See Another Africa - Zambia #1:

Zambia Your Way

Facts:

• Departing from: Lusaka or Livingstone, Zambia
• Transport: fly-in is the most popular and easiest to arrange; private 4 x 4 vehicle with driver/guide or self-drive are other options.
• Accommodations: hotels, lodges and their satellite "bush camps"; luxury seasonal camps, private camping.
• Adventure meter: low to high
• Suitable for: you can rough it (in a manner of speaking) or be pampered. Zambia offers adventure with no loss of comfort.
• When to go: June through November is the traditional season for many of Zambia's parks. Some lodges and camps do remain open all year, closing briefly in April/May to prepare for the coming season, but accessibility can be an issue depending upon the amount of rain received. Norman Carr Safaris offers accommodation at its mother lodge and one satellite camp and river safaris in Luangwa NP during the "Emerald" season of December through March. For sights outside of the signature parks, when you go depends on where you go. Each off-the-beaten path destination has its best time, which is why advice is a good idea.

Summary:

You can easily spend a week (or more!) in each of Zambia's signature parks; if you want to do two out of the three, consider five days South Luangwa, three/four days Lower Zambezi or Kafue and two nights in Livingstone to see Victoria Falls. Additional stops of Kasanka National Park, Bangweulu Wetlands, and Shiwa Ng'andu work well together as a group and require more time. Three nights at each is about the minimum amount of time you should allot for them. Bangweulu and Kasanka are better during the green season. Liuwa Plains National Park is accessible by charter flight after which you can fly to Luangwa, Lower Zambezi or Kafue. For a canoe safari, choose Lower Zambezi NP. For walking, choose Luangwa NP. There are many options. You are spoiled for choice in Zambia. It is best to contact me so we can work together on customizing Zambia Your Way.

Price: begins at $600 USD per person sharing per day for a fly-in safari to South Luangwa National Park.