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
- Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp stands out as one of the select few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps that welcome visitors during the months of January and November. During this period, the river reaches high levels, necessitating access by boat.
The safari activities (walking safaris and game drives) offered revolve around exploring the river or the nearby dry, sandy terrains that encompass the camp, all while surrounded by exceptional wildlife and birdlife.
- Fig Tree Bush Camp
Fig Tree Bush Camp is located in a wild region of the Kafue National Park surrounded by exceptional wildlife including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena and occasionally wild dog.
A small and intimate camp that offers up only 4 tented suites is the perfect destination for wildlife and birdlife enthusiasts and is perfectly positioned on the Kafue River.
- 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.
- Luwi Bush Camp
Due to its remote location, nestled deep within the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi Bush Camp offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With limited roads in the area, the camp's focus on walking safaris allows guests to immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness of Zambia.
The abundant wildlife and birdlife in the park provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for daily walking safaris, creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come.
- Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge offers guests a safari experience in the Kafue National Park's central region, a region famed for excellent wildlife and birdlife.
Located on the banks of the Kafue River, Mukambi offers game drives, walking safaris, fishing excursions, boat and sunset cruises.
- Chikunto Safari Lodge
Chikunto Safari Lodge combines luxury with wilderness, offering a unique safari experience in South Luangwa National Park. Guests enjoy nature alongside modern comforts, with a focus on eco-friendly practices for minimal environmental impact.
The lodge's limited suites ensure an intimate safari experience with close wildlife encounters. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching to explore Zambia's untouched wilderness.