Zambia Safaris
Home of the walking safari, Zambia’s National Parks are among the finest places to get out amongst big game on foot.
About Zambia
Zambia’s wildlife-rich areas are dominated by three wonderfully wild rivers: the Luangwa, the Kafue, and the mighty Zambezi.
The Luangwa Valley is the place where walking safaris were born and Zambia’s premier wildlife destination. Dominated by the dynamic and crazily meandering Luangwa River, leopards are particularly abundant here and other star attractions include lion, wild dog, Thornicroft’s giraffe and thousands and thousands of hippo. Small camps set deep in the wilds, first-class guiding and pristine landscapes combine to provide a distinctly authentic safari experience.
The Lower Zambezi is an uncommonly beautiful wilderness bordered to the north by a dramatic escarpment and to the south by the mile-wide Zambezi River, stretching across to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. Big game abounds and part of the attraction is being able to get out on the river, by boat or canoe, which offers an entirely different perspective than being on foot or in a jeep.
While Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi are classic low-veld parks which will feel familiar to anyone who’s been on safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe or even the Kruger, Zambia’s lesser known parks have a very different flavour. What’s more, they’re as overlooked as they are rewarding.
The gargantuan Kafue National Park contains more antelope species than anywhere else in the world and is the best place in the region to see cheetah. The Liuwa Plains in the far west of the country hosts Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration with thousands of gnu marching over from Angola at the first sign of the breaking rains. And Kasanka goes one further, boasting the planet’s largest mammal migration with an estimated 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats descending on a tiny patch of woodland at Christmas.
All of Zambia’s National Parks can combine easily with a trip to the world famous Victoria Falls.
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- Authentic safari experience
- Spectacular wildlife
- The birthplace of walking safaris
- Palpable sense of freedom to explore
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Best Time To Visit Zambia
Extraordinary walking safari experiences from June to October
The dry season runs from late April to early November getting progressively hotter as the months pass.
The best months for walking safaris are June to October when the vegetation has died back enough and the roads dried out enough to make access to the more remote areas possible and the walking safe. June and July are lovely months to walk as it is cool and fresh.
From mid September to the end of October it can get very hot, although it’s generally a dry heat. The upside to this is that the animals are congregated around the few remaining water sources making the game-viewing spectacular.
If you’re keen to catch the wildebeest migration on the Liuwa Plains, plan to visit from early November when the animals arrive from Angola in search of pastures new. The Bangweulu Swamps are at their best from April to July and the mega bat migration in Kasanka peaks over the Christmas holidays.
Wildlife spectacles and natural phenomena take centre stage
The rainy season is in full swing by December, thickening the bushes and making the vegetation denser.
It is possible to visit Zambia deep in the rains and undertake a proper expeditionary safari, but is a very different proposition to a classic dry season visit. For safari experiences in the low season, we’d suggest waiting until January and February to plan your trip when herbivores give birth and a huge range of birds migrate to Zambia’s pools and lagoons.
Victoria Falls can be visited anytime of year. However, the heavy rains from February to May intensifies the flow of water, meaning you’ll see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume – without the crowds that flock during the high season.
Best Time To Visit Zambia
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They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Popular Safaris in Zambia
- Visit the home of walking safaris
- Ideal landscape, great game and specialist guiding
- An intense safari experience up close to big game
ZAMBIA’S PARKS & AREAS
Zambia’s National Parks boast excellent wildlife, pristine wilderness, superb owner-run camps and a palpable sense of freedom to explore.
Kafue National Park
Zambia’s oldest national park, Kafue offers a huge range of safari types that can be combined to produce a one-of-a-kind experience for your safari holiday.
- Balloon safari across the Busanga Plains
- Vast, wildlife and remote park
- Good numbers of elephants
- Great for walking
Livingstone, Victoria Falls
The ideal base for visiting Victoria Falls, Livingstone is a small town which has it all, from great views of the falls, to relaxing on the Zambezi and indulging in the many adrenaline-fuelled activities available.
- Swim to the edge in Devil's Pool
- See the mighty falls
- Boating on the Upper Zambezi
- Stay at the beautiful Tongabezi
South Luangwa National Park
Zambia’s best known wildlife area, South Luangwa National Park is famed for its walking safaris and the stunning natural landscapes.
- Strike out on a walking safari
- Take your camp with you on an authentic mobile safari
- Colourful carmine bee eaters
- Great for leopard
North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa offers some of the finest walking safaris in Africa, a true wilderness with plenty to see, best explored on foot.
- Strike out on foot
- More rhinos than visitors
- Authentic and traditional bush camps
- Remote wilderness
Lower Zambezi National Park
Enjoy the relaxed pace of a Lower Zambezi safari, the secret jewel of Zambia which has been making waves far beyond its borders.
- Big numbers of elephants
- Life on the river: boating, fishing & canoeing
- The leopards of Lower Zambezi
- Great choice of beautiful camps & lodges
Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
The camp is well suited for people who enjoy the bush without the fanfare. Its simplicity is what makes it, along with the great all round wildlife experience.
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The Mupamadzi Mobiles are unusually expeditionary in their nature and all the better for it. A truly old-school foot-safari deep in the wilderness where the game is properly wild, and you won’t see another soul.
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Mwamba Bushcamp is one of the last really authentic bush camps in the Luangwa. Rebuilt annually from grass and pole, the simple rooms with ingenious "sky roofs" for stargazing and en-suite facilities have everything you need but not too much of the superfluous.
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The location of the Tongabezi is awe inspiring on the banks of the Zambezi with stunning views of the river from all of the rooms except the garden room.
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“While it is possible to do drives here, the road network is sparse compared to Mfuwe, and this is principally a walking camp or for those that just want to "be" in the bush. Morning and afternoon walks around the local area will show you things that will constantly surprise, even if you are an old safari hand.
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Overlooking the Luangwa River deep within the South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo’s relaxed, personal and friendly atmosphere offers its guests fantastic game-viewing.
Learn MoreZAMBIA (FAQs) Need to Know
What is the best safari park in Zambia?
The Luangwa Valley and Lower Zambezi are Zambia’s most famous parks for classic big game viewing, but less visited areas such as Kafue, the Liuwa Plains, Kasanka and the Bangweulu Swamps are equally rewarding.
Head to Liuwa for Africa’s lesser-known wildebeest migration, or to the Kafue which has more types of antelope than anywhere else in the world.
As most Zambian safari experiences include the chance to walk, you’ll feel closer to the game than if you were in a jeep, providing a deeper immersion in to the wilderness.
Is Zambia a good family safari destination?
Zambia is an ideal safari destination for families. Its super-friendly guides unfailingly put kids at ease while keeping them safe and engaged. Walking and canoeing are active options open to teenagers and older.
Take one of the safari-houses for the ultimate luxury of a truly private safari and spend a few days post wildlife-watching at the Victoria Falls with its multiple attractions for thrill seekers of all ages.
What are the lodges like in Zambia?
Zambia has long been the home to many excellent safari camps and lodges. The best are the embodiment of responsible safari operation, designed to fit in with the environment.
Zambian safari camps are typically pretty small, accommodating up to dozen guests at a time. Some are tented, very few are particularly solid and most are built from a melange of local materials, grass, pole and thatch.
The ‘Bushcamp’ is a quintessentially Zambian offering, generally being smaller than a camp accommodating up to eight guests at a time and being re-built seasonally at the start of every dry season and deconstructed at the breaking of the first rains. Getting out for a night or two in a properly stripped-down fly-camp is a profound experience and definitely worth considering weaving into your journey.
For families there is the choice between the network of private safari houses or a collection of family-friendly camps, normally with a swimming pool and staff members more than happy to entertain and keep everyone happy and safe.
What wildlife can I expect to see on a luxury safari in Zambia?
Zambia’s national parks are teeming with diverse wildlife:
- Big Five: Including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes.
- Unique Species: Such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra, endemic to the region.
- Birdlife: Over 400 species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.
The country’s varied ecosystems support a rich array of animals, ensuring memorable wildlife encounters.
What activities can I do on a luxury safari in Zambia?
Luxury safaris in Zambia offer a variety of activities:
- Walking Safaris: Experience the bush on foot, guided by expert trackers.
- Game Drives: Morning and night drives to spot diverse wildlife.
- Canoeing and Boating: Explore the Zambezi River’s channels and observe wildlife from the water.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities to understand their traditions and lifestyles.
These activities provide a deep connection to Zambia’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
How do I prepare for a luxury safari in Zambia?
Preparation is key to maximizing the enjoyment of your safari:
- Health Precautions: Consult with a healthcare provider regarding vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Packing Essentials: Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent.
- Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and check visa requirements.
Proper preparation ensures a comfortable and enriching safari experience.
What is the cost of a luxury safari in Zambia?
The cost of a luxury safari in Zambia varies based on factors such as duration, accommodation, and activities. Typically, prices range from £3,000 to £10,000 per person for a 7 to 10-day safari. This investment covers accommodations, meals, guided activities, and internal transfers. Additional costs may include international flights, travel insurance, and gratuities.
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.