sanctuaries don't have fences," Natalie tells us. "The animals are free to roam, which makes them even more accessible to us, sometimes when we least expect it."

With our native guides as interpreters, we also pay visits to village schools and colorful markets for a behind-the-scenes look at Zambian culture. Our luxury accommodations provide a welcome respite in between walks and reflect the best the region has to offer, including five-star lodges and tent encampments like Chiawa Camp on the banks of the Lower Zambezi (voted one of Africa's Top 10 Safari Camps by Conde Nast Traveler).

Our Zambia Family Journey takes parents, kids and even grandparents to new heights. The Zambezi River (home of the thundering Victoria Falls) has cut a deep gorge into the earth nearby that's now a mecca for adventurers. On the aptly named Flying Fox, guests run at full tilt to launch themselves on a zip-line ride out over the river and across the gorge.

Abseiling is another option—rappelling in leaps and bounds down the rugged cliffside. We leave it to the bravest to try the “swing,” a bungee-like drop that has hangers-on swaying from one side of the gorge to the other. All in all, it's an action-packed day where the adrenalin never stops flowing.

Our Zambia Cultural Walking Adventure departs in April, June, July, October and December, with Family Journey departures geared toward school breaks in April, July, November and December.

Tour price is from $6995 per person, double occupancy, land-only, with internal air fare of approximately $930 per person extra. On our Zambia Family Journey, we offer significant discounts for children staying in the same room with two full-paying adults.

Our goal at Classic Journeys has always been to provide our guests with a better, deeper, richer travel experience than they could have traveling on their own. In Zambia—with the help of one spectacular waterfall, incomparable wildlife viewing, and an overall cultural experience that is second to none, I'm confident we've succeeded!

The author is president and co-founder of Classic Journeys. For more information about Zambia trips, including detailed daily itineraries, departure dates and pricing, click on www.ClassicJourneys.com/zambia or call 800-200-3887.