Explore Zambia’s Top Safari Tours – Wildlife & Scenic Wonders

Zambia allows you to experience it up close: walking about on foot, listening to the sounds of the bush, getting wet from the spray from the Falls. Although community involvement is still in its early stages, tourism helps help out locals and their projects, as well as the welcoming schools.

Bantu people from the Congo basin settled in what is now Zambia some 2,000 years ago. By the 16th century, these numerous and diverse communities had united into tribes and small states with borders and rulers. When Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone traveled up the Zambezi in the middle of the 19th century, he would have stumbled into this region of Zambia. He wrote home, claiming to be the first person from the West to witness the natural wonder he immediately dubbed the Victoria Falls:

“No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Livingstone’s labor and writings not only encouraged missionaries to go to Zambia but also explorers, hunters, and businesspeople seeking wealth, blowing Zambia’s cover somewhat. The region was a British colony by 1890, run by the British South Africa Company, which was owned by the entrepreneur Cecil John Rhodes. The colony, which was once known as Northern Rhodesia, came under direct British rule in 1924.

Prior to colonialism, trade routes to the east and west coast of the continent allowed Zambia’s independent states to trade with each other and the outside world. Although copper has long been mined, the Europeans excavated massive open-cast mines, frequently displacing indigenous people from their lands. This marked the beginning of the current era of urbanization. Young men are still drawn to Lusaka, Livingstone, and the copper belt cities despite the fact that there is very little employment and the only places to stay are in shanty communities. It implies that women tend the fields and rely on their cunning to make ends meet in order to sustain their numerous children and frequently their elderly relatives in the majority of villages nowadays.

Although Zambia earned independence in 1964, political unrest has recently broken out in some of the country’s biggest towns due to tensions and other issues. Its cultural identity is a synthesis of values, customs, and spiritual beliefs, influenced by its roughly seventy-two ethnic groups, while its national identity is still evolving as a result of the plethora of young entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, beavering away in its major cities.

NATIONAL PARKS OF ZAMBIA

1. Blue Lagoon National Park: Located on the north side of the Kafue River, 120 kilometers west of Lusaka, Blue Lagoon is a great place to go birdwatching. Due to its poor infrastructure and challenging access, it frequently floods and receives few tourists.
2. Isangano National Park: Located east of Lake Bangweulu and established in 1972, this 840 km2 national park experiences comparable yearly flooding. But it is not worth a visit because it is devoid of animals.
3. Kafue National Park – Known for its incredible wildlife population, Kafue National Park is one of the biggest national parks in the world. It was founded in 1924. Whether visited alone or in conjunction with South Luangwa, it is well worth the trek to Zambia. Kafue NP by McKeith & Jeffery
4. Kasanka National Park – At about 390 km2, Kasanka National Park is among Zambia’s smallest parks, yet from October to November, almost 10 million African straw-colored fruit bats make their way through the park, making it the site of the world’s largest bat migration. The Migration of Kasanka Bats by Katie Siedel
5. Lavushi Manda National Park: This park has beautiful beauty, including waterfalls and varying terrain (the Lavushi Hills’ highest point is 1800 meters above sea level). In spite of the dwindling number of mammals, it is home to an interesting birdlife. Excellent for hiking, you may also schedule some game drives, hikes, and fishing.
6. Liuwa Plain National Park – Although it was primarily used as a hunting location for the Lozi King, this area has been recognized as wildlife for more than a century. These days, it’s one of the most fascinating parks in the region because of its enormous herds of wildebeest and their migratory patterns. Time + Tide in Liuwa Plains
7. Lokinvar National Park – Distinguished by its avian fauna and Kafue Lechwe population, this park bears a striking resemblance to Blue Lagoon National Park, situated across the Kafue River. In addition, there are a few hot springs and other unusual sights.
8. The Lower Zambezi National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and shares the Zambezi River with Zimbabwe. It spans a tiny portion of the Lower Zambezi Valley, from the Lake Kariba (more precisely, its dam) to the Mozambican border. It is well-known for its water-based safaris that let you approach elephants who are grazing up close.
9. Luambe National Park — Nestled between South and North Luangwa National Parks, with comparable ecologies, the Luambe NP is one of Zambia’s oldest protected zones, covering a mere 254 km².
10. Lukusuzi National Park: This park, which lies on the eastern edge of the Luangwa Valley, is still underdeveloped, devoid of any amenities, and its wildlife population is essentially unknown.
11. Lusaka National Park: Located just 15 kilometers from the nation’s capital, this park is the newest in Zambia, having only been established in 2015. Locals like going there for day trips or weekend getaways.
12. Lusenga Plain National Park — This park features three very beautiful falls, and lovely walking opportunities. But very little wildlife although animals have been reintroduced to since 2007 but without any infrastructure.
13. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls): Translating as “the smoke that thunders,” this park is home to the Victoria Falls. The park is home to a small population of closely guarded white rhinos and has been expanded up and down the Zambezi River.
14. Mweru Wantipa National Park: This park also has room for expansion. The majority of Mweru Wantipa consists of a lake and swamp that resembles Bangweulu Wetlands.
15. Ngonye Falls National Park: Despite its 2009 designation as a national park, this place is rarely included on the official list. Often referred to as Sioma Falls, it is home to the breathtaking Ngonye Falls and a thrilling location for daring travelers.
16. North Luangwa National Park — An amazing opportunity to experience Africa as it was. This wild and untouched area is one you won’t want to miss – especially for bush walks, and can be easily combined with an extended safari in South Luangwa National Park.
17. Nsumbu National Park, also called Sumbu, is a national park in northern Zambia that covers a tiny portion of Lake Tanganyika. It currently provides wildlife drives, guided birding walks, and great lake fishing. The park appears to have a bright future.
18. Nyika Plateau National Park: This park, which is an extension of the national park on the Malawian side, is highly regarded for its landscape and flora, as well as for its fantastic trekking and rare fauna.
19. Simama Ngwezi National Park — Though it is mainly overlooked, this is Zambia’s third-largest national park. It is situated in the southwest of the country, bordering Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and Angola, and it may experience a renaissance in the future.
20. South Luangwa National Park – Possibly one of Zambia’s most well-known national parks, it can legitimately claim the top spot among Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries due to its amazing diversity and densities of animals. Our three Kafunta Safaris sites, Island Bush Camp, Three Rivers Camp, and Kafunta River Lodge, are located in South Luangwa. Southeast Luangwa Kafunta taken by Izla Pictures
21. National Park West Lunga — While there is potential for future development, West Lunga National Park is primarily an overgrown reserve that has mostly lost its larger wildlife. There’s still fishing on the river and boat tours available.

