As soon as travel opens up in the heart of Africa, Zambia should be on your top pickings to visit first! Here is why we believe you need to Tour Zambia.
The best place to discover African wilderness in its most primal state.
Introduction
Did you know that Zambia has been voted the safest country on the continent? With unspoiled landscapes of indigenous flora and fauna, contrasted against the traditional richness in culture and kindness of local communities, it is in short, an ideal safari destination.
If you want to read more about Africa, have a look at our blog.
The map above indicates our top three National Parks to visit, the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River.
Zambia, a landlocked Southern African nation, shares its borders with a diverse array of countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Lusaka proudly serves as the capital city. As of 2019, Zambia was home to an estimated 18.14 million people.
This region has a rich history, with hunter-gatherer societies, notably the Khoisans, dwelling here for millennia. Their presence has infused Zambia with a remarkable cultural tapestry, making it the vibrant heart of Africa. Even the name “Zambia” itself holds significance, as it draws inspiration from the mighty Zambezi River that gracefully winds its way through the country.
Key points
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Zambia is voted the safest country in Africa | It offers unspoiled landscapes, rich culture, and kind local communities, making it an ideal safari destination. |
| Zambia has diverse history and culture | It is home to over 70 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and celebrations. |
| Abundance of wildlife | Zambia is known for its wildlife, including the big 5 (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other predators like cheetah, caracal, and wild dog. |
| Top 3 National Parks | South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi are recommended national parks for safari experiences. |
| South Luangwa National Park | It is Zambia’s premier safari park with a diverse range of animals, including the endemic Thornicroft giraffe. |
| Kafue National Park | The oldest and largest national park in Zambia, known for its protection efforts and diverse wildlife. |
| Lower Zambezi National Park | Located along the Zambezi River, offering exceptional birdlife and sightings of lion, buffalo, hippo, and monkeys. |
| Victoria Falls | A spectacular waterfall on the Zambezi River, known as one of the world’s seven wonders. |
| Lakes and Rivers | Zambia is home to majestic rivers like the Zambezi, which offers activities like white-water rafting, and lakes like Kariba and Tanganyika, known for fishing and water sports. |
| Cities | Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia, experiencing rapid development and urbanization. |
| Favorite Tours in Zambia | Canoe safari on the Zambezi River and 15-day canoe safari in South Luangwa National Park are recommended tour experiences. |
Why tour Zambia?
Welcome to a land where legends come alive – the birthplace of the iconic African walking safari, home to the majestic Victoria Falls, the untamed Zambezi River, teeming with wildlife, and unspoiled wilderness as far as the eye can see. All of this awaits you in one warm and welcoming country.
Zambia beckons with its enchanting natural wonders, a mosaic of diverse wildlife, vast water bodies, and endless landscapes, offering unforgettable adventures into the heart of Africa. Here, Zambia unveils mighty rivers, five expansive lakes, and 17 cascading waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Abundant water resources nurture a myriad of wildlife, thriving in their unique ecological niches. Zambia proudly stands as the birthplace of the renowned walking safari, a concept that allows you to intimately explore the wilderness on foot. It’s an experience that turns your journey through Zambia into a profoundly personal encounter with nature. Plus, Zambia is widely recognized as one of the world’s safest destinations for explorers, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your African adventure.
We have partnered with Absolute Zambia Safaris as our local experts from Zambia whose destination manual will offer customized experiences of Zambia culture and wildlife for all. For more information about this tour operator click here.
History
Khoisans inhabited the area of modern Zambia until 300 AD, when advanced groups migrated to the area and displaced them. Bantu immigrants arrived in the 12th century. The Tonga people were among them and were the first to settle the area.
The expansion saw the arrival of the Nkoya, and in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, a larger influx occurred. The Mbala district was settled by the Nsokolo people in the early 1700s, while in the 1800s, the Ngonui and Sotho peoples migrated from the south.
By the late 1800s, Zambian culture had largely taken shape. Francisco de Lacerda was the earliest European to visit the area in the late 1700s, followed by others, including David Livingstone. Livingstone, the first European to witness the Zambezi River’s waterfalls, named them Victoria Falls.
Culture
Zambian culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of over 70 diverse ethnic groups. Each of these cultural communities is celebrated annually in a riot of color and festivity.
In the days before colonial influence, Zambia’s ethnic groups resided in distinct communities, each nurturing its unique traditions. Although urbanization and Western culture have left their mark, the people of Zambia proudly uphold their heritage by commemorating more than 20 ceremonies and cultural festivals throughout the year, scattered across the nation.
