8 of the Best Zambia Safari Destinations for wild African Safaris
Famous for walking safaris, and with 20 national parks, Zambia has plenty of safari destinations to choose from. However, years of poaching and mismanagement have meant that many of these nature reserves have fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, with increased tourism opportunities, and the intervention of some excellent conservation organizations like African Parks, Zambia's National Parks are on the rise, and still have a lot to offer. Zambia receives far fewer visitors than destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa, and therefore has maintained a remote, wilderness feel. Here is African Budget Safaris' pick of the 8 best Zambia safari destinations.
South Luangwa National Park safari
1. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is the leading Zambia safari destination. This pristine wilderness boasts an extraordinary density and diversity of wildlife. From predators to prey, the park is home to an astonishing array of animal and bird species. As the traditional home of the walking safari, South Luangwa National Park offers intimate encounters with some of Africa's most amazing wildlife.
The Luangwa River is the lifeline of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, creating a stunning backdrop to the beautiful valley. In the Dry season, this impressive waterway reduces to a mosaic of floodplains, pools, and oxbow lagoons, which provide much-needed water for the park's plethora of wildlife. The park's landscape features a blend of open grassy plains, woodlands, and acacia shrubs.
These diverse habitats are home to four of the big five (rhinos are absent), large herds of elephants and buffalo as well as good lion and leopard sightings. Rare animals in South Luangwa include African painted wolves, roan antelope, and Sharpe’s grysbok, while endemic species in the park are Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest, and the Crawshay's zebra. In addition to these unique animals, South Luangwa boasts Impala, puku, zebra, plentiful hippos, eland, kudu, impala, and nighttime specialists like hyenas, genets, bush babies, and porcupines.
South Luangwa elephant, Zambia
Activities at South Luangwa include both day and night game drives, as well as specialist activities like photography and birding safaris. Zambia's South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari, and as such, exploring the park on a mobile walking safari with an experienced guide is the safari experience of a lifetime. South Luangwa’s guides are reputed to be some of the best guides in Africa.
The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is during the dry season months from July to October. The Dry season officially starts in April, but the landscape remains lush through to June, and the game is dispersed. The rain begins in November, becoming heavy from December to early April. During the rainy months, the temperatures are hot, the vegetation is lush and green and the park is awash with migrant birds. Some lodges close during the rainy season, and as the roads deteriorate, certain areas become inaccessible.
South Luangwa National Park Fact Box |
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Lower Zambezi, carmine bee-eaters, zambia
2. Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is a special place of spectacular beauty. Located in southeast Zambia, and stretching along the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park is the perfect destination for water-based safaris
Lower Zambezi National Park owes its life-giving presence to a vast rift in the earth's crust, through which the Zambezi River flows eastward towards the Indian Ocean. Over time, volcanic soil deposits have enriched the vegetation, and meandering river channels have formed oxbow lakes. Thick riverine bush, including ebony and fig, overhang the river's edge, and inland the flood plain is fringed with mopane forest, while acacia, winter-thorn trees, and rolling hills covered in broad leaf woodland can also be found. Due to the escarpment, most of the game in Lower Zambezi is concentrated along the valley floor.
Lower Zambezi National Park is teeming with wildlife and has four of the famous Big Five, rhinos are absent. A Zambia safari to Lower Zambezi National Park can expect many wildlife encounters, including elephants, buffalos, hippos, waterbucks, kudus, zebras, lions, and wild dogs, with occasional sightings of roan antelope, elands, and the Samango monkey. At night, hyenas, porcupines, civets, genets, and honey badgers are all in evidence. The banks of the Zambezi are alive with birds, from the iconic African fish eagle to nesting white-fronted and carmine bee-eaters. Special species like the red-winged pratincole, elegant crested guinea fowl, black eagle, and swarms of quelea add to the park's avian marvels, while the summertime brings the striking Narina trogon.
Lower Zambezi zambia, elephant on canoe safari
The Lower Zambezi River, despite its size, is considered fairly calm and predictable, making it excellent for seasonal fishing, boating, and canoeing. The best way to experience the Lower Zambezi National Park is on a guided kayak safari through the channels, that put guests on a level with wildest Africa. The Lower Zambezi is also famous for sunset cruises that take in the serene beauty of the Zambezi River, providing a serene vantage point to soak up the wilderness atmosphere and the slowly setting African sun.
