Zambia is absolutely a country full of real colour, surprise and what we call safari zest. Here you can explore breathtaking scenery from dense forests, wild rivers, sweeping plains to impressive waterfalls. Home to the African safari, it would be a crime to go on a Zambia safari and not get out on foot. With the very best river guides in all of Africa, you also must explore the Lower Zambezi on a canoeing safari. Activities are as diverse as the wildlife with walking safaris, canoeing safaris, tiger fishing trips and traditional 4×4 safari game drives. Kafue is king when it comes to being the largest national park in the country with vast landscapes and the unique opportunity of hot air balloon safari and the only spot to stumble upon cheetah. Victoria Falls can be seen from Zambia if you visit a town called Livingstone. It’s best in the first part of the year if you want a Victoria Falls holiday with high water levels, spray and noise! So why do we love Zambia safari holidays? It’s a small safari community in Zambia which means the experience is intimate and personal. Our favourite properties are owner run with exceptional guides, authentic accommodations and positioned in the very best wilderness areas meaning you get to experience Africa’s finest luxury safaris.
Fast Facts
Slightly larger than the state of Texas in the USA, Zambia is a landlocked country 600 miles away from the nearest ocean. Considered tropical, you can expect monsoonal style rainfall between November and April. Zambians love storytelling and smiling, see for yourself when you are there.
South Luangwa
Use your feet you may recall being told and that is exactly what we recommend here because this is home to the original walking safari. Getting out on foot in stunning wilderness abundant with wildlife is thrilling. The Luangwa River snakes through the national park drawing animals to its edges to drink whilst hippo and crocodile populations are impressive. Beyond walking, here you can game drive, mountain bike and microlight getting you different wildlife safari perspectives all in one national park.
Lower Zambezi
Our boss’s happy place, this beautiful national park boasts the most picturesque riverside setting, along with all its associated wildlife, from large elephant and buffalo herds to abundant hippo and birdlife. The landscapes are diverse with woodland savannahs, riverine forests, broad floodplains and hills that form the Zambezi escarpment. Activities are as diverse as the landscapes with 4×4 game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and boating to fishing. Nothing beats an African sunset overlooking or better still, cruising down the Zambezi where wildlife congregate particularly in dry season.
Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
The awe-inspiring beauty of the falls is just a stone’s throw away from the town of Livingstone. Victoria Falls is actually the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, accessible from both countries and most spectacular at all times of year from Zimbabwe and the first half of the year in Zambia. When water level starts to drop, the volume reduces significantly on the cliff faces you see from the Zambian side yet on the plus side you can access Devils Pool (see experiences).
North Luangwa
Location location location and this place has it. Expect to see nobody else because quite simply, it’s off limits. Not open to the public and no permanent lodges means you have to be in the know to go! Luckily we are and we work with camps and guides who are granted permission to operate in season and conduct walking safaris. Wild and untouched, this may well be one of the last great wildlife areas in Africa. Accommodation options are all quintessential bush camps to preserve the environment. Emphasis is on the safari experience, that is why we love it and know you will too.
Kafue
Think big, this place is 22,000 square kilometres of superb wilderness with massive herds of game, including Africa’s most recognised like lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant. Walking and game driving are on offer here and it is a bird lover’s paradise with over 400 species recorded. There are more and more accommodation options opening so you can choose from tented camps to exclusive lodges.
Liuwa Plains
In the far west of Zambia sits this remote park boasting huge rewards for those who make the effort to include it in their Zambia safari holiday. As the name indicates, expect never ending plains where wildlife wanders freely from blue wildebeest, wild dog, lion to endless bird species. Wildebeest migrate in October and November from Angola, arriving in their thousands just before rains come which also bring in predators as they hunt the young. Landscape colours dance with the change of seasons and this has become a photography safari paradise.
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Walking Safari
Zambia is the number one destination for walking safaris in Africa and you will not be disappointed. Guiding quality is phenomenal, accommodation options truly diverse and spectacular and wilderness areas literally teeming with wildlife. With guide and armed ranger accompanying you, you’ll soon feel safe and completely sink into the rhythm of walking through Africa’s landscapes enjoying it with every one of your available senses.
