Few places in the world remain as wild as they were 150 years ago, but there are tracts of Africa that still feel primal. Southern Zambia is one of them. Vast, unmarred landscapes teem with great herds of game and stealthy predators, continuing the great dance of life as they have for millennia.
When European explorers like David Livingstone ventured into terrain that was terra incognita to the outside world, they were stunned by the vibrancy of these habitats, where wildlife thrives in prolific numbers. That sense of awe is just as palpable in Zambia today, as we encounter nature’s immensity on a scale that's rarely matched. About 40% of the country is preserved in parks and game reserves, offering an unparalleled wilderness safari experience without crowds.
Come discover Zambia, land of untamed rivers, sprawling plains and abundant animals-where the essence of wild Africa still reigns.
Map of a park in Africa.
Why Choose Zambia for Your Safari?
Zambia is still very much an under-the-radar safari destination, with limited crowds or panache, although it’s big on amazing wildlife. Whether you’re a safari connoisseur or a first-time visitor to Africa, come explore Zambia with us before it becomes popular.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
An Authentic Encounter with African Wilderness
Discover Zambia, an under-the-radar safari destination, before others do-on a far-from-ordinary adventure into its most enticing wildlife reserves.
Superior Wildlife Viewing in Less-Visited Destinations
In South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, we find tremendous concentrations of game, from massive elephants and great herds of Cape buffalo to zebra, giraffe and agile antelope species, and the lions and leopards that prey upon them. Other predators include side-striped jackals and packs of rare African wild dogs. You’ll also find spectacular birdlife, including marabou stork and rainbow-plumed bee eaters.
Trip Highlights
Zambia is a truly magical safari destination. Endowed with several awe-inspiring natural wonders, an abundance of diverse wildlife, mighty bodies of water, and vast, untamed open spaces, Zambia offers a well-rounded safari experience in the raw African wilderness.
- Walking Safaris, Game Drives & River Exploration
- Remote & Intimate Camps Surrounded by Wildlife
- Land & Water Safaris Offer Diverse Exploratory Modes
Here are some key highlights of a Zambian safari:
- Walking Safaris: Revolutionary in its own right, walking safaris get you out of the confines of a game vehicle and set you right in the thick of all the action - getting you up close to Zambia's wildlife. The length of your adventure is completely up to you, from an hour's stroll to several days.
- Game Drives: Game drives through wildlife-rich regions are awe-inspiring.
- River Exploration: Arguably Zambia's most popular safari destination, the Lower Zambezi National Park lies opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, with nothing but the mighty Zambezi River separating the two. During your visit, indulge in day and night game drives, guided nature walks, river cruises and fishing expeditions.
Exclusive Opportunities for Exploration
In addition to the rare chance to enjoy walking safaris, our itinerary includes other special private opportunities to explore the Zambian wilderness in a variety of modes, including night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife, boat cruises in search of hippos and elephants in the Zambezi River, and canoeing, for a quiet, eye-level encounter with birds and wildlife along the banks.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
Zambia's National Parks
Zambia is home to several national parks, each offering a unique safari experience.
- South Luangwa National Park: Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa covers 2.2 million acres along the Luangwa River. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing. There is an extremely high density of leopards, and large herds congregate near the river during the dry season.
- Lower Zambezi National Park: Situated along the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park spans one million acres.
- Kafue National Park: Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest parks, covering 5.5 million acres in western Zambia. Yet it remains wild, diverse, and less visited than other major parks.
- Liuwa Plain National Park: Located in remote western Zambia, Liuwa Plains covers 832,000 acres of open grassland that was once the traditional hunting ground of the Lozi kings. The park is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, with vast herds moving across the honey-colored plains.
The Best Time to Visit Zambia
The best time to visit Zambia depends on where you want to go and what you want to do, as the optimal time to view the waterfall in Victoria Falls differs from the ideal time to see game in the national parks.
- May and June: If you're keen on a safari experience with little to no visitors about, then you should travel to Zambia in May and June.
- July to November: July to November is high safari season in Zambia, with visitor numbers being at their peak. This time is also known as the dry season and is a popular time of year to enjoy a safari trip. Vegetation thins out significantly, making it much easier to spot animals in the bush. Additionally, several precious water sources dry up, and wildlife prefer not to move too far away from any remaining ones. July to November is also the best time to enjoy a walking safari in the legendary South Luangwa National Park. August is a particularly excellent time for walking safaris, with the drier bush being easier to navigate on foot.
- March, April, and May: March, April, and May are great times to see Victoria Falls.
- January, February, and March: January, February, and March are perfect for birdwatching.
Zambia National Park.
South Luangwa National Park - A wildlife photographer's guide
Victoria Falls
Zambia shares Africa's biggest waterfall with its neighbour, Zimbabwe - with the natural wonder acting as a natural border between the two countries. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which aptly translates to ‘Smoke that Thunders'), Victoria Falls attracts roughly one million visitors annually to watch the mesmerising water cascade down into the mighty Zambezi River.
On Zambia's Victoria Falls side, you'll enjoy exceptionally close-up views of the waterfall, as well as access to Devil's Pool - a natural rock pool situated at the very edge of the waterfall, known to provide an adrenaline-filled swim - during low-water season. To top it all off, you can easily cross the border from Zambia into Zimbabwe to enjoy all the activities and experiences the other side of Victoria Falls has to offer.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
Intimate Safari Camps Offer Close-Up Wildlife Encounters
Our small, solar-powered camps, with just four tents each, are for the exclusive use of Nat Hab guests when we have a full departure with six travelers. Steeped in the classic safari ambience of old, they are replete with every comfort to ensure a welcome respite from your adventures in the bush. Isolated in spots where wildlife is prolific, their settings maximize quiet encounters with animals-many of which often wander right through camp!
Private verandas provide guests a personal view on the African wild, with photography possibilities right out the door of your tent.
Cost of a Zambia Safari
The nature of planning tailor-made safari itineraries makes it difficult to provide one single figure when it comes to the cost of safaris to Zambia. Every traveller has different expectations for their trip - it's rare for two people to have the same wants and needs when visiting Africa. Variables, like the time of year, length of stay, and level of comfort or luxury of accommodation, all affect the final amount.
Average Estimated Costs (Per Person Sharing a Room, Per Night)
| Accommodation Level | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $200 - $400 |
| Mid-Range | $400 - $700 |
| Luxury | $700+ |
PLEASE NOTE: The figures above are an average estimate for per person sharing a room, per night. These amounts exclude international flights, visas, and optional activities. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change.
All Go2Africa's safaris are all-inclusive. Meals, most drinks, park fees, game drives, guided walks and taxes are covered in the rate for accommodation to ensure that you don't get any surprises when checking out.
