Safaris in Zambia
Zambia’s diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences make it a leading safari holiday destination. With fewer visitors Zambia is also able to offer a more intimate and authentic safari experience, ensuring close and natural encounters with the indigenous wildlife.
What are the best parks to visit for a safari in Zambia?
- South Luangwa National Park – Known for its walking safaris and high concentrations of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
- Lower Zambezi National Park – Offers spectacular canoe and boat safaris along the Zambezi River, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
- Kafue National Park – One of the largest parks in Africa, boasting diverse ecosystems and a wide variety of wildlife, including cheetahs and wild dogs.
- North Luangwa National Park – A more remote and less visited park, ideal for true wilderness experiences and walking safaris.
- Liuwa Plain National Park – Famous for its annual wildebeest migration and birdlife, providing a unique safari experience.
What safari activities are available in Zambia?
- 4×4 Vehicle Safaris – Traditional ‘Game Drives’ are still the best way to see a wide range of wildlife and are offered from all lodges and camps.
- Night Safaris – Evening and after dark safari drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals in action.
- Walking Safaris – South Luangwa is known as the ‘Birthplace of the walking safari’ and allows you to track animals, learn about insects and discover smaller animals and insects.
- Canoe Safaris – Particularly popular in Lower Zambezi National Park, offering a unique perspective as you paddle along the Zambezi River.
- Birdwatching Safaris – Zambia is home to nearly 800 different recorded bird species, including rare and endemic species, such as the Chaplin’s Barbet.
- Photographic Safaris – Tailored for photographers, these safaris focus on capturing Zambia’s stunning wildlife and landscapes, often using purpose built hides.
- Other safari activities can include fishing, balloon or helicopter flights, or cultural visits to local villages.
Can a Zambia Safari be combined with a visit to Victoria Falls?
A Zambian safari combines perfectly with a visit to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is accessible from the Zambian town of Livingstone.
Many of Zambia’s top safari destinations, such as South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, have good transport links to Livingstone, making a safari and falls combination very popular.
When is the best time of year to go on safari in Zambia?
Although it is possible to visit Zambia throughout the year, the best time to go on a safari in Zambia, generally falls during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
- During the Early Dry Season (May and June) the weather is generally warm with occasional light rains. Wildlife viewing is good and the landscapes remain green and lush.
- In the Peak Dry Season (July to October) the weather becomes hot and dry, with little rain. Animals begin congregating around the diminishing water sources. Vegetation becomes more sparse at this time which enhances the wildlife visibility.
- Throughout the Green Season (November to April) the humidity increases with frequent rain showers. Although animals disperse and vegetation thickens, this is the best time for birdwatching in Zambia, as many migratory species flock to Zambia.
Plan your holiday
