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 2026
Join me on a safari to remember.
Six 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 2026! This trip only happens once a year, so don't miss this opportunity.
Travel Dates: May 14-24, 2026.
Why should you consider this journey?
Well, 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 volume is still low compared to other African destinations. You’ll be treated to incredible wildlife sightings in unparalleled 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 (photographic) guiding by Marion Payr together with local expert safari guides.
- Small, personally managed safari camps with incomparable authentic flair.
- Small group of 6 to a maximum of 10 guests.
- Included activities: Walking safaris on foot, canoe safaris, day and night game drives, boat safaris on the Zambezi and Kafue River.
- Wildlife up close in and around the Safari Camps.
- Go behind the scenes at Musekese Conservation.
- Special dining and sundowner locations.
- Photography & editing classes for those of you interested in photography.
Our itinerary
- May 14, 2026: Arrival in Lusaka. Meet & Greet and transfer to lodge.
- May 14-15, 2026: Overnight stay at Wild Dogs Lodge (or similar)
- May 15, 2026: Transfer to Lusaka Airport, Private Charter flight to Lufupa.
- May 15-18, 2026: Musekese Camp, Kafue National Park
- May 18, 2026: Transfer to Lufupa Airstrip, Private Charter flight to Jeki.
- May 18-21, 2026: Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
- May 21, 2026: Ground transfer.
- May 21-24, 2026: Chula Island Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
- May 24, 2026: Transfer to Jeki Airstrip, Private Charter flight to Lusaka.
Our home in Lusaka.
Wild Dogs Lodge (or Pioneer Lodge or similar):
- 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 14-15, 2026. Breakfast included.
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.
3 nights. May 15-18, 2026.
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.
3 nights. May 18-21, 2026.
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.
3 nights. May 21-24, 2026.
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: 9,790 Euros
What’s excluded?
Dinner in Lusaka on the first night, 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 9,790 is valid for one person staying in a tent shared by two. We have a maximum of 5 tents available in each camp that can be set up as twins or doubles.
- A minimum of 6 participants is necessary for the trip to happen. A maximum of 10 participants can join the trip. 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 as stated above, 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 will have to arrange shared tents for singles traveling. This prevents us from charging a singles surcharge.
- We will have a private game vehicle on drives. If the group exceeds 6 participants we 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. In this case 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!
Since my first trip to Zambia I’ve partnered with safari travel expert Luke Evans-Leitner. Luke was born in Zambia and lives in Tyrol since many years. His company Pinto Africa is a specialist safari outlet dedicated to sustainable and ethical safaris based in Austria and he is also one of the co-founders of Classic Zambia. Pinto Africa is organising the whole trip including all the transfers and will make sure we’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 2026.”
