Zambia

The Soul of the Safari

Zambia offers a bastion of the authentic, a destination that answers the call of the true safari connoisseur. This is the “real Africa,” a vast land of raw wilderness, mighty rivers, and an untamed spirit. While crowds may flock elsewhere, a Zambia safari offers something far more precious: exclusivity, intimacy, and a profound, personal connection to the wild.

Here, luxury is not defined by detachment, but by a deeper immersion within nature. We design zambia safari holidays based in intimate, conservation-focused camps where the sigh of a leopard is the only soundtrack. This commitment to low-density tourism is the foundation of the Zambian experience, making it the perfect stage for the legendary walking safari. A journey here is not just a trip, but a genuine, soul-stirring expedition into the heart of wild Africa, making for an unforgettable luxury safari in Zambia.

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Top Regions and Attractions

The Zambia safari tours we design are a journey through a series of vast, pristine, and wonderfully uncrowded wilderness areas. From the birthplace of the walking safari to the earth-shaking power of a Natural Wonder of the World, each region offers a unique and authentic chapter of the African story. Below, we introduce the iconic destinations that define the soul of Zambia.

South Luangwa National Park

The Valley of the Leopard

Often hailed as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries on Earth, South Luangwa National Park is the undisputed birthplace of the walking safari. Its lifeblood, the Luangwa River, creates a mosaic of lagoons and plains that supports one of Africa’s highest wildlife concentrations, and it is arguably the best place on the continent for leopard sightings.

Victoria Falls & Livingstone

The Smoke that Thunders

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke that Thunders,” Victoria Falls is a spectacle of raw natural grandeur. The Zambian side offers uniquely visceral perspectives, including the heart-racing Knife-Edge Bridge and, for the ultimate thrill, a guided swim in the legendary Devil’s Pool at the very precipice of the world’s largest sheet of falling water. This is a must for all Victoria Falls tours.

Lower Zambezi National Park

A Riverine Eden

With the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment as its backdrop, the Lower Zambezi National Park is a pristine wilderness of breathtaking beauty. It is defined by the mighty Zambezi River, offering an unparalleled fusion of land and water-based safaris. It is renowned for its massive elephant herds that wade and swim between the fertile islands.

Kafue National Park

The Vast, Uncharted Wilderness

As Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, Kafue National Park offers a safari defined by immense scale and solitude. Its most iconic region, the spectacular Busanga Plains, is a vast seasonal floodplain that attracts phenomenal concentrations of wildlife, including unique “leaping lions” that hunt lechwe across the water channels.

Zambia Wildlife

The Predator Paradise

Zambia’s wildlife appeal is built on exceptional opportunities to see rare and specialized species in an uncrowded setting. The country is a true predator paradise, renowned for some of the most intimate and rewarding sightings on the continent. A safari with us is a masterclass in the secret lives of the bush, led by some of Africa’s finest guides.

Leopard

South Luangwa is famously known as “The Valley of the Leopard,” offering what are arguably the best and most consistent leopard sightings in all of Africa.

Lion

The country is a lion stronghold, from the powerful prides of South Luangwa to the unique leaping lions of Kafue’s Busanga Plains that have adapted to hunt in the wetlands.

African Wild Dog

Zambia is one of the last six great strongholds for these endangered carnivores, and the Luangwa Valley is believed to support the largest single population in Africa.

Thornicroft's Giraffe

This genetically unique subspecies of giraffe, distinguished by its intricate coat pattern, is found only in the South Luangwa Valley.

At a Glance

Capital City

Lusaka

Official Language

English

Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

Key Safari Airports

Lusaka (LUN), Livingstone (LVI)

Fascinating Facts

The Real Africa

Zambia is known for its authentic, uncommercialized safari experience with a focus on high-quality guiding and low-density tourism.

Birthplace of the Walking Safari

The concept of exploring big game country on foot was pioneered by legendary conservationists in South Luangwa National Park.

A Land of Water

Over 30% of this vast country is dedicated to conservation, with its landscapes and life shaped by three mighty rivers: the Zambezi, Luangwa, and Kafue.

Travel Essentials

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, and most EU nations, can obtain a visa upon arrival. The KAZA Univisa is an excellent option for visiting both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Health

Zambia is a high-risk malaria area year-round. Prophylactic medication is strongly recommended. Please consult a travel doctor well in advance.

Luggage

Flights on small bush planes have a strict luggage limit, typically 15kg (33 lbs) per person in a soft-sided duffel bag with no wheels.

Luxury Zambia Safaris

Journeys to Africa's Heart

We have designed a collection of Zambia safari packages that immerse you in the authentic soul of this wild country. Explore our classic itineraries that combine a safari in Zambia with Victoria Falls, or contact our experts to craft a bespoke adventure from our diverse Victoria Falls tour packages.

Activities & Experiences

Our Zambia safari tours are active, immersive journeys into the wild. We focus on experiences that go beyond the vehicle to connect you with the bush on a deeper, more primal level.

The Walking Safari

This is the quintessential Zambian experience. Join our expert guides and armed rangers in South Luangwa to track big game on foot, engaging all your senses in a thrilling immersion into the ecosystem.

River-Based Safaris

Discover the secrets of the Lower Zambezi from the water. We will arrange for you to silently glide past elephants and hippos in a canoe for an eye-level perspective, or enjoy a classic sundowner cruise on a boat.

Victoria Falls Adventures

The ultimate Victoria Falls trip is an adrenaline rush. We can arrange for you to swim to the edge of the abyss in Devil’s Pool (seasonal), take the “Flight of the Angels” helicopter tour, or brave the world-class white-water rafting in the gorge below.

Best Time to Visit

Our experts will help you decide the best time to visit Zambia, as each season offers a distinct and magical experience for the safari connoisseur.

Dry Season

May - October

This is the classic and most popular time for a safari. The weather is pleasant, and as water sources dry up, wildlife congregates in huge numbers along the rivers. The vegetation thins out, making game viewing sensational, especially from August to October.

Green Season

November - April

Often called the “secret season,” this is a magical time for photographers and birdwatchers. The bush transforms into a vibrant, emerald paradise, it’s the season of new life with many baby animals, and migratory birds arrive in their breeding plumage.

Victoria Falls Flow

The Falls are at their most thunderously powerful from February to May, but the colossal spray can obscure views. From July to October, the flow is lower, offering clearer views and access to Devil’s Pool.

FAQ

Why is the walking safari so famous in Zambia?

Zambia is its birthplace. The country has the most stringent guide qualification process on the continent, ensuring that the guides leading you on foot through big game country are truly the best of the best, offering an unparalleled level of safety, knowledge, and intimacy with the wild.

Is Zambia a Big Five destination?

Zambia offers exceptional viewing of four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo). Black rhino were poached to local extinction but have been successfully reintroduced into a secure sanctuary in North Luangwa National Park, making it the only park to currently host all five.

How much does a Zambia safari cost?

The Zambia safari cost reflects its exclusive, low-density tourism model. While not a budget destination, it offers incredible value for a high-quality, uncrowded experience. Prices for a luxury holiday in Zambia vary by season and level of accommodation.

What is the accommodation like?

From Victoria Falls luxury lodges to intimate bush camps in the Luangwa Valley, accommodation is exceptional. We partner with the finest luxury safari camps in Zambia, which are renowned for their remote locations, expert guiding, and ability to immerse you in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort.