Beyond the Riverbanks: A Crafted Safari with Sean

Unhurried days, uncrowded sightings, and the rare privilege of time and space—guided by an award-winning expert who knows these parks by heart.

At a glance

When: 22 October – 3 November 2026

Price: US$14,980 per person sharing, US$2,245 single supplement

Where: Lower Zambezi (Zambia); Mana Pools, Hwange, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Group size: Maximum 10 travellers

Hosted by: Sean Lues

Style: Boutique camps, small aircraft hops, private guiding, flexible daily activities

Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, and travellers who value quality over quantity

What makes this journey different
Luxury here is measured in time and space: fewer people, longer pauses, and freedom to follow the moments that matter—elephants wading at dusk, lions at first light, a fish eagle’s call across the river. With Sean’s calm presence and deep bushcraft, you get both the big stories and the small details that most miss.

Why Travel with sean

From childhood on a Zimbabwean farm where wildlife Was abundant, Sean has spent more than three decades guiding and managing some of Africa’s most celebrated camps.

His knowledge runs deep—tracking, behaviour, ecosystems and the communities who steward them.

Recognised as ‘Guide of the Year’ in his final examinations, he later mentored and examined future guides.

What guests love most is Sean’s gentle confidence, warm humour and knack for making every day feel personal.

He’s a skilled photographer, too—happy to help you capture the shot without ever rushing the moment.

Travelling with Sean isn’t just a holiday; it’s a richer connection to place, wildlife and story.

the journey

Day 1 — Arrive Lusaka (Zambia)
Meet and greet on arrival and private transfer to your hotel. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner with Sean and your fellow travellers.

Day 2 — Lusaka → Lower Zambezi (Kutali Camp)
Light aircraft to the Lower Zambezi. Settle into your winterthorn-shaded tent at Kutali; lunch and your first afternoon activity—game drive, canoe or boat cruise (conditions permitting).

Day 3 — Lower Zambezi
Activities are pre-arranged the night before (and fine-tuned at lunch). Morning options include drives, walks or time on the river; brunch and siesta; afternoon safari and sundowners; dinner under the stars.

Day 4 — Lower Zambezi
Tailor the day to your interests—track cats on floodplains, drift channels for elephant crossings, or try optional catch-and-release tiger fishing. Golden-hour photography; dinner in camp.

Day 5 — Lower Zambezi → Mana Pools (Kavinga)
Scenic 3.5-hour boat upstream, short road transfer to Chirundu border, then road via Chimudzi (~2.5 hours) to Kavinga Safari Camp. Settle in; if time allows, a gentle sundowner drive or time in the hide.

Day 6 — Mana Pools (Kavinga)
Morning drive or guided walk; photographic hide at the waterhole is a highlight. Afternoon safari or hide time; sundowners; dinner in camp.

Day 7 — Mana Pools (Kavinga)
Flex the plan: longer ranging for wild dogs and lion, or intimate hours in the hide. Superb birding. Afternoon foray; dinner beneath vast skies.

Day 8 — Mana Pools → Hwange (Hwange Bush Camp)
Light aircraft to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest park. Road transfer to Hwange Bush Camp; lunch; afternoon exploration of pans and open woodlands; dinner in camp.

Day 9 — Hwange
Morning game drive or guided walk (conditions permitting). Stake out productive pans in the afternoon for sable, roan and elephant. Return before dark; fireside dinner.

Day 10 — Hwange
Option for a longer drive with picnic to remote pans. Late-afternoon golden light is superb for photography. Dinner and recap with Sean.

Day 11 — Hwange → Victoria Falls (The Elephant Camp)
Transfer to The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls. Sunset cruise. Dinner in camp.

Day 12 — Victoria Falls
Choose from included activities: game drive in Zambezi National Park, river safari, guided walking safari.

Late morning a Guided Tour of the Falls – Zimbabwe side (park entry fee payable direct), followed by lunch at the Lookout Café. Included afternoon game drive with visit to the conservation project and the vulture experience. Final celebratory dinner.

Day 13 — Depart
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for onward flights. Farewell until the next adventure.

See detailed itinerary

lodges & camps

Kutali Camp, Lower Zambezi (Zambia): Intimate tents beneath winterthorn trees right on the river; exceptional canoeing and boating when water levels allow.

Kavinga Safari Camp, Mana Pools (Zimbabwe): Elevated views and a renowned waterhole hide—close, calm hours with elephant, buffalo and predators.

Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange (Zimbabwe): Classic bush camp near productive pans and open grasslands; top guiding.

The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): Spacious suites, riverine views, easy access to Zambezi National Park and the Falls.

Wildlife & seasons

Expect elephant herds, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard and (as with all sightings, some luck) wild dog. Birders can look for fish eagles, bateleurs, rollers, bee-eaters and owls after dark (where permitted). Late October to early November brings warm days, dramatic skies and intense activity at water sources—excellent for behaviour and photography. Temperatures will be very warm.

What’s included

Hosted throughout by Sean Lues

All in-country flights/transfers as per itinerary

12 nights’ accommodation in listed camps/lodges

All meals, as specified

Scheduled activities: game drives, walks, boat/canoe (where available) - please see full itinerary. Conditions permitting.

Park fees and conservation levies (unless noted)

Tea/coffee, local drinks in camp where standard; laundry where offered

Professional guiding and hosting; safari planning & support

What’s not included

International flights; visas and border fees

Victoria Falls entry fee for the Falls visit

Premium drinks

Optional activities/excursions not listed

Travel insurance (required)

Tips/gratuities (guidance provided pre-departure)

Items of a personal nature

Tipping guidance: As a guideline, allow US$25–30 per guest per day across guides/camp staff. Final advice provided before travel.

Exchange-rate note: This journey is priced in USD; your final AUD invoice reflects the prevailing rate at time of balance.

FAQs

1. How fit do I need to be?

Moderate mobility is ideal. Walks and canoeing is gentle and optional. Vehicles and boats handle most activities.

2. Is this suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. Slow pacing, small group, and Sean’s guidance make it perfect for photographers.

3. Do the camps have power and charging?

Yes—charging points are available in camp (exact setup varies by property).

4. Are night drives included?

Not at Hwange Bush Camp. Elsewhere, after-dark activities follow park and camp rules.

5. Can dietary requirements be catered for?

Yes—please advise in advance.

What’s the luggage limit on light aircraft?

Typically 15–20 kg per person in soft bags (final limits confirmed in your documents).

Will I need visas?

Yes—Zambia and Zimbabwe have separate requirements. We’ll advise current options and fees.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes—comprehensive cover is mandatory for medical and evacuation.

Can I extend before/after?

Absolutely—add nights in Zambia/Zimbabwe or pair with Cape Town or Botswana.

Testimonials

What others are saying

Testimonials

John Doe

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