Zambia is the ultimate safari destination, away from the tourist crowds. Its main national parks are the North and South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue. The magnificent Victoria Falls can also be viewed from Zambia and make an excellent addition to a few days on safari. There is quite a distance between the parks and the roads are in poor condition we therefore suggest that you fly from camp to camp. Zambia’s wildlife is outstanding and accommodation is predominantly in small, intimate lodges. Walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia, although 4 x 4 game drives are also on offer at most of the camps and lodges. Night game drives provide a great opportunity to spot nocturnal species such as bush baby, civet and genet.
What to see
Livingstone
Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, the town was established in 1905 and made the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. The capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935 and the bustling city has become a quiet town once again. The proximity to the Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls has led it to becoming a base for travellers from all over the globe wanting to explore this Seventh wonder of the World.
South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. The oxbow lagoons of the Luangwa River, woodland and plains of the valley attract a high concentration of game particularly hippo, elephant, buffalo, puku and crocodile. There are also regular predator sightings including lion, leopard and wild dog and the park is home to over 400 species of birds.
North Luangwa National Park
The less-visited North Luangwa National Park is a 4636 sq. km remote area of land, where you’re unlikely to see anyone else for the duration of your trip. The park is noted as excellent walking country, with a vast range of different vegetation. Massive herds of buffalo and large prides of lion inhabit the park as well as hyena, Cookson’s wildebeest, zebra, warthog and baboon. Elephant and leopard are also seen, but not as frequently as in the South Park. Camps we recommend in these areas include the Robin Pope, Norman Carr and Remote Africa Safaris properties.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Downstream from Lake Kariba this is Zambia's youngest park where the Zambezi river forms small reed islands, which are feeding grounds for an abundance of wildlife. The beauty of this park is in its state of absolute wildness. There are some spectacular opportunities to get close to the game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels as you explore the area by boat. the game is generally found at the bottom of the valley and the camps in the park are scattered along the water’s edge.
Kafue National Park
Kafue, in central-western Zambia, is the size of Wales. It is the largest park in Zambia and one of the largest National Parks in the world with an impressive range of over 400 species of birds. A dominant feature of the park is the Busanga Plains - a vast floodplain fed by the Lufupa River system. This floodplain has been known to recede in the dry season, often trapping hippo in shallow pools. Game sightings frequently include red lechwe, puku and other antelope but the most notable absentee of the park is giraffe.
