Suggested Routes: The Northern Circuit
New to the Northern Circuit? Start with the full route guide for trip essentials, tips, and the complete campsite list — then come back here for a ready-made itinerary.
Not sure how to string the highlights together? Here are two ready-made itineraries - a quicker highlights run and a fuller exploration - built around the campsites and stops from our Northern Circuit guide. Treat the day counts and drive times as a guide and build in buffer time, especially on the rougher stretches.
Route A: The Quick Highlights (7 Days)
For travellers with a week to spare who want the standout sights without the full detour list:
Day 1 - Lusaka to Mkushi. Head out on the Great North Road and settle in early at Forest Inn, Mkushi, to break up the drive north.
Day 2 - 4 - Mkushi to Mutinondo Wilderness. A shorter drive today, leaving the afternoon free to explore Mutinondo's granite hills and rock pools. Two nights here is worth it if you have the time.
Day 4 - 6 - Mutinondo to Kasanka National Park. Push on to Kasanka and settle in at the Pontoon Campsite. If you're travelling in season (late October–December), position yourself for an evening or dawn bat-viewing session.
Day 6 - 7 - Begin the journey home, or extend into the Luangwa Valley if you're travelling in the dry season (July–October) and have more time up your sleeve.
Route B: The Full Northern Explorer (15 - 16 Days)
For travellers with more time who want the Bangweulu Wetlands, extra nights on Lake Tanganyika, and a slower pace throughout.
Days 1–3 - Lusaka to Mutinondo Wilderness, via Forest Inn, Mkushi, with a full day at Mutinondo to hike and explore before moving on.
Day 4 - Mutinondo to Kundalila Falls, a short detour and easy overnight stop en route north.
Day 4 - 6 - Kundalila Falls to Kasanka National Park, settling in at the Pontoon Campsite.
Day 6 - Detour to the Bangweulu Wetlands. Head west to Nsobe Campsite for a change of scenery - shoebills, black lechwe, and vast open floodplain.
Day 6 - 8 - Bangweulu to Kapishya Hot Springs, via the Shiwa Ng'andu Estate.
Day 9 - Rest day at Kapishya. A good spot to slow down, do laundry, and soak in the springs before the push north.
Day 10 - Kapishya to Mbala, overnighting at Flowers and Ferns.
Days 11 - 14 - Lake Tanganyika. Spend two nights split between Ndole Bay and Isanga Bay, with a side trip to Kalambo Falls.
Day 15 - Begin the return journey, or link into the Luangwa Valley circuit if travelling in the dry season.
Planning Notes
Both routes assume a 4x4 and reasonable self-sufficiency between towns - see our Trip Essentials and Before You Go pages for fuel, vehicle, and supply guidance.
If you're chasing the Kasanka bat migration, build your dates around late October–December first and fit the rest of the route around that window.
Fancy tackling this route without sourcing and fitting all your own gear? Get in touch and we'll help kit your vehicle out for it.