You might know I’m not one for making exaggerated promises, but Zambia is more than just a love affair for me. I can’t wait to introduce you to a place that has touched me deeply and profoundly changed the way I think about traveling, wildlife conservation and the intricacies that connect us with nature – or simply make us aware that we are all made of the same material as the whole universe. Let’s call it a safari of true wonders!
Zambia Safari 2025
Join me on a safari to remember.
Five years ago my love story with Zambia started. After countless safaris I hosted my first group trip to Zambia and learned how much joy it brings to share my love for this wild destination with others. Now you have the chance to join me on an exclusive journey in May 2025! This trip only happens once a year, so don't miss this opportunity.
Travel Dates: May 9-19, 2025
Why should you consider this journey?
Well, most importantly – this is my face when on safari. You will get to see this a lot during our trip. And I hope you’ll start to look the same way. Why? Nothing makes happier then sleeping under canvas, adjusting to the rhythm of nature, listening to the sounds of crickets chirping and watching little baby elephants learning how to use their trunk. I hope I can share a bit of this joy with you.
Discovering the green season
Together we will be staying in two of Zambia’s most iconic National Parks right at the start of the season, when the rains subside and the landscapes are still lush and green.
From Lusaka to the wild Kafue and the iconic Lower Zambezi.
Zambia is one of those destinations in Africa, that are criminally underrated. 30% of the country are safeguarded for natural protection. Yet, the tourism industry is still in it’s infancy. You’ll be treated to incredible wildlife sightings in complete privacy & seclusion.
With the Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks we’re combining two of the most iconic parks in Zambia. 3 nights in Kafue and 6 nights in Lower Zambezi will give us enough time to truly immerse ourselves in the wilderness.
What's special about this trip?
- English & German speaking guiding by Marion Payr together with local expert safari guides.
- Small, personally managed safari camps with incomparable authentic flair.
- Exclusive camps just for our group of 8-10 guests.
- Walking safaris on foot, canoe safaris on the Zambezi, day and night game drives, boat safaris on the Zambezi and Kafue.
- Wildlife up close in and around the Safari Camps.
- Go behind the scenes at Musekese Conservation.
- Special dining and sundowner locations.
- Photographic tips & tricks for those of you interested in photography.
Our itinerary
- May 9, 2025: Arrival in Lusaka. Meet & Greet and transfer to lodge.
- May 9-10, 2025: Dinner in Lusaka. Overnight stay at Wild Dogs Lodge
- May 10, 2025: Transfer to Lusaka Airport, Private Charter flight to Lufupa.
- May 10-13, 2025: Musekese Camp, Kafue National Park
- May 13, 2025: Transfer to Lufupa Airstrip, Private Charter flight to Jeki.
- May 13-16, 2025: Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
- May 16, 2025: Ground transfer.
- May 16-19, 2025: Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
- May 19, 2025: Transfer to Jeki Airstrip, Private Charter flight to Lusaka.
Our home in Lusaka.
Wild Dogs Lodge:
- The perfect gateway to a Zambia safari.
- An intimate lodge-style hotel at the outskirts of Lusaka.
- Circular-shaped thatched roof rooms and a pool.
1 night. May 9-10, 2025.
Our home in Kafue National Park.
Musekese Camp:
- Located strategically at the edge of a lagoon, which guarantees wildlife sightings from every room’s private deck.
- En-Suite bathrooms with drinking water from the pipe and hot water from the shower 24/7.
- Wildlife roams directly through the camp – from hippos to elephants and leopards.
- Breakfast is shared around the campfire, dinner is served at the communal table.
- We will have the whole camp to ourselves.
3 nights. May 10-13, 2025.
Our home in Lower Zambezi National Park.
Kutali Camp.
- Remote seasonal fly camp located directly at the banks of the Zambezi river.
- Tented rooms with bucket showers and outdoor bathrooms.
- Comfortable beds, flushing toilets guarantee comfort.
- Wildlife roams directly through the camp, with elephants passing by as a common attraction.
- Breakfast is shared around the campfire, dinner is shared at the communal table.
- We will have the whole camp to ourselves.
3 nights. May 13-16, 2025.
Our home in Lower Zambezi National Park.
Chula Camp:
- Remote seasonal fly camp located on a uninhabited island within the Zambezi river.
