK Departure Airport and fly overnight flight to Zambia.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Lusaka

    Upon arrival in Lusaka you will be taken to a nearby hostel for your first night in Zambia. You will have the chance to rest after your flight before visiting the Munda Wanga Wildlife Park and Sanctuary. The Park specialises in Zambian wildlife and you will be able to see some of the species that you will hopefully encounter in the wild during the rest of your trip. Dinner back at your hostel and an early night will ensure you are well rested for the onward journey tomorrow.

  3. Day 3: Lusaka to Chipata

    Leaving Lusaka, you will travel towards the South Luangwa region which is rich in wildlife. En route, take time to observe the villages and countryside that you drive through, getting your first taste of the people and environment of Zambia. An overnight stop in Chipata allows you to explore this small town which is known as the Gateway to Luangwa.the winners!

  4. Day 4: Chipata to South Luangwa Camp

    Leaving Chipata in the morning you will continue on to the South Luangwa region, which will be your base for the trip, and where you will camp on the banks of the Luangwa river under acacia and mahogany trees. After settling in, you will be given an introductory talk about the area and the wildlife that you are likely to see before heading out on your first game drive. Keep an eye out for elephant, lion, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, zebra and many different types of antelope.

  5. Day 5: South Luangwa Camp

    A long trek through the surrounding game management areas today allows your guide to teach you about this beautiful ecosystem. You will learn about the habitat around you and the plants and animals that inhabit it. You will be taught about the importance of food webs and food chains within the ecosystem as well as the medicinal uses of many of the local plants. Taking advantage of being on foot, you will get up close and personal with the insects, reptiles, birds and small mammals you may come across, learning their habits and how to identify them. Tonight, you will have a fireside debate about some controversial topics in wildlife conservation such as hunting, culling and eco-tourism.

  6. Day 6: South Luangwa Camp

    Today you will visit the Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre, run by Steve and Anna Tolan. Chipembele is comprised of a classroom, library, office and large interpretive room, full of interesting exhibits and displays on wildlife and the natural environment. It is used as an educational centre for local Zambian children where they can come and learn about the environment that they live in. There are also a number of sick and orphaned animals that have found a home at the centre, including Pinky and Perky the warthogs. Other orphaned animals that have been successfully reared and rehabilitated at Chipembele include: vervet monkeys, a yellow baboon, bushbucks, a Sharpe’s grysbok, a hyena, scrub hares, squirrels and an Egyptian goose. This evening you will be given a fireside talk and Q&A session by staff from African Wild Dog Conservation on ‘Wild dog and Carnivore Conservation in the Luangwa Valley’.

  7. Day 7: South Luangwa Camp

    This morning you will join the activities of African Wild Dog Conservation which researches this enigmatic species in various parts of Zambia. A member of the team will supervise you as you take part in some tracking activities using radio telemetry. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding of the way zoologists carry out research in the field and the techniques they use to monitor animals such as wild dogs. In the afternoon, you will take part in a game drive which will continue on after dusk, enabling you to learn more about nocturnal species.

  8. Day 8: South Luangwa Camp

    Taking a break from your studies today, you will visit nearby Kawaza Village where you will spend time with this Kunda community and learn more about their way of life. The money paid by visitors to the Kawaza contributes to the development of the community as well as the running of the village school. During your visit you will be encouraged to get involved in the day’s activities with the villagers – this could mean helping the local women to cook or visiting the school and interacting with the local children. Back in camp you will have the chance to reflect upon your visit by taking part in a discussion round the campfire about the challenges local people face and their relationship with the wildlife around them.

  9. Day 9: South Luangwa Camp

    This morning you will visit the Zambia Wildlife Authority who will talk to you about their work and the role they play in managing the country’s wildlife. In the afternoon, take another trek through the surrounding game management areas to learn the art of tracking – a vital skill for studying wildlife in the field! Learn how to identify animals from their tracks and dung on the ground as well as other signs they may leave behind. You will have the later afternoon and evening to relax and prepare for a long day tomorrow.

  10. Day 10: South Luangwa Camp

    You will spend the whole day today exploring the world-famous Luangwa National Park. The rich volcanic soil of the Luangwa valley, in addition to its favourable climate, results in abundant vegetation and in turn large populations of animals including; buffalo, elephant, wildebeest, wild dog, hyena, lion and the elusive leopard. As you explore the park, your guide will teach you about the species that you come across – their biology, behaviour and evolutionary adaptations as well as their place in the ecosystem. A picnic lunch out in the park and a night-drive after dusk makes for a long but exciting day. Tonight, there will be a quiz round the campfire, complete with prizes!

  11. Day 11: South Luangwa Camp to Chipata

    After a final morning game drive and brunch, you leave the camp for the last time and travel back to Chipata. Arriving in the early evening, you will be able to relax and reflect on the amazing wildlife and scenery you have seen during your time in Zambia.

  12. Day 12: Chipata to Lusaka

    It will be an early start today for your trip back to Lusaka. Time permitting; you may have a chance this afternoon to visit the Kabwata Cultural Centre, where you can buy traditional African crafts such as wood-carvings, baskets and jewellery.

  13. Day 13: Fly back to the UK

    This morning you will need to transfer to Lusaka airport to begin your journey home to the UK. You will fly through the day to land back in the UK in the evening. Welcome home!

Key info

This suggested itinerary is based on personal recommendation and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Destination: Zambia
  • When to go: Mar to Oct
  • Duration: 13 days
  • Trip type: Fieldtrek
  • Subject: Geography, biology
  • Itinerary highlights:
    • South Luangwa National Park
    • Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre
    • African wild dog conservation
    • Zambia Wildlife Authority
    • Buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard
  • Activities:
    • Nature walk
    • Safari
  • Accommodation: Lodge and camping
  • Ideal for: Ages 16 to 18
  • Travellers will need:
    • Strong interest in the chosen subject
    • A desire to learn more in its natural environment

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