Zambia

Zambia is where the walking safari was born.  Visitors can experience an authentic safari here, on foot, on land and on water. Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, shares a border with neighboring Zimbabwe. The locals refer to it as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders,” and it is the largest curtain of water on the planet. Zambia has a rich history, gaining independence from the British in 1964. English is the official language however many local dialects are also spoken throughout the country. 

Zambia Tanzania Malawi Zimbabwe Mozambique Democratic Republicof the Congo Angola BangweuluFloodplains North LuangwaNational Park South Luangwa National Park SumbuNational Park Lower ZambeziNational Park Kafue National Park Lake Kariba Livingstone● Lusaka Ndola ● ● Mongu ● Chipata Mpika ● ●Mfuwe ● Mpulungu Victoria Falls LochinvarNational Park Liuwa PlainsNational Park Lake Itezhi Tezhi Sioma NqweziNational Park Luambe National Park Lake Mweru Lake Malawi Lake Tanganyika Indian Ocean Great Rift Valley
Zambia Highlights

Livingstone

Photo: Sun International
Photo: Tongabezi

Lower Zambezi

Photo: Chongwe
Photo: Chongwe

South Luangwa National Park

Photo: Norman Carr Safaris
Photo: Norman Carr Safaris

Kafue National Park

Photo: Dana Allen
Photo: Dana Allen

Liuwa Plain National Park

Photo: Time + Tide
Photo: Time + Tide

Visitors come to here to see Victoria Falls. Livingstone offers a variety of activities from white water rafting, canoeing, horse riding tails and boat cruises. This historic city is named after famous British explorer, David Livingstone who named the Falls for his queen in 1855. Many of the city’s original buildings are home to wonderful markets, artisans and other local shops.  The international airport connects easily with other destinations in Africa.

The Lower Zambezi National park on the Zambezi river was officially declared a national park in 1983, in what used to be the private game reserve of Zambia’s president.  The park is rich in wildlife, with large herds of buffalo and great elephant viewing. Lions are quite numerous and leopard sightings are quite common.  The Zambezi River falls over Victoria Falls and continues on to this “lower” path on its way to the Indian Ocean.  This area has welcomed tourism only in the last twenty years.  It is an unspoilt wilderness area.

The South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.  Norman Carr pioneered the walking safari here in the 1950s. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is legendary.  It is home to two endemic species, the Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest and is one of the best places to view leopards.

Kafue is the largest national park in Zambia spanning 5.5 million acres of pristine wilderness. The Busanga Swamps in the northwest give way to the extensive floodplains of the Busanga Plains. The park is relatively unknown and largely unexplored. 

One of the earliest protected areas in Africa, Liuwa Plain was first protected in the early 1880s by the king of the Lozi people, King Lewanika. The plains are unspoilt and exclusive with rare game and a rich natural heritage. This remote park in the far west is perfect for any bush-lover, looking for exceptional sights—from herds of lions to the most beautiful birds.

Zambia Itineraries

See Victoria Falls from the Livingstone side and enjoy all the thrills on offer, including swimming in the Devil’s Pool during the low water season.  Zambia is where you can still feel like you are the first to discover these wilderness areas. 

 

Zambia Rivers Safari

Sample Itinerary
10 days/9 nights

Join us to explore some of Zambia’s premiere wildlife destinations --The South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi National Parks.  We’ll begin on the meandering Luangwa River which supplies a lifeline for over 60 species of mammals and 400 bird species.  The adventure continues on the Zambezi River where we’ll find excellent sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and more.   Our days will be spent on foot, on game drives and on the rivers throughout these unspoilt wilderness areas.  

Photo: Chongwe Safaris
Photo: Norman Carr Safaris
Photo: Norman Carr Safaris
Photo: Norman Carr Safaris
Photo: Norman Carr Safaris
Photo: Chichele Presidential Lodge

Itinerary

 

Day 1:
Johannesburg is the major hub for Southern Africa destinations, so plan to spend a night or two here before you begin your safari. 
1 Night in Johannesburg

Days 2 – 4:
Today you will fly to Lusaka, Zambia where you will be met upon arrival and assisted to your flight to Mfuwe, the gateway to the South Luangwa Valley. The flight is about one hour. You will be met and transferred by road to the lodge. Tonight your guide will take you out for your first night drive to search for predators on the prowl and a myriad of smaller nocturnal animals. After dinner you’ll settle in to your comfortable bed and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.
4 Nights in the South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is legendary. It is home to two endemic species, the Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest and is one of the best places to view leopards. Your days here in the South Luangwa will begin early with a morning game drive, giving you great opportunities to see the wildlife during the gorgeous morning light. You will return to camp in time for a sumptuous buffet brunch before having a few hours of 'siesta' time.

