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School Trips to Zambia: South Luangwa & Kafue

Elephants drink at a shallow waterhole on a dry plain under a hazy sun

School trips to Zambia are educational group tours built around wildlife observation on safari, river conservation, and Zambian culture and history.

In 2026, Rustic Pathways programs to Zambia priced between $4,005 and $4,965 per student, excluding international airfare, on itineraries of 8 days.

No commitment, and no sales call unless you ask for one.

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$4,005–$4,965per student across the two sample itineraries8 daystwo sample itinerariesCustom school tripsbuilt around your dates, curriculum and budget1 free teacher spotfor every 8 paying studentsSince 1983Rustic Pathways has operated student travel programs
Rustic Pathways · 6082 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 · +1 (440) 975-9691 · groups@rusticpathways.com · rusticpathways.com Student travel programs since 1983.

Zambia School Travel Itineraries

The two Zambia school travel itineraries are Wildlife and the Art of Observation at $4,965 for 8 days, and Kafue River and Conservation at $4,005 for 8 days.

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Compare the two itineraries side by side
ItinerarySouth Luangwa: Wildlife and the Art of ObservationKafue River and Conservation
Length8 days8 days
Starting priceFrom $4,965From $4,005
Learning focusBiology · Visual ArtsConservation · River Ecology
RouteLusaka · Mfuwe · South LuangwaLusaka · Kafue · Lusaka National Park
Overnight basesLusaka (1) · Mfuwe (5) · Lusaka (1)Lusaka (2) · Central Kafue (4) · Lusaka (1)
Physical profile6 low · 2 moderate3 low · 5 moderate
On-program flightsOne domestic round trip on program: Lusaka to Mfuwe and back, inside the eight days. International flights fall outside the count.None on program: the group arrives and departs Lusaka (LUN) and travels by road within Zambia.
Guided wildlife sessions5 game-drive sessions over 5 nights4 game-drive sessions plus one river safari
Best forBest for biology and visual-arts departments, with students 12 and older on vehicle safaris.Best for conservation and river-ecology departments wanting one substantial wilderness stay.
1212
  1. Lusaka · Arrive and depart from here
  2. Kafue National Park · The central Kafue lodge and the river days
Eight days out of Lusaka, west to the Kafue National Park for the river conservation days, then back to Lusaka.
  1. Lusaka · Arrive and depart from here
  2. Mfuwe · The lodge at the South Luangwa gate
Eight days out of Lusaka, north-east to Mfuwe for the South Luangwa observation days, then back to Lusaka.
An elephant and a white egret at a golden-grass waterhole in late-afternoon light. Zambia · Lusaka, Mfuwe & South Luangwa 8 days · From $4,965

South Luangwa: Wildlife and the Art of Observation

Students fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe, stay five nights at one lodge, and pair daily South Luangwa game drives with a Tribal Textiles batik workshop.

Choose this program
10+ studentsBiology · Visual Arts

The route connects Lusaka, Mfuwe, and South Luangwa.

  1. Lusaka1 night
  2. Mfuwe5 nights
  3. Lusaka1 night

Your eight-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Lusaka

    The group lands in Lusaka and settles into the hotel before a wildlife-conduct briefing over dinner.

    MorningArrival in Lusaka and the transfer to the hotel.
    AfternoonLunch and rest at the hotel.
    EveningA welcome dinner and a wildlife-conduct briefing.
    Route
    Lusaka Airport to the hotel in Lusaka.
    Travel
    Private transfer by road.
    Overnight
    Program-approved hotel in Lusaka, shared rooms.
    Meals
    Dinner included; earlier meals depend on arrival time.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; a short walk between the vehicle and the hotel.
    Learning outcome
    Students set out what they expect observational wildlife travel to look like before the safari begins.
    If a group arrives lateThe wildlife-conduct briefing moves to day two.
  2. Day 2

    Fly to Mfuwe

    The group flies from Lusaka to Mfuwe, transfers to the lodge, and meets its safari guide before dinner.

