People tend to forget about Zambia when organising their safari. They think in terms of their more famous regional neighbours: Botswana, South Africa and Kenya with their iconic destinations of the Okavango Delta, the Kruger and the Masai Mara. Even Victoria Falls is seen purely as a Zimbabwean venue.
In our opinion, however, Zambia as a safari destination is easily one of the top five venues in Africa. Unique wildlife, game reserves and national parks as well as one of the most famous rivers and waterfalls in the world make this a safari destination second to none. Coupled with the fact that some of the areas within the country are still more difficult to access makes it a more pure safari experience which tallies with its marketing moniker of "the real Africa" as well as the home of the walking safari.
We love the Zambian safari experience and all that the country has to offer.
Top Zambian Safari Destinations
1. Victoria Falls
One of the old seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is without a doubt the most popular safari destination in the whole of Zambia and with good reason. With not only the Falls and the Zambezi River on offer, but there are also countless adventure activities to be had; from River rafting to bungee jumping and helicopter flights to canoeing all the way through to elephant back riding. Victoria Falls is without doubt as popular as Cape Town, the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.
Getting there: Fly into either Victoria Falls or Livingstone airports, as part of a safari or self-drive.
Accommodation Options: Best Livingstone Lodges
2. South Luangwa
Undoubtedly one of the greatest wildlife centres in the world. There are very few national parks in Africa that come close to it in terms of wildlife numbers and sightings, it is truly a photographers paradise. You can find wildlife that is unique to this valley. For example Thornycroft giraffes, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra. For the birders out there, the South Luangwa offers a paradise all of its own with over 400 bird species to be found. The park itself covers 9050 square kilometres and interestingly only became a National Park in 1972.
Getting there: Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, as part of a safari or self-drive.
Accommodation Options: Best Luangwa Lodges
3. Kafue National Park
Kafue is Zambia's largest National Park, roughly the same size as Wales in the United Kingdom. For reasons more to do with marketing and less with experience, the Kafue National Park is not as popular as either the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks and which consequently offers the visitor a more exclusive experience. The Busanga Plains found in the north of the park offer fantastic wildlife and birdlife along with luxury lodges, combining to offer a truly memorable safari adventure. The Busanga Plains are famous for their lion, leopard and cheetah sightings along with large herds of buffalo and antelope. We would highly recommend adding the Kafue National Park to any Safari itinerary within Zambia.
Getting there: Fly directly to the lodge as part of a safari.
Accommodation Options: Best Kafue Lodges
4. Zambezi River
Is the fourth-longest river in Africa, has its source in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the eastern border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and ends up flowing into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. The river plays host to the mighty Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and flows past the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. Activities that she offers include canoeing, whitewater rafting, some of the finest fishing in Africa, as well as superb wildlife and birdlife. All of the above locations are highly recommended by the Uyaphi team, as all are easily accessible when on a scheduled or tailor-made Zambian safari.
Getting there: As part of a safari, fly-in or safari vehicle.
Accommodation Options: Best Lodges on The Zambezi River
5. Lower Zambezi National Park
Other than the South Luangwa Valley, the Lower Zambezi National Park is, without a doubt, one of the top safari destinations that we have the privilege of offering to our clients. If you're looking for a remote safari location that offers exceptional wildlife and superb lodging with really exciting activities, this is the destination for you. The park is as wild as wild can get in Africa today. Most safaris will fly directly into this National Park due to difficult accessibility by road although there are a few self-drive options (not recommended especially in summer). Lower Zambezi National Park is best combined with a safari to the South Luangwa National Park; you will certainly not be disappointed with the amount of wildlife and photographic opportunities that abound.
Getting there: Fly directly to the lodge as part of a safari is the recommended option.
