Often referred to as one of Africa’s best kept secrets, landlocked Zambia is set atop a high plateau in Central Africa and is geographically defined by its great rivers and basins, of which the most famous is its namesake, the Zambezi. Despite being most widely known for the smoking and staggeringly beautiful Victoria Falls, there is an incredible range of topography and habitats throughout the entire country, and along with a tropical climate, this makes it the ideal safari holiday destination for the discerning enthusiast looking for a uniquely African safari experience.
Tracking through the bush with an armed guide, who will track wildlife by some of the most unusual yet successful means, you will learn about the smaller things that you would otherwise miss in a vehicle, though it is not unknown to come across the large predators too! Night drives here can also be exhilarating and perfect for spotting some predatory action in the African bush. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, there is the added attraction of canoe safaris along the picturesque Zambezi river, ideal for an atmospheric sundowner, dodging hippos frolicking in the depths whilst elephants drink from the banks.
Here at Natural World Safaris, our team of specialists can create tailor-made itineraries that are designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Whether you want to go on a wildlife safari, explore the country's culture, or simply relax on the beach, we can create an itinerary that is perfect for you. We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organisations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of Zambia. Unlike other safari operators, we can offer you exclusive experiences that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, private game drives or a guided tour of a local villages are just the beginning of some of the special experiences we can include in your Zambia itinerary.
For a 7-day safari in Zambia, we recommend a starting price of $8,500 per person. This will generally include accommodation at two different lodges, transfers and private guides.
If you are looking to stay in some of Zambia’s most iconic and best loved lodges, you’ll need to increase the budget to $17,500 per person including scenic helicopter flights, intimate meerkat encounters and other incredible excursions.
The entirety of this 10-day safari will be spent in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this rich wildlife destination. From your secluded lodges and camps you'll be able to head into the bush and search for giraffes, hippos, zebra, thousands of elephants and a prodigious predator population, including lions, leopards, painted dogs and more.
From 10500 per person
“Suddenly they were there, lean, ghost-like shapes in the moonlight with Mickey Mouse ears; wearing their dappled coats of black, tan and gold, like ink spots on blotting paper.” - CD McClelland, Shadows in the Forest
From 14000 per person
Visit Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park in Zambia with acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Dyer in search of wild dogs. At Natural World Safaris we firmly believe in right time, right place, and Zambia is the perfect destination to take advantage of good sightings of a large pack of wild dogs.
From 14000 per person
Zambia is possibly one of the most welcoming countries in Africa; wherever you go people introduce themselves out of curiosity and it leaves the traveller feeling a sense of belonging. Easy to travel around with a combination of air and road transfers, Zambia is home to some of the most accessible wildlife in Africa and is renowned for its high quality of game-watching guides, which include the legendary Robin Pope and late Norman Carr. Having developed gradually as a safari destination and learnt from the experiences of its neighbouring countries, the result is a comfortable, sustainable and memorable destination for people of all ages.
You may wish to include the following in your Zambia itinerary:
Mobile camping safaris offer a truly unique experience, with the sounds of grazing animals or vervet monkeys hopping between the roves. Zambia is a truly wild destination and accommodation really does reflect this, with beautiful walking trails focused on the outdoors. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find luxury; the comfort and exclusivity of camps such as Tena Tena, Mchenja and Tafika will make your experience truly exquisite. For families and small groups, safari houses such as Luangwa House offer space, activities and safari programmes from one exclusive bush base. Take a look through some of our favourite accommodation options in Zambia, and contact us for details on these or indeed others. Read more about where to stay
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry dry season between August and November. Zambia is a relatively temperate country, although the climate can range from 21°C or 70°F to 31°C or 88°F depending on the altitude, which generally varies between 1,000 and 1,600 metres - largely dictated by the valleys of the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa Rivers.
A vast 22,500 square kilometres make up Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, Kafue. Despite being established in the 1950’s and being just 2 hours from Livingstone, the park remains largely unexplored, and is less visited than parks such as South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, making it a great combination with either one of them. Protecting a wide variety of different environments, the park is roughly split north to south by the Kafue River, a major tributary of the Zambezi,which runs across rapids and calms before hitting the Itezhi Tezhi Dam.
