Zambia Safari: 5 Amazing Destinations
Most people don’t think of a safari in Zambia, but it is actually ranked one of the top five destinations in Africa. Unique wildlife, game reserves and national parks, as well as one of the most famous rivers and waterfalls in the world, make Zambian Safari an unsurpassed destination.
There are direct flights from Johannesburg and Europe to Lusaka, from there it’s a hop, hop, and hop to some of the wildest places in Africa. Zambia has always been known as “the real Africa” as well as the home of the famous (and always popular) Walking Safari.
1. Victoria Falls: One of the original seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is arguably the most popular Safari destination in the country and for good reason. With not just the falls and the Zambezi River on offer, there are countless adventure activities; from river rafting and bungee jumping to helicopter flights and canoeing to elephant riding. Victoria Falls are undoubtedly as popular as Cape Town, the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.
Get there: Fly into Victoria Falls or Livingstone airports, as part of a self-drive or safari package.
2. South Luangwa: This area is one of the largest wildlife centers in the world. There are few national parks in Africa that come close in terms of numbers of wildlife and sightings; South Luangwa is a true photographer’s paradise. Within the valley there is a unique variety of wildlife species, including Thorneycroft’s giraffes, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra.
For bird watchers, South Luangwa offers a haven of its own with over 400 species of birds. The park covers 9050 square kilometers and became a National Park in 1972.
Get there: Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, as part of a safari or self-drive trip.
3. Kafue National Park: Kafue is the largest national park in Zambia, roughly the same size as Wales in the UK. Kafue National Park is not as popular as South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Busanga plains to the north of the park offer fantastic wildlife and birds, as well as luxurious refuges that combine to offer unique safaris that will be truly unforgettable. The plains are world famous for their sightings of lions, leopards and cheetahs along with large herds of buffalo and antelope. Adding Kafue National Park to any Zambian safari itinerary is highly recommended.
Get there: Fly directly to the lodge as part of a safari.
Four. Lake Kariba: Lake Kariba is the largest man-made dam in the world and can be found along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 220 km long and 40 km wide covering a total of 5580 square meters. km; the lake is perhaps more compared to a sea. It is undoubtedly one of the premium photographic areas in Zambia with the classic African sunsets against a stunning backdrop of the water and the African jungle. One of the main attractions of Lake Kariba is the fantastic sport fishing on offer, with accommodation in local lodges or even houseboats, on the lake itself. For an authentic experience, it is always recommended to stay in one of the many houseboats on offer.
Get there: Choose this as part of a safari package, flight, or autonomous driving experience.
5. Zambezi River: The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, flowing through Namibia, Botswana and into Zimbabwe and Zambia, and its flow ends in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. The river is home to Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and passes through the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. The many activities on offer include canoeing, whitewater rafting, and some of the best fishing in Africa, not to mention some of the best wildlife and bird sightings. All of the above locations are highly recommended and can easily be included in any scheduled or custom made Zambian Safari.
Get there: Taken as part of a safari package, flight, or autonomous driving experience.