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. 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.
Aerial view of Luangwa National Park.
That sense of awe is just as palpable in Zambia today, as we encounter nature’s immensity on a scale that's rarely matched. 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. Zambia is beloved by safari connoisseurs for its welcoming hospitality, off-the-beaten-path feel, and plentiful wildlife.
Whether you’re a safari connoisseur or a first-time visitor to Africa, come explore Zambia. Zambia's premier South Luangwa National Park is a popular destination and the northern Busanga Plains of Kafue attract those looking for a unique safari adventure.
Kafue National Park is the second largest wildlife park of its kind in all of Africa.
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From the powerful Victoria Falls to the expansive Busanga Plains, Zambia captures a unique and diverse part of Africa's heart. Kafue National Park is the second largest wildlife park of its kind in all of Africa. The massive Kafue National Park still has areas that remain unexplored by man.
A Zambia safari has long been a favourite destination for safari connoisseurs. Its wonderfully secluded parks and reserves see far fewer crowds than more popular destinations, giving you greater freedom to explore. Zambia has emerged as a favorite of safari enthusiasts, with appreciation for the country’s incredible wildlife that remains in many ways undiscovered by foreigners.
Here are all the reasons why you should choose a Zambia safari!
Trip Highlights
- 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.
- Remote & Intimate Camps Surrounded by Wildlife: Enjoy exclusive occupancy of small, secluded camps in premier wildlife habitat in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks.
- Land & Water Safaris Offer Diverse Exploratory Modes: South Luangwa is where walking safaris were pioneered-join expert guides on foot, plus game drives, boat cruises and canoe safaris.
Experience safaris like no other, from walking safaris through the wildlife-rich South Luangwa to canoeing on the Zambezi River and classic game drives through the Lower Zambezi. Experience this underrated safari gem at your own pace and by your own design.
Why Choose a Zambia 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.
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Walking Safaris
While most safaris are rather sedentary affairs, requiring that you stay in a vehicle the entire time, Zambia is different: the walking safari was pioneered here, and our guides are seasoned pros at safely exploring on foot. Get your boots on the ground in South Luangwa National Park, as you walk with an experienced (and armed) guide for a rare encounter with nature at eye level. (Though please note that walking safaris are entirely optional.)
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.
Canoeing on the Zambezi River.
Small Group Travel
Travel in An Exceptionally Small Group-Just Six Travelers A small group is key to intimate wildlife encounters. We’re able to approach quietly, avoiding any disturbance to the animals. We can bask in the peace of nature without intrusion from noise. And we are able to stay in the smallest of safari camps, adding to the feel of what it might have been like to be in Africa a century ago.
Superior Wildlife Viewing
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.
Read also: Zambia Travel Guide
Convenient Travel
Private Chartered Flights Maximize Your Time on Safari Chartered flights by light aircraft seamlessly connect our safari locations, avoiding long, rough, dusty drives-allowing us to spend more time scouting for wildlife instead of enduring uncomfortable conditions in transit. Considering the vast expanses of wilderness that comprise Zambia, this is key feature to optimize your safari experience.
You won’t find a better mode of safari transport than the state-of-the-art 4x4 vehicles we use, designed for overland travel in the most remote bush conditions, with suspension systems that offer a safe and more comfortable ride. The Best Safari Vehicles-with a "Window" Seat for All Our vehicles have open sides, with no glass to impede your view. And every guest gets a side seat-no one is stuck in the middle, and since we don’t fill them to capacity, there’s plenty of room for your gear.
Intimate Safari Camps
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. Intimate Safari Camps Offer Close-Up Wildlife Encounters 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.
Chiawa Camp sits just steps away from the banks of the Zambezi River in one of the most game-rich areas of Zambia.
Expert Guides
Zambia’s Most Outstanding Safari Guides Our guests enjoy the personalized service of some of the Africa's top naturalist guides-a Nat Hab hallmark. Our Zambia guides are also experts at conducting walking safaris, which were pioneered in Zambia and remain a safari centerpiece in this country. Your Expedition Leader is among the most highly trained guides in Africa, with additional resources provided by WWF’s top scientists-meaning you get superlative interpretation to enrich your wildlife encounters and nature immersion. Our philosophy on this is simple: an African safari is only as good as the guide, so we must provide the very best!
Zambia Safari Information
Prior to 1964, Zambia was actually called Northern Rhodesia. You will need a passport with 6 months of validity and a tourist visa which you can obtain at the port of entry into the country. Tipping is not customary in most situations in Zambia - restaurants that expect gratuities will usually include the service charge in the bill; otherwise feel free to leave up to 10%. While in Zambia, you should not expect to have internet. Zambia has 220-240v power and has a combination of outlets that will be either British Type G, Indian Type D, or European Type C. While many of our featured accommodations are "bushcamps," you'll still have modern western style bowl toilets at all lodges and camps. You should not drink the water in Zambia. Are credit cards accepted in Zambia? Absolutely.
Is it safe to travel to Zambia?
For the most part, Zambia is a safe place to visit. However, there is a significant crime rate in the city, primarily due to the people's poverty. Zambians are generally kind, although you should avoid walking at night in strange or poorly lit places, typical in Zambia due to its few street lights. Drinking at night or visiting drunken spots is not a good idea.
When should I visit Zambia?
Zambia has two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Most camps are open in the dry season from mid-May until mid-November. While some camps are open year round for water safaris, we suggest first timers visit in the dry season. June is a great month for travel.
What’s the difference between South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks?
South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris and offers incredible camp-to-camp walking experiences. Lower Zambezi provides unique water-based activities like boat transfers and river cruises, plus it’s an elephant paradise.
What wildlife will I see in Zambia?
During my week, I encountered elephants daily, wild dog packs, lions (including close encounters), leopards, massive buffalo herds, abundant hippos, and excellent birding. The elephant viewing along the Zambezi River is particularly spectacular.
Big Five Animals
When you think about Zambia safari tours, they most likely conjure up images of the African lion. The 'Big Five' animals that you’re likely to see on Zambia safari holidays:
- African Elephant: This majestic animal is the largest that you’ll see on Zambia safari holidays and is often spotted drinking from the waters of the Zambezi River.
- African Lion: Arguably the most awesome wild species on the continent, this big cat is revered yet feared at the same time.
- Leopard: Renowned for being the most elusive of Africa’s Big Five, the leopard can lead you on a wild chase when trying to catch sight of it.
- Rhino: The rhino is often considered as a lolloping animal because of its size and sturdy build yet surprisingly it can run at speeds of up to 30-40mph.
- Hippo: Cruising along the Zambezi River as if they haven’t a care in the world, the hippo is a water-loving ‘river horse’ that is often seen on trips to Zambia.
Nature is close at hand here, and the colors, sounds, smells, and tastes are more vivid. Go where there are no roads, no power lines, no wilderness carved up into the landscape of man. Enjoy the luxury of doing nothing but watching the leaves shift in a light breeze to the chorus of animals.
Here's a table summarizing key aspects of Zambia safaris:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Destinations | South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, Victoria Falls |
| Activities | Walking safaris, game drives, boat cruises, canoe safaris, night drives, bird watching |
| Wildlife | Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, wild dogs, hippos, zebras, giraffes, diverse birdlife |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season (mid-May to mid-November) |
| Accommodation | Small, intimate safari camps and lodges |
Zambia: The Heart of Southern Africa | Africa from Above | 4K UHD Documentary
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