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Suggested Routes: The Southern Circuit

‍ ‍New to the Southern 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.

Two ways to run the Southern Circuit loop - a family-friendly shorter version and a fuller loop that adds Lake Kariba and the rugged back road. Both start and end in Livingstone.

Route A: The Family Loop (7 Days)

A gentler pace, sticking mostly to tar, well suited to families or a first Zambian self-drive trip.

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Livingstone. Settle in at The Waterfront Campsite and spend the day (or two, if you have the time) at Victoria Falls.

  • Day 2 - Livingstone to Monze. A tarred, straightforward drive, overnighting at The Moorings Campsite, Monze,

  • Day 3 - Monze to the Lower Zambezi, via the tarred road through Chirundu. Overnight at Gwabi River Lodge or Woods Camp, or push on to Mvuu Lodge.

  • Day 4 - 6 - Lower Zambezi National Park. A full day of river- and land-based activities - canoeing, fishing, or a game drive - based from Mvuu Lodge, about 40 minutes from the park gate.

  • Day 6 - Lower Zambezi back to Livingstone via the tarred road, with a stop in Monze if you need to break the drive.

  • Day 7 - Depart from Livingstone, or extend with an extra day at the Falls.

Route B: The Full Loop with Kariba (9–10 Days)

Adds Lake Kariba and the rugged back-road return leg for a fuller Southern Circuit experience.

  • Days 1–2 - Livingstone. Two nights at The Waterfront Campsite, with time to properly explore Victoria Falls and Livingstone's history and artisan trade.

  • Day 3 - Livingstone to Lusaka, via Monze, stopping at The Moorings Campsite if it suits your pace. Base at KN Cottage and Camping, our Lusaka base, to fit out or fine-tune your vehicle before heading further afield.

  • Day 4 - Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi via the back road. If you're up for it, take the rugged 4x4 track down from Lusaka rather than the tar - allow extra time, full tanks, and recovery gear.

  • Days 4–7 - Lower Zambezi National Park. Three nights based at Mvuu Lodge or Kiambi Safari Lodge, with days spent on safaris, canoeing, fishing, and game drives.

  • Day 7 – 9 - Lower Zambezi to Siavonga, tracing part of the Lake Kariba shoreline. Staying at Lotri Bay for a change of scenery.

  • Day 8 - Rest day at Lake Kariba. A good spot to relax lakeside - try Lotri Bay if you want a change of scenery.

  • Day 9 - Siavonga back to Livingstone, closing the loop.

  • Day 10 - Depart from Livingstone, or extend with an extra day at the Falls.

Planning Notes

  • The back road from Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi and the Kariba shoreline track both require a 4x4 - the tarred road is the easier option if you're not confident on rougher terrain.

  • Both routes work well combined with a Victoria Falls activity day (rafting, bungee, sunset cruise) tacked onto either end.

  • An option if time allows would be to stay a few nights at Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.

  • A houseboat on Kariba is a very special way to see the lake and relax. Ideally hired from the Zimbabwean side of the lake. This gives you access to the Matusadona NP shoreline.

  • Want your vehicle sorted before you set off from Lusaka? Get in touch - our base sits right on this route.

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