Zambia

Zambia is an independent nation in central Africa larger than the US State of Texas. Its southern border is formed by the Zambezi River, from which it derives its name since attaining independence from Britain in 1964. Zambia is relatively unknown and remains a hidden safari destination in contrast to more popular wildlife tourism destinations such as Kenya and South Africa.

This relative obscurity is precisely what makes Zambia so appealing to adventurous travelers, especially to those wishing to spend some time on foot. Unlike busier safari destinations, Zambia offers authentic wilderness experiences with a range of accommodations from some luxurious stylish lodges to seasonal bush camps, which are tastefully simple and situated in wild remote places.

We often visit at least two very different national parks on a Zambian safari, especially South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. South Luangwa National Park exemplifies Zambia’s wildlife richness, centered around the meandering Luangwa River. This park is home to unique subspecies including Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra, alongside more common animals like elephants, waterbuck, and impalas. It is particularly renowned for having some of the best leopard viewing in Africa, with frequent lion sightings adding to its allure.

In contrast further south is the Lower Zambezi National Park, often appreciated for its picturesque wilderness areas. Here, safari experiences are diverse and immersive, ranging from day and evening game drives and guided walks to canoeing, boat safaris, and fishing. The park teems with wildlife, with abundant elephants, hippos, buffalo, kudus, and various other antelope species, and regular sightings of lions and wild dogs which add excitement to every expedition.

Other fascinating areas include Kafue National Park, the largest in Zambia at 22,400 square kilometers, which offers yet another unique wildlife experience. The Busanga Plains become a wildlife haven during the dry season, providing visitors with amazing sightings of the region’s rich animal populations.

The wildlife experiences in Zambia extend beyond its national parks. The Zambezi River offers world-class tiger fishing from June to September, while the Liuwa Plain becomes a spectacular stage for nature during the rainy season from November to April. During this period, over 30,000 wildebeest migrate alongside herds of tsessebe, zebra, Cape buffalo, and red lechwe. That is quite a sight!

Zambia is easily accessed via international flights to Lusaka, its centrally located capital, and to Livingstone in the southwest, gateway to Victoria Falls.

The combination of varied landscapes, unique wildlife, and less-traveled safari routes makes Zambia an exceptional destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive African wilderness experience.