Born here. Built for you.
A registered US travel agency specialising in safari vacations to Zambia, based in Tennessee and often in the Zambian bush.
A few kilometres from Victoria Falls.
Mukiti grew up just a few kilometres from Victoria Falls and knows Zambia, the Real Africa, from the inside out. A qualified CPA, she carries extensive knowledge of the country's wildlife, attractions and people, bridging the rigour of US business with a lifetime of knowing this land.
She now lives in Tennessee with her husband, Dr. Chris, a physician, and their children, and is often back in the Zambian bush. Together they founded Real Zambia Safari Co, a registered US travel agency, to share the country Mukiti calls home with travellers who want something more personal.
Mukiti
Mukiti grew up just a few kilometres from Victoria Falls and knows Zambia, the Real Africa, from the inside out. A qualified CPA, she bridges two worlds: the rigour of US business and an insider's knowledge of the country's wildlife, attractions and people. She now lives in Tennessee with her husband and children, and is often back in the Zambian bush.
Dr. Chris
Mukiti's husband, Dr. Chris, is a physician who shares her love of Zambia and travels these routes alongside the family. Together they founded Real Zambia Safari Co to share the country Mukiti calls home with travellers who want something more personal.
The confidence of home, the adventure of the wild.
US-registered LLC: book and pay in US dollars with confidence
Zambian-born guides who know the land first-hand
Medical expertise on the team for peace of mind
Decades of family trips, children included
Faith-rooted, personal and never corporate
Choose how much we travel together
Consultancy
You want to travel under your own steam, but with the confidence of Zambian-born experts behind you. We share routes, lodge recommendations, timing and on-the-ground know-how, then leave the adventure to you.
- Tailored route & timing advice
- Honest lodge & camp recommendations
- Practical safety & logistics briefing
- A Zambian on call while you travel
Travel Agent
We handle everything: flights, transfers, lodges, parks and permits, all paid in US dollars to a US-registered company. You get a seamless itinerary built around your interests, with one trusted point of contact throughout.
- Full itinerary design & booking
- Pay in US dollars to a US-registered LLC
- All transfers, lodges & park fees handled
- Single point of contact end to end
Fully Guided
Our most personal tier. A member of our family-led team travels with you the whole way, a Zambian-born guide who knows the bush, the people and the back roads. Intimate, unhurried, and deeply local.
- Accompanied by a Zambian-born guide
- Insider access to people & places
- Medical expertise on hand
- Decades of family travel experience
Frequently asked questions
Why should I go on safari to Zambia versus South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya?
Zambia is home to all of the Big Five wild game (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), it is the birthplace of the walking safari, and it is home to Victoria Falls. I cannot imagine taking a trip all the way to Africa without spending time in Livingstone, at the Victoria Falls — one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Relative to some other safari destinations, Zambia is less heavily travelled, offering intimate interactions with the warm local people and with wild animals!
Other African countries offer their own unique attributes — we too have travelled from Cairo to Cape Town and many wonderful places in between — but you cannot beat Zambia for remote photo safaris, unforgettable cultural encounters, sunset river views (the mighty Zambezi!) and the feel of the Smoke that Thunders (Mosi-oa-Tunya)!
Is Zambia safe?
Zambia rarely makes the international news, as it is an incredibly peaceful African nation, existing more than 50 years without any serious tribal conflict or political violence. It is a democratic country (not run by a strongman) and it is a Christian nation (though tolerant of people of all religions). While of course there is petty theft, other more serious crimes are rare.
The Zambian people are incredibly friendly and eager to help. English is the official language taught in schools, and all signage in the country is in English, making it easy to navigate. Just don't forget to drive on the left side of the road (and look both ways before you cross)!
Why should I book my vacation through Real Zambia Safari Co?
Taking a trip to Africa is the opportunity of a lifetime, and it is our mission to ensure that such an expensive and distant excursion is as frictionless and enjoyable as possible. Travel in Africa can be daunting and I could tell you some stories (like getting off an airplane in the wrong country)! Mukiti and I have been travelling between the US and Zambia for more than 20 years (with kids for the past 10), and we have learned from our mistakes, met so many amazing people in the tourism sector, and discovered so many unique places and experiences that we would love to share.
Let us help you plan the trip of your dreams to Zambia, a country that we love so much and cannot wait to share with our guests! I remember my first time traveling to Zambia at age 21, and the apprehension that went into planning such a trip into the unknown. We guarantee that booking with us will lead to a smoother travel experience and more opportunities to experience the real Zambia! Furthermore, Real Zambia Safari Co handles bookings and payments in Zambia (see below).
How does Real Zambia Safari Co handle payments?
We are a registered LLC in the state of Tennessee, with auditable financial records and US banking services. Once a general itinerary is agreed upon, we provide an estimated cost to cover accommodation, major activities, and flights and transport between airports and cities. A down payment can then be made in US dollars to the Real Zambia Safari Co business account, with subsequent payments due closer to travel time.
We do not book flights between the US and Zambia, but are happy to provide guidance on airline options (we've flown them all and have our favorites!). You will still need to travel with cash to cover some meals, activities (like white-water rafting under the Falls), souvenirs, snacks, and so on.
Can I afford a safari to Zambia on my budget?
Yes! Real Zambia Safari Co can provide vacation packages at many price points. It is possible to experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure in Zambia for less money than a trip to Disney World (and get to visit a real animal kingdom!).
For the budget traveller, we can help you book short-term rental properties, facilitate vehicle rentals, and find the most affordable safari packages. For those looking for a high-end experience, imagine luxurious chalets with incredible water views, safe flights between major destinations, a safari guide as personal escort, and a private chef. Please do not let cost concerns stop you from getting in touch!
What do I need to know about staying healthy on my trip?
With some basic preparation you can expect to stay healthy during your stay (the exception being a strong possibility of some traveler's diarrhea). I am an Internist and a Pediatrician and hold certification in tropical medicine. I am very qualified to offer general medical guidance, though I am unable to enter into a doctor-patient relationship and unable to provide any prescriptions (e.g., for malaria prophylaxis). You will need to meet with your physician prior to travel to review vaccines and obtain malaria prophylaxis.
Zambia does not require Yellow Fever vaccination. Real Zambia Safari Co. requires you to purchase travel insurance which includes evacuation insurance in case of serious emergency. Zambia has many modern hospital facilities that can handle most medical conditions (and we are happy to guide you to the appropriate level of care as needed).
The Zambian infrastructure is not very suitable for persons with some disabilities, and certain activities (such as the walking safari) carry inherent risks that may make them unsuitable for some guests. Lastly, as I have learned the hard way, it is always important to take deworming medication upon travel out of Zambia (and this can be purchased from reputable pharmacies in Lusaka prior to departure).
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