    MorningBreakfast, then the domestic airport check-in and the scheduled flight to Mfuwe.
    AfternoonTransfer to the lodge, lunch and rest, with no fixed safari deadline.
    EveningA guide introduction and dinner.
    Route
    Lusaka to Mfuwe by scheduled domestic flight, then to the lodge.
    Travel
    A scheduled domestic flight, then a private road transfer to the lodge.
    Overnight
    Lodge in the Mfuwe area, shared rooms; the base for five nights.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; airport transfers and a short lodge transfer.
    Learning outcome
    Students locate the Luangwa floodplain within the wider river system.
    If a flight is disruptedThe airline rebooks the flight, and the day's activities shift within the five-night stay.
  3. Day 3

    Tracks, color and craft

    The group takes a morning safari drive with identification practice, then joins a Tribal Textiles batik workshop.

    MorningA morning vehicle safari with identification practice.
    AfternoonA Tribal Textiles batik workshop, in supervised groups.
    EveningDinner and free time.
    Route
    Mfuwe lodge into South Luangwa National Park for the safari, then to the Tribal Textiles workshop.
    Travel
    Open-vehicle safari drive, then a local transfer to the workshop.
    Overnight
    Mfuwe lodge, night two of five.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; seated vehicle observation and workshop seating.
    Learning outcome
    Students translate an observed pattern into an original batik design.
    If workshop group slots are unavailableThe group uses an in-lodge class instead, quoted in advance.
  4. Day 4

    Floodplain species

    The group takes a morning game drive on one habitat circuit and a shorter drive on a different circuit in the late afternoon.

    MorningA morning game drive on one habitat circuit.
    AfternoonMidday rest, then a shorter late-afternoon drive on a different circuit.
    EveningDinner, with no late outing.
    Route
    Mfuwe lodge into South Luangwa National Park, on two habitat circuits.
    Travel
    Two open-vehicle safari drives inside the park.
    Overnight
    Mfuwe lodge, night three of five.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; two seated safari sessions in one day.
    Learning outcome
    Students compare how herbivores use woodland and open ground.
    In high heatThe two drives combine into one shorter session.
  5. Day 5

    Who is visible and who is missed

    The group takes an early drive focused on birds and smaller species, then collects finished batik pieces with a production demonstration.

    MorningAn early drive focused on birds and smaller species.
    AfternoonRest, then collecting finished batik pieces with a production demonstration.
    EveningDinner and an optional stargazing session inside the lodge.
    Route
    Mfuwe lodge into South Luangwa National Park, then to Tribal Textiles for pickup.
    Travel
    Open-vehicle safari drive, then a local transfer for the craft pickup.
    Overnight
    Mfuwe lodge, night four of five.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; seated vehicle observation.
    Learning outcome
    Students explain observation bias in a brief wildlife survey.
    If finishing is delayedThe activities budget covers shipping the pieces to the school instead.
  6. Day 6

    A deeper safari day

    The group takes a guided vehicle safari with a packed breakfast, then closes with a final identification session.

    MorningA guided vehicle safari with a packed breakfast.
    AfternoonReturn for lunch and rest, then a short final identification session with the guide.
    EveningA closing dinner at the lodge, with no walk to a remote site.
    Route
    Mfuwe lodge into South Luangwa National Park for an extended circuit.
    Travel
    An extended open-vehicle safari with scheduled breaks.
    Overnight
    Mfuwe lodge, night five of five.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; an extended seated safari session with breaks.
    Learning outcome
    Students use repeated observations without claiming population estimates.
    In heat or on poor roadsThe guide shortens the distance and uses the nearby circuit.
  7. Day 7

    Return to Lusaka

    The group flies from Mfuwe back to Lusaka, checks into the hotel and rests before a closing dinner.