Days 5 – 9:
Continue your adventure to another part of the African bush, the Lower Zambezi National Park. Your flight from Mfuwe is via Lusaka and you will arrive at the airstrip just a short drive away from the lodge. Your home for the next four nights sits on the Zambezi River with a steep escarpment behind.
4 Nights in the Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi National Park is rich in wildlife, with large herds of buffalo and great elephant viewing. Lions are quite numerous and leopard sightings are quite common. This area has welcomed tourism only in the last twenty years. It is an unspoilt wilderness area, which makes it a thrilling destination. 

Your guide will lead you on various activities including guided walks, game drives, boating safaris or perhaps canoeing along one of the many channels frequented by hippo, elephant and buck. Enjoy a sunset ride drifting downstream to watch buffalo and elephant playing in the waters as the sun turns them pink.

Day 10:
Today you will have one last morning activity before saying goodbye. You will leave for Lusaka and begin your homeward journey, or on to Livingstone to see Victoria Falls, one of the “seven natural wonders of the world.” 

 

Private Departures: This itinerary can be custom tailored for groups of four to twelve guests.

Optional Extensions:  A three day extension to see the magnificent Victoria Falls is highly recommended.

 

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Accomodations

Zambia offers a wide variety of lodgings ranging from luxury colonial-style hotels to romantic island lodges and rustic wilderness bush camps.  

Livingstone

Visitors come to here to see Victoria Falls.   Livingstone offers a variety of activities from white water rafting, canoeing, horse riding tails and boat cruises. This historic city is named after famous British explorer, David Livingstone who named the Falls for his queen in 1855. Many of the city’s original buildings are home to wonderful markets, artisans and other local shops.  The international airport connects easily with other destinations in Africa.

Photo: Sun International

Royal Livingstone

This five-star, grand hotel is located right on the Zambezi River, just a 15-minute walk to the majestic Victoria Falls.  A sophisticated, colonial era is reflected throughout the sprawling property where zebras graze on the lawn.  The guest rooms are rather small, but the main areas of the hotel are where you will be while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, or a cold sundowner with the backdrop of Victoria Falls. This is good base for enjoying river cruises, dinner on the Royal Livingstone Express, boating, microlight tours and Livingstone town.

Tongabezi

Tongabezi was one of the first places developed for tourism in this area and is still owner operated with deep community roots.   Sitting high on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream of Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is a romantic destination offering a nice variety of guest cottages and house, which are always being refreshed.  Activities include canoeing, parasol shaded lunches on the river, sunrise and sunset boating, local school and community visits.

Sindabezi

This camp is accessed from the dock at Tongabezi where guests take a short boat ride to this tranquil haven on an island in the Zambezi River.  Sindabezi is a rustic bush camp with only five, open-fronted, thatched chalets which are built on stilts.  This is great for honeymooners and who want to hear the sounds of the Zambia bush while they sleep.

Islands of Siankaba

This luxury lodge is located on two private islands in the mighty Zambezi River that are linked by walkways and bridges.  This intimate retreat has only seven chalets, which offer secluded privacy.  Located 24 miles from Victoria Falls and about that same distance from Botswana’s Chobe National Park, this property offers a wide variety of land and water activities.

Stanley Safari Lodge

Located just three kilometers from Victoria Falls, Stanley Safari Lodge sits on top of a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.  The views of the spray of the Falls and the gorgeous African sunsets are spectacular.  There are ten guest cottages including four suites which feature a private plunge pool with a deck and terrace.  Guests can visit the Mukuni Village; get an up-close view of wildlife on a river safari or a 360 degree open top game drive.  

Toka Leya

Toka Leya overlooks the Zambezi River and some of its islands upstream from Victoria Falls in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Named for a local tribe, this safari-type camp has twelve tented suites, including three family rooms, situated on elevated decks.  Hippo, crocodile, and elephant are regular sights in and around camp.   There is a spa and infinity pool to enjoy in addition to all the other activities of the area.  The novel pizza oven is especially popular with Toka Leya guests.

Photo: African Bush Camps

Thorntree River Lodge

Located in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and a short drive from Victoria Falls, Thorntree River Lodge has eight twin rooms and two family units (with four beds each).  Each room has a luxurious private plunge pool and the lodge offers an open dining area and communal deck overlooking the scenic riverside as well as a lounge area and an infinity pool.

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Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National park on the Zambezi River was officially declared a national park in 1983, in what used to be the private game reserve of Zambia’s president.  The park is rich in wildlife, with large herds of buffalo and great elephant viewing. Lions are quite numerous and leopard sightings are quite common.  The Zambezi River falls over Victoria Falls and continues to this “lower” path on its way to the Indian Ocean.  This area has welcomed tourism only in the last twenty years.  It is an unspoilt wilderness area. 

