Animal Science & Conservation in Zambia

Your educational student tour to Zambia has officially begun as your flight lands in Livingstone International Airport. As you descend, be sure to take in the views of the country’s vast landscape and rugged terrain. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your safari lodge.

After settling into your new home for the week, you have the afternoon to explore. Sit by the fire pit, look out for wildlife from the observation deck, take a dip in the pool, or embark on a nature path. In the evening, you will regroup and enjoy authentic Zambian cuisine for dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your guides and ask lots of questions!

Rise and shine for your first full day in Zambia! Start your trip off on the right foot with a safari in one of Africa’s most renowned national parks: Chobe National Park. Eat an early breakfast at your hotel before climbing into your private coach for a road transfer to the Ferry Border between Botswana and Zambia. As you cross the Zambezi River, take in Africa’s breathtaking scenery. Jump into a 4 x 4 vehicle for a safari through Chobe National Park.

Due to the areas flood plain and nearby waters, the park is a paradise for wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant). As you ride, learn about the biology and behavior of these wild animals, as well as the conservation efforts that are put in place to protect against their endangerment.

Enjoy lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge before embarking on a boat cruise on the Chobe River. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalos cooling off on the water’s edge. Following this, ferry back to your lodge in Livingstone.

Wake up excited to encounter one of the seven wonders of the world: Victoria Falls. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the waterfalls to watch the Zambezi River’s raging waters crash down into the Batoka Gorge. Walk through the Victoria Falls rainforest to arrive at the cliffs overlooking the cascade. Learn about the geology of this iconic destination. Following this, you’ll enjoy lunch at the Lookout Cafe. Next, a speedboat will take you to the edge of the falls and drop you off at Livingstone Island. Then take the opportunity to dive into Angels Armchair or Devils Pool (we dare you!). After plenty of time to explore, you’ll head back to your lodge for dinner.

Calling all animal lovers, today was planned just for you! Today, you will have up-close and personal encounters with the Kings of the Jungle. Make your way to an animal conservation center on the outskirts of Victoria Falls. Embark on a 4 x 4 Game drive with animal conservation specialists. As you drive, learn about the biology, habitat, and behavior of lions and cheetahs, as well as the conservation challenges that are faced in protecting them. Next, work up the courage to interact with and walk side by side with these incredible cats for the ultimate African experience. Follow the parks conservation program to ensure the future protection of these animals. These are memories that will last a lifetime! 

It’s time for you to gain a deeper understanding of Zambia’s culture. Today, you are off to Mukuni Village, which is home to approximately 7000 Zambian citizens. Get a glimpse as to how these individuals have lived together for generations and learn about their beliefs and customs. Take a moment to appreciate how they compare to your own. You will have the opportunity to enter the village people’s huts to learn how they are built and decorated. Mukini people will also introduce you to their traditional food and drinks. Work alongside the villagers in the farming fields to better their everyday working lives. Finally, drop by the local orphanage to provide its children with much-needed backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and coloring books. What a rewarding way to end the day?! 

Attention all thrill seekers, today is for you! You’ll have the opportunity to engage in multiple extreme outdoor activities on this high-energy excursion. Zip-line through treetops, rappel down waterfalls, and fly into the sky on a gorge swing all while absorbing spectacular views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. After a well-deserved lunch, you’ll head down to the Batoka Gorge for a swim and refreshments.  

After a delicious breakfast buffet, you are off to learn about African crafts making. WAYAWAYA is a fashion movement with a meaningful mission. The company provides vocational training and artisan programs for local women as a viable form of employment. Make your way to the workshop to learn the art of see welding, soap making, handbag making, and repurposing of glass. What’s the best part? All products are up-cycled and environmentally friendly to ensure sustainability. Following a busy morning of learning, enjoy a well-deserved late lunch at a local restaurant before making your way to The National Art Gallery where the crafts are displayed and sold. Explore the exhibitions in search of the perfect souvenir. 

We hope you woke up with an appetite because today is all about food! Make your way to the market to meet with a local resident. Search for the ingredients to make Zambia’s staple food: Nshima. Next, head back to the local’s home to begin cooking up a storm with her instructions. Before digging into your meal, take park in a traditional hand-washing ceremony. Finally, enjoy a delicious dish with good company. Now that your stomach is satisfied, learn about and exchange greetings in many Zambian languages. Following this, you’ll also receive a brief history lesson on Zambia’s food, people, and culture. 

It’s your final day in Zambia, let’s make it one to remember! Start your day with a drive to Musi-oa-Tunya National Park to embark on a nature walk with your guide. This is an eco-friendly and exhilarating way to encounter Africa’s animals as an alternative to a safari vehicle. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife as this park is home to the Big Five animals, as well as has an extraordinarily high white rhino population. Learn about the biology and behavior of the wildlife you spot. Half way through your walk, stop by the Zambezi River for a picnic with hippo views on the riverbank. What a spectacular way to end an unforgettable trip.

It’s hard to believe how quickly time can fly by! Take your last morning in Africa to enjoy a buffet breakfast with your guides and friends. Reflect on your favorite memories of the trip – they will last a lifetime. After eating, you will be transferred to the local airport for your flight home.