    MorningAirport transfer and the flight to Lusaka.
    AfternoonHotel check-in, lunch and rest.
    EveningDinner and packing.
    Route
    Mfuwe to Lusaka by scheduled domestic flight, then to the hotel.
    Travel
    A scheduled domestic flight, then a private road transfer.
    Overnight
    Lusaka hotel.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; airport transfers.
    Learning outcome
    Students compare the wildlife economy and the craft enterprise they visited.
    A buffer dayNo international connection is scheduled today, so the day absorbs any air disruption.
  8. Day 8

    Depart Zambia

    The group has breakfast, checks out and transfers to Lusaka Airport for onward travel.

    MorningBreakfast and check-out.
    AfternoonLusaka Airport transfer, timed to the flight.
    EveningOnward travel.
    Route
    Lusaka hotel to Lusaka Airport.
    Travel
    Private transfer by road, then the flight home.
    Overnight
    No program night; the group departs Lusaka.
    Meals
    Breakfast included; later meals depend on the flight.
    Physical demand
    Low effort, mostly seated.
    Learning outcome
    Students complete a short observation portfolio from the week.
    For an early flightPacked food replaces the sit-down breakfast.
A small boat moored at the lakeshore on Lake Kariba. Zambia · Lusaka & Kafue National Park 8 days · From $4,005

Kafue River and Conservation

Students visit a public wildlife rehabilitation center in Lusaka, then travel by road into central Kafue National Park for four nights of game drives and a river safari.

Choose this program
10+ studentsConservation · River Ecology

The route connects Lusaka, Kafue, and Lusaka National Park.

  1. Lusaka2 nights
  2. Central Kafue4 nights
  3. Lusaka1 night

Your eight-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Lusaka

    The group lands in Lusaka and settles into the hotel before a welcome dinner.

    MorningLusaka Airport transfer.
    AfternoonLunch and rest at the hotel.
    EveningA welcome dinner.
    Route
    Lusaka Airport to the hotel in Lusaka.
    Travel
    Private transfer by road.
    Overnight
    Program-approved hotel in Lusaka, shared rooms.
    Meals
    Dinner included; earlier meals depend on arrival time.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; a short walk between the vehicle and the hotel.
    Learning outcome
    Students locate Kafue within Zambia before the group travels there.
    If a group arrives lateThe welcome dinner moves to a later seating.
  2. Day 2

    Conservation before safari

    The group visits the Game Rangers International Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park, observing only in the permitted public areas, before preparing for the road transfer to Kafue.

    MorningThe Game Rangers International Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park, observing only in permitted public areas.
    AfternoonLunch and a guided discussion of rescue, rehabilitation and wild habitats.
    EveningDinner and preparation for the road transfer to Kafue.
    Route
    Lusaka hotel to the Game Rangers International Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park.
    Travel
    Local transfer by road.
    Overnight
    Lusaka hotel, second night before the transfer to Kafue.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Low effort; walking on the centre's marked paths.
    Learning outcome
    Students distinguish wildlife rehabilitation from wildlife tourism.
    If a visitor session is unavailableThe group rearranges the visit for day seven. No elephant contact is offered on this program.
  3. Day 3

    Travel into central Kafue

    The group transfers by road into central Kafue National Park, with a packed lunch and comfort stops along the way.

    MorningA coach and four-wheel-drive transfer, with a packed lunch and comfort stops.
    AfternoonFinishing the park-road transfer and settling in before dark.
    EveningDinner at the lodge.
    Route
    Lusaka to central Kafue National Park by road.
    Travel
    An extended coach and four-wheel-drive transfer over rough final roads.
    Overnight
    Lodge in central Kafue National Park, shared rooms; the base for four nights.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; a long day of road travel.
    Learning outcome
    Students read the transition from city to woodland landscape along the route.
    On a delayed arrivalThe evening covers settling in only, with no afternoon safari promised.
  4. Day 4

    Miombo and river edge

    The group takes a morning game drive in the central park, then observes the riverbank from lodge-safe platforms.

