Zambia

Zambia is the essence of raw Africa with superb safari activities on land and on water.

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Overview

A Zambia safari offers the essence of Africa with some of the finest wildlife experiences in Africa. It also delivers one of its greatest rivers: the Zambezi. Zambian game reserves are truly wild and remote. So it will appeal if you are hungry for an intimate safari experience in a pristine environment.

The easiest option is to fly to Johannesburg and then connect to either Lusaka or Livingstone (for Victoria Falls). Within Zambia, there is only one way to travel and that’s by air. Victoria Falls and all of the major National Parks are connected by scheduled “seat in charter” flights. So your safari all fits seamlessly together.

How to compare Zambia as a safari destination with its more famous neighbours? A Zambia safari has three distinct advantages.

  • First of all, the standard of guiding is uniformly high. The Zambia safari lodges are often run by visionary characters. They balance a passion for wild places with the fierce dedication of bush entrepreneurs. Every guide has to pass stringent guiding exams, especially the walking safari guides. Thus your guide’s all-round bush knowledge is notable.
  • Secondly, and somewhat unusually, you can enjoy both night drives and bush walks WITHIN the national parks of Zambia.
  • Finally there is a friendly service ethic which is pervasive throughout the safari industry.

Sunset boat cruise on a Zambia safari

Features

Why you may love it

  • Finest wildlife esperiences in Africa.
  • Game reserves are wild and remote.
  • National parks allow both night drives and bush walks.

Where to go in Zambia

These are some of the best rated places to visit in Zambia based on popularity and experience rating by our travelers

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Victoria Falls & Livingstone

The Victoria Falls offers thundering falls, dramatic beauty of the Zambezi River and a bevy of adventurous river & land activities .

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South Luangwa

The lush and beautiful riverine vegetation of the South Luangwa attract some of the greatest wildlife concentrations in Africa.

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Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi is one of the most attractive & rewarding safari destinations in Zambia.

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Kafue

Kafue National Park is a revitalized game park, perfect for the second time safari visitor. The game-rich Busanga Plains do not disappoint in season.

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North Luangwa

The North Luangwa is a pristine and remote safari destination specializing in walking safaris.

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Liuwa Plains

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When to visit Zambia

 

Mid-Nov to mid-April

Summer Rainy season

Much of Zambia is effectively closed for safari visitors during the summer rainy season. This is because many of the seasonal camps are cut off due to the high water levels. It is not an ideal time for Victoria Falls, especially in November and December, as the flow of water over the Falls is low. But as the summer rains continue, the flow increases dramatically. The wildlife tends to be more dispersed and harder to spot. But the vegetation is lush and green, animals are being born and birding is superb.
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AVG RAINFALL 172 mm
MAX TEMP 29.4 ℃ / 85 ℉
MIN TEMP 11 ℃ / 52 ℉
 

Mid-April to May

Summer in Zambia

Some of the camps start to open again in the Lower Zambezi but many of the remote bush camps in the Luangwa stay closed. The summer rains stop leaving behind a lush and green landscape. It is traditionally the time of more reasonable safari prices in Zambia. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its maximum which means exciting viewing experiences but not great photos as your camera would get soaked!
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AVG RAINFALL 129 mm
MAX TEMP 22 ℃ / 72 ℉
MIN TEMP 11.5 ℃ / 53 ℉
 

June to August

Dry Season in Zambia

Traditionally this is the best time to visit as the dry season continues. During the dry season the bush is less dense and the animals flock to the rivers for water. It’s also the best time to see the Falls. Note that June is often a time of slightly lower safari prices in Zambia so it could be a good option of you are on a budget.
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AVG RAINFALL 26 mm
MAX TEMP 23 ℃ / 74 