Zambia is where the safari slows down and sharpens at the same time. This is the country that gave the world the walking safari, and it still sets the standard. South Luangwa has built its reputation on exploring the bush on foot, the Lower Zambezi brings canoe safaris into the mix, and Kafue, Zambia's largest national park, gives wildlife an extraordinary amount of room to roam.
Zambia Highlights
- Walking safaris and exceptional guiding in South Luangwa's leopard-rich Luangwa Valley
- Canoe safaris, boat cruises, and catch-and-release fishing in Lower Zambezi National Park
- Wide-open floodplains, predators, and prolific birdlife in Kafue's Busanga Plains
- Victoria Falls from Livingstone, with seasonal adventures along the Zambezi River
- Specialist wildlife experiences in Kasanka, North Luangwa, Liuwa Plain, and the Bangweulu Wetlands
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Frequently Asked Questions
We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Zambia
Absolutely. Zambia is one of Southern Africa's finest safari destinations for walking safaris, river-based activities, and the quality of its guiding.
South Luangwa is celebrated for leopard viewing and wildlife-rich walks, the Lower Zambezi adds canoeing and boating, and Kafue is home to a wide variety of habitats.
It's worth knowing that Zambia's main safari regions aren't conventional Big 5 checklist destinations. Rhino, for example, are absent from South Luangwa. But if your interests go beyond bucket-list safari species, Zambia has so much more to offer.
South Luangwa National Park is our first recommendation for a classic Zambia safari, especially if you're interested in walking safaris, leopards, and excellent guiding.
That said, there's no single winner. The Lower Zambezi is exceptional if you want to combine game drives with canoeing and boating, while Kafue is ideal for exploring a wider variety of habitats with relatively few other safari vehicles.
For experienced safari-goers with a particular interest in walking or remote wildlife areas, North Luangwa and Liuwa Plain are also worth considering.
Both offer exceptional safaris, but we'd choose according to the activities and regions you're most interested in.
Zambia is well known for its walking safari heritage in South Luangwa and canoe safaris in the Lower Zambezi. Zimbabwe has its own outstanding walking and canoeing in Mana Pools, along with excellent wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park.
Both countries also provide access to Victoria Falls. If you're deciding between them, we'd look at your preferred season, accommodation, and wider itinerary before making a recommendation.
Zambia's established safari regions are generally visited with experienced guides, arranged transfers, and reputable lodges. As with any destination, sensible precautions and current local advice matter.
We arrange your transport and avoid unnecessary road travel after dark. In the parks, qualified guides manage activities according to wildlife behaviour and conditions.
It's also important to check your government's latest travel advice and ensure your insurance covers your planned activities and emergency medical evacuation when visiting remote areas.
We recommend at least three nights in each safari region, giving you enough time to enjoy game drives, walks, or river activities without constantly packing up and moving on.
Seven to ten nights works well for combining South Luangwa with the Lower Zambezi, or pairing one safari area with Victoria Falls.
With 10–12 nights, you can explore a little further, perhaps adding Kafue or allowing more time in a favourite region. We generally prefer an extra night somewhere wonderful to an extra stop that leaves you permanently watching the clock.
Victoria Falls makes an excellent beginning or end to a Zambia safari, with Livingstone providing easy access to the Zambian viewpoints and surrounding activities.
Two to three nights is usually enough to see the Falls and enjoy one or two additional experiences. Livingstone also connects with onward flights and regional routes to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Botswana.
We consider the waterfall's seasonal water levels alongside your safari dates if you'd like to visit Devil's Pool or see the Falls at their fullest.
A walking safari is a guided wildlife experience on foot, usually lasting a few hours. A qualified guide and armed scout lead the way, interpreting tracks, animal behaviour, vegetation, and the smaller details of the bush.
You don't need to be an athlete, but reasonable mobility and a willingness to follow your guide's instructions are important. Distances and terrain vary, and longer mobile walking safaris can be more demanding.
Age restrictions also apply at many camps, so we'll help you choose an appropriate experience.
Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colours, along with a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning game drives during the cooler months. If walking safaris are on your itinerary, bring comfortable, well-worn closed shoes rather than a brand-new pair that still needs breaking in.
A hat, sunscreen, binoculars, insect repellent, and long-sleeved clothing are also useful. For canoe safaris, consider a small waterproof bag for essentials, and if you're visiting Victoria Falls during high-water season, a lightweight rain jacket is a very good idea.
And before you bring the large suitcase, remember that light-aircraft luggage restrictions may require a little restraint.
Yes, malaria is present in Zambia, including its main safari regions. Speak to your doctor or a travel-health clinic well before departure about suitable preventative medication, vaccinations, and other precautions. Insect repellent, covered clothing, and mosquito protection are also important.
Zambia's visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel arrangements. Some passport holders can enter visa-free, while others require a visa. If you're combining Zambia with Zimbabwe or Botswana, cross-border arrangements may also affect your requirements. Check the latest information with the official Zambian immigration authorities before travelling.