    MorningA morning game drive in the central park.
    AfternoonLunch and rest, then riverbank observation from lodge-safe platforms.
    EveningDinner and guide questions.
    Route
    Central Kafue lodge into the national park and along the river.
    Travel
    Open-vehicle safari drive inside the park.
    Overnight
    Central Kafue lodge, night two of four.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; a seated safari session and limited walking.
    Learning outcome
    Students compare habitats without approaching the animals in them.
    In rainThe guide chooses a passable circuit and the group uses a covered observation point.
  5. Day 5

    Kafue from the water

    The group takes a licensed motorboat safari on the Kafue River in supervised small groups, then a shorter game drive for the alternate group.

    MorningA licensed motorboat safari on the Kafue River in supervised small groups.
    AfternoonLunch and rest, then a shorter game drive for the alternate group.
    EveningDinner.
    Route
    Central Kafue lodge onto the Kafue River, then into the national park for the alternate drive.
    Travel
    A licensed motorboat, with lifejackets required, and a separate open-vehicle drive.
    Overnight
    Central Kafue lodge, night three of four.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; seated boat and vehicle time.
    Learning outcome
    Students identify what evidence is visible from water that is not visible from the road.
    If the boat is cancelledThe group uses vehicle-based river viewpoints instead. No canoeing is required.
  6. Day 6

    A full wildlife day

    The group takes an early game drive with a packed breakfast, then a second shorter drive within the day's schedule.

    MorningAn early game drive with a packed breakfast stop at a permitted site.
    AfternoonRest, then a second shorter drive within the day's schedule.
    EveningA final wilderness dinner.
    Route
    Central Kafue lodge into the national park, on two circuits.
    Travel
    Two open-vehicle safari drives with a breakfast stop.
    Overnight
    Central Kafue lodge, night four of four.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; two seated safari sessions with a midday break.
    Learning outcome
    Students explain why repeated visits improve interpretation.
    In heat or fatigueThe afternoon drive shortens or is dropped.
  7. Day 7

    Return to Lusaka

    The group departs central Kafue after breakfast and transfers by road back to Lusaka for a closing dinner.

    MorningDirect departure after breakfast.
    AfternoonThe road transfer back to Lusaka and hotel rest.
    EveningA closing dinner.
    Route
    Central Kafue to Lusaka by road.
    Travel
    An extended coach and four-wheel-drive transfer with comfort stops.
    Overnight
    Lusaka hotel.
    Meals
    All meals included.
    Physical demand
    Moderate effort; a long day of road travel.
    Learning outcome
    Students connect wildlife protection with visitor infrastructure.
    A buffer for roadsEvery planned activity is finished before this return day, which absorbs road delays.
  8. Day 8

    Depart Lusaka

    The group has breakfast, packs and transfers to Lusaka Airport for onward travel.

    MorningBreakfast and packing.
    AfternoonLusaka Airport transfer.
    EveningOnward travel.
    Route
    Lusaka hotel to Lusaka Airport.
    Travel
    Private transfer by road, then the flight home.
    Overnight
    No program night; the group departs Lusaka.
    Meals
    Breakfast included; later meals depend on the flight.
    Physical demand
    Low effort, mostly seated.
    Learning outcome
    Students state one conservation question that needs longer research.
    For an early flightPacked food replaces the sit-down breakfast.
What applies across every itinerary
Groups and teachers
Groups start at ten students; we consider smaller groups individually. One teacher's Program Tuition is free for every eight paying students.
Price
Excludes international flights, travel insurance, medical insurance, and spending money. Your proposal confirms availability, inclusions and exclusions.
Rooming
Students share gender-separated rooms with individual beds; teachers have private rooms.
Flights and getting around
Your school books international flights or asks Rustic Pathways to arrange them; families handle passports and visas with Rustic Pathways guidance. Both routes use Lusaka, and only South Luangwa adds a domestic round trip to Mfuwe.
Supervision
Program Leaders lead scheduled activities, stay on site and are available overnight. The approved itinerary specifies any free time, and Program Leaders are present during it.
Effort
All three routes are low to moderate: low is mostly seated time on game drives, the river cruise and town days. Moderate can mean wet viewpoint paths at the Falls, a full day of safari drives, or the long road into Kafue.
Flexibility
The South Luangwa flights and the Mfuwe and Kafue lodge nights move only with those bookings, as does the Tribal Textiles workshop. Other days can be adjusted within the route.
Decision documents

How much does a school trip to Zambia cost?