The Dry season, from May to October, is the best time for a wildlife safari in Zambia's Lower Zambezi. Animals congregate near the river, and the thinner bush makes wildlife spotting easier. The prime game viewing months fall between July and October. During the Wet season (November to April), animals disperse, and elephants seek higher ground away from the main game-drive areas.
Lower Zambezi Park Fact Box |
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Victoria Falls, Zambia
3. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a small yet impressive reserve, encompassing the renowned Victoria Falls World Heritage National Monument Site and Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park. The park showcases the magnificent Victoria Falls, the largest expanse of falling water in the world, while also offering an exciting safari experience with Zambia's only white rhinos.
Bordered by Livingstone town, farmland, and the Zambezi River, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is one of the smallest protected areas in Zambia. It extends from the Batoka Gorge and continues for about 12km / 7.4 mi along the Zambezi River, above Victoria Falls. The Eastern Cataract, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or the Smoke That Thunders in the Lozi language, is part of the reserve, and is covered in lush rainforest, that is sustained by the spray from the Falls. A few ancient wildlife migration routes and river crossing points fall within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where wildlife can be found throughout the year.
Mosi-oa-Tunya is fenced with man-made boundaries, ensuring year-round populations of wildlife. The park is predator-free, and in addition to the elephants that visit occasionally, you can see white rhino, giraffe, buffalo, water-buck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, bush-buck, warthog, monkeys, baboon, hippo, and crocodiles. As well as over 350 bird species. It may not be the biggest, or most impressive safari destination, but Mosi serves as an excellent introduction to Zambia's wildlife.
Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls Adventure
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is underutilized and offers a surprisingly peaceful escape from the bustle of Livingstone. You can explore on a self-drive or guided safari, on foot-tracking white rhinos with an experienced armed ranger, or by boat on a Zambezi River cruise. Mosi-oa-Tunya is an excellent low-key activity for anyone wanting a small manageable, bite-sized African safari.
The best time to witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zambia is during January, February, June, and August. The Falls are best viewed from April to July. For white water rafting June to February are the best months when all 23 rapids can be attempted.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Safari Fact Box |
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Kafue national park, antelope at sunset
4. Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is Zambia’s biggest conservation area. It is the 5th largest nature park in Africa after Selous (Tanzania), Central Kalahari (Botswana), Namib-Nankluft (Namibia), and Niassa (Mozambique), making it a wilderness must-see for safari aficionados. The park's vast wilderness eclipses both the Kruger National Park and Wales, and is protected by nine Game Management Areas, that preserve its integrity and remarkable landscapes. Only 2 hours drive from Livingstone, Kafue has surprisingly remained a remote and untrammelled safari destination.
Characterized by a diverse and undulating landscape, Kafue National Park is primarily composed of miombo woodlands, dambos, and smaller patches of munga woodland, with riverine forests lining the larger rivers. In the northwest lie the permanently wet Busanga Swamps, surrounded by adjacent floodplains, creating a designated Ramsar site adorned with raised 'tree islands' and remarkable sycamore figs. The northern section of the park comprises a mosaic of miombo and mopane woodland, with rivers forming hardwood riverine corridors. The southern half provides a rewarding exploration experience with low visitor numbers and excellent game-viewing opportunities for the patient few. The permanent Kafue River meanders through the park, transforming from a wide channel in the north to rushing rapids amid granite boulders in the south before meeting Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.
Kafue boasts a remarkable biodiversity, including 158 mammal species, 515 bird species, 70 reptile species, 58 fish species, and 36 amphibious species. Kafue’s impressive variety of antelope species, includes massive herds of red lechwe and puku in wetland areas, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable antelope, roan antelope, greater kudu, and oribi. With such an abundance of antelope species, leopards are widespread, and cheetah and African-painted wolves are also present. Zambia's Kafue National Park is a refuge for the endemic and sought-after black-cheeked lovebird. Many safari enthusiasts consider Kafue, because of the sheer diversity of species, to be one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Kafue national park, red lechwe
Kafue National Park is huge, and the best way to enjoy a Zambia safari here is to give it lots of time. There are a range of safari accommodations, especially in the northern half, and the best activities to enhance your experience are game drives, during the day and at night for encountering elusive nocturnal species, boat safaris in the wet season, and walking safaris. Boasting Zambia’s most extensive bird list, a specialized birding excursion is a must.
The best time to visit Kafue National Park in Zambia is from July to October, which falls in the middle and end of the Dry season. During these months, the bush has dried out, and thirsty animals gather around rivers and waterholes, providing optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. It is important to note that the Busanga Plains are inaccessible during the Wet season when they become flooded.