UNDERRATED ATTRACTIONS

North Luangwa

Ever pondered the appearance of Africa a century ago? Proceed to Luangwa’s North. You won’t find many, if any, other tourists here due to the area’s limited public access and small number of makeshift sites. The wildlife is more varied than in South Luangwa, though, with uncommon species including blue monkeys, bushpigs, and sable antelope inhabiting the Muchinga Escarpment. The majority of visits here are focused on walking safaris.

Kafue

The largest national park in Zambia is situated on an undulating plateau with rivers crisscrossing it, roughly the size of Wales. Its varied topography and low visitor numbers, which make it far less frequented than the more well-known parks, reward patient travelers with excellent wildlife watching and a genuine wilderness experience. If you have time, drive from north to south and observe how the terrain shifts from wide grasslands to forests interspersed with massive granite hills.

Local culture

Zambia offers cultural experiences, though it’s not as well-known as, say, the Maasai in Kenya. Certain communities, including Mukuni Royal Village and Kawaza Village, are open to tourists, and good tourist lodges and camps contribute to the upkeep of local projects and villages by, for example, helping to fund teacher salaries or working with young women. You may typically visit and even sponsor these initiatives!

Wild camping

When you go on a canoeing safari, for example, and camp by the banks of the Zambezi, you might venture far from the main path. Real wild camping implies forgoing comforts, so let go of the hot shower and enjoy the experience instead. Additionally, there’s usually a participatory component, so be prepared to set up your own tent and clean up after yourself! This personal wilderness experience is really worth it.

WELL RATED ATTRACTIONS

Walking safaris

The concept of walking safaris was first introduced in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park in the 1950s, with the aim of immersing visitors into the environment and animals they are witnessing rather than only observing it from a vehicle. Zambia is increasingly renowned for producing top-notch guides. You will be astounded by their expertise and the chance to get up close and personal with animals and insects.

Victoria Falls

It is impossible to visit Zambia and miss the Victoria Falls. They truly are as breathtaking as everyone have said. It’s possible to reach the beautiful Livingstone Island from Zambia during low water. Additionally, some trips offer the opportunity to view the torrent from the Zimbabwean side of the falls, as well as the Devil’s Pool, a tiny pool where you can swim directly at the base of the falls.

