Why Visit Zambia for a Safari?

Walking Safaris, Thrilling Adventures & Superb Game Viewing

There are at least a hundred reasons to visit Zambia. Ziplining across Africa’s biggest waterfall, white water rafting down the mighty Zambezi River, encountering game up close on foot, and staying in some of the best luxury Zambia lodges and camps on the continent are just a few examples that spring to mind.

Visiting Zambia puts you in the perfect position to experience some of Southern Africa’s wildest and most remote destinations – but you’ll be far from roughing it. Zambia safaris combine excellent big game viewing with luxury accommodation and some of the best guides in Africa. And although the raw beauty of Zambia’s vast reserves has long made them a favourite for safari connoisseurs, they don’t attract the crowds that cluster around sightings in the better-known parks in Africa – in fact, the only bustle you’re likely to find is at the country’s most popular attraction: the spectacular Victoria Falls.

And while most of Zambia’s reserves are truly remote, the country’s capital Lusaka is thankfully well connected. Round off your safari in Zambia with a beach holiday on the lakeshore in neighbouring Malawi, or opt for more big game viewing in Kenya or Tanzania. But before you start planning your trip, satisfy the question ‘why should I visit Zambia?’ with our favourite reasons:

1. Experience the Majestic Victoria Falls Through Thrilling Adventures

People swimming at the edge of Devil's Pool in Victoria Falls, Zambia.

Victoria Falls tours are one of the biggest reasons why travellers visit Zambia for safari. The Southern African country is home to half of the largest waterfall on the continent and thousands of visitors from every corner of the globe flock there annually to see this natural wonder in person.

The Zambian side of the Falls has much to offer and is fast becoming a preferred destination for visitors travelling to Southern Africa. One of its many great qualities is that travellers are spoilt for choice with a number of opulent lodges and hotels built right on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the falls.

There are also two amazing experiences that are unique to Zambia’s side of Victoria Falls. The first is a stroll along the paved paths on the edge of the waterfall to cross the heart-racing Knife-Edge Bridge during high-water season – an exhilarating (and soaking!) walk along the edge of the precipice, about 100 metres (328 feet) above the gorge. And the second is a guided visit to Devil’s Pool – a natural rock pool on the edge of the waterfall. If you are feeling daring, hop in for a dip and swim over to the Devil’s Armchair (a low rocky ledge that protects you from tumbling over the edge) and take in the incredible scenery – don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe!

Highlights:

  • Breath-taking, up-close views of the waterfall
  • Live life on the edge with a swim in Devil’s Pool during low-water season
  • Experience thrilling adventure activities, like white water rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping, gorge swinging and more
  • Visit and tour Livingstone Island when water levels permit
  • Stay in luxury, riverside lodges on the banks of the Zambezi River
  • Enjoy game drives in the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

 

2. Spectacular Game Viewing in the Birthplace of the Walking Safari

Lion spotted by a group on a guided walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Walking safaris offer alternative perspectives and unique experiences to traditional game drives. They awaken your senses and immerse you in the wilderness of Africa in a primal way that cannot be experienced from the confines of a vehicle. A walking safari allows you to become a part of the environment, getting up close to nature and wildlife at an unhurried pace.

And where better to enjoy this extraordinary adventure than in the birthplace of the walking safari – South Luangwa. Being Zambia’s premier wildlife destination, South Luangwa National Park is wild, remote and brimming with a variety of big game. This authentic, off-the-beaten-track safari experience sees you exploring this beautiful area on foot on a guided walk through big-game country. A walking safari in South Luangwa can be anything from a morning stroll to hiking several days, spending starlit nights at remote lodges or tented camps.

Highlights:

  • Stay at luxury camps and lodges that sit on the banks of the Luangwa River
  • Incredible, up-close sightings of big game, like elephant, hippo, buffalo and lion
  • Enjoy one of the best walking safari experiences in Zambia’s premier wildlife destination
  • In the safe hands of experienced guides who grew up in the area

 

3. Enjoy the Mighty Zambezi River Through a Variety of Water Adventures

Couple canoeing on the Zambezi River encounter an elephant in the water in Zambia.

One of the big draws of visiting Zambia is getting to experience the mighty Zambezi River in all its glory. Creating the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and upstream from Victoria Falls, a Zambezi River safari provides a small slice of paradise for those who enjoy water-based activities.

When staying at one of the many secluded lodges and camps that dot the banks of the river, you can enjoy a variety of activities. White water rafting is a favourite amongst adrenaline junkies who want to take on the rapids of the Zambezi. Boat safaris are a great alternative to game drives and get you close to the more aquatic wildlife, like hippos, Nile crocodiles and even elephants who wander into the water to cool off. Catch-and-release fishing expeditions are available for those wanting to tick off the sought-after tiger fish or Upper Zambezi yellowfish from their bucket list. Avid canoeists can enjoy a guided canoe trip along the Zambezi, a fantastic way to get close to animals and truly understand the meaning of big game. And the best way to end your day is with a sunset boat cruise – a quintessential Zambezi experience that sees you enjoy a serene cruise along the river while sipping on delicious sundowner drinks.

Highlights:

  • Secluded, luxury lodges and camps on the banks of the Zambezi River
  • Catch-and-release fishing of over 75 fish species
  • Water-based safari experiences in boats and canoes
  • Thrilling white water rafting opportunities

 

4. Witness Africa’s Largest Bat Migration in Zambia

Thousands of bat migrate from the Congo to Kasanka National Park in Zambia.

Tanzania and Kenya have the Great Wildebeest Migration, Botswana has its zebra migration, and Zambia is home to the continent’s largest bat migration. From October to December each year, approximately 8 million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive from the Congo in search of the wild Masuku fruits found in Kasanka National Park.

Not only is this natural phenomenon Africa’s largest bat migration, but it is also the largest mammal migration in the world. The annual Kasanka bat migration is a best-kept secret of the natural world and not many have had the privilege of seeing this event in person.

Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia is also home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, as well as a healthy lion population. In other words, it’s the Masai Mara with fewer animals and even fewer human beings.

Highlights:

  • See the largest mammal migration in the world
  • Zambia is home to Africa’s largest bat migration and second-largest wildebeest migration
  • Unique wildlife experiences in off-the-beaten-track locations in Zambia

 

5. Superb Game Viewing Experiences in 20 National Parks

Trees in the savanna plains of Zambia.

Zambia is home to 20 national parks and 34 game management areas. South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi are regarded as some of the finest national parks in the world. But picking a park to visit is not as easy as it seems, as each offers a unique safari experience: go on guided walking safaris through the South Luangwa, famous for its rich diversity of wildlife; skirt crocodiles and yawning hippos as you paddle along the river on a canoe safari in the beautiful Lower Zambezi; or enjoy game drives and horseback safaris in untamed Kafue National Park – its wide open floodplains are home to large herds of antelope and there are plenty of predators on the prowl. We would highly recommend combining two or three different destinations for a complete Zambia safari experience.

Highlights:

  • Fantastic game viewing including the Big 5, big cats and popular wildlife
  • Visit some of the best national parks in the world
  • Stay at luxury lodges and authentic safari camps in remote locations
  • Each national park offers unique experiences that cater to every type of traveller
What travellers most enjoyed about Zambia

Bird watching

Mokoro rides

Scenery

Sunset cruises and boating

Walking safaris

Wildlife and safari