Birding
Zambia is a birder’s paradise with some of the largest concentrations of species in Africa. The primary areas for birding are the Lower Zambezi, Upper Zambezi and lesser known, tiny Lochinvar National Park, just 405 square kilometres on the Kafue floodplains. Here you will see up to 428 species – that’s more than a different bird species for every square kilometre!
Hot Air Ballooning
There is a unique opportunity to experience a hot air balloon safari in the spectacular Kafue at certain times of the year. Imagine sailing over endless plains in a hot air balloon as the sun is rising and wildlife begin another day in the life. This truly is the most exclusive wildlife ballooning safari in Africa.
Canoeing Safari
Available on both Upper and Lower Zambezi as half day to multi-day trips, this is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful river, surrounding scenery and the wildlife that call it home. We always use the very best river guides to ensure your safety first and safari pleasure second. You won’t be disappointed, particularly in the Lower Zambezi as hippo, elephant, zebra, antelope species and baboons are always around. Average fitness level recommended as the heart will race if you see hippo or croc in the waters.
Fishing
Zambia’s river and lakes are well stocked with fish plus hippo and crocodiles. That’s why we always take our guests fishing with qualified guides. Tiger fishing is a real attraction here and the Lower Zambezi has some of the biggest catches on record. With boat and packed lunch and cold drinks you can enjoy a few hours of fishing or a full day, depending on your passion.
Devils Pool
May to October, you can walk along the lip of the falls and during the later months, swim in what they call Devil’s Pool, the ultimate infinity pool. Certainly for the fearless, walk across rocks and jump into an emerged rock pool (that is submerged when water levels are high). Hold tight to rock, rope or your guide as you feel the force of the Zambezi flowing past you before it then crashes down over the precipice some hundred metres.
Fly Camping
If you seek real safari holiday adventure, Zambia is home to some fantastic fly camping or mobile camping opportunities. You’ll be met at the airstrip by your guide and taken deep into the bush where we usually spend one night. Next morning it’s up with the sun to venture out on walking safari along unmarked trails through the bush. You arrive at your next camp for bush dinners, campfires and sleeping under the stars, albeit with canvas and thatch between you!
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Tongabezi
This is a real treasure for safari holiday seekers wanting a completely unique experience whilst visiting the Victoria Falls region. Far more than a B&B, hotel or lodge, this romantic luxury hideaway is a true haven of tranquility where guests stay in cottages and houses with private valet who takes care of every detail. No set schedules here, enjoy leisurely meals, bush walks, boating and game drives all included in the price. It’s about unique experiences like lunch picnic on a dhow sailing downstream, Sampan floating pontoons, indulgent bush breakfasts and impressive accommodation with river views, open air bathrooms with tubs and the list goes on.
Chiawa
Owner run by the Cumings Family, two camps sit pride of place in the Lower Zambezi National Park, completely separate from one another and vastly different experiences. Expect friendly service, truly outstanding, multi-award winning safari guides, unimaginable wildlife experiences and brilliant bush accommodation at both camps. Chiawa Camp has nine superior safari tents and at Old Mondoro, three are just four reed chalets. All offer spacious bedrooms, and ensuite bathrooms complete with outdoor shower bathtubs. The main area at both camps feature open sided lounge, dining and bar with campfires in front. Activities include game drives, walks, canoeing, boating and fishing.
Puku Ridge
On our safari radar for its exceptional location and panoramic views. Perched on an escarpment overlooking floodplains, Puku Ridge offers a really incredible safari experience and style not least because of its design and furnishings. It’s more about the friendly setting, great guiding and phenomenal wildlife. Day and night game drives are on offer here plus of course walking safaris. Just seven tents with viewing deck, spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom with bathtub and outdoor shower. The central area is a lovely decked building with open sides, dining, lounge and bar.
Chongwe
The Lower Zambezi is home to Chongwe, with its multiple properties on offer all privately positioned in pristine wilderness. From Chongwe River Camp with its classic tents and luxury suites to exclusive use Chongwe River House, cultural experience Tsika Island to affordable Kasaka River Lodge you really can find something for all tastes and budgets here. Chongwe River Camp is our favourite with its perfect blend of safari chic and down to earth bush style. Bedrooms are spacious and ensuite outdoor bathrooms really do immerse you in this pristine environment. Activities cover walking, game drives, boating, fishing and canoeing plus the authentic cultural interactions on Tsika Island.