A school trip to Zambia costs $4,005 to $4,965 per student for program tuition, or approximately $501 to $621 per day. Tuition covers lodging, meals, airport transfers, in-country transport, scheduled activities, guides, and entrance fees.

Schools receive one complimentary program tuition place for every eight paying students. Airfare is not included.

The price covers accommodation, meals, in-country transport, activities, guides, and entrance fees, with one complimentary Program Tuition place per eight paying students. Every program is quoted for your group rather than sold at a published departure date.

$4,005 to $4,965

per student across the sample itineraries, excluding international airfare.

8 days

program length across the two itineraries.

Group quote

every school receives its own, built on dates, group size and route.

What the price includes
IncludedWhat it covers
TravelAccommodation for every program night, all meals and drinking water, airport and domestic-flight transfers, in-country ground transport, scheduled activities, guides, and entrance fees.
Staff and supportAt least two trained Program Leaders, including both a male and a female leader, pre-departure planning, and school documentation. Enrolled families receive a 24/7 emergency number for use during programs and travel days.
Community donationsRequired by a service project, paid by Rustic Pathways and never collected from students.
ChaperonesOne complimentary Program Tuition place per eight paying students. Chaperone airfare and insurance are separate.

Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, medical insurance, personal spending, passport or visa fees, and vaccinations.

What changes the price?
EffectFactor
raisesPeak season weeks and the South Luangwa itinerary's domestic flight
raisesExtra chaperones beyond the complimentary place
lowersMore students in the group means fixed costs split more ways.
raisesShorter trips cost more per day, since fixed costs spread across fewer days.

Payment and cancellation

Installment plans are available. Review the current enrollment terms.

Families can enroll directly and use monthly installments, or the school can pay as a group.
Request Zambia pricing

What do students learn on a Zambia school trip?

Students on a Zambia school trip learn geography and Earth science, biology and wildlife conservation, and Zambian history, culture and visual arts through field-based activities.

  • Geography and Earth Science

    Students compare Zambia’s river and floodplain landscapes through direct observation.

    How do rivers and floodplains shape a landscape?

  • Biology and Wildlife Conservation

    Guided game drives teach students to observe wildlife, compare habitats and examine conservation in Zambia’s national parks.

    How do scientists use field observations to understand wildlife?

  • History, Culture and Visual Arts

    Students examine Zambian history and conservation policy alongside the communities living beside the parks.

    How do history, food and art reflect Zambian culture?

Who supervises and manages the trip to Zambia?

School chaperones and Rustic Pathways Program Leaders supervise and manage the school trip to Zambia together.

Rustic Pathways manages the itinerary, accommodation, ground transport, activities and emergency procedures; your school manages its own student conduct and communication policies.

Your school can book international flights directly or ask Rustic Pathways to arrange them. Families receive trip logistics and itinerary information through the MyRustic web app.

How safety is managed on a school trip to Zambia

Program Leaders manage local operations and safety procedures alongside school chaperones. Across 13 years of published incident data from every Rustic Pathways program worldwide, 87% of reports were GREEN, the minor tier where the group stays intact.

What the team plans for

  • Safari game drives

    Wild animals at South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks, viewed by vehicle with no walking safaris and no animal contact

  • River and boat time

    The upper Zambezi cruise and the Kafue River motorboat, with lifejackets required and licensed operators on every departure

  • Domestic flights and road transfers

    The scheduled Lusaka-to-Mfuwe flight and the extended road transfer into central Kafue National Park, on roads that turn rough near the park

  • Heat and sun

    Full days outdoors on safari drives and river time, with hydration and shade breaks built into the schedule

  • Towns and markets

    Group movement on foot in town markets and streets, and vehicle transfers between the lodge and the day's activity

Zambia is rated Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions by the U.S. Department of State.