Kafue National Park Fact Box |
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Kasanka sitatunga ewe
5. Kasanka National Park
Kasanka National Park is the only privately managed national park in Zambia and is operated by the Kasanka Trust, with proceeds supporting conservation and local communities. Kasanka is not only one of Zambia’s smallest protected areas but also one of the most unusual.
Located between north and south Luangwa Parks, Kasanka is tiny compared to giants like Kafue. Despite its diminutive size, Kasanka has an impressive variety of vegetation zones. Miombo woodlands, papyrus swamps, swamp forests, grasslands, floodplains, and rainforests. These landscapes harbour some unusual animal species, and make the park well worth a visit.
The main attraction is the annual bat migration, where over 10 million fruit bats fill the sky at sunset. This is the largest migration of mammals anywhere in the world. Kasanka safaris include sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species like puku, bushbuck, and rare species including the slender-snouted crocodile and the elusive sitatunga antelope. Kasanka boasts an impressive 470 bird species, including rarities like Pel’s fishing owl and the shoebill.
Kasanka national park, fruit bats
Kasanka National Park offers various activities such as walks, game drives, canoe trips, and cycling excursions, providing diverse experiences for visitors throughout the year. The park has an impressive tree hide, where visitors can spot sitatunga, and of course, the bat migration from October to December.
The bats begin to arrive in Kasanka towards the end of October. The best time to see them is from mid-November until mid-December, after which the numbers decline, and by January, Kasanka is bat-free. October to December is also the best time for a Zambia safari in Kasanka in terms of general game viewing. The rains begin in the form of afternoon thundershowers, between October and November, bringing relief from the heat.
Kasanka National Park Fact Box |
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Bangwelu black lechwe battle
6. Bangweulu Wetlands National Park
Bangweulu, “where the water meets the sky”, is a shallow depression, fed by 17 rivers, that forms an extensive wetland system. The seasonal floodplain supports an impressive variety of wildlife, with birds being the main attraction. Managed by African Parks, the Bangweulu Wetlands are unique in developing a sustainable conservation model that supports both the local community that relies on the wetlands for survival, as well as supporting the rare wildlife that calls the wetlands home.
Bangweulu, situated in northeastern Zambia, is home to a remarkable ecosystem that encompasses one of Africa's most significant wetlands. Fed by 17 rivers, the seasonal floodplain advances and retreats over 40 km between seasons, a water level change of 1m to 2m. The Bangweulu Wetlands showcase landscapes that include floodplains, grasslands, woodlands, and swamps. Bangweulu has been designated as a “Wetland of International Importance”, and birdwatching here is exceptional.
The main safari highlight of Zambia's Bangweulu Wetlands is the thousands of endemic black lechwe. The wetlands also offer glimpses of other antelope species, including the elusive semi-aquatic sitatunga, as well as oribi, common reedbuck, and tsessebe. Under the management of African Parks, cheetahs, and buffalo have been reintroduced. Other predators, such as side-striped jackals and servals, roam the wetlands, while the nocturnal calls of spotted hyenas can often be heard. Bangweulu Wetlands is a true haven for bird life, boasting over 400 recorded species. From December to March, the area becomes a vital stopover for migrating birds, but birdwatchers can enjoy the allure of various marsh specials throughout the year. The star attraction of the wetlands is the endangered shoebill.
Bangweulu wetlands in Zambia
The top attraction in Bangweulu is the birds. The best way to experience the abundance of bird life, and the critically endangered shoebill, is by taking a mokoro excursion into the shallow waters. In addition to mokoro safaris, you can also explore the wetlands on foot or by taking game drives. Activities at Bangweulu are extremely seasonal, the Wet season rendering the area inaccessible. Shoebill Island Camp offers the perfect base for unforgettable bird-watching drives, walks, and boat trips. Bangweulu also offers opportunities to meet the local communities who migrate with the waters, visit local schools that are benefiting from conservation efforts, and visit the final resting place of the legendary Dr. Livingstone.
Plan your Zambia safari to Bangweulu Wetlands between May and July to spot shoebills on mokoro trips. This period also offers prime opportunities to see impressive herds of rare black lechwe in Bangweulu Wetlands, when receding water levels draw the grazers to the lush grasslands. From December to March, the Wet season bursts with vibrant birdlife, making it a birder's paradise. However, conditions can be challenging during this time, making November a better compromise for a rewarding and comfortable experience.