South Luangwa

One of Africa’s last pristine wilderness areas, the Luangwa Valley marks the end of the Great Rift Valley. South Luangwa National Park is a popular destination for organized Zambian vacations, although it’s seldom congested. It is traversed by the Luangwa River, and the park’s plains, lagoons, and forests are home to enormous concentrations of wildlife, including as giraffes, hippopotamuses, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.

Canoeing

Happily, canoeing is not reserved for the sporty set in Zambia, despite what you may think. In reality, canoeing on the Zambezi is accessible to everyone and an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife, even if you’ve never held a paddle before. While the Lower Zambezi is home to buffalo, zebra, hippo, and elephants that browse the banks or laze in the shallows, the Upper Zambezi is dotted with islands and abundant with wildlife.

Where to stay

Zambia offers a wide variety of safari lodging options. However, compared to other regions of south and east Africa, the atmosphere is generally a little more subdued and low key. Although most accommodations are more basic, particularly in some of the more isolated bush camps, there are a few lodges in South Luangwa and other areas of the Lower Zambezi that are undoubtedly on par with some of the best on the continent. However, overall, safaris in Zambia don’t focus as much on the bling found in South Africa’s and Botswana’s opulent lodges as they do on the calibre of the game watching, the genuine bush experience, and the professional standards of guiding.

Smaller camps are more common; those in isolated parks can accommodate a modest number of guests. Inexpensive options include basic campsites, which are frequently found outside of parks, and adventurous travelers will love the opportunity to venture into Zambia’s less-frequented parks and camp in the wild while they’re there.

WHEN TO VISIT ZAMBIA & WHEN NOT TO

In Zambia, the rainy season peaks in January and February. Most campgrounds are closed during this time, but those that are open often have great deals. Herbivores are giving birth right now, making it a perfect time to go birdwatching. Water birds are lured to the pools and lagoons formed when the Luangwa River overflows its banks, and birds are wearing their prettiest breeding plumage.

Because of the increased flow velocity following the rains, March is a fantastic time to visit Victoria Falls. It’s a lovely peaceful time of year to visit, with minimal crowds and fantastic bird watching.April will still see rains, but the weather is starting to dry out. The Kuomboka festival is also often held in April, though it is occasionally held in March and has occasionally been postponed due to low river levels.

Although walking safaris can be challenging due to the ground being very muddy and slippery following the rains, camps reopen in May. Overflowing streams and rivers can make access challenging as well. The Victoria Falls are experiencing maximum water flow, which may actually be so much that the spray it creates obscures the cascade. Take a flight over it right now to get the best view of the falls during this full moon phase.

Since there aren’t many tourists yet, June is an excellent time to visit. The campers are all open but still have amazing prices. The land is drying up, but the rivers are still full and the scenery is still vibrant and verdant.The tourism season in Zambia begins in July, when the number of visitors increases significantly. The Lower Zambezi River Cruises and the South Luangwa game viewing are huge attractions, and although the Victoria Falls are still tumultuous, they don’t produce quite as much spray as they did in May. In South Luangwa, daytime highs are approaching 25°C, but nighttime and early morning lows might drop as low as 10°C.

The ideal time of year to visit both Victoria Falls and a national park is in August. Walking safaris are particularly good because it’s simpler to walk through the drier vegetation. However, the temperature is rising, with a high of 28°C expected in South Luangwa.

The highest daily temperature in September is approximately 32°C, yet this is a terrific month for safaris because when the water supplies dry up, a significant number of animals migrate to the few remaining rivers and waterholes in quest of a drink. Large groups of stunning carmine bee eaters also arrive at this time and make their way to the riverbanks, where they create their nests in a dazzling display of color and sound.

As October approaches the mid-30°C mark, early morning and evening game drives and walking safaris are the only options to avoid the midday heat.The Green Season begins in November and lasts until the second half of the month when the rains arrive. Even though the rain usually falls in the late afternoon or night, it’s still a nice time to visit because it’s not too heavy or consistent. Highlights include the countryside coming to life under magnificent, rolling storm clouds, however it can become as hot as 34°C and feel humid at times. In the camps that are still open, you might be able to score a deal in addition to seeing newborn animals. But these days, the Victoria Falls are more of a trickle.

By December, the rains are falling heavily and the jungle is starting to get denser and greener. Although there won’t be as much option of lodging because only a few camps remain open, now is a wonderful time to score a deal. The Victoria Falls’ Zambian side dries out.