Controls built into every trip

  • Written risk plan. A score above 5 requires new controls, reassessment or cancellation.

  • Two-Deep Leadership. A single staff member is never alone with students, and at least two trained Program Leaders, including both a male and a female leader, support each School Group Travel trip.

  • Assessed activity vendors. Safari, boat and museum activity vendors are reviewed before use, every one to two years, and on site when high risk.

  • Medical readiness. WFR coverage for remote programs and Dr. William R. Smith, dedicated Medical Director since 2015.

When is the best time to travel to Zambia?

The best time for these Zambia school trips is June through September, during the dry season. Both the South Luangwa and Kafue programs run June through September.

South Luangwa: Wildlife and the Art of Observation

June–September

The dry season provides the main safari window while avoiding the hottest late-season weeks.

Kafue River and Conservation

June–September

Dry-season road conditions provide access to central Kafue National Park.

An elephant crossing a flooded grass plain at golden hour, with woodland on the far bank.
The dry season draws wildlife to the remaining water, which is what makes June to September the safari window.

Is Rustic Pathways the right partner for your school trip to Zambia?

Take a private Rustic Pathways school trip to Zambia on dates your school chooses. Rustic Pathways builds the trip around your curriculum.

Students travel only with their teachers and classmates and never join another school's group. Individual students can join fixed-departure Zambia programs instead.

A strong fit
  • One private group, your dates, your teachers
  • 8 days of travel
  • 10 or more students
  • You want the day-by-day itinerary before you commit
Talk with us first
  • A student with mobility, medical, mental-health, dietary or religious accommodation needs. Raise these before booking so the route and support plan can be adapted.
  • Fewer than 10 students
  • Both routes carry multiple game drives and long seated vehicle days, and Kafue adds an extended road transfer each way
  • Malaria prophylaxis. Both routes enter malaria areas, so discuss this with your school's medical reviewer before booking.
  • Travel outside June to September, which is the window both routes run in
Probably not a fit
  • Individual students or parents seeking open-enrollment programs, or schools wanting to travel combined with other schools
  • A confirmed departure date needed before a proposal and planning cycle

Questions about school trips to Zambia

The questions schools ask most before requesting a Zambia proposal, answered from the itineraries and prices shown here.

How much does a school trip to Zambia cost?

A Rustic Pathways school trip to Zambia costs $4,005–$4,965 per student in 2026 for an 8-day itinerary, excluding international airfare.

Final pricing varies by season, trip length, and group size; groups start at 10 students, with one free teacher place for every eight paying students.

When is the best time to travel to Zambia?

The best time for these Zambia school trips is June through September, during the dry season.

Both the South Luangwa and Kafue programs run June through September.

Patrick Ziemnik, Leader of Global Operations at Rustic Pathways.
Patrick Ziemnik has been with Rustic Pathways since 2012 and leads global operations. He directed teen travel programs as Country Director in Mongolia, Tanzania and Costa Rica.

Have a question before you ask for a proposal?

Patrick Ziemnik answers Zambia school-trip questions with the school travel team.

Send your group size, dates, trip length, and what you want students to learn. I’ll reply within 1 business day and send you options within 48 hours, and no sales call unless you ask for one.

Start with your travel window

Start your Zambia trip proposal with your travel dates, group size, and learning goals. Receive a reply within 1 business day and customized trip options within 48 hours.

Or reach a person directly: +1 440-975-9691 or groups@rusticpathways.com

Need approval or funding first?

Certificate of insurance, risk management plans, and fundraising templates for families, on request.

Step 1 of 2 · Your contact details

We reply within 1 business day and send options within 48 hours.

Submitting this form starts a conversation with the Rustic Pathways school travel team. Read the Rustic Pathways privacy policy.

A stone garden path between palm trees leading toward a hotel building under a blue sky.A high-rise under construction in Lusaka, a crane on its roof against an open sky.