There is something deeply humbling about standing on the banks of the Zambezi River at sunrise, watching the mist rise over the water while elephants silently wade through the shallows. As a travel photographer dedicated to ethical and responsible tourism, my first safari in Zambia was nothing short of transformative. This was back in 2019 and since then I’ve returned many times and introduced some of my favourite people to Zambia.
And now you have the chance to join me to experience this magical place yourself!
In 2024 I embarked on a first journey with a small, exclusive group of like-minded travelers. Together, we explored some of Zambia’s most breathtaking landscapes, encountering its extraordinary wildlife while ensuring a positive impact on wildlife conservation and the local economy.
And now, I’m thrilled to offer this experience again for those who share the same love for responsible eco tourism and wildlife conservation.
A 10-Day Immersive Safari Experience
Our journey takes us deep into two of Zambia’s most spectacular national parks, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature while being completely offline for the duration of the trip.
Lusaka (1 night at Wild Dogs Lodge)
Most international flights arrive in Lusaka by early afternoon and so we assemble in one of my favourite places in the city: Wild Dogs Lodge. Truly it doesn’t feel like you’re in the city here at all. When the gates open you enter a lush garden paradise with typical round-shaped thatched huts – our rooms! A pool invites for an afternoon relaxation or you join me for a first intro into wildlife photography and we test your cameras together. After a first dinner together we fall asleep under the canopy of the comfortable beds, because the next day we leave for the bush. Make sure to set up your out of office reply, as you’ll be offline the next day for the remainder of the trip.
Kafue National Park (3 Days at Musekese Camp)
The next day our adventure begins in Kafue, Zambia’s largest national park. We stay at the renowned Musekese Camp, run by Classic Zambia, where conservation and sustainability are at the heart of everything they do. Here, we track leopards who love the area around the camp, watch lions and wild dogs move stealthily through the bush and witness herds of antelope grazing peacefully right in front of our lodge at the beautiful lagoon.
Musekese is one of those camps that are straight out of a safari fairy tale. But the best part about this camp is its location within the larger Kafue ecosystem. Tucked away in a corner of the Kafue, where the Kafue river bends into a narrow bow, Musekese occupies a completely private part of the huge park. So chances are high we won’t see any other vehicle during our whole stay here.
When Musekese started their operations they didn’t just set up a wonderful safari camp, but also founded their own conservancy, which is part of the success story of bringing wildlife back to an area formerly under pressure of poaching and encroachment. Today Kafue is still wild, but also plenty with wildlife. In fact the cover image of this story is a leopard we saw straight upon entering the park on the drive to camp from the airstrip. Not a bad start to the trip!
With expert guides leading the way, we will go on game drives, boat rides and walking safaris (for those interested). We will listen to conservation stories during a fireside chat with the experts from Classic Zambia. And we will learn to appreciate how special this place is.
Lower Zambezi National Park (6 Days at Chula & Kutali Camps)
From Kafue, we travel to the Lower Zambezi, where the wilderness unfolds in a completely different way. Here you have access to one of the most beautiful regions in Africa, with an unparalleled diversity of activities at your fingertips. Having the opportunity to go on game drives, canoe safaris, walking safaris, night drives as well as boat safaris is something that is hard to come by in other places.
We will stay 3 nights at Chula and 3 nights at Kutali, both camps located in the heart of the park along the Zambezi river and operated by Classic Zambia. Canoeing through the channels, we observe hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birdlife. Walking safaris bring us up close to the bush and let us appreciate the small things and subtle smells and changes in the bush, while evening game drives reveal the nocturnal secrets of this rich ecosystem.
Chances to see wild dogs and leopards are incredibly high here, while elephants, crocodiles and hippos are abundant. On Jeki plains we will not only witness the sun set behind the Zambian escarpment, but also buffaloes and water buck gather for safety at night. On our night drives we can see porcupine and even some of the most elusive of all species might make an appearance – like a pangolin.
Both camps offer a truly authentic safari experience, with tented rooms and open-air bathrooms with bucket showers. The camps are unfenced and you’ll have visitors every day – from nosy impalas to massive elephants passing by at lunch. All while watching the Zambezi river float by and listening to the sounds of the bush. You will feel like time stands still in the most magical of ways.
Beyond the Safari: Photography & Storytelling
For those with a passion for photography, this expedition is more than just a safari—it’s an opportunity to hone your craft in one of the most photogenic landscapes on earth. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner eager to learn, I offer dedicated photographic guiding, helping you master composition, lighting, and post production.
And because great photography goes hand in hand with impactful storytelling, I will also offer a glimpse into my work as travel photographer and storyteller, ensuring that our images carry a deeper narrative about conservation and the wild places we explore.
Why Join This Safari?
- Ethical & Responsible Travel: We prioritize authentic locally-owned safari camps with a regenerative and ethical approach as well as responsible and ethical wildlife guiding and encounters.
- Expert Guiding: During this trip we will be guided by some of the best guides in Africa who will give us ample opportunity to learn about local wildlife and the ecosystem, while keeping us safe during our very special activities like canoeing and walking.
- Exclusive Access: Stay in intimate, conservation-focused camps that provide a truly immersive wilderness experience. In Kafue we are based in a location that is as exclusive as it gets, making sure we won’t meet any other safari vehicles from any other camps. In Lower Zambezi we will also stay at Chula camp which is located on a private island in the Zambezi river, where no other camp is located.
- Community & Conservation: A portion of our trip supports conservation initiatives, ensuring that our visit contributes positively to the regions we explore. The ethos of our partner Classic Zambia is deeply rooted in a responsibility they carry for not just nature and wildlife, but also for the people in the region.
- Photography & Storytelling: For those of you interested in refining your photographic and storytelling skills, I will offer photography guiding and lessons in lunch breaks as well as hosting an editing session to learn more about what to get out of your images.
This trip is more than just a safari—it’s an invitation to connect deeply with nature.
By joining this safari you contribute to the development of responsible eco tourism, and become part of a community that values ethical travel and conservation storytelling.
If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure in Zambia, join me on this journey into the wild.