What to Pack for Zambia

What you need to carry for Zambia depends depend on the time of year you visit. Here’s a list of items you should ideally bring, depending on the time you select: Rain gear includes shoes and jackets that are waterproof, repellent that is especially useful during the rainy season, light clothing for the day and a jacket for cooler evenings, layers of clothing that includes gloves, socks, a scarf, warm jackets, fleece, or jumpers, light cotton or linen clothing in natural colors, light shoes and sandals, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, and light jumpers for cooler evenings. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are helpful for shielding yourself from the sun during the day and mosquitoes at night—both during the day and nighttime temperatures.

Best Things To Do In Zambia

Wildlife sightings and majestic waterfalls in Zambia

Zambia is the ideal destination for an authentic and untamed African experience. From taking in the breathtaking Victoria Falls to going on safari through its picturesque national parks, there are a plethora of activities to engage in while visiting Zambia! One of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation is the powerful Zambezi River; experience its exhilarating allures by going white-water rafting down it.

The historical city of Livingstone and the bustling, contemporary capital of Lusaka are popular travel destinations.

Our destination experts are here to assist you with any questions you may have about the ideal time to visit Zambia, how to organize your trip to Africa, and which safari to take! Our experts at Enchanting Travels have put together this list of the best activities in Zambia, which you should absolutely include in your travel guide!

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1 Go for a safari in Kafue National Park

Zambia’s largest national park offers a variety of settings to enjoy during a safari, including expansive savanna vistas, wetlands, and beautiful green woods!

You will encounter antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, wild dogs, and several bird species in addition to the big cats. of the best activities in Zambia.

2 Explore the Lower Zambezi National Park

Get up close and personal with majestic herd cats, herds of elephants and buffalo, waterbucks, and antelopes during an exhilarating wildlife safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Since the park is situated along the Zambezi River, you may anticipate seeing herds of elephants and other animals gathered close to the river during your safaris.

3 Witness abundant wildlife in Luambe National Park

African wild dogs are rare animals that roam the isolated Luang Valley of Luambe National Park, home to hippos, giraffes, elephants, and wildebeests. Here, one can also spot lions and leopards.

With 400 bird species and 200 mammal species, the park is rich in biodiversity.

4 Take in stunning views of Victoria Falls

Africa’s renowned Victoria Falls are unquestionably one of the continent’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The views of the thundering waterfalls are breathtaking from the pathways that run beside the basalt walls and the Knife Edge Bridge.

5 Explore South Luangwa National Park and North Luangwa Park

Unmatched in both quantity and density, South Luangwa National Park is home to pukus (antelopes), impalas, hyenas, jackals, zebras, as well as enormous herds of buffalo and elephant. The park is also home to leopards and lions.

Although there are fewer wildlife sightings in North Luangwa Park, it nonetheless offers a glimpse of genuine, wild, and untouched Africa.

Tip: The capital city of Lusaka is a convenient place to arrive by plane and spend a few days. Lusaka is cosmopolitan by nature, fast growing, and home to a number of museums, markets, cultural parks, and wildlife centers. The quaint city of Livingstone is another place you really must go. It is located on the Zambezi River and acts as the entrance to the breathtaking Victoria Falls. Don’t forget to check out the magnificent Livingstone museum while you’re in the area.

Visa and entry

Citizens of most Asian nations, as well as those of Europe, the United States, and Australia, need a visa in order to enter Zambia. A tourist visa with one entry costs USD 50, and a visa with multiple entries costs USD 80. Visit the official visa page for further details.

A double or multiple entry visa is needed for visitors who plan to re-enter Zimbabwe and Zambia (e.g., viewing the Falls from Zimbabwe while staying in Livingstone, or vice versa, or taking day trips from Botswana to Zimbabwe or Livingstone, or vice versa).

Visas can often take up to three months to process, so please keep this in mind when making reservations as it is the traveler’s obligation to secure the necessary documentation.

Health information

Make sure you are up to date on all of your immunizations before traveling to Zambia. Measles, tetanus, polio, rubella, hepatitis, and your annual flu vaccination are among them. Vaccinations against typhoid and anti-rabies are also advised. Because Zambia is a malaria-prone area, we also recommend that you pack mosquito repellent, anti-malaria medication, and wear appropriately-fitting evening clothing.

While Lusaka boasts a number of excellent clinics and medical facilities, these establishments are few in Zambia’s interior. Prior to taking any drug, make sure you always check the expiration date. If you plan to consume water while in Zambia, stick to bottled or filtered options.

Currency and cards

Although US dollars are accepted in the majority of tourist establishments, the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency of the nation. For your convenience, ATMs are widely available across Zambia. ATMs frequently malfunction or run out of money, though. Only carry notes printed in 2013 or later if you intend to exchange money or pay with US dollars; otherwise, they might not be accepted.