Chindeni Camp
This is one of the South Luangwa’s beauties, offering just eight guests at any given time accommodation in stunning, stilted tents on the edge of a permanent lagoon with the Chindeni Hills as backdrop. Seasonal, so open May to December, this camp offers walking safaris, game drives, birding, night drives and scenic sundowner trips into the surrounding wilderness. In between activities relax on your private deck in the hammock or flop on the four poster bed for a safari siesta. The main area boasts a lovely open sided building structure with ample dining space, lounge and bar not to mention outstanding pizza oven which becomes everybody’s favourite.
Shumba Camp
For uber elegance in Kafue, immerse yourself at this camp and stay still for a good while, you won’t regret it. With six luxury tented units, it is a very personal safari holiday. You’ll stay in luxury with your tent raised on wooden platforms, home to bedroom and ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a sunken lounge on your private deck. The main area is truly wow factor but enough about that, it’s the wildlife and wilderness you should come for. Vast plains explored in 4×4 day and night, or early mornings floating in hot air balloon and of course by boat exploring the channels when water levels allow.
Zungulila Camp
Delivering perhaps one of the best classic tented safari experiences Danica has had, Zungulila is the epitome of Africa. Just four canvas tents, colonial furnishings, ensuite bathrooms and a main area that looks like a film set. The open air dining deck and camp fire right on the Kapamba River make for beautiful views morning and night. Touches of room luxury include outdoor showers and sunken plunge pool The focus is on walking safaris with some game drives, day and night, are available to get you further afield. Sundowner drinks with your feet in shallow waters on the riverbed are unforgettable not to mention the wildlife around you.
Flatdogs Camp
For the budget conscious traveller, this is a truly fantastic safari holiday option in Zambia’s South Luangwa. We like it for the diversity of accommodation options from tented canvas to chalet rooms and our favourite, the Jackalberry Tree House where you literally sleep in a platform in the tree where elephants often feed from. Activities focus on game drives and walking safaris.
Sussi & Chuma
For outstanding treehouse style luxury accommodation on the Zambezi River just a short drive away from Victoria Falls, this is it and good news, they are air conditioned. All connected by wooden walkways through the forest buffering the river, rooms are spacious with bedroom and ensuite bathrooms and private decks. There are also two private Chuma Houses ideal for those with children. The two storey main lodge has a lovely bar, wine cellar, lounge and dining plus curio shop and swimming pool. Onsite spa too makes it ideal as a more resort style stay.
What an experience, it exceeded all expectations. We had researched all the camps and areas we wanted to see prior to contacting you and with your guidance and advice you made our itinerary something special. From Victoria Falls – Kafue National Park – South Luangwa National Park and ending in the lower Zambezi it was truly memorable. We had so many exceptional wildlife sightings that we couldn’t believe our luck but certainly the guides at all the camps deserve credit for their amazing skills and knowledge in locating the animals. Here’s a list of some of the things we were lucky enough to see: 18 lions stalking a buffalo herd, Leopard 7 days in a row, Leopard dragging a kill up a tree, Wild dogs hunting, Catching a 5lb tiger fish. As you can see from the list we were very lucky indeed.
Zambia is something special. We had some great sightings at the Norman Carr camps in South Luangwa and also at Chiawa in the Lower Zambezi. The camps were lovely, food was excellent and wildlife sensational. Our Tongabezi stay was also great just wish we could have got to the local village. We saw the Falls which of course is spectacular. It was the trip of a lifetime just as I wanted and thanks for your help with organising it. Zambia should not be the hidden gem any longer!
It’s hard to to nominate highlights, as our whole time in Zambia was a highlight, well-balanced, perfect timing, well selected accommodation. We love the Zambian people! Kasaka River Lodge was a real treat the view, the appointments and the attention to detail were incredible. ZAMBIA – we love you!
The guiding and accommodation in Zambia was outstanding. We were very appreciative of the recommendation to move into the Albida suite at Chongwe River Lodge – we loved every second, the facilities, the people, the environment and safari options were excellent!
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