An exceptional 7 night trip covering the South Luangwa National Park, Kasanka National Park, and Bangweulu Swamps in Zambia with the added bonus of possibly seeing the famed shoebill stork.
Shoebill SafariTerms & Conditions
Rates from US$ 8810 in 2025 – per person sharing.
Includes All safari costs, safari starting and ending in Lusaka.
Excludes Visas and items of a personal nature.
Single supplement US$ 1025 in 2025.
Valid June 2025
Note: The safari is based on minimum 4, maximum 6 guests.
Key facts of Shoebill Safari
Luangwa River Camp 2 nights Wasa Camp 2 nights
Shoebill Camp 2 nights Lusaka 1 night
Available dates 16 June
Rates from US$ 8810 per person sharing
Slideshow Items
Shoebill Safari accommodation at Wasa LodgeShoebill Safari accommodation at Wasa Lodge
Shoebill Safari accommodation at Shoebill Island LodgeShoebill Safari accommodation at Shoebill Island Lodge
Accommodation at Luangwa River CampAccommodation at Luangwa River Camp
Video wordt afgespeeld
Want a chance to see a shoebill?
If you want a chance to see a shoebill, this safari is for you! Join Robin Pope Safaris for this exceptional trip covering the South Luangwa National Park, Kasanka National Park, and Bangweulu swamps. On the hunt for the remarkable shoebill, you will also encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, and host of other species.
One of our top safari guides will lead this trip to enhance your experience throughout. After a couple of nights at Luangwa River Camp in the South Luangwa the group flies to Kasanka National Park and will spend some time at Wasa Lodge. There are many bird species that will be new to the safari and the sitatunga antelope will certainly be seen at the swamp. Then the safari will continue onto Shoebill Island Camp in the breath-taking Bangweulu Swamps, which remains one of Zambia special gems – with superb birding, from all the water birds to the endangered wattled crane elegantly strolling around the plains. Of course the star attraction remains the extraordinary shoebill. The area also hosts the endemic black lechwe along with tsessebe and buffalo.
The South Luangwa National Park,Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. South Luangwa National Park is widely known as the home of the walking safari. This is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. The park is centered around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.
Cozy chalets at Luangwa River CampCozy chalets at Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Camp main areaLuangwa River Camp main area
Pool side at Luangwa River CampPool side at Luangwa River Camp
Dinner al fresco at Luangwa River CampDinner al fresco at Luangwa River Camp
Relaxing tubs at Luangwa River CampRelaxing tubs at Luangwa River Camp
Day 1 - 2: Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the game rich area known as the Luangwa Wafwa. This small and intimate camp with just five bush suites, along with its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp. It is the first stop on The Shoebill Safari.
During your time at Luangwa River Camp, a typical day consists of 2 game activities per day, with the choice of a game drive or a walking safari. Early morning is best for doing walking safaris as well as game drives and commence after a light breakfast. Once brunch and a siesta followed by teatime treats, its back out into the park to see what the late afternoon/early evening has to offer. Alternatively, a cultural tour or trip to a wildlife education centre can be arrange, which gives one a more holistic experience of the Luangwa Valley. While there are no shoebill storks in South Luangwa, spending a few nights here gives one a chance to get into the safari groove, as well as meet your guide who will be with you for the rest of the trip.
Gorgeous views at Wasa CampGorgeous views at Wasa Camp
Aerial view of Wasa CampAerial view of Wasa Camp
Views of the wetlands at Wasa CampViews of the wetlands at Wasa Camp
Comfortable rooms at Wasa CampComfortable rooms at Wasa Camp
Day 3 - 4: Wasa Lodge
Kasanka is a beautiful wilderness of woodland, plains, lakes, rivers and swamps in the North of Zambia and forms a valuable protected area for many endangered species. The rich diversity of animal, bird and plant life includes several rare species like the sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross’s Lourie and Blue Monkeys.
Together with a Robin Pope Safaris Guide, spend your days birding (With luck you may see African finfoot, ross’ lourie, pel’s fishing owl and osprey.) and game watching in the hope of seeing many mammal species such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable antelope, reedbuck and the rare blue monkey. Visit the sitatunga hide with its panoramic views over the Kapabi Swamp where you can spot as many as 40 sitatunga feeding at one time.
Shoebill Island Camp accommodationShoebill Island Camp accommodation
Great views from the main area at Shoebill Island CampGreat views from the main area at Shoebill Island Camp
Main are at Shoebill Island CampMain are at Shoebill Island Camp
Shoebill Island Camp roomsShoebill Island Camp rooms
Balcony at Shoebill Island CampBalcony at Shoebill Island Camp
Day 5 - 6: Shoebill Island Camp
Bangweulu, meaning ‘where water meets the sky’ is a perfect description for these stunning wetlands. It falls under the management of African Parks who have been working together with the local community since 2008 to sustainably manage the wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people. It is home to over 433 bird species, including 10% of the global wattled crane population and the globally important population of the endangered shoebill.
Shoebill Island Camp is perfectly positioned on the edge of the expansive Bangweulu wetlands. The camp has a front row seat to the constant activity of the swamps and surrounding flood plain. It is always alive with bird movement and the sound of thousands of lechwe sloshing through the shallow waters.
Stunning outdoor area at the Protea TowersStunning outdoor area at the Protea Towers
Pool area at Protea TowersPool area at Protea Towers
The Protea Towers in LusakaThe Protea Towers in Lusaka
Luxurious rooms at the Protea TowersLuxurious rooms at the Protea Towers
Dining area at the Protea TowersDining area at the Protea Towers
Day 7: Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Tower
Once you have said your goodbyes to the team at Shoebill Island Camp, you will take a beautiful flight over the escarpment and onward to Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. You will be met by a representative from Robin Pope Safaris who will assist you to Protea Lusaka Tower Hotel. You may enjoy a relaxed evening ahead of your trip back home. Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower is located in the heart of Lusaka and within Arcades Shopping and Entertainment Complex on the Great East Road. Guests visiting this hotel have direct access to shops and restaurants. The hotel caters for both corporate and leisure guests' alike being a mere 25 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower restaurant, The Steakhouse Restaurant and Rooftop bar, Cloud 9 are ideal to relax.
You don't have to be a keen birder to enjoy this safari. We had an exceptional time during this well thoughtout trip through some of Zambias lesser known gems. The guiding was superb, the accommodation comfortable and the food delicious. The parks we visited were nothing short of spectacular
The hunt for the Shoebills will live long in our memories and find its way into our family folklore. We had a wonderful, magnificent time that far exceeded our expectations and wild horses (or zebras) will not keep us away. So beware, we will be back!
You may also like these Related Safaris
Conservation Malawi
Learn more
Best of Malawi 2025 Departure
Learn more
We are thrilled to help you plan your perfect safari holiday
We'd be delighted to help you with any questions you have about our safaris. Please fill in the form below.