Zambia, a landlocked gem, offers an extraordinary safari experience with remote wildlife areas and the stunning Victoria Falls. Known for its pristine and unspoiled havens, Zambia's low population contributes to the untouched beauty. The climate is generally pleasant, though river valleys tend to be hotter and more humid..
Get to know Zambia
Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia stands as a hidden treasure, a land brimming with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking natural wonders. This vibrant country boasts remote and untouched areas that invite exploration, offering a genuine immersion into the essence of the wild.
Expansive National Parks, stretching as far as the eye can see, make Zambia a testament to untouched wilderness. The absence of fences creates an authentic encounter with nature, where the concept of ‘wilderness’ takes on its purest form.
The geographical tapestry of Zambia is intricately woven by the mighty Kafue, Luangwa, and Zambezi Rivers. These waterways serve as lifelines, creating havens for a diverse array of wildlife, ranging from majestic big game to a variety of bird species and exotic fish. Embarking on a journey to Zambia unveils an opportunity to partake in traditional African safari experiences, infused with a personal, rustic charm and a generous dose of adventure.
Zambia’s landscape is a canvas painted with contrasts – from dense forests to expansive grass plains, turbulent rivers, and awe-inspiring waterfalls, including the world-renowned Victoria Falls, a member of the illustrious Seven Wonders of the World.
South Luangwa is known for its rich diversity of rare and endemic species, including Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra. The park is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, and especially leopards, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. The opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat adds to the allure of this extraordinary destination.
In addition to its natural marvels, Zambia hosts two extraordinary annual events that add a unique touch to its wildlife spectacle.
Witness the largest mammal migration on the planet, as 10 million fruit bats descend upon Kasanka National Park, creating a breathtaking natural phenomenon. Moreover, the second-largest wildebeest migration unfolds in the vast Liuwa Plain, further enhancing Zambia’s reputation as a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Quick Facts
Visa Requirements: Zambia typically requires visas for entry, but many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival.
Safari Destination: Zambia offers unique and authentic safari experiences. National parks like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi provide opportunities for up-close encounters with diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Adventure Activities: For adrenaline junkies, Zambia is a haven. Enjoy activities like bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge or white-water rafting in the Zambezi River for an exhilarating experience.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Greetings are important in Zambian culture, and it’s customary to greet people with a friendly “hello” or “good morning.”
Time Zone: Zambia operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT+2. Be aware of the time difference when planning activities and travel arrangements.
Where to go
KAFUE NATIONAL PARK
Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest wildlife reserve and one of the biggest in Africa. It covers more than 22000km² (8494 square miles), and the terrain varies significantly from north to south.
The park’s top third is separated by the M9 highway, and rivers, large and small, define this northern section. Seasonal floodplains and far-reaching, wildlife-rich wetlands dominate northern Kafue, and as the Kafue River flows south, the surrounding area becomes increasingly drier.
Large sections of Kalahari wood and grassland make southern Kafue a perfect home to ever-growing populations of plains game and the park’s largest concentrations of elephants.
VICTORIA FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Arguably Africa’s most famous attraction, the 1.7km/1mi wide Victoria Falls, lives up to its hype, especially when viewed in full flow. At its peak between February and May, more than 550 million liters of water (enough to fill 220 Olympic-size swimming pools) spills into the Batoka Gorge every minute.
You can view the falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe, but Zambia tends to be quieter and more intimate. The flow may not reach the Zambian side from August to December, but day trips into Zimbabwe can be easily arranged
LIUWA PLAINS NATIONAL PARK
One of Zambia’s most remote national parks, Liuwa Plain, lies west of the upper Zambezi River, close to the border with Angola. It’s made up of vast grasslands with a smattering of pans, dotted here and there with palms and clumps of Kalahari woodland.
As with much of northern Zambia, large areas of the park are flooded during the rainy season (December to April), and even in the drier winter months, it’s difficult to reach and explore.
Those who can find a way there often feel like they have the entire park to themselves. With its abundant wildlife, panoramic views, and genuinely low visitor numbers, Liuwa Plain exudes tranquility and a sense of total, magical isolation.
KASANKA NATIONAL PARK
Kasanka National Park is Zambia’s only privately managed park, run by the Kasanka Trust charity in partnership with the local community. At slightly less than 400km2 (154 square miles), it’s also one of Zambia’s smallest, lying just south of the Bangweulu Wetlands near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
With its wonderful papyrus marshes, swamp forests, and miombo woodland, it’s one of Zambia’s most beautiful reserves. The many crisscrossing rivers and seasonal swampy pools support an incredible number and variety of birds. Kasanka is best known for its annual bat migration, which takes place in late November and early December each year
NORTH AND SOUTH LUANGWA
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination, featuring outstanding lodges and tented camps. Mfuwe Bridge, just outside the park, offers budget-friendly accommodations, though it can be busier and somewhat touristy.
Renowned for their walking safaris, both North and South Luangwa invite adventurers to explore Africa’s best game-viewing territories .
Whether navigating the Luangwa River or embarking on a walking safari, visitors are treated to an intimate connection with wildlife and landscapes.
LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
Ranked among Zambia’s top wildlife destinations, the Lower Zambezi National Park stands alongside South Luangwa and Kafue in its premier status. The park, bordered by the Zambezi River on three sides, offers optimal wildlife viewing experiences, particularly along the riverbanks.
Key Highlights of Lower Zambezi National Park include:
Abundant populations of buffalo and elephants gather along the Zambezi River during the dry winter months, making for spectacular wildlife encounters. Lions, leopards, and hyenas are frequently spotted, along with sizable numbers of hippos and crocodiles.
For the adventurous at heart, exploring the river itself is a captivating option, with most lodges offering short canoe and/or boat excursions. For an even more immersive experience, multi-day canoe safaris are available, ranking among Africa’s most extraordinary adventures.
Suggested Zambia Safaris
10 Nights - Zambezi Grande