In Zambia, Visa is the card that is most frequently accepted. While the majority of restaurants do not take Amex cards, some do accept Mastercards. A pin may be needed for many credit card transactions in order for the payment to be processed.

FOOD, SHOPPING & PEOPLE

What to Eat and Drink in Zambia

It is impossible to visit Zambia and not try the indigenous beer, Mosi. As the sun sets over the Zambezi, sip on a refreshing beverage.

Nshima, a white cornmeal porridge, is a staple food in Zambia. Using your right hand, roll it into balls and use them to scoop up the accompanying beans, pork, and relish.

A specialty of Ifinkubala is mopane caterpillars that are collected from tree leaves!

Since many people lack access to refrigeration, they continue to preserve food by using conventional drying methods. For instance, kapenta are little dried fish.

People & language

Zambian English is the official language, but it’s not the only language spoken there! There are roughly 72 distinct ethnic groups in Zambia, along with an equal number of dialects. However, there are seven closely related vernacular languages that are part of the Bantu language family. While Nyanja is spoken in South Luangwa, Bemba is the language that is most commonly spoken there.

In Bemba, give someone a “shani” greeting.

In Nyanja, “zikomo” is a term used to close most conversations and express gratitude to someone.

Gifts & shopping

Chitenge, or vibrantly colored batik fabric, is akin to a sarong in length. Although they are usually worn by women around their midriffs, they can also be used as head scarves or infant slings.

Natural vegetable dyes are used to color the woven Tonga baskets from southern Zambia, or the patterns are created by the material contrasts. Baskets occur in a variety of styles, each named for the region from where they originate. Each type has its own distinctive pattern.

You can purchase direct goods from the approximately 80 resident crafters from all around Zambia at Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka. Be sure the handicrafts you purchase are from Zambia, and don’t hesitate to bargain. Some larger stalls also sell handicrafts imported from Kenya and Tanzania.

Zambia is located on the copperbelt, which means that gorgeous copper jewelry is widely available.

HEALTH & SAFETY IN ZAMBIA

HEALTH

See your doctor four to six weeks before your trip to be sure you have received all the required shots and medications. Make an early appointment if you already have health issues.Drink only water that is bottled; stay away from ice in beverages.Zambia has malaria, thus it is advisable to take antimalarial medication. There is also dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes that are most active during the day. There is no treatment to prevent dengue disease. Put on long sleeves and pants, use a mosquito net, and apply insect repellent.

Travelers older than nine months who are traveling from nations where there is a danger of yellow fever transmission must have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Additionally, it is necessary for travelers who have passed through an airport in a nation where there is a chance of yellow fever transmission for longer than 12 hours. Make sure you have sufficient travel health insurance that covers all the activities you may engage in, like seeing Victoria Falls, and that you have the money on hand to pay for any medical care you may need while traveling overseas and for your return. Zambia has inadequate communications and medical services, particularly in rural areas. There could not even be sterile needles or basic medications available.

There are few emergency services available. Be sure to bring a sterile medical kit with dressings and needles, and be aware of your blood type. In Zambia, rabies cases have been documented in both domestic and wild animals. Moreover, bats may harbor viruses similar to rabies. Steer clear of all animals. Your tour guide should be able to propose the safest restaurants because food purchased from neighborhood street vendors might not adhere to proper sanitation requirements. The cuisine offered in lodges will be of the highest caliber. During your Safari, contact 999 and request an ambulance if you require emergency medical treatment. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should get in touch with your insurance or medical aid provider right once.

SAFETY

With somewhat stable politics, Zambia is a generally safe place to visit. When in national parks and around wildlife, always heed the instructions of your driver or guide, especially when on a walking safari. Similar to this, camping in game reserves is exhilarating since you are surrounded by animals like lions, hyenas, and elephants. The rules at each camp will be explained by your guide; please pay attention to them! During the day, it is usually safe to travel around Zambia’s major cities and game parks.

However, it is not unusual for certain eateries and internet cafes in downtown areas—especially those close to bus and train stations—as well as certain retail centers to experience bag snatching, pick-pocketing, and theft from parked cars. Use taxis that you have reserved in advance through your hotel, stay away from walking alone after dark, and hide valuables like jewelry, phones, cameras, and significant sums of money. Arrest zones close to the borders with Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo may include explosive leftovers of war. If you go off-road in these locations, exercise caution. Adventure sports, such as those in the Victoria Falls region, are dangerous; pay special attention to safety precautions. In Zambia, homosexuality is prohibited. Same-sex partners ought to behave discreetly.