These celebrations vary widely in scale and nature. Some are intimate affairs, involving small groups of young men or women, while others encompass entire villages. Then, there are the grand open ceremonies that draw massive crowds, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands, with the possibility of even having the head of state in attendance.
These festivals are a sensory delight, featuring stirring songs, rhythmic drums, and exuberant dancing. As a visitor, showing respect is paramount when participating in local cultural practices and entering community spaces. It’s an opportunity to not only witness but also immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Zambian culture.
Wildlife
Wildlife thrives in a certain African country. This place houses a notable group of animals, renowned for their strength and grandeur. Specific regions within the country offer excellent opportunities to observe various wild creatures, such as spotted cats, a significant group of large cats, and untamed canines.
One particular area is known for its abundance of swift feline species. Other meat-eating creatures, including a medium-sized wild cat, a wild feline, and a small carnivorous mammal, also inhabit this region. A semi-aquatic herbivore is prevalent mainly in two national parks.
For those eager to locate these water-dwelling creatures, additional information can be found in a separate resource discussing prime locations for their observation.
During game drives, one can frequently observe these species, along with guaranteed sightings of zebra, giraffe, and warthogs. Baboons and vervet monkeys not only entertain but also prove accommodating to tourists. Night drives often reveal sightings of night apes, bushbabies, and hyenas.
Wildlife Conservation
A nation plays a vital role in preserving the last untouched wildlife habitats in a continent, despite a link between widespread poverty and environmental degradation. Deforestation, erosion, pollution, and poaching pose major threats. Committed to conservation, the wildlife authority employs community-based and public-private partnerships to manage protected areas, aiming to enhance local life, maintain biodiversity, and counter wildlife decline.
Promoting wildlife-based tourism for rural development (Eco-tourism), the nation prioritizes restoring elephant herds in Kafue, previously depleted by poaching in the 1980s and ’90s.
Top 3 National Parks
Zambia proudly boasts 12 beautiful national parks, however we have three favorites for you to consider: Vast, unspoiled South Luangwa is Zambia’s premier safari park, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
The Luangwa River, the heartbeat of the park, teems with wildlife, including hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. This is where the concept of walking safaris was born, and the guides here are truly exceptional. Lower Zambezi National Park provides incredible chances to observe wildlife as they roam through the Zambezi channels.
Kudu and waterbuck gracefully traverse the islands, while lions and leopards thrive in this habitat. Up north, the Busanga floodplains in Kafue National Park attract a breathtaking array of animals. And of course, no Zambia safari would be complete without experiencing the captivating wonder of Victoria Falls.
1. South Luangwa Park
9000 square kilometres. Eastern Province Zambia. Popular since opening 1972. Open game viewing/ Day & night safaris. While you may see giraffes in other parts of Africa, seeing a species that is endemic to a certain country will make you feel special. The Thornicroft giraffe, which is also known as the Rhodesian giraffe, resides only in the South Luangwa National Park.
Accommodation Mfuwe Lodge & Bilimungwe Bush Camp
Activities: Accessing the heart of the park, at peak flood time from January to March is quite an adventure and activities will consist of walking, driving, and boating. Most of the animals in this area remains at the park all year, and so the game viewing is always excellent and reliable though it is more of a birder paradise during the time of the year.
2. Kafue national park
Western Zambia. Oldest and largest national park in Zambia.Increased protection from the Zambian Wildlife Authority due to larger visitor numbers after infrastructural development.
Accomodation Makumbi Safari Lodge
Activities: Boat cruises, sunrise drives, game and walking safari, fishing trips & community school visits
Makumbi Safari partners with two bushcamps: Busanga Plains Camps and Busanga Safari Tents
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
South Eastern Zambia, set against the Zambezi river borders, occupying 120 km of river length and boasting islands, lagoons and flood plains which popularly attract wildlife, lies the Lower Zambezi National park. 50 species of mammal and 40 species of birds, bring animal enthusiats from all over the world. The Lower Zambezi National Park was recently listed as the world’s first carbon neutral park, which means that it completely offsets its greenhouse gas emissions generated from tourism activities. The park offers exceptional birdlife, as well as mammal sightings of lion, buffalo, hippo, and monkeys among others.
Accommodation: Chiawa Camp
Activities: Activities range from water-based activities such as canoeing, river cruises and fishing to game drives, night drives and walking. Combination of events can be customized as per individual request. Usually a full day activities with lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Waterfalls
Seventeen magnificent waterfalls, apart from the spectacular Victoria Falls, allow adventure seekers to venture into the remote, undeveloped rural areas of beauty and community atmosphere. Spectacular daily sunsets are a granted feat.
