Zambia, tucked in the southern region of Africa, welcomes you with a rich array of wildlife safaris, cozy hotels, local attractions, and much more. Surrounded by Malawi, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, it stands as a landlocked wonder. Its layout features high plateaus reaching from 910m to 1,370m, while mountains reach 1,800m in the northeast. Add a sprinkle of tropical climate to the central and southern zones, with a dash of semi-arid weather in a few southwest patches—Meet Lusaka, its capital, where English is everyone’s language. The pride of Zambia lies in its wildlife havens, national gardens, broad waters, warm locals, stunning sunsets, and, not to forget, 17 magnificent waterfalls, including the mesmerizing Victoria Falls. Experience the magic of Zambezi shares with Zimbabwe. Now, let’s dive into a pool of attractions Zambia’s safari has to offer.
Victoria Falls Safari Zambia
“The Smoke That Thunders,” or Victoria Falls, straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia. A huge waterfall on the Zambezi River – measuring 108m high and 1,708m wide – it’s one of the biggest around. The falls are split; the top half is in Zambia, and the bottom is in Zimbabwe. They offer breath-taking vistas unparalleled in their beauty. David Livingstone, a missionary explorer, introduced the falls to the world. The nearby town, Livingstone, carries his name. The ideal time to visit is between July and September. Come November and December, the falls recede to canyon-like structures. Between January and May, heavy rainfall fills the Zambezi River, making viewings difficult due to the dense mist. A must-see is the Devil’s Pool, a natural swimming spot right by the falls. Enjoy a swim there in November when water levels decline. A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t complete without the adventurous activities it offers, like zip lining, bungee jumping, sunset cruises, water rafting, flight tours over the falls, and bridge tours.
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National ParkThe South Luangwa National Park, nestled in the valley of the Luangwa River, began its journey as a game reserve in 1938. It later earned its status as a National park in 1972. Spanning about 9,059 sq km, it’s a hotspot for wildlife, making it one of the top national parks worldwide. This vast area is shared by 60 distinct animal species found near the Luangwa River, such as hippos, elephants, giraffes, and leopards, to name a few. Plus, you’ll spot over 400 unique bird species. Alongside its rich wildlife, the park boasts remarkable views. You’ll find varying vegetation from Baobabs and Ebony trees to bushes and an abundance of wildflowers. South Luangwa National Park offers an array of enjoyable activities. These include walking safaris and day and night game drives. They’re truly an experience to remember. Traveling to the park is straightforward: daily domestic flights are available to South Luangwa. Alternatively, a ten-hour drive from Lusaka through the Eastern province will get you there. With most of the lodges open year-round, accommodation isn’t a concern. Luxury guests might prefer the Mfuwe lodge or Chichele lodge, while mid-range options and bush camps are available for those seeking a more modest stay.
Lower Zambezi National Park
In 1983, we saw the birth of a National Park. It sprawls over a hefty 4092 sq km in Zambia’s heartland, close to Lusaka. Lower Zambezi might be a bit less known than South Luangwa, but it’s bursting with wild critters. You’ll see elephants, buffaloes, and hippos down on the valley floor. Even crocodiles and fish eagles make their home here. The views are breathtaking. Hills roll on and on, and the Zambezi winds its way through. Spot fig and ebony trees, thick woods, and towering acacias. There’s plenty to do, too. Fish, watch wildlife, hunt, take scenic boat rides, and explore the bush. Need a place to bunk? You’ll find lots in Chiawa and Chirindu.
Kafue National Park
In the heart of Zambia lies Kafue National Park. It’s not just big, it’s one of the biggest parks worldwide. The park, as old as Zambia itself, spans a jaw-dropping 22,400 sq km. From Lusaka, a short 3-hour drive brings you right there. It’s perfect for a weekend safari adventure. Sure, the park faced poaching issues, but it doesn’t strip it of its vibrant wildlife. You’ll see exotic creatures like antelopes, sables, and hartebeests. Try bird watching or game viewing. Maybe even fishing. Nearby lodges like Mukambi make for a comfy stay while you explore.
Lake Kariba
Do you want to know about the world’s biggest manmade lake? It’s Lake Kariba! Nestled on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it’s the biggest due to its enormous volume. What is the purpose of this lake? It’s a power source! The Kariba dam was built to provide hydroelectric power to these two countries. Construction began in 1955 and wrapped up in 1977. People, birds, and animals had to move during this time due to the water levels rising. With a width of about 40 km and length of 223 km, it covers a whopping 2,150 square miles! But it’s not just for power. Lake Kariba is great for leisure activities, too. Imagine boating, fishing, soaking up the sun, and engaging in water sports. There are also splendid views from the lake’s islands, such as Mazze, Sekula, Snake, and Bed. The weather adds to the charm. Hot sunny days, calm, warm nights, and no shortage of places to stay: high-end cottages, cozy cabins, and camping grounds—all along the banks.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika ranks second in volume as the oldest and the deepest freshwater lake globally. Four nations share the lake: Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. It’s expansive, at 32,900 sq km, with a stretch of 677 km by 50 km wide. But only a tiny part, 7%, belongs to Zambia. Have a blast doing Lake Game, where you’ll see loads of fish while snorkeling. Try adventurous water sports like water skiing, swimming, boarding, boating, kite surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Make Ndole Bay Lodge or another place, according to your preference, your home for the stay.
