Untamed, wild, and wonderfully authentic, Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and home to Victoria Falls. It offers raw adventure, abundant wildlife, and some of Africa’s most remote, soul-stirring wilderness experiences.
Best month to go
When to Visit Zambia
Zambia is a seasonal destination, with the best time to visit depending on whether you’re chasing thrilling walking safaris, dramatic Victoria Falls views, or unbeatable wildlife encounters.
August to October is the dry season and is best for walking safaris and big game viewing, with open landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings.
March to May is the best time to see Victoria Falls in full flow – they’re at their most dramatic after the rainy season, though some activities may be limited by high water levels.
May, June, and November offer great value, though game viewing may be less prolific than during the height of the dry season, when the lush vegetation starts to recede and large numbers of animals congregate around rivers.
Zambia offers one of the most authentic safaris. The country is perfect for someone who is not focused on visiting Africa’s best-known parks but is more interested in the overall experience and spending time with top-quality guides.
James ShorttSales Director
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who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.
Known as the home of the walking safari, Zambia is unquestionably one of the best countries in Africa for getting out and viewing wildlife on foot. Almost every camp we work with employs expert walking guides, allowing travellers to become active participants rather than simply observing.
Sharing a border with Zimbabwe, Zambia is one of the two countries where you’re able to witness the magnificent Victoria Falls. Staying in Livingstone provides direct access to ‘the smoke that thunders’, and crossing over to see the falls from the Zimbabwean side is straightforward too.
Zambia is one of the few remaining countries with reliable wild dog sightings on safari. The likes of South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi have several resident packs that can make for some spectacular game-viewing.
Zambia is known for having some of the most knowledgeable and experienced guides in the industry. It takes on average five years to fully qualify as a safari guide in Zambia, compared with as little as three to six months in other African countries. This results in a base level of expertise that’s top-notch across the board, leading to truly impressive wildlife experiences.
Without the name recognition of popular first-time safari destinations such as South Africa, Kenya, or Tanzania, Zambia hasn’t become inundated with crowds. This means you can stay in the best game-viewing areas in the country without having to contend with the masses.
Zambia is a dream destination for active and adventurous travellers. It is easy to combine game drives, night drives, and walking safaris with boating, canoeing, and fishing. Lodges on the Zambezi River just outside Livingstone can also arrange authentic and meaningful community interactions.
I fell into a conversation with Yellow Zebra about how I was looking for a first-time safari for my daughter that was natural, raw, and real. They got it and knew exactly where to send me… An unforgettable experience.
Lydia BellSenior Features Editor, Condé Nast Traveller
A contender for best luxury camp anywhere, it is one of our favourite camps in the country and one that receives consistently superb game reports. Our clients have never given bad feedback – in fact, many of the more experienced travellers claim that Chiawa…
There really is something very special about this little place and it’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is. From the intimate atmosphere in camp, to the friendly staff, delicious food, incredible guiding, and wonderful location, it really is the gem…
All in all, this is a great little camp for travellers who like the authentic safari experience, with an emphasis on wildlife photography. Like Kaingo, Mwamba Bush Camp is both owned and operated by the Shentons, with Derek’s passion for authenticity on…
Named after the prides of lion seen in the area, Wilderness Shumba is by far one of the best camps in Kafue. Set in the centre of the Busanga Plains, Wilderness Shumba is very remote; and with few travellers exploring this area, it is also very exclusive.…
Tafika Camp is situated in an enviable position on the banks of the Luangwa River, offering guests front-row seats to elephant crossings and other exciting wildlife sightings. A safari enthusiast’s dream, the camp is a simple, rustic affair, but with all the…
Tena Tena means ‘temporary home’. Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris, this is certainly a homely little camp with a very friendly atmosphere. Robin Pope Safaris operates a number of authentic camps across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, and the company is…
On a remote island in the eastern part of Lower Zambezi National Park, Kutali is a light footprint camp that’s reconstructed each season on the banks of the Zambezi River. It’s a simple, stripped-back bushcamp, specialising in walking and boat-based safaris,…
The camp is a huge hit with safari enthusiasts who are looking for an authentic experience and less ostentatious accommodation than other options to be found in the area. Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp also offers a more economical price than its sister camp,…
Taken over by Chiawa Safaris in 2022 and now sister property to Chiawa, Old Mondoro, and Puku Ridge. Commanding some of the best views in Luangwa National Park, from its position atop Chichele Hill, Chichele Presidential Lodge is a superb option for those…
Owned and run by Derek and Jules Shenton, Kaingo is a delightful camp, which we recommend for adventurous safari-goers and photography enthusiasts seeking a homely bush experience in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Derek is passionate about…
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This is a superb camp that offers an incredible experience at a very high standard. The staff and quality of guiding makes this one of the best ways to explore the South Luangwa.
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Chongwe Camp offers a good range of accommodation options, authentic communal areas, and an exhilarating variety of activities too. Chongwe Camp is owned and run by Time + Tide. This company operates some superb safari camps and lodges across Zambia and…
Nkwali is owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris. Founded by Robin, who has been guiding since 1975, the company is passionate about responsible tourism and operates a total of 11 properties across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. We suggest combining a stay here…
Waterberry is a Classic level lodge in the Victoria Falls region, and it receives consistently fantastic feedback. It is owner-run and also has one of the loveliest settings of any Victoria Falls property on either side of the river. The site includes The…
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Flatdogs Camp offers fantastic value and a convenient location close to South Luangwa’s Mfuwe main gate. A friendly, laidback camp with an enviable position on the Luangwa River, it has a wide range of accommodations that make it an excellent choice for…
The polar opposite of the small safari camps we sell, The Royal Livingstone provides a contrasting accommodation option before or after your time in the bush! It’s also a very good standalone choice for travellers seeking sheer luxury.
The Royal…
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