Zambia offers superb wildlife viewing, remote game areas and memorable cultural encounters, as well as the thundering majesty of the Victoria Falls, one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders.
“We had the trip of a lifetime due in large part to your excellent planning.”
Denison & Wendy Hatch
Wilmington, DE, USA
Zambia is the undiscovered treasure trove of Africa, with extraordinary natural beauty and some of the most pristine wilderness areas on the African continent. It was here that the concept of walking safaris originated as the perfect way to enjoy the rich flora and fauna of Zambia’s 19 national parks. Zambia offers impressive diversity as well as large concentrations and numbers of game. Birdlife is particularly prolific with 740 bird species found in Zambia.
The best time for game viewing in Zambia is the cooler dry season from autumn to spring (May – October). Temperatures during the wet summer months can be uncomfortably hot.
Highlights of Zambia
Victoria Falls
One of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls is known as the “Adrenaline Capital of Africa”, home to a variety of adventure activities, from bungee jumping to elephant-back safaris and white-water rafting.
South Luangwa National Park
One of Africa’s premier wilderness areas, famed for its seclusion and natural beauty, the South Luangwa National Park has lush riverine vegetation, plentiful game and fantastic bird watching.
Lower Zambezi National Park
In the Lower Zambezi National Park, bush walks, game drives and boat cruises are all ways to enjoy the abundance and diversity of game.
Recommended accommodation in Zambia
Tongabezi Lodge
Tongabezi Lodge is a romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream of the Victoria Falls. Guests are accommodated in one of just 9 houses and cottages, each beautifully furnished using local materials, and can dine beside the river or on their private terrace. The free flow design and open front to most of the rooms is unique and very effective. Bathrooms have spectacular views over the Zambezi and personal valets complete the attention to detail at this African dream lodge. The swimming pool feels almost as if it is part of the river, set into the base of a rock cliff and blending perfectly into the scenery.
Each day has no set pattern and can be spent exactly as you like. Included activities consist of canoeing on the Zambezi, a “Sanpan” floating candlelit dinner, David Livingstone Museum tour, sunrise and sunset boating, guided bush walks, fishing, game drives, and visits to a local market and village. Try and time your stay to coincide with the full moon, to witness the amazing “lunar rainbow” over the Falls.
Tafika Camp
Tafika Camp is located in the remote wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park. Situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, the camp has amazing views with plenty of opportunities to see elephants crossing, hippos wallowing and kingfishers darting in and out of the water.
Accommodation is in six spacious, reed and thatch chalets, accommodating twelve guests in a wonderful location beneath a grove of giant Leadwood and Sausage trees. Each chalet is equipped with natural linen, reed shelving and 24 hour electricity and the en-suite bathrooms are open to the skies, boasting fabulous showers and flush toilets. Guests staying here can spend hours relaxing in hammocks on the river bank or photographing thirsty game from the waterhole hide. The exceptional game drives, walking and cycling safaris are not to be missed and the dawn micro light flights are mind-blowing spectacles.
Chiawa Camp
Chiawa Camp is located in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, on the banks of the Zambezi River in one
of the most game-rich areas of Zambia. With very little human presence, game is plentiful and elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and other species are literally on the camps doorstep. Chiawa boasts nine superior safari tents, each with a choice of one king bed or two large single beds, ball and claw bath, indoor and outdoor shower’s and his and hers washbasins.
The area boasts a tremendous cross-section of mammals, reptiles and birds. Safari activities include twice daily game drives, guided bush walks, canoeing along the lily-clad channels and sedate aqua-safaris aboard the camp’s comfortable pontoon boats. For both the novice and experienced angler, there’s also the chance to catch Tigerfish – the toughest of fresh water fish. Of course, many enjoy simply chilling out with a cold beer in the library, spotting game crossing the river from the upstairs viewing deck or taking a dip in the waterfront plunge pool.