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight, an awe-inspiring spectacle, standing the test of time on the Zambezi River. This river acts as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo people living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders.’ In more modern terms, Victoria Falls is known as one of the world’s seven wonders—a must-visit in someone’s lifetime.
Lakes & Rivers
In Zambia you can find some of the most majestic rivers in the world.
The Zambezi River
The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.
The Zambezi River, boasts the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and the thrilling Batoka Gorge. Less developed than other rivers, it enjoys protected status in many areas, with national parks on both sides teeming with diverse wildlife.
Encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife are common along the river’s calm stretches, while woodlands host larger animals. The Zambezi sustains hundreds of endemic fish species and even houses the Zambezi shark.
Beyond its fame for Victoria Falls, the Zambezi showcases Chavuma Falls and Ngonye Falls, adding to its allure. Dams along the river generate vital hydroelectric power for Zambia and neighboring countries.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba, Zambia’s hidden Riviera, beckons adventure seekers, holidaymakers, and animal enthusiasts alike! Add this location to your itinerary and experience breathtaking views!
This built dam, Africa’s largest, stretches 226 km long and reaches up to 40 km wide in certain places. Lake Kariba not only provides significant electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe but also sustains a commercial fishing industry. It’s hard to believe at times that Lake Kariba is a human-made dam.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia is the world’s second deepest lake. With over 350 different species of fish and clear waters, it is the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive.
The longest freshwater lake in the world, featuring islands & diverse wildlife including crocodiles.
Tour Zambia: Our Favourite Tours
1. Canoe Tour Zambezi :
What to expect on a canoe safari: Encountering safari game such as elephants, hippos and crocodiles in the water. You’ll find a fantastic array of resident animals and birdlife through the season. The October to March period that has the most migrant animals travelling through the area.
15 day Canoe safari in South Luangwa National Park
10 day Zambezi and Kafue National Park Canoe Safari
4 day Canoe experience at Lower Zambezi Valley
2. Guided Safari Walks:
An emotive and exciting experience to connect with wildlife in an intimate setting, from a safe distance. Although you may be able to travel further in a vehicle, on foot you can reach places that a 4×4 can’t. You will also be closer the tapestry of smells, sounds and signals of the bush, nothing compares to personal interaction with the wildlife without the constraint that vehicles create.
Walking Safari options: Mobile walking safaris These are multi-day bush walking adventures, and you are immersed in the wilderness day and night.
Temporary base camps shift to new locations each night, adding an element of excitement and variety to your adventure.
For those with limited time or who prefer a shorter excursion while staying at the lodges, our bush walks offer guided nature walks that allow you to connect with the surrounding environment.
8 day walking safari South Luangwa Zambia
3. Guided Safari Drives
In tasteful bush style, head out in the early mornings and late afternoons for some spectacular game viewing from the comfort of an open vehicle. Your game guide and tracker will ensure you don’t miss a thing, and will reveal fascinating insights about all you see, from the tiniest insect, the vegetation and the seasons. A spectacular experience of close up wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. Bushcamp Tours:
A brilliant way to indulge in a taste of the African Safari experience. A success since pioneered hundreds of years ago. Witness the unspoiled and untouched landscapes of Zambia, one of the only countries to offer such an authentic experience.
5 day South Luangwa Bush Camping
Community Outreach:
Absolute Zambia Safaris also offers unique and customized tour experiences aside from their package deals.
Summary on Tour Zambia
With its warm and vibrant, diversified culture and welcoming hospitality, world wonders and cascading landscapes of Safari wildlife, Zambia offers a unique and unforgettable experience of a lifetime!
If you loved reading about Zambia, you may also enjoy our blogs featuring the Big 5 and the Top 10 Safari destinations in Africa. Take a look and let us know if you enjoyed them in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Zambia has been voted the safest country on the continent. It is known for its friendly and welcoming local communities. However, like any travel destination, it is always advisable to take general precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The wet season, from November to April, can be challenging for game viewing due to the heavy rains and lush vegetation.
Zambia boasts 12 beautiful national parks, but some of the must-visit parks include South Luangwa National Park, known for its walking safaris and abundant wildlife; Kafue National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Zambia; and Lower Zambezi National Park, offering spectacular opportunities for close encounters with wildlife along the Zambezi River.
Zambia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). National parks such as South Luangwa and Kafue are known for their high concentration of predators, such as lions and leopards. Other wildlife commonly spotted in Zambia includes giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.
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