(Last Update: September 2026). It’s official: We love Zambia! After countless safaris everywhere from Botswana to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa to Namibia we know what we’re talking about. Zambia is unique. A true gem. Raw, wild, precious.
There aren’t many places as authentic, well-preserved and awe-inspiring left in this world.
If you’re considering traveling to Zambia, check out my personally guided expeditions here.
We’ve been fortunate enough to travel through Zambia extensively during multiple trips. We visited the iconic Victoria Falls in Livingstone, the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park with re-occurring wild dog and leopard encounters and large herds of elephants and buffaloes as well as the South Luangwa National Park with it’s abundance of leopard sightings and giraffes, as well as the remote Kafue National Park and the Busanga Plains where lions and leopards roam. During our last trip we also finally made it to Liuwa Plain National Park in the very far West of Zambia–think open plains and vastness with no other vehicles in sight.
In this safari travel guide we’re sharing all our know-how for you to put together your own Zambia itinerary with all your best practice tips and a heartfelt recommendation for our travel partners and safari experts Pinto Africa.
Introducing Zambia
But let’s start at the beginning: Before we get into details about Zambia’s plentiful regions and National Parks, let us start by introducing you to a map of the country with some of its most important travel destinations. This can be your first orientation when it comes to planning your Zambia trip.
Zambia is a landlocked country surrounded by Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. It’s location in the center of Southern Africa makes it uniquely important as a source of water for many neighbouring countries, but also interesting as a safari travel destination due to it’s diversity of ecosystems.
In the next segment we’re introducing you to those regions in more detail and explain the differences.
Where to go: Places to visit in Zambia
Most visitors come to Zambia for one of the seven wonders of the world: The mighty Victoria Falls. There’s two access points to the falls, one from the Zimbabwean side and one from the Zambian side in a town called Livingstone after the famous European explorer.
But when it comes to safaris Zambia is still a destination, that is often overlooked – mostly for a lack of advertisement. Because the safari experiences you can have here are one-of-a-kind! Zambia is not only the birthplace of the walking safari, but also famous for it’s incredibly authentic bush camps.
If you truly love the BUSH – in it’s very real and wild sense – Zambia is the place to go!
But where to start? From Lusaka to the bush.
Most Zambia trips kick off in Lusaka, the capital city. Some travellers might also start in Livingstone (either flying in from Johannesburg or crossing the border from Botswana or Zimbabwe). From here you then usually take a small bush plane to get to one of the national parks.
During our first Zambia visit we started our trip in Lusaka and then made our way up to the North East to stay at South Luangwa National Park (with it’s nickname “Valley of the Leopard”), followed by Lower Zambezi National Park with it’s dense Winterthorn forest and river safaris and finished off in Livingstone to see the mighty Victoria Falls. Let’s just say we got hooked!
When we returned in 2023 we revisited a few favourites like the Lower Zambezi National Park and Livingstone, but we also travelled to the incredibly large Kafue National Park and the stunning Busanga Plains for a completely different ecosystem and the unique wildlife that comes with it.
In 2024 we hosted our first Zambia group trip. We started our roundtrip in Lusaka and then went on to the Kafue National Park and ended the trip in the Lower Zambezi National Park (before crossing the border to neighbouring Zimbabwe, but that’s another story). After the success of 2024 we repeated this trip in 2025 and 2026 and the 2027 edition is planned already.
As you can see we keep returning to Zambia, just because the natural splendour is beyond magical and we can’t get enough of it!
Let us explain each destination in a bit more detail.
Lusaka – capital city of Zambia
Most roundtrips start in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. After the long-haul flight Lusaka is the ideal base to start your Zambia trip (as most international flights land here – with a few exceptions that arrive in Livingstone). 1 or 2 overnights in the capital city are a comfortable way to kick things off. Most guests only stay for 1 night and then head straight to the bush, some even go directly after arriving from oversees – which is also fine if you don’t need more time to decompress (and are confident all goes well during the international flight 😉).
Places to stay in Lusaka
- Latitude 15 Boutique Hotel
- Wild Dogs Lodge
- Pioneer Lodge
South Luangwa – the valley of the leopards
Renowned as one of the continent’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, this park offers an unparalleled safari experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. South Luangwa is also called the “Valley of the leopard” and a must do when in Zambia – we had multiple leopard sightings here!
With its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush riverbanks to open savannahs, South Luangwa is a haven for a staggering array of wildlife species, including four of the famous Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo). South Luangwa National Park is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and the presence of several unique and special species. Some of the notable wildlife species that make South Luangwa stand out include Thornicroft’s Giraffe: These are a subspecies of giraffe endemic to the Luangwa Valley.
It’s also worth mentioning that South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari and this is an experience that you should definitely have when visiting Zambia. As there are no giraffes in either the Lower Zambezi or the Kafue or Liuwa Plain National Park it’s worth adding South Luangwa to an itinerary for that reason alone!
Why to visit South Luangwa National Park
- Leopard encounters (almost) guaranteed
- Birthplace of walking safaris
- Authentic bush camps at the Luangwa river
- Endemic species: Thornicroft giraffes
Places to stay in South Luangwa National Park
- Shenton Safaris Camps
- Shenton Safaris Star beds
Lower Zambezi – our personal favourite
Lower Zambezi National Park, situated along the Zambezi river and the border with Zimbabwe, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a true paradise for cat enthusiasts. This pristine park is home to a remarkable array of apex predators that contribute to the park’s thriving ecosystem.
- Leopards: Often considered very elusive, leopards are regularly spotted in the dense riverine vegetation and wooded areas of the park. I haven’t gone on a Lower Zambezi safari without seeing multiple leopards!
- African Wild Dogs: Also known as painted dogs, African wild dogs are a critically endangered species and Lower Zambezi is a real stronghold. They can wander far distances, so it’s not easy to track them, but we’ve been lucky on every single safari so far.
- Lions: Roaming majestically through the open woodlands and along the Zambezi River, lions are the undisputed kings of the Lower Zambezi and there’s no shortage of sightings here.
At the Zambezi river you can experience a unique wilderness, stay in authentic bush camps (some located on uninhabited islands) and experience walking & river safaris as well as game drives and canoe safaris.
Why to visit Lower Zambezi National Park
- Diversity of activities: Game drives, night drives, canoe & river safaris on the Zambezi and it’s channels
- Authentic seasonal fly camps all the way to luxury lodges
- Diverse landscapes from open plains to iconic Winterthorn forest
- Predator abundance (lions, leopards & wild dogs)
Places to stay in Lower Zambezi National Park
- Chula Island Camp, Classic Zambia
- Kutali Camp, Classic Zambia
Read more about our tips for a safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Livingstone – Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the Smoke that Thunders), is a breathtaking natural wonder that can be visited from Livingstone on the Zambian side of the falls as well as the Zimbabwean side. The Zambezi River plunges over 100 meters into a misty abyss, creating a spectacle of awe-inspiring beauty.
On the Zambian side you cannot only witness this outstanding sight, but truly immerse yourself in the waterfalls (yes you’ll get wet!) while exploring lush rainforests and enjoying thrilling activities like bungee jumping and rafting. In Livingstone you can also visit some of the last rhinos in Zambia on a walking safari.
Sunset cruises are another favourite activity here and last time I also finally went on a microlight flight to see the falls from above (a spectacle!).
Why to visit Livingstone
- See & feel the mighty Victoria Falls
- Go on boat cruises on the Zambezi river into the sunset to see crocodiles and the birdlife of the region
- Enjoy luxury lodges at the riverbank
- Action & adventure paradise (Microlight & helicopter flights, bungee jumping, rafting, etc.)
- See rhinos on foot in the small Mosi O Tunya National Park
Places to stay in (and around) Livingstone:
- Tongabezi
- Chundukwa
- Tintswalo at Siankaba
Read more about our tips for a visit of Victoria Falls.
Kafue National Park – Zambia’s largest National Park
Founded in 1952 Kafue isn’t only the largest National Park in Zambia, but also one with a deep and longstanding tradition and history. We first visited the vast park in 2023 and got to experience what the hype is all about! Leopards and lions were a daily occurrence here. Hence we also returned in 2024, 2025, 2026, and plan to come back in 2027, because we love the incredibly authentic safari experience here (and the fact that we never meet any other tourists during the whole stay at Musekese!).
Spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, it offers diverse landscapes, from the Kafue River’s meandering channels to vast plains and miombo woodlands. Visitors can spot diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, wild dogs and incredible birdlife while enjoying truly off-the-beaten-path safari adventures (yes, this term has been overstretched, but it’s still true for the Kafue).
We stayed at Musekese camp which allows access to a part of the Kafue that is otherwise completely secluded. Their own conservancy is testament to their dedication to environmental and wildlife protection and you can get to know the team of scientists and rangers and learn more about what makes Kafue so special.
Why to visit Kafue National Park
- Remote wilderness that is (truly!) off-the-beaten-path
- Witness conservation in action at Musekese
- High cat density (leopards and lions)
- Complete privacy and seclusion with no other vehicles in Musekese area
Places to stay in Kafue National Park
- Musekese Camp
Read more about our tips for a safari in Kafue National Park.
Busanga Plains – the North of Kafue
In the very Northwest of Kafue National Park you can find the famous Busanga Plains – chosen filming territory for BBC and the likes for its unspoilt natural beauty, open plains and stunning visibility. Busanga Plains is part of Kafue National Park, located I the very North and a pristine wilderness known for its very short season. It’s a breathtaking seasonal floodplain that only allows access from about June to November. During this very short dry season, it transforms into a wildlife haven, attracting herds of wildebeest, lechwe, and big cats.
What makes Busanga so special is it’s huge density of prey (over 20 types of antelopes roam the plains) as well as predators (some of the most beautiful large maned lions can be found here).
Why to visit Busanga Plains
- Vast open plains
- Very unique lion sightings (large black manes on male lions) in open spaces
- Lufupa river (tributary to Kafue river) with aquatic wildlife
- 20 antelope species (rare species like Roan, Sable and Lechwe included)
- Chances to see cheetah
Places to stay in Busanga Plains
- Ntemwa Busanga Camp
Read more about our tips for a safari at Busanga Plains.
Liuwa Plain National Park – Zambia’s remote West
Liuwa Plain National Park offers one of Africa’s most compelling conservation success stories and an extraordinarily raw, exclusive wilderness experience. Spanning over 3,300 square kilometers of sweeping grasslands in western Zambia, it is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration alongside impressive predator populations and vibrant birdlife.
Expect wide-open, seemingly infinite horizons punctuated by island pockets of ancient palm trees and woodlands. Because visitor numbers are strictly limited, you will experience an unmatched feeling of solitude, driving for hours without seeing another vehicle. Liuwa Plain is for the seasoned safari traveller that seeks a remote experience.
Why to visit Liuwa Plain National Park
- One of the most remote areas in Zambia
- Vast open floodplains filled with endless herds of wildebeests
- Good predator activity with lions, cheetah and hyena present
- Sleep-outs under the stars and other unique experiences on offer
Places to stay in Liuwa Plain National Park
- King Lewanika Lodge
Read more about our tips for a safari at Liuwa Plain.
What else is there to see in Zambia?
Apart from these Zambian parks there’s a couple more places to be mentioned, which we haven’t visited yet personally. These are high up on our bucket list for future Zambia visits (well and they are also testament to the incredible diversity of Zambia as a safari destination):
- Bangweulu: This is where you can find the iconic shoebill in the swamps. Safaris here include boating and wading through the water in full protective gear.
- Kasanka: The largest bat migration in the world happens here. From what we hear it’s an unforgettable experience to witness the sky turn black in an instant when they all start flying simultaneously.
- North Luangwa: Under guardianship of the Frankfurt Zoological Society this park will soon be on top of everyone’s travel wishlist. Tourism here is developing with much care and a conservation focus, so this place is on top of our Zambia wish list (and will never get crowded as there’s a limit of four camps in the whole park)! Classic Zambia has recently opened their new Kutandala Camp in North Luangwa, making it a perfect extension from their camps in Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Park.
Itinerary: One or two or three week itinerary for Zambia
So now that we have introduced you to all the parts of Zambia that are worth a visit let us propose a few different Zambia safari itineraries depending on how much time you have.
If you have only one week in Zambia:
- 3 nights Kafue or South Luangwa
- 4 nights Lower Zambezi
If you have 10 days in Zambia:
- 4 nights Kafue or South Luangwa
- 4 nights Lower Zambezi
- 2 nights Livingstone
If you have two weeks in Zambia:
- 4 nights Kafue
- 4 nights Lower Zambezi
- 4 nights South Luangwa
- 2 nights Livingstone
If you have three weeks in Zambia:
- 3 nights Kafue
- 3 nights Busanga
- 4 nights Lower Zambezi
- 3 nights South Luangwa
- 3 nights North Luangwa
- 3 nights in Liuwa Plain
- 2 nights Livingstone
These are some options for itineraries that make sense and combine the highlights of Zambia. In our experience you might want to return for a second or third visit anyhow! 😉 And then you can extend your radius and slowly dive deeper into the treasures of the destination.
When to go: The best season to visit Zambia
Generally speaking the high season in Zambia runs from July to October. This is the peak of the dry season in Southern Africa – a period when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot and observe. July and August are peak winter months with cool temperatures at night and nice and warm days, September and October get hotter and more humid gradually before the rains kick off in November.
Yet, the best season often depends on personal preferences. The high season is when prices are the highest as well – therefore we believe the “Green Season” or shoulder season in May and June holds its unique charm. This period, at the end of the rainy season, offers several advantages.
Why we visit in the shoulder season
Why we always visit in May? Firstly, the rains are slowly subsiding while the landscape is still a lush, vibrant green, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings are still abundant and temperatures are comfortable.
Moreover, visiting during the Green Season can be more budget-friendly, as many lodges and safari operators offer discounted rates to attract visitors during this less crowded time. You can often secure excellent deals on accommodation and activities, allowing you to enjoy a luxury safari experience at a fraction of the cost compared to peak season.
Supporting low season tourism also contributes to conservation efforts and local communities. Your visit helps sustain employment and wildlife conservation initiatives during a period when tourism revenues are traditionally lower. Additionally, the smaller crowds allow for a more intimate safari experience, with fewer vehicles competing for prime viewing spots.
While the rains can still occur once in a while, the lush landscapes and cost savings during Zambia’s Green Season create a compelling case for safari travelers looking to explore this magnificent African destination with a unique twist.
Good to know:
Bush camps in Zambia typically only operate during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During the wet season, from November to April, many bush camps in Zambia often close or have limited operations due to heavy rainfall and difficult travel conditions.
Busanga Plains are flooded and remain inaccessible up until the beginning of July and the season also ends earlier in October.
There’s two places that are a bit of an exception to the general rule:
- Liuwa Plain, known for the world’s second largest wildebeest migration, has a longer season and is often described to be best during November and December. We went in May and saw huge herds of wildebeest and carpets of wildflowers, so it was incredible at that time of the year too, but supposedly the end of the year is best with dramatic cloud build-up in the sky and large movement of wildebeest.
- Kasanka’s bat migration also happens between October and December.
Where to stay: The best lodges & camps in Zambia
Zambia has a great variety of accommodations – from rustic bush camps to luxury lodges. Personally we love authentic tented or thatched bush camps which offer an authentic and immersive safari experience like no other. Nestled within pristine wilderness, these intimate camps provide a true connection to nature. What makes them special is their remote locations and rustic appeal.
It’s not about glitz & glam in these places, but generally many Zambian safaris are all about keeping it real and deeply rooted in the early days of safari tourism.
Another unique feature of some bush camps in Zambia are thatched reed or bamboo chalets, which blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. These rustic yet comfortable accommodations are often handcrafted using locally sourced materials and built new every season.
One thing unites Zambian camps: You’ll fall asleep to the symphony of wildlife and wake up to breathtaking views, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of these remote and eco-friendly havens in the heart of Zambia’s untamed wilderness.
Read more about our favourite camps in all of Zambia here:
How to book: Safari experts Pinto Africa
We believe booking a safari with a specialist safari travel operator is essential, especially when sustainability and ethical considerations matter. We have been partnering with Austrian safari experts Pinto Africa since our first Zambia trip in 2019 and they have since then been our most reliable and trustworthy source when it comes to safari planning in a socially and ecologically responsible way.
Operators like Pinto Africa possess deep knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife, but also political park management and community involvement. This way they can ensure that your safari experience aligns with responsible practices.
They prioritize small owner-run accommodations, where much of the money spent also benefits locals, as well as minimizing the environmental impact of a safari. If you book with Pinto Africa you will make sure that the local operators also engage in ethical wildlife viewing, upholding conservation practices and protecting animals from harm.
In the hands of experts, your safari becomes a transformative and responsible journey, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the precious wilderness and the ecosystems they thrive in.
Find out more about Pinto Africa here!
Are you dreaming of a safari in Zambia? Save and pin this post for later!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post as part of a long-term collaboration with Pinto Africa. The views in this blogpost are our own.