Zambia Safari Guide

Why Travel to Zambia on Safari?

Zambia, the home of Victoria Falls, Kafue, South Luangwa National Park, the walking safari, and the Zambezi River, is one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.

Zambia’s safari attractions often revolve around the mighty Zambezi River. Beginning with the impressive Victoria Falls, and the smorgasbord of activities, including the Devil’s Pool, Zambia offers river cruises, canoeing safaris, and fishing trips. Safaris to Zambia offer a blend of action-packed adventure, untamed landscapes, and some incredible wildlife.

With 20 National Parks, Zambia has some incredible wildlife safari destinations. Parks worth visiting include Kasanka, Kafue, and South Luangwa National Park. Without the crowds that flock to more well-known destinations, Zambia is a safe, quiet, and secluded destination that is renowned for its exclusive safari experiences and excellent guides.

For travellers seeking raw wilderness, exceptional guiding, and authentic adventure, Zambia delivers an unforgettable safari experience.

Zambia Walking Safari Experience

South Luangwa National Park is the birthplace of the walking safari.

Envisioned as a fully immersive way to explore the African bush and commune with nature, walking safaris are an unforgettable way to experience Zambia’s untamed wilderness.

South Luangwa, Zambia’s premier wildlife destination, is wild, remote, and teeming with elephants, hippos, buffalo, and lions. The park also boasts some of Africa’s best safari guides with a unique understanding of the bush

Stay in luxury camps and lodges along the Luangwa River and enjoy expert guidance from locals who grew up in the area.

Whether a gentle morning stroll or a multi-day trek, Zambia offers some of Africa's best walking safaris, promising raw adventure and authentic safari magic.

Zambia’s Victoria Falls and the Devil's Pool

Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest attractions. Stretching for almost 2 km, with a drop of over 100 meters, the Victoria Falls is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witnessing the largest waterfall in the world is a spectacular sight that draws thrill seekers from around the world.

Available only on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, guests can walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge during high-water season and swim in the famous Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool on the edge of the waterfall.

Visiting Victoria Falls is about visiting Africa’s adventure capital. There is an activity for every traveller, from adrenaline-pumping bungee jumping and white water rafting, to swimming, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi.

From the sedate to the sublime, visitors to the Victoria Falls in Zambia can visit Livingstone Island, fly-above, swim-in, zipline across, jump over, do a game drive at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, or just marvel at nature’s splendour.

But what is the best time to visit the Victoria Falls? For peak flow, visit Vic Falls from March to May. To take advantage of the Devil’s Pool and white water rafting, it's better to visit from September to December.

The Mighty Zambezi River

Experiencing the mighty Zambezi River is a highlight of any trip to Zambia.

The Zambezi River begins its journey in Zambia before flowing through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, moving for an impressive 2,574 km before reaching the Indian Ocean.

The biggest attraction along the Zambezi is the Victoria Falls. The largest sheet of falling water anywhere in the world, Vic Falls is a sight to behold and is popular during both peak flow and low flow seasons. Guests can go white water rafting, swim in the Devil’s Pool, or take sedate sunset cruises on the quieter parts of the river. These are some of the best things to do at Victoria Falls in Zambia.

The Lower Zambezi National Park offers some exceptional water-based safaris. Guided canoe trips along the northern banks of the Zambezi provide exceptional wildlife sightings that include elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more. River cruises offer a more tranquil experience, and tiger fishing is available for those who fancy taming these fearsome creatures.

Wherever you are along the mighty Zambezi River, expect high-quality and secluded riverside lodges that offer game viewing and bird watching from the comfort of your deck.

Zambia's Fantastic Safari Parks

Zambia has 20 National Parks and more than 30 game management areas, making it the ideal destination for an African safari.

The better-known and more popular parks include South Luangwa, Kafue, and the Lower Zambezi. These safari gems, replete with astonishing wildlife, offer exclusivity and excellence. Walking safaris, game drives, and horseback adventures are popular, as are river cruises and canoeing along the Zambezi River.

African Parks has stepped in and manages three of Zambia’s most vital ecosystems. In addition to the vast wilderness of Kafue, they also manage Bangweulu wetlands – home to the rare black lechwe - and the Liuwa Plain a bright spot in conservation sustainability.

Zambia is also home to the largest migration of mammals on the planet. Between October and December every year, over 8 million bats arrive in Kasanka National Park to feed, an incredible spectacle not to be missed.

One of the outstanding features of Zambia's protected areas is the off-the-beaten-track feel. Zambia is the best-kept safari secret and promises secluded and immersive safari experiences in unbelievable African landscapes.

Here are 8 of the best safari destinations that Zambia has to offer.

Need Help Planning Your Zambia Safari?

Planning a safari to Zambia’s wild and remote parks can feel overwhelming. With years of safari experience, African Budget Safaris is here to help. Our safari travel specialists have explored Zambia’s top destinations, from South Luangwa’s walking safaris to the mighty Victoria Falls. Zambia is also located perfectly to pair with Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. W are well prepared to help you find the best Zambia safari for your budget. Whether you're looking for a luxury lodge stay, a budget safari, or a tailor-made adventure suited to your unique needs, we'll help you find the best options for your safari budget. Contact us and start planning your Zambia safari today!

When is the Best Time to Travel to Zambia?

The best time to visit Zambia on safari is during the dry season from May to October. Wildlife viewing is at its best during this time, and temperatures are mild.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to do. To see Vic Falls in all its glory and power, visit from March to May. To take advantage of the Devil’s Pool and white water rafting, however, September to December is better.

Zambia Safaris January to April

January and February are the height of Zambia’s rainy season. Heavy downpours result in flooded roads, and navigation and logistics can be difficult. Many lodges are closed, and this is not the ideal time for safari travel. Some lodges in South Luangwa National Park remain open for fly-in safaris. February continues the trend with intense thunderstorms and difficult road access. By March, the rains begin to ease. Travel gradually becomes easier, and this is an ideal time for birdwatching. Water-based safaris in the lower Zambezi are excellent, and the Victoria Falls at its fullest, a dramatic sight from the air. April is dry. The bush is, however, lush and thick, making game viewing tricky. Temperatures are still mild, and the landscapes are beautiful. Entrepid adventurers will be rewarded with lower rates.

May & June in Zambia

May is the official start of the dry season. This is a scenic period with cooler temperatures. As game viewing gradually improves throughout Zambia, safari camps begin to reopen, and Victoria Falls is still impressive. June is the start of the peak safari season. Cool and comfortable weather is ideal for walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park.

Zambia in July & August

By July, tourist numbers have increased but are nowhere near the volumes seen in Kruger, Chobe or the Serengeti. This is one of the best months for a Zambia safari. As the dry season progresses, vegetation thins and big game animals become easier to spot in the bush. As safari conditions improve, demand and rates increase. Traditionally, late July is the start of the white-water rafting season at Victoria Falls. The excellent safari conditions continue throughout August with cool dry weather. As water becomes more scarce, spotting wildlife becomes easier as they congregate around rivers and watering holes. Carmine bee-eaters begin to arrive to nest along the Luangwa River. South Luangwa National Park offers some of the best walking safaris in Africa.

Zambia in September & October

In September, temperatures begin to rise. September is a good bird watching month with abundant raptors, particularly eagles and herons that can be seen hunting, and the intra-African migratory carmine bee-eaters. Cool afternoons are perfect for walking safaris in the bush. October is Zambia’s hottest month. Intense heat means that game viewing is best in the early morning and late afternoon. This is, however, a great time to go white river rafting at Victoria Falls.

November & December in Zambia

November is an unpredictable month which combines dry spells with frequent downpours. It's a good safari month for those looking for shoulder season discounts. In Liuwa Plains, Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration takes place in Liuwa Plain National Park, a dazzling spectacle. December is the official start of the rainy season in Zambia. While the rains cool the daytime temperatures, the climate can be humid, and roads tricky to navigate due to flooding. Camps begin to close for the off-season.