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The enchanting setting for Mfuwe Lodge emphasises further the magnificence of it; thatched buildings are sleekly arranged down the banks of 2 lagoons, with magnificent vistas from every area of the lodge.
Read moreThe 5 camps were different from each other and wonderfully unique. One of the best features was caused by the camps remote location and their reliance on solar power, there was no or limited on WiFI and phone access so we were able to disconnect from phones and pay attention to the people around the camps.
The level of service was incredible, it felt very personal and like communicating with a friend. The accommodation was superb with top notch service. This was a wonderful family trip and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The trips are superbly tailored to requirements! Thank you NWS for organising this special time for us.
Our safari was fantastic. The camps we stayed in were exceptional - especially Lion Camp with an excellent guide and the incredible sightings. The policy of having your own guide and your own vehicle made the experience even more special. Chindeni was also excellent - beautiful camp in a lovely setting , fantastic guide and some fantastic sightings. Bili was very good - nice camp with lots of wildlife at the waterholes, great guide but almost all relatively quiet game drives with one exceptional sighting of a leopard with a baby cub!
Our guide Jeffrey was amazing. His knowledge and skills were very impressive. This was one of the best safari trips I have ever been on. The food was also brilliant, Everyone has been helpful and friendly. We're already considering Indonesia or one of the snow leopard trips next!
I enjoyed working with my destination specialists to plan this trip, everything was great! I'm looking forward to travel to South America next!
Everything was excellent and exceeded our expectations. Ellen put together a unique and varied itinerary for us. It was absolutely perfect and gave us a taste of three distinct views of Zambia. Great trip planning, super responsiveness, and everything was attuned to our preferences.
Zambia is generally safe for travelers, with a relatively low crime rate, but caution is always advised regardless of where you are. In urban areas like Lusaka, be mindful of belongings and follow local customs. Stay informed about travel advisories from your government for the latest safety information before planning your trip.
Yes, Zambia is an excellent destination for safari enthusiasts. The country is renowned for its pristine and remote wilderness areas, providing a more authentic and exclusive safari experience compared to some other popular African safari destinations. Zambia offers diverse ecosystems, including the famous South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, and Kafue National Park, which teem with a wide variety of wildlife. Walking safaris originated here, offering a unique opportunity to explore the bush on foot with experienced guides. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism adds to its appeal, making Zambia a prime choice for those seeking an immersive and authentic safari adventure.
Need inspiration? Discover where to go in Zambia.
When preparing for an African safari in Zambia, pack neutral-toned, lightweight clothing for sun and insect protection, including long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a wide-brimmed hat, and closed-toe shoes. Carry a sweater or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings, along with a lightweight rain jacket if needed. Essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, and camera equipment are crucial. Personal medications, toiletries, power adapters, cash, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack are recommended.
The best months for a Zambia safari are during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is less dense, making them easier to spot. July to September is particularly popular for safaris as wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. The weather is cooler during these months, making for more comfortable game drives. However, it's important to note that October can be extremely hot before the rains start. While the wet season (November to April) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, some areas may become inaccessible due to heavy rains.
For a Zambia safari, you would typically fly into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Lusaka serves as a major hub and has international flight connections. From Lusaka, you can then take domestic flights to various safari destinations within Zambia.
Depending on your chosen safari area, you might also fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, especially if you're planning to visit Victoria Falls. Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) is another important entry point, located near South Luangwa National Park.
We’ll work with you to fully plan out every detail of your itinerary so you don’t need to worry.
The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, often abbreviated as ZMW or represented by the symbol "K". It's recommended to have some local currency on hand for small expenses, tips, and purchases in local markets. While larger hotels and tourist areas might accept major foreign currencies or credit cards, having Zambian Kwacha is useful for a smoother experience, especially in more remote or local settings.
Tipping practices in Zambia involve showing appreciation for good service. On safaris, it's customary to tip around $10 to $20 per person per day for guides and drivers, and a similar amount for lodge staff. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip may be added to the bill or appreciated if not included. Hotel porters generally receive $1 to $2 per bag, while local guides, taxis, and drivers might be given around $5 to $10. Spa and wellness services could warrant a 10-15% tip. While these are general guidelines, tipping is a personal choice based on the quality of service and local customs.
