Zambia
ZAMBIA: The Real Africa
Birthplace of the Walking Safari
If the Serengeti is the theater of safari, Zambia is the backstage pass.
It is raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically wild.
This is the Birthplace of the Walking Safari.
It is not about gold taps or bathtubs; it is about the quality of the guide and the visceral thrill of being on foot with lions.
Why Go?
- Walking Safaris: The best on the continent. You track big game on foot with highly trained guides and armed scouts.
- The Guiding: Zambian guides undergo the toughest exams in Africa. They are naturalists, not just drivers.
- The River: The Zambezi River offers unparalleled canoeing and tiger fishing experiences.
- Victoria Falls: The Zambian side offers the wilder experience and access to the famous Devil's Pool.
When to Go
Dry Season (Peak)
June to October: Wildlife is concentrated at the river. October is very hot ("Suicide Month") but game viewing is phenomenal.
Emerald Season
Nov to April: Lush, green, great for birding and boat safaris, though some bush camps close.
Devil's Pool
Mid-August to mid-January only. The ultimate adrenaline experience at Victoria Falls.
Travel Tips
- KAZA Visa: Buy the KAZA UniVisa on arrival ($50) which allows you to cross freely into Zimbabwe for the day.
- Safety: Walking safaris are safe, but you must listen to your guide's instructions instantly.
- Cash: US Dollars are widely accepted for tips and visas.
Where to Go: Zambia's Wild Destinations
From the leopard capital of the world to remote wilderness areas, Zambia offers unmatched safari experiences.
1. South Luangwa: The Leopard Capital
The leopard capital of the world and home of the walking safari.
South Luangwa is renowned as the birthplace of the walking safari and offers the highest density of leopards in Africa. Experience the thrill of tracking big game on foot with expert guides in one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas.
2. Lower Zambezi: Canoe Safari Paradise
Famous for canoe safaris past hippos and elephants under the Rift Valley escarpment.
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers exceptional canoe safaris where you drift silently past elephants crossing the river and hippos basking in the shallows, all beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment.
3. Kafue: Massive and Remote
The Busanga Plains in the north are known for tree-climbing lions.
Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest national parks. The remote Busanga Plains in the north offer seasonal flooding that creates spectacular wildlife viewing, including the rare phenomenon of tree-climbing lions.
4. Livingstone: The Adventure Hub
Gateway to Victoria Falls and Devil's Pool.
Livingstone is the adventure capital for Victoria Falls experiences. The Zambian side offers the wilder, more intimate experience with access to Devil's Pool—swimming on the very edge of the world's largest waterfall.
Where to Stay: Authentic Bush Luxury
Zambia's lodges prioritize exceptional guiding and authentic wilderness experiences over unnecessary luxury.
Time + Tide Chinzombo
Ultra-luxury villas in South Luangwa. The pinnacle of bush luxury with exceptional guiding and wildlife viewing.
Chiawa Camp
Family-owned legend in the Lower Zambezi. Authentic bush camp experience with outstanding canoe safaris and guiding.
Tongabezi Lodge
Romantic luxury upstream from Victoria Falls. Perfect for honeymooners seeking adventure and intimacy.
Best Time to Go: Best: Good:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Zambia Highlights: Unforgettable Experiences
Devil's Pool
Swimming on the very edge of Victoria Falls. The ultimate adrenaline photo opportunity.
Walking Camp-to-Camp
Spending days walking between remote bush camps in Luangwa. The ultimate walking safari experience.
Canoe Safari
Drifting silently past elephants crossing the Zambezi. An intimate river wildlife experience.
Bat Migration
Witnessing 10 million fruit bats descend on Kasanka in November. A unique natural phenomenon.
Zambia In A Flash!
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