Photo: Sausage Tree Camp

Sausage Tree Camp

This exclusive safari camp, one of the most luxurious in the area, was completely rebuilt in 2018. Accommodation for 18 is in spacious white Bedouin style tents which are situated along the Zambezi with plenty of space in between for privacy and elephants to amble through camp.  Kigela House features two en-suite bedrooms Each suite has a private plunge pool, an outdoor lounge area and a personal muchinda (butler) to tend to your every need.   After a day of privately guided land and water-based safari activities, you can swim in the lap pool before a moonlit dinner on an island in the river. 

Photo: Potato Bush Camp

Potato Bush Camp

Potato Bush Camp located adjacent to its sister camp, Sausage Tree.  This is the more rustic of the two, offering just three tents and a two-bedroom family tent nestled under mature trees.  Perfect for families or a group of friends traveling together.  Contemporary design inspires the entire camp which is linked with raised timber walkways.   Activities, safari vehicles and menus are the same as what is offered at Sausage Tree Camp.

 

Photo: Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp and Chongwe House are located just outside the park boundaries.  Chongwe River Camp has nine classic en-suite tents under thatch to keep it cool.  The 1-bedroom Cassia Suite is perfect for honeymooners.  The 2-bedroom, colonial-styled tented Albida Suite is good for families.  Both suites include a butler and meals can be served in the private dining areas.   Chongwe River House, designed by architect Neil Rocher, sits about one kilometer away and serves as an  exclusive use, four bedroom house, complete with safari guide, vehicle and support staff.  Canoeing, boating, fishing as well as game drives and guided walks in the Lower Zambezi National Park or the Chiawa Partnership Park are all available to all guests. 

Photo: Classic Zambia

Kutali Camp & Chula Island Camp

For those who want to get back to basics, these camps complement each other well.  Situated on very different sites along the eastern section of the lower Zambezi River, Kutali Camp sits on the secluded Kulefu Island, perhaps the prettiest camp location in Zambia. Chula Island Camp is located on a private island, separated from the mainland by the famed canoeing area, the ‘Discovery’ channel.  These camps are a classic example of how light luxury in the wilderness can be, offering the charm and ethos of true seasonal bush camps with experienced guides and a great variety of activities on offer.  With just five guest tents, each camp caters to a maximum of ten guests.  The tents are comfortable, with high quality linen and mattresses, alongside flushing toilets, running water taps and traditional bucket-showers.  Main camp areas are for meals, reading, charging cameras and wildlife watching.  The whole experience can be booked exclusively on a private use basis.

Photo: Chiawa Camp

Chiawa Camp

The Cummings family owns and operates several camps in Zambia and the award-winning Chiawa is their flagship property.  This fifth-generation African family pioneered tourism in the Lower Zambezi based on conservation principals with the opening Chiawa in 1989 on a premium spot on the river.  The camp sits in a grove of mahogany and acacia trees.  There are nine tents with indoor and outdoor showers and private decks with outdoor baths.  The renowned guiding team guarantees the safari of a lifetime with walking, game drives, boating, canoeing and fishing activities.  The main area encourages guest mingling and meals feature seasonal ingredients and are beautifully prepared. 

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South Luangwa National Park

The South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.  Norman Carr pioneered the walking safari here in the 1950s. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is legendary.  It is home to two endemic species, the Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest and is one of the best places to view leopards. Walking safaris between bush camps is highly recommended during the dry season.

 

Photo: Chinzombo Lodge

Chinzombo Lodge

This newly designed camp has historical significance being situated where walking pioneer Norman Carr would camp during the green season.  Each of the six luxurious villas, one of which is a family suite with two bedrooms, has its own river view pool, cooled sleeping area, and massive bathroom.  Relax by the fire pit or with an in-villa spa treatment.  A bonus is the private access into one of the most game rich areas of the National Park.  

Photo: Chiawa Safaris

Puku Ridge

Completely rebuilt in 2019, every aspect of a luxury 5-star safari experience has been reimagined.   There are just eight multi-level tented units which feature lounge areas inside and out, super king-sized beds with air cooling system, bathtub with a view, inside and outside showers, private verandah with plunge pool, and rooftop deck sleep out.  The camp sits on a ridge overlooking vast plain and woodlands full of wildlife.  The main guest areas also include a hide to photograph animals visiting the waterhole.  A top-notch guiding team does day and night game drives in custom-built vehicles and walking safaris. 

Photo: Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

Beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany, the 18 air-conditioned chalets at this property are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where you can watch the prolific game roam—giraffe, hippos, buffalo, antelope, and crocodile are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge's lagoon.  Every November the local elephants wander right through the lobby to feed from a mango tree.  Secluded covered verandas look out over the lagoons, and en-suite bathrooms feature panoramic walk-in showers.  Guided walks can be arranged, but most outings are day and evening game drives.

Time + Tide Mchenja Camp

Flanked by a grove of towering ebony trees on one side and the Luangwa River on the other, Mchenja Camp is the perfect spot to watch hippos from your tent’s patio.  The bush suites include a clawfoot tub with floor to ceiling netting and an open to the sky shower room.  Elephants and bushbucks wander through the camp feeding on seed pods.  Walking safaris are the recommended way to experience this wild land, but day and night game drives are also on offer.

Photo: Zungulila Bushcamp

Zungulila Bushcamp

Zungulila is one of six charming camps operated by the Bushcamp Company in a remote area of the park.  Each embodies the essence of old Africa and a bygone era.   Zungulila has breathtaking views onto the Kapamba River and an expansive plain where natural springs attract huge herds of game.

The four tented chalets each have their own private verandas, outdoor shower and bathtub. Sundowners in the river are a highlight!  Walking time from Kapamba Bushcamp is 2-1/2 hours and is a thrilling way to spend a morning!  Children ages 12+ are allowed on walking safaris.

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Liuwa Plain & Kafue National Parks

Liuwa Plain is a broad savannah stretching 1,400 square miles and is home to the second largest wildebeest migration and a flourishing cheetah population along with other cats.  The area was first safeguarded in the early 1880s by the king of the Lozi people, King Lewanika. This unspoiled park in the far west of the country is perfect for any bush-lover, looking for exceptional sights.

Kafue is the largest national park in Zambia spanning 5.5 million acres of pristine wilderness.  The Busanga Swamps in the northwest give way to the extensive floodplains of the Busanga Plains.  The park is relatively unknown and largely unexplored.

Photo: Time + Tide

Time + Tide King Lewanika

Liuwa Plain National Park 

Liuwa Plain was one of the earliest protected areas in Africa; first preserved by the head of the Lozi people, King Lewanika.  The annual floodwaters on the vast plain host the second biggest wildebeest migration on the continent along with magnificent birdlife, a growing cheetah population and the famed Lady Liuwa lion pride. This luxurious camp is the only permanent camp in the park making it exclusive and a photographer’s dream.  There are six tented villas, one is a two-bedroom family unit.  All have indoor and outdoor showers and decks overlooking the plains.  Activities include day and night game drives, guided walking safaris, seasonal canoeing and sleepouts under the stars.  The camp operates from late October to mid-July and children ages 5 and above are welcome.

Photo: Dana Allen

Busanga Bush Camp

Kafue National Park

Busanga Bush Camp lies on a verdant island in the middle of Kafue’s Busanga Plains. Day and night drives and seasonal boating take in the diverse wildlife in this remote place on the ground, or from above in a hot air balloon.  These plains are famed for prides of lion, wild dog and cheetah which are drawn to the prolific plains game of the area.  This intimate camp has just four en-suite tents set on the ground under leafy fig and jackalberry trees.  This is a wi-fi free camp.  Busanga Bush Camp is open from June through October. 

Photo: Dana Allen

Shumba Camp

 Kafue National Park 

Shumba, named after the prides of lion seen in the area, is found on a wooded island in the center of the million-hectare Busanga Plains. Home to hundreds of red lechwe, puku and other plains game and their predators. The wild and remote floodplains extend to the horizon and the area’s diversity can be discovered on game drives as well as boating early in the season or hot air ballooning later on.  The camp is built on a verdant tree island on raised decks and features six en-suite tents including one family unit. There is a pool in the main area for hot afternoons. Shumba is open from June through October.  

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Travel Information

When to go to Zambia

By April, the rains begin to subside and temperatures are warm during the day and cool in the evening.  Many bush camps open in June after the roads have dried out, allowing access to camps.  By September and October, some of the seasonal rivers are dry and daytime temperatures can be hot.  Game viewing is concentrated around water.  By November or December rains begin and everything turns green again.

Passport & Visa for Zambia

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your return from Zambia. Your passport must also have at least three blank pages immigration stamps. Passengers carrying passports from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or the European Union will no longer have to purchase visas in order to enter Zambia.

For further information:  The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Washington, D.C. & U.S. State Department

Medical Information for Zambia

Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter Zambia for travelers who are coming from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda.  The certificate must be obtained no less than ten days prior to your arrival into Zambia.  You will also need a malaria prophylaxis.

For further information:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Zambia