Livingstone Museum
In 1934, the Livingstone Museum came to life. As Zambia’s oldest and most spacious museum, it sits near Victoria Falls in Livingstone town. Previously, it goes by David Livingstone Memorial Museum, switching to Rhodes-Livingstone Museum. By 1966, it became simply the Livingstone Museum. For history buffs, it’s a must-visit, hosting musical instruments, photos, and other items of David Livingstone. These primarily highlight Zambia’s pre-history and local past.
Kasanka National Park
In Serenje District of the Central Province, you’ll find Kansaka National Park. It spans 450 sq km, making it one of the smaller National Parks in Zambia. The park is famous for the enormous migration of over 10 million giant fruit bats (Eidolon Helium). The spectacle occurs every October and is exhilarating, if a bit scary at times, but rest assured, these bats are harmless. Kansaka is a sanctuary for a diverse range of residents. It’s home to 114 mammal species, like hippos, sitatungas, reedbucks, elephants, waterbucks, blue monkeys, buffaloes, and zebras. Not only that, but you can find over 330 bird species here, including the water crane, pygmy goose, Pel’s fishing owl, the osprey, Ross’s loerie, and occasionally, the elusive shoebill. The park is rich with varied landscapes – forests, wetlands, meadows, lagoons, lakes, and rivers – providing the perfect homes for all its inhabitants. Activities available include walking safaris, game drives, bird watching, and boating.
Ngonye Falls
The Ngonye Falls, also known as Sioma Falls, are a spectacular sight in the village of Sioma. This horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Zambezi River can take 2-3 days to reach from Lusaka, but the journey is worth it. The views alone make it a must-visit spot. A road trip from Lusaka is one way to reach, and stopping at Maziba Bay Lodge for a night’s stay is a good idea. It’s just five kilometers from Sioma village. You’ll also find campsites near the falls. Regardless of the time of year, the Ngonye Falls are a joy to see. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, though, try to schedule your visit between July and November. You’ll see more animals near the banks because the water level is low. If adventure sports like rafting are your thing, consider going between February and May. The water level rises after the rains making it ideal for such activities. Don’t forget to put the Nyonge Falls on your Zambian trip itinerary.
Lusaka National Museum
The Lusaka National Museum, which started in 1996, resides in Zambia’s capital city. It’s a fantastic spot that you can’t miss on a Lusaka tour. It mainly holds the nation’s heritage and history. With storage rooms, galleries, and more, it’s a vast educational and research hub for locals and foreigners alike.
Visit the compounds:
Urban Zambian natives often reside in neighborhoods, or compounds. Walk through Kalingalinga or Bauleni, meet new faces, create friendships, and enjoy local corn meal, known as shake-shake chibuku. Experience the city’s authentic life on these trips.
The Saturday Dutch Market takes place every last Saturday of the month at the Dutch Reformed Church. Here, Zambians and foreigners showcase their unique arts and crafts. You can engage with the creators, learn about their crafts, and sample a variety of ethnic foods. Also, try the Sunday market at the Arcades Centre. It’s smaller but still offers fascinating insights, even teaching you how to negotiate prices. Next, consider exploring the Western Province, also known as Barotseland. It’s a distant province near the Angolan border, home to the Liuwa Plains National Park. In November, you can witness the second-largest wildebeest migration. Furthermore, in April, witness the famous “Kuomboka” dance by the Lozi tribe. However, avoid discussing Barotseland politics because of past instability. Above all, have a fantastic time here! Zambia has a sub-tropical climate, which means it has wet and dry seasons. The dry season from May to October is ideal for visiting, for optimal game spotting. But note, September and October can get extremely hot. The wet season from December to April turns the land lush. Still, it can make spotting wildlife tricky, and some places might be unreachable due to floods. To witness the majestic Victoria Falls, visit in March, April, or May, post-rainy season, when the river is full, creating an awe-inspiring waterfall. Just beware, visiting in October or November won’t offer this spectacle due to its drier nature. But it presents opportunities to enjoy Devil’s Pool swimming and whitewater rafting. In the national parks in Zambia you can find places to stay. These include Safari lodges and tented camps. There’s something for everybody. Top of the line luxury and also options for those on tighter budgets.