From the country’s water wonderland of the Lower Zambezi to the remote richness of North Luangwa, there’s so much to unveil in Zambia, one of the continent’s secret safari treasures. The diverse landscapes offer a host of activities, but the highlight is undoubtedly a walking safari: there’s no better place to explore the bush on foot.
HIGHLIGHTS IN ZAMBIA
Our ‘not to be missed’ recommendations for your holiday
WALKING SAFARIS
If you’re looking to try a walking safari, South Luangwa is certainly the place to do it – they are some of the finest on the continent and led by truly expert guides, who are ready to reveal the secrets of the bush.
Concentrations of wildlife are spectacular, and game drives and night drives will reveal lion, elephant, buffalo, wild dog, puku and impala, alongside high numbers of leopard, earning the park the nickname ‘Valley of the Leopards.’
South Luangwa in Zambia certainly is the place to go on a walking safari.
SOUTH LUANGWA
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is adored by safari enthusiasts and first timers, honeymooners and families. Accommodation in the park tends to be in small, rustic bush camps, sleeping a maximum of 8 or 10 people, but there are some larger, more modern lodges around.
It’s unusual to see many, if any, other vehicles in South Luangwa, making it one of the continent’s last true wilderness areas and an extremely rewarding safari destination.
South Luangwa, also nicknamed the ‘Valley of the Leopards’.
LIVINGSTONE, VIC FALLS
Known as the gateway to the Zambian side of the magnificent Victoria Falls, and named after the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, this mid-sized town still possesses a distinctly colonial feel with lovely architecture and character.
A stay in Livingstone enables you to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Falls easily, as it’s simply a quick day trip across the border. A highlight of the Zambian side, however, is the walk along the Fall’s precipice to the Devil’s Pool in dry season. After a short swim across the river, you’ll reach the pool where you can sit comfortably (albeit fearlessly!) and enjoy the views.
The main appeal here is the Falls, the Zambezi river, and the host of adrenalin-pumping activities that have earned it the title of the continent’s ‘Adventure Capital’.
More things to do and see
GAME VIEWING & ACTIVITIES
Expect to see plentiful buffalo, lion, leopard and antelope, but surprisingly no giraffe – there’s no record of them ever having lived here. Game viewing here is varied and adventurous and includes boat safaris, kayaking and canoe trips, alongside traditional day and night drives and walking safaris.
VISIT LUSAKA
Zambia’s bustling capital, Lusaka is a commercial city and a hub of politics and learning. With the country’s only international airport located here, it’s the start and end point to almost all safaris. Most domestic flights to the safari parks also connect through the terminals, so you may become well acquainted with the airport by the end of your trip!
We wouldn’t recommend Lusaka as a top priority for any itinerary, but if you end up staying a night or two on a stopover, there are some pretty hotels and lively restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied.
EXPLORE THE LOWER ZAMBEZI
Part of the larger Zambezi Valley that straddles both sides of the mighty Zambezi river, the Lower Zambezi National Park is a contender for the most scenic destination on the continent. Visitors are wowed by the lush vegetation and mountainous backdrops, but the real highlight is watching herds of elephant paddle their way from Zimbabwe to Zambia (and back again), stopping at the palm-fringed islands in the middle of the river.
BEYOND THE FALLS
Whilst many people only dip a toe into this huge country with a visit to Victoria Falls, you won’t be disappointed if you venture beyond the waterfall… Today’s Zambia is an authentic safari destination, guaranteed to deliver outstanding safari experiences.
Within Zambia, it’s worth considering visits to Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks, or lesser-known but uniquely rewarding parks such as Kafue, Bangweulu or Liuwa Plain – in return you’ll share them with few others, and have tremendous wildlife viewing. Zambia also combines well with Botswana and Zimbabwe for a multi-country itinerary.
WHERE TO GO IN ZAMBIA
A selection of unforgettable places to visit
Livingstone
The gateway to the spectacular Victoria Falls and mighty Zambezi river.
Kafue
One of the largest parks in Africa: peaceful, rich wildlife and an easy drive from Lusaka.
Liuwa Plains
This vast and remote national park is situated in western Zambia and is one of Africa's last untouched wilderness areas.
South Luangwa
Discover the bush on foot in the park that’s the home of the walking safari, and adored by safari enthusiasts and first timers, honeymooners and families.
Lower Zambezi
Situated on the Zambezi River, a variety of water-based activities await in one of the continent’s most scenic national parks.
Lusaka
The home of the international airport, Zambia’s capital city is where most safaris begin and end.
