This 7 Days Best Zambia Safari and Masai Mara Kenya Safari combines the pristine wilderness of Zambia's Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks with Kenya's world-renowned Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. From intimate walking safaris along the mighty Zambezi River to witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, this expedition offers unparalleled wildlife encounters. Your adventure begins in Zambia's untamed landscapes where elephants roam freely along riverbanks and continues to Kenya's big cat paradise.
This exceptional Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari itinerary showcases Africa's incredible biodiversity through diverse safari experiences, including canoe safaris, boat cruises, walking safaris, and classic game drives. You'll encounter four of the Big Five in Zambia's pristine parks and complete your Big Five checklist in Kenya's famous reserves. The journey seamlessly transitions from Zambia's intimate wildlife encounters to Kenya's dramatic savannah landscapes where millions of wildebeest thunder across endless plains. Each destination offers unique photographic opportunities and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure promises authentic African experiences from sunrise game drives to sunset boat cruises along the Zambezi River. Professional guides will share their extensive knowledge of local wildlife behavior, conservation efforts, and cultural traditions throughout your journey. This carefully planned itinerary ensures optimal wildlife viewing opportunities while maintaining comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers between destinations. From Zambia's walking safari capital to Kenya's wildlife spectacle, every moment is designed to immerse you in Africa's natural wonders.
Day 1: Arrival and pickup from Lusaka Airport, transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park
Day 2: Proceed to canoe safaris and boat cruises, classic game drives in Lower Zambezi
Day 3: Transfer to South Luangwa National Park, continue with walking safaris
Day 4: Continue with classic game drives and walking safaris in South Luangwa
Day 5: Transfer to Nairobi, proceed to Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 6: Continue with classic safaris and Big Five game drives in Masai Mara
Day 7: Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, transfer to Nairobi for departure
Your incredible Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure begins with arrival and pickup from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia's vibrant capital city. Transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park via a scenic 2.5-hour road journey covering approximately 130 kilometers through rural Zambian landscapes and traditional villages. The Lower Zambezi, known locally as "Mana Pools' twin," offers pristine wilderness along the mighty Zambezi River where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari experience truly comes alive. Upon arrival at your luxury tented camp, enjoy a welcome briefing about the exciting safari activities ahead while settling into your comfortable riverside accommodation overlooking the Zambezi's flowing waters.
Continue with thrilling canoe safaris along the Lower Zambezi River, where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure takes on an intimate water-based perspective of African wildlife. Proceed to classic game drives through the park's diverse ecosystems, encountering four of the Big Five including massive elephant herds, powerful buffalo, elusive leopards, and majestic lions roaming the floodplains. The Lower Zambezi's unique landscape offers incredible photographic opportunities during your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari journey, with hippos wallowing in shallow waters and crocodiles basking on sandy riverbanks. Continue with sunset boat cruises where African fish eagles soar overhead while elephants come to drink at the water's edge, creating magical moments that define authentic African safari experiences.
Transfer to South Luangwa National Park via a 4-hour scenic drive covering 220 kilometers through Zambia's Eastern Province, renowned as the birthplace of walking safaris in Africa. Continue with your first walking safari experience in this legendary park, where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure reaches new heights of excitement and authentic wilderness encounters. The South Luangwa, locally called "The Valley," offers exceptional walking safari opportunities where experienced guides lead you through pristine bush terrain tracking wildlife on foot. Proceed to your elegant safari lodge nestled along the Luangwa River, where the sounds of hippos and lions provide a natural soundtrack to your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari experience.
Continue with early morning classic game drives through South Luangwa's diverse habitats, where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure unveils one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife areas. Proceed to guided walking safaris led by expert local guides who share intimate knowledge of animal behavior, tracking techniques, and bush survival skills unique to this Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari experience. The park's abundant wildlife includes graceful giraffes stretching to reach acacia leaves, four of the Big Five, and over 400 bird species creating a photographer's paradise. Continue with afternoon game drives along the Luangwa River, where leopards frequently hunt and massive crocodiles patrol the waters, completing your authentic Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari wilderness education.
Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital, marking the transition from your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari experience to Kenya's world-famous wildlife destinations. Proceed to Wilson Airport for your connecting flight to Masai Mara National Reserve, covering approximately 270 kilometers in 45 minutes of spectacular aerial views over the Great Rift Valley. The Masai Mara, known locally as "Maasai Mara," represents Kenya's premier wildlife destination where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure reaches its magnificent crescendo. Continue with your first game drive in the Mara's endless savannah plains, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles create one of nature's most spectacular shows during your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari journey.
Continue with dawn game drives across the Masai Mara's rolling grasslands, where your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure encounters all Big Five animals in their natural habitat. Proceed to witness the Great Migration (seasonal) where millions of wildebeest thunder across the Mara River while crocodiles wait patiently below, creating dramatic scenes that epitomize your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari experience. The Masai Mara's exceptional big cat population includes numerous lion prides, elusive leopards, and occasional cheetah sightings that make this destination a highlight of any Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari itinerary. Continue with afternoon game drives and optional visits to traditional Maasai villages, where local warriors share their ancient culture and deep connection to the wildlife that defines your Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure.
Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park via a scenic 3-hour drive covering 165 kilometers through Kenya's beautiful Rift Valley landscapes, concluding your memorable Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure. Continue with classic game drives around this compact park famous for its successful rhino conservation program, where both black and white rhinos roam freely alongside lions and leopards. Lake Nakuru's alkaline waters attract millions of flamingos creating pink-hued shores, while your final Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari wildlife encounters include tree-climbing lions and diverse antelope species. Transfer to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your comprehensive Zambia Safari and Kenya Safari adventure across two of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations.