When asked about the best African safari destinations, Zambia consistently ranks in my top three choices. This landlocked country, nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, offers an extraordinary safari experience that combines untouched wilderness with remarkable wildlife concentrations. Whether you're seeking affordable safari packages or exclusive luxury lodges, Zambia caters to every traveller's preferences.

Leopard yawning — The South Luangwa National Park is famous for it’s leopards

Why Choose a Zambian Safari Adventure?

For those yearning to discover pristine African wilderness and encounter abundant wildlife away from tourist crowds, Zambia presents an ideal safari destination. The country's extensive network of National Parks receives significantly fewer visitors than mainstream safari locations, making it perfect for both first-time safari enthusiasts and seasoned African travellers seeking authentic experiences.

Walking Safaris: Zambia's Signature Safari Experience

One of Zambia's most distinguished offerings is its walking safaris, pioneered by Norman Carr in the South Luangwa Valley during the late 1950s. Today, prestigious operators like Robin Pope Safaris and Remote Africa Safaris continue this legacy, offering some of Africa's finest foot-based wildlife experiences. Walking safaris range from gentle morning strolls to multi-day adventures between remote bushcamps, all led by highly qualified guides who undergo some of Africa's most rigorous training programmes.

The experience offers an intimate perspective of the African bush that's impossible to achieve from a vehicle. While walking, guests learn to interpret tracks, droppings, and bird calls, often encountering large mammals on foot under the careful guidance of armed scouts. The prime walking season runs from June to October when the weather is dry and visibility is excellent. Whether staying at a permanent lodge or a mobile camp, walking safaris provide an unforgettable way to experience Zambia's pristine wilderness, with the South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Parks offering particularly outstanding walking terrain.

Beyond Traditional Game Drives: Diverse Safari Activities

Zambia's safari experiences extend well beyond conventional game drives, offering adventurous travellers an array of unique ways to explore the wilderness. Experienced riders can embark on thrilling horse-riding safaris through wildlife-rich terrain, moving quietly amongst the animals for intimate encounters. The Lower Zambezi River provides the perfect setting for unforgettable canoeing expeditions, where paddlers navigate past hippos and elephants drinking at the water's edge. For the truly adventurous, overnight camping experiences on remote Zambezi River sandbanks create magical memories of falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush, with nothing but canvas between you and the star-filled sky.

Perfect for Every Type of Safari Traveller

Zambian safaris cater to diverse traveller preferences, offering experiences that suit every type of adventure seeker. Families will find welcoming safari houses ideal for group gatherings, with spacious communal areas and private guides who specialise in engaging younger visitors. Honeymooners can indulge in romantic luxury camps that offer intimate experiences like private starbed sleepouts under the African sky and candlelit riverside baths. Many of Zambia's game parks are particularly appealing to less adventurous travellers, as they can be accessed by road rather than light aircraft, making them ideal for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. From exclusive private camps to welcoming lodges, each property brings its own unique charm while maintaining Zambia's renowned standards of warm hospitality and exceptional guiding.

Best Time for Zambia Wildlife Viewing

The prime safari season spans from early April through mid-January. Early season brings pleasant temperatures with warm days and cool nights, gradually warming up to peak temperatures in late October before the November rains commence. Wildlife viewing becomes increasingly dramatic as the dry season progresses, with spectacular elephant crossings across the Luangwa River and intense hippo interactions at shrinking water sources.

Top National Parks in Zambia for Wildlife Safaris

South Luangwa National Park - The Valley of Leopards

Known as one of Africa's finest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa National Park spans 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt wilderness. The park centres around the meandering Luangwa River, creating a rich ecosystem of oxbow lagoons, woodlands, and grassy plains. What truly sets this park apart is its remarkable density of leopards, often considered the highest in Africa. Bird enthusiasts will discover over 400 bird species throughout the year, while the extraordinary night game drives reveal fascinating nocturnal wildlife behaviour. The park is also home to the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe, found nowhere else in the world. Large elephant herds regularly cross the Luangwa River, creating spectacular photographic opportunities, and a growing population of endangered African wild dogs adds to the park's appeal. During the dry season, South Luangwa offers some of the continent's finest walking safari experiences.

Lower Zambezi National Park: River and Wildlife Paradise

Stretching along the mighty Zambezi River, this 4,092-square-kilometre park offers a spectacular combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The dramatic Zambezi Valley escarpment creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. Visitors can experience intimate canoe safaris amongst hippos and crocodiles, or try their hand at tiger fishing between March and November. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds drinking at the river's edge and buffalo herds numbering in the hundreds. Lion and leopard sightings are excellent, particularly around the riverside lodges which offer unparalleled game viewing directly from camp. Water-based game viewing by motorboat provides a unique perspective, while adventurous travellers can experience memorable island camping along the Zambezi.

Elephants crossing a channel of the Zambezi River in Zambia

Kafue National Park: Zambia's Hidden Gem

As Zambia's largest national park at 22,400 square kilometres, Kafue offers remarkably diverse landscapes, from the famous Busanga Plains in the north to miombo woodlands in the south. The park stands as Zambia's premier destination for cheetah sightings, particularly in the Busanga Plains where hot air balloon safaris offer breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities. Kafue boasts a rich diversity of antelope species, including the majestic roan and sable antelopes. An extensive network of rivers enables varied boat safaris, while the park's relatively low visitor numbers ensure a genuine wilderness experience. With over 500 recorded bird species and ancient miombo woodlands hosting unique wildlife, Kafue offers both traditional game drives and innovative e-biking safaris through selected areas.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Where Wildlife Meets the Falls

Though small at just 66 square kilometres, this park near Livingstone offers unique wildlife experiences within sight of Victoria Falls' spray. It holds the distinction of being the only location in Zambia to see white rhinos, with guided walking safaris offering close encounters with these protected creatures. The park's easy access from Livingstone International Airport makes it perfect for short safari experiences, where visitors can observe giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species against the backdrop of the Falls' spray. Year-round wildlife viewing opportunities and flexible half-day or full-day safari options make it an ideal addition to longer safari itineraries.

Water and spray under blue skies at Victoria Falls, Zambia — Victoria Falls

Lesser-Known Parks Worth Exploring

North Luangwa National Park offers a more remote experience than its southern counterpart, featuring a black rhino conservation success story and limited seasonal camps focusing on exceptional walking-only safari experiences. Kasanka National Park has gained fame for hosting the world's largest fruit bat migration, while also protecting rare sitatunga antelope in its papyrus swamps. The intimate safari experience here is complemented by excellent birding opportunities. Lochinvar National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland site, stands as the premier destination for viewing endemic Kafue lechwe, offering outstanding bird watching with over 400 species and fascinating historic colonial-era ranch buildings.

Selecting between these parks depends on your safari priorities, whether that's classic game viewing, walking safaris, water-based activities, or specialist wildlife interests. Many visitors combine two or three parks for a comprehensive Zambian safari experience, typically spending 3-4 nights in each location. Each park offers distinctive ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities, supported by accommodation options ranging from rustic bushcamps to ultra-luxury lodges, ensuring every traveller finds their perfect Zambian safari experience.

Planning Your Zambian Safari Journey

While direct flights from London are no longer available, Zambia remains easily accessible via Emirates and Qatar Airways through Gulf connections. This routing offers the appealing option of combining your wildlife safari with luxury beach stays in Dubai or Oman. Once in Zambia there are plenty of regional flights from Lusaka to the main National Parks,

Popular Zambia Safari Itineraries

The classic South Luangwa and Lake Malawi combination offers the perfect blend of wildlife and relaxation. Begin with the thrilling game viewing and walking safaris of South Luangwa, where leopards prowl and elephants gather at the riverbanks. Then journey to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, where pristine beaches and vibrant cichlid fish create an ideal setting for post-safari relaxation. This unique take on the traditional 'bush and beach' holiday provides an authentic African experience away from the mainstream tourist trails.

For honeymooners and romantic travellers, the trilogy of Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, and Victoria Falls creates an unforgettable journey. Start in the Lower Zambezi, where riverside lodges offer intimate wildlife encounters and candlelit dinners overlooking the mighty river. Continue to South Luangwa for world-class game viewing and walking safaris, before concluding at the majestic Victoria Falls. This combination perfectly balances adventure with luxury, creating a romantic safari experience that will last a lifetime.

The Kafue Explorer presents an immersive seven-night adventure through one of Zambia's most diverse ecosystems. Journey through three distinct camps, each offering unique perspectives on this vast wilderness. Begin in the southern sector with traditional game drives, progress to boating safaris along the Kafue River, and culminate your experience on the remote Busanga Plains. Here, in one of Zambia's premier cheetah viewing areas, the sprawling savannah creates an iconic African landscape that feels worlds away from civilization.

For the ultimate walking experience, the Luangwa Valley Walking Safari offers an extraordinary ten-night adventure. This journey takes you through both South and North Luangwa National Parks, following in the footsteps of wildlife and early explorers. Moving between comfortable bush camps, you'll experience Africa at its most intimate, learning to read the bush and encounter wildlife on foot. This safari is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the wilderness and a more active safari experience.

The Nitty Gritty - Essential Zambia Travel Information

The best time to visit Zambia for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from May to October, with peak game viewing from July to September. The 'emerald season' from November to April brings dramatic skies and migrant birds, though some remote camps close during this period.

Flight times to Lusaka vary depending on your departure point. From London, expect around 14 hours with one connection, typically through Dubai, Doha, or Johannesburg. From New York, plan for approximately 20 hours with connections, while flights from Sydney take around 24 hours via multiple stops.

British passport holders do not require a visa to enter Zambia [at time of writing February 2025]. For those visitors that do require a visa Single-entry visas are available on arrival at major airports or can be obtained in advance through the e-visa portal. As of 2024, tourist visas cost USD 50 for single entry and USD 80 for multiple entries. The KAZA UniVisa (USD 50) is an excellent option if you're also visiting Zimbabwe, allowing multiple entries between both countries.

The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency, though many safari lodges and high-end establishments accept US dollars. Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and safari lodges, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and gratuities. ATMs are readily available in major towns but can be scarce in remote areas.

English is Zambia's official language and is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry. The country also has seven main local languages, including Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. Though you'll manage perfectly well with English, learning a few basic greetings in local languages is always appreciated by Zambians, who are known for their warm hospitality.

Ready to plan your perfect Zambian safari? Contact me to create a personalised itinerary that matches your interests and preferences.

My Complete Guide to Zambia Safaris: When to Visit & Wildlife Highlights