Where to stay in Zambia
Some of our preferred safari camps and lodges
open gallery
Tongabezi Lodge
Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Zambia
open gallery
Thorntree River Lodge
Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Zambia
open gallery
Chongwe River Camp
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
open gallery
Lion Camp
South Luangwa, Zambia
open gallery
Mchenja
South Luangwa, Zambia
open gallery
King Lewanika
Liuwa Plains, Zambia
Enjoy the views over the Zambezi right from your own room
Stunning views over the Zambezi river from the lodge's pool
Guest bedroom
Lounge area
Tongabezi Lodge
Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Zambia
A unique lodge in an unrivalled position on a wide bend of the Zambezi river, Tongabezi is peaceful, relaxing and one of Livingstone’s most exclusive retreats. Located just upstream from the Falls themselves and Livingstone town, you’re far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a tranquil stay, but within easy reach of all the activities on offer. Privately owned and operated, you’ll experience personalised service and the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.
Accommodation at Tonga is in a selection of houses and cottages that are beautifully styled, and each has its own private terrace overlooking the river. The larger houses are perfect for families, whilst the smaller, romantic cottages are ideal for couples.
View from the guest bedroom
Enjoy a dinner on the deck overlooking the Zambezi river
Enjoy and relax at the pool
The lodge's main area
Enjoy a drink at the bar
Thorntree River Lodge
Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Zambia
Set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls, this lodge is located on the falls side and is built with an environmentally-conscious design. Drawing inspiration from local customs and cultures, it creates a modern contemporary design with tented roof structures to maintain the authentic Africa feel.
Thorntree River Lodge consists of 8 twin rooms and 2 family units comprising of four beds each. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor bathroom as well as a private plunge pool. The main lodge consists of a lounge with open dining area; this is where the fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a sunken boma area and infinity pool. Activities include visits to the falls, rhino trekking on foot and game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, cultural village visits, sunset river cruises, fishing and visits to the Livingstone Museum.
Located right on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers
The Mulati style tents under thatch are all comfortable, spacious and stylish
Activities include walking safaris, canoeing and boat trips
Enjoy the comfortable lounge area
Chongwe River Camp
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Located right on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers, and shaded by tall winterthorn trees, Chongwe River Camp occupies an enviable spot on the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Despite being outside the park itself (which is unfenced), the area is a game viewing hotspot and in fact, you often don’t need to leave the camp, with processions of elephant between the tents a common sighting.
Accommodation is in nine, Mulati style tents under thatch, and all are comfortable, spacious and stylish. The bathrooms, however, are the star of the show, with vast, open-air showers to enjoy in the morning or evening. As for activities, day and night drives are possible, as are walking safaris, canoeing and boat trips, and you can even try your hand at netting a monster tiger fish on a catch-and- release fishing excursion – definitely a highlight of any safari.
Lion Camp
South Luangwa, Zambia
Situated in the northern region of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, a truly authentic safari experience awaits you in one of the most exclusive, remote and abundant game-viewing areas of Africa. During the dry season (May to October), game viewing here is impressive with common sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog, large herds of elephant and buffalo and much more.
This is an intimately private lodge, offering ten individual thatch and canvas suites with unobtrusive views. It offers eight luxury suites and two deluxe suites. Lion Camp is built on the water’s edge amongst woodlands and some large sausage and mahogany trees. Raised walkways link the main lodge to the individual suites.
The lodge is unfenced and allows wildlife to move freely through the area. The main lodge is a large, spacious and airy thatched space with private nooks, seating areas and a pool. The openness of the lodge offers uninterrupted views of the plains with the continual presence of wildlife. Lion Camp is a photographer’s dream if you are interested in birds, wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
Mchenja
South Luangwa, Zambia
Set beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River, Mchenja is a cosy tented camp overlooking a huge sweeping bend in the river. The camp consists of 5 tents that have wonderful river views. Guest staying at Mchenja can choose whether they want to view their wildlife on foot or, from an open game vehicle. This is a seasonal camp that is open from mid-May until beginning of November.
King Lewanika
Liuwa Plains, Zambia
- The only permanent camp in Zambia’s Liuwa Plain National Park and named after King Lewanika of the Lozi people. He proclaimed Liuwa Plain a protected area in the early 1880s, making it one of Africa’s earliest national parks.
This family-friendly camp has six open-front luxury safari tents that are the essence of pure and simple luxury. They are designed to completely immerse you in the vast landscape, with each tent offering an indoor and outdoor shower, a comfortable lounge and veranda, all with stunning views over the plains.
Take a deep breath in as you look out over the curving horizon from the serene main lounge. Warm yourself by the campfire under an endless dome of stars while listening to the legend of Lady Liuwa, matriarch of the local lion pride.
With every season offering a different backdrop for capturing the robust wildlife, the Liuwa Plain is a photographer’s dream. Join the camp’s experienced guides on an intimate safari excursion to admire some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife – including a growing cheetah population – on foot, in a vehicle or by canoe (in season).