- The camp is only accessible by boat.
- Tented rooms with bucket showers and outdoor bathrooms.
- Comfortable beds, flushing toilets guarantee comfort.
- Wildlife roams directly through the camp, with elephants passing by as a common attraction.
- Breakfast is shared around the campfire, dinner is shared at the communal table.
- We will have the whole camp to ourselves.
3 nights. May 16-19, 2025.
What's included?
- Accommodations as advertised
- All food & drinks (excl. premium spirits)
- Meet & greet service
- 4x4 safaris
- Boat cruises
- Walking safaris
- Birdwatching
- Canoe safaris
- All charter flights between Lusaka & camps
Price: 7,990 Euros
What’s excluded?
International flights, Medical and travel insurance, Personal expenses, tips. Price for extension on request. Single rooms on request.
What Kady said after I brought her on the trip:
“You may think that the big things will be the most exciting – the lions and leopards and elephants. What you don’t know is how much the little things will excite you – the subtle changes in landscape, the tiniest birds, the ant lions and elephant shrews, the faraway calls of hyena in the early mornings.
You‘ll love the increasing warmth of the sun on your face as it rises, the soft breeze that carries the smells of nature with it, that first sip of cold ginger ale after you climb out of the car for your sundowner. It‘s all part of the magic.”
What the group said after the trip:
Gaelle, France:
“This is the best way to experience the wonders of Zambia with Marion’s well planned trip that also ensures you an ethical safari experience. From Kafue to the Lower Zambezi, you will create unforgettable memories with the incredible wildlife, lovely people and beautiful luxury bush camps. Sharing it all with a group of passionate people is the icing on the cake, I can only recommend it!”
Rhea & Hansjörg, Switzerland
“The trip with Marion to Zambia was a fantastic experience: we lived in simple but stylish and sustainably managed camps in the midst of breathtaking nature. Our guides treated the wildlife with the utmost respect and enabled us to have fascinating encounters with their extensive knowledge. The highlight of all our trips to Africa and absolutely recommended.”
A few facts about the trip.
- The price of EUR 7,990 is valid for one person staying in a tent shared by two. We have 5 tents available in each camp that can be set up as twins or doubles.
- A minimum of 8 participants is necessary for the trip to happen. A maximum of 10 participants can join the trip. This will guarantee that we can rent the full camp exclusively and privately for our group. If the minimum group doesn’t come together you will be fully refunded any down payments.
- The price includes all 10 nights in the camps as stated above, transfers, domestic flights incl. departure tax, meals, drinks (on safari), activities, park entrance fees, SES Med Evac insurance.
- Given that we only have a maximum of 5 tents available per camp we can only take a maximum of 2 singles traveling. If there’s more singles joining us we will have to arrange shared tents with another guest for you. This prevents us from charging a singles surcharge. We will make sure to arrange this in a way that best suits you and your needs and will also communicate transparently about this.
- Our group will be split up in 2 safari vehicles when we go on game drives. This guarantees a maximum of space in the vehicle and that you can fully enjoy wildlife sightings and also have the chance for proper wildlife photography. Marion will join each car separately every day to make sure every guest gets to spend time with her.
- Food will be shared at a communal table together every day.
Our travel partners
This trip wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of my partners Classic Zambia and Pinto Africa.
All the camps we’re staying at during this trip are part of Classic Zambia. Their founders Kyle, Luke, Tyrone and Phil represent the next generation of the safari industry in Zambia. Together they aim for authentic safaris, that are expertly led and have a strong conservation focus. I can personally vouch for their philosophy and the quality of their safaris!
And since my first trip to Africa I’ve partnered with Austrian safari travel experts Bettina & Luke Evans-Leitner. Together they have founded Pinto Africa, a specialist safari company dedicated to sustainable and ethical safaris. Luke was born in Zambia and is also co-founder of Classic Zambia. Pinto Africa is organising the whole trip including all the transfers and will make sure you’re expertly hosted.
“Are you ready for a journey of a lifetime? Zambia will change you, that's what I can promise. Zambia opened my eyes to the beauty of the wild in its untamed, raw, mysterious and deeply touching form. If you're looking for a safari that is special in many ways, make this your dream trip in 2025.”