Accommodation Options: Best Lower Zambezi Lodges
6. Kasanka National Park
This National Park hosts a unique wildlife event every year between November and December when millions and millions of straw-coloured fruit bats congregate during part of a migration. During the day the trees are thickly laden with Fruit Bats shoulder to shoulder, at sunset in the region of 10 million bats take to the sky in what can only be described as a living cloud. This particular safari is on our bucket list and we highly recommend it to you. Remember, this safari only runs between November and December of every year.
Getting there: As part of a safari, fly-in or safari vehicle.
Safari Option (tailor-made): The Best Kasanka Bat Safari
For more of the Best Safari Destinations In Zambia, see our Zambia Travel page
Flatdogs Camp
Explore Zambia's captivating wilderness at Flatdogs Camp, where an unforgettable adventure awaits. This sanctuary goes beyond accommodation to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Open to nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, Flatdogs Camp embodies the African safari spirit with a warm, welcoming vibe akin to home.
Whether relaxing in a chalet, up in the Jackalberry Treehouse, or surrounded by nature's sounds in a tented suite, Flatdogs Camp encourages you to embrace the wild, connect with nature, and forge everlasting memories.
Kapamba Bushcamp
Dive into the heart of Zambia's wildlife sanctuary and unlock an adventure of a lifetime at Kapamba Bushcamp. Perfectly poised in the untouched landscapes of South Luangwa National Park, this remarkable retreat invites you to experience the wild in unparalleled luxury and seclusion.
Whether you're trekking through the bush in the footsteps of majestic beasts or unwinding under the starlit African sky, Kapamba offers a symphony of experiences that resonate with the soul of every adventurer.
Ila Safari Lodge
Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime at the spectacular Ila Safari Lodge! Set within the magnificent Kafue National Park in Zambia, Ila on the Kafue River isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling wilderness experiences.
Wake up to the sounds of the wild, engage in exhilarating activities and be part of a sustainable travel movement that cherishes and preserves the awe-inspiring wonders of nature. Your African dream adventure awaits!
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Bilimungwe Bushcamp in the heart of the famed Luangwa Valley. This small safari hideaway promises a mix of wildlife encounters, luxury, and authentic safari moments. Expert guides lead exciting game drives and walks for a close-up view of Africa's stunning wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the wilderness beneath the starry sky at Bilimungwe Bushcamp in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Plan your extraordinary journey between May and December for an unforgettable safari experience.
Toka Leya Camp
With just 12 tented suites, Toka Leya at the Zambezi River offers a tranquil safari experience. Surrounded by nature, the camp overlooks the river and its islands, providing a perfect blend of luxury and eco-conscious design.
The tented suites at Toka Leya are spacious and airy, featuring en-suite bathrooms, private decks with outdoor showers, and comfortable beds for a restful sleep. Each suite has its own peaceful view of the Zambezi River, where you can see elephants bathing in the water or hippos basking in the sun.
Mchenja Camp
As a luxurious bush camp nestled in the heart of South Luangwa, Mchenja Camp offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable walking safari experience that seamlessly combines multiple camps for a diverse safari experience.
A team of experienced guides are passionate about sharing their intimate knowledge of the surrounding areas, offering a unique perspective on the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that make Africa such an incredible destination.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
Nestled on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park lodge has been transformed into a breathtaking 5-star luxury haven. With its panoramic views of the sprawling river and the Mana Pools Reserve, teeming with wildlife and framed by stunning landscapes, this lodge offers an unparalleled experience.
From the sumptuous accommodation options to the exceptional service, every moment at the Royal Zambezi River Lodge is designed to surpass expectations, making it an undisputed jewel in the wilderness.
Mwaleshi Camp
Nestled in the heart of Zambia's pristine North Luangwa National Park, Mwaleshi Camp offers an escape into one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. With its intimate setting and unmatched proximity to nature, this camp provides an extraordinary adventure for those seeking to explore the unspoiled landscapes and rich wildlife of Zambia.
It's an invitation to step off the beaten path and immerse oneself in an experience that promises not just sightings but interactions with the natural world in ways few other destinations can offer.