The northern circuit

Zambia’s Northern Circuit is one of Africa’s last great overlanding adventures — a journey through wild landscapes, remote parks, and vibrant local culture. From the misty woodlands of Kasanka National Park, where millions of fruit bats fill the skies each year, to the vast Bangweulu Wetlands with the shoebills and black lechwe, this route is pure wilderness. Travellers explore the granite hills of Mutinondo, the historic Shiwa Ng’andu Estate, soothing Kapishya Hot Springs, and the turquoise shores of Lake Tanganyika, before ending at the thundering Lumangwe Falls. It’s an unforgettable circuit through Zambia’s untamed north — raw, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Tips for travelling the Northern Circuit:

• November is the only time to witness the bat migration in Kasanka NP.

• During the dry season (May - October), the Northern Circuit can be joined with the Luangwa Valley.

Recommended Campsites:

• Mutinondo Wilderness

• Forest Inn, Mkushi

• Kundalila Falls

• Pontoon Campsite, Kasanka NP

• Nsobe Campsite, Bangweulu NP

• Kapisha Hot Springs

• Flowers and Ferns, Mbala

• Ndole Bay, Lake Tanganyika

• Isanga Bay, Lake Tanganyika

• Kalambo Falls, Lake Tanganyika

• Lumangwe Falls

lower zambezi and the southern province

Zambia’s Southern Circuit offers a rich blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture. A family favourite, this circuit begins in Livingstone with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Livingstone is a vibrant hub of history, culture, and artisan trade, and serves as the gateway to Zambia’s premier tourist experiences. From here, the Southern Circuit stretches northwards, skirting the southern end of Kafue National Park, before winding through Lusaka and descending into the breathtaking Lower Zambezi Valley.

The Lower Zambezi River supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Both river- and land-based activities—safaris, canoeing, fishing, and game drives—offer truly magical encounters in a striking and largely untouched landscape.

The journey back to Livingstone presents two options: a rugged track that traces part of the Lake Kariba shoreline, the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, or a tarred road that showcases Zambia’s countryside, economy, and wide-open vistas, with a few special stops along the way. Either route completes a true Zambian overland adventure, combining epic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters.

Tips for travelling Zambia’s Southern Province:

• Fuel is readily available in most large towns.

• If your up for an adventure, then the back road down to the Lower Zambezi is good fun. It is a 4x4 track from Lusaka.

• The closest campsite to the Lower Zambezi NP is Mvuu Lodge. This is a 40 minute drive to the park gate. The area outside is also very good for game viewing.

• A 4x4 vehicle is essential for the Lower Zambezi NP and surrounding areas.

Recommended Campsites in Southern Zambia:

• The Waterfront Campsite, Livingstone

• The Moorings Campsite, Monze

• Eagles Rest Resort, Siavonga

• The Siavonga Baobab, Siavonga

• Lotri Bay, Siavonga

• Gwabi Riverlodge, Chirundu

• Woods Camp, Lower Zambezi

• Kiambi Safari Lodge, Lower Zambezi

• Mvuu Lodge, Lower Zambezi (this is the closest campsite to the National Park)

• Lukasa Campsite, Lusaka

• KN Cottage and Camping, Lusaka (GoXplore Base)

the wild western circuit

The Western Circuit is the heart of the Upper Zambezi, where seasonal floods transform the land into a labyrinth of river channels, reedbeds, and floodplains, supporting a unique economy centered on artisanal fishing and the iconic Lozi cattle. One of Zambia’s least populated regions, Barotseland offers breathtaking vistas, rich history, and the stunning Ngonye Falls, along with excellent tiger fishing. The area also links seamlessly to Liuwa Plains National Park, home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, and Kafue National Park, one of the continent’s largest and oldest protected areas, making it a haven for wildlife and adventure.

Tips for travelling the Western Circuit:

• A 4x4 vehicle is essential for Liuwa Plains due to the thick sand.

• A 4x4 is recommended for Kafue, but not essential.

• Due to the limited fuel stops, it is recommended to carry extra fuel - especially for Liuwa.

• Fuel is normally readily available in Mongu, so it is a good place to fill up before heading into Liuwa. There is no fuel in Kalabo.

• Mongu also has a Shoprite where you should find most supplies.

Recommended Campsites in Western Zambia:

• Mayukuyuku Campsite, Kafue NP

• Chibila Camp, Itezhi Tezhi

• Musungwa Campsite, Itezhi Tezhi

• Roys Camp, Hook Bridge

• Kasabushi Campsite, Kafue NP

• Bongololo Campsite, Kafue NP (closest campsite to the Busanga Plains)

• Mapunga Bush Camp, Kafue NP

• McBrides Camp, Kafue NP

• Saba Safaris, Kafue NP

• Kabompo River Lodge, West Lunga NP

• Nchila Safari Lodge Campsite, Ikelenge (best place to stay to visit the source of the Zambezi)

• Katoyana, Sikale, Kwale, Mukalabumbu - Liuwa Plain NP Campsites managed by African Parks

• Ngonye Camp Campsite, Ngonye Falls

• Kabula Lodge - perfect stopover between Livingstone and Liuwa Plains

the luangwa valley

Set off on an unforgettable overland adventure through Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where wildlife roams freely and every day brings a new thrill. From the iconic South Luangwa safaris to the remote North Luangwa wilderness and the immersive Amatololo Experience, this journey offers walking safaris, game drives, and starlit bush camps. Along the way, you can connect with Zambia’s Northern Circuit for even more off-the-beaten-path exploration—or extend your adventure to the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi. Rugged tracks, rare wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters make this route a dream for overlanders seeking the ultimate African safari.

Tips for travelling The Luangwa Valley:

• 4x4 vehicles are essential for North Luangwa and Amatololo tracks.

• Carry extra fuel, water, and supplies—services are extremely limited in North Luangwa.

• A local guide is highly recommended for the Amatololo Experience.

• Mayana Butchery has good fresh produce in Mfuwe.

• Fuel in Mfuwe is not always reliable. Make sure you fill up in Chipata.

Recommended Campsites:

• The Wildlife Camp, Mfuwe

• Track and Trail, Mfuwe

• Croc Valley Camp, Mfuwe

• Zikomo Camp, Nsefu

• Kamukonzo Community Campsite, Luambe NP

• Ituba Camp, North Luangwa

• Samala Camp, North Luangwa

• Mandalena Camp, North Luangwa

• Amatololo Experience, North Luangwa

• Mamarulas Guesthouse, Chipata

• Bridge Camp, Luangwa Bridge