Bangweulu National Park fact box |
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North Luangwa lion safari in Zambia
7. North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa National Park is an untamed wilderness and a remarkable walking destination in the wildlife-rich Luangwa Valley. North Luangwa has a stable population of black rhinos, making it one of Zambia’s only Big Five safari destinations. The park's large area, coupled with its few small bush camps, provides a remote and timeless African safari experience.
North Luangwa, an extension of Africa's Great Rift Valley, is a lush valley bordered by the Luangwa River and sustained by the Mwaleshi River. Diverse habitats, including mopane and miombo woodlands, acacia shrubs, grassland savannah, and riverine forests, create a rich ecosystem. The Mwaleshi area, boasts magnificent sausage trees, vegetable ivory palms, red mahogany, and leadwood, while the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment, serves as a prominent feature rising in the distance.
Massive buffalo herds, elephants, and sightings of lions and spotted hyenas are likely, with the possibility of encountering rare African-painted wolves. Notably, black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, making North Luangwa an excellent Big Five safari destination. Zambia specials include Crawshay's zebra, and Cookson's wildebeest, as well as puku, impala, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable antelope, eland, and the greater kudu. Avid birders will find North Luangwa National Park a haven, with over 410 recorded species.
North Luangwa, spotted hyena
North Luangwa has been left largely untouched and boasts few lodges and very little infrastructure. Self-drive safaris are not allowed, further limiting potential visitors. Zambia's North Luangwa focuses on walking safaris, and high-quality birding experiences, with highlights including nesting colonies of southern carmine bee-eaters along riverbanks.
Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, North Luangwa safaris are only conducted during the Dry season, from June to October, and safaris during the Wet season are nearly impossible.
North Luangwa National Park Fact Box |
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Liuwa plains cheetah, zambia
8. Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia holds a significant place in Africa's conservation history. Dating back to the 19th century, the King of Barotseland entrusted the custodianship of the reserve to his people, a sentiment that continues today. The coexistence between the local community and wildlife is a testament to the shared benefits within the park. Liuwa Plain National Park stands out with its natural beauty, flooded Zambezi floodplains, and abundant wildlife
Situated in the far west of Zambia, for many years, Liuwa Plain National Park remained an untouched expanse of Africa, devoid of roads. Most of the park is covered by immense honey-coloured grassy plains, that stretch as far as the eye can see. Within this open landscape, occasional tree islands, clusters of raffia palms, and open pans punctuate the flatness, offering a unique environment unlike any other in Zambia. From December to April, large portions of Liuwa Plains become flooded, triggering the famed wildebeest migration. The herds migrate from the woodlands in the north to the open plains, seeking fresh grazing opportunities. In the central and southern parts of the plains, flat and open pans provide water well into the dry season, attracting diverse concentrations of birds and antelope.
Liuwa Plain National Park hosts the continent's second-largest wildebeest migration which, involving around 35,000 wildebeest and thousands of zebras, is a breathtaking spectacle. Other species in Liuwa Plain include a variety of antelope species, like red lechwe, tsessebe, roan, and oribi, as well as predators like hyenas, lions, African painted wolves, and cheetahs. There are almost 350 recorded bird species in Liuwa, including wattled cranes, pelicans, spoonbills, and many more.
Liuwa plain national park Kuomboka festival
Liuwa Plain, remote and undeveloped, is a true wilderness. Visit the park from July to November and witness the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, and all the associated drama and predator action. At the start of the rainy season, be a part of the Kuomboka festival, when the King and his procession journey to higher grounds by boat along the river.
November is the best time for a Zambia safari to Liuwa Plain National Park as it marks the commencement of the wildebeest migration, providing an extraordinary wildlife spectacle. This period also offers the best game-viewing opportunities before the approaching rains make the dirt tracks impassable. The park is closed for self-drive safaris from December to May, and access is limited to fly-in Zambia safaris during the wet season. Accommodations are primarily provided by one luxurious lodge operating most of the year and a few basic seasonal campsites situated along the wildebeest migration route.
Liuwa Plain National Park Fact Box |
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Zambia, home of the walking safari
African Budget Safaris has over 70 tours that visit Zambia, or, start planning a private group safari by talking to one of our experienced safari travel consultants today.
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On the outskirts of Marloth Nature Reserve, Andrew can be found walking and swimming in the beautiful Langeburg Mountains. He is passionate about animals, birds, reptiles, and plants and loves nothing more than an adventure in nature. An established artist with a master's in English literature, Andrew has traveled far and wide but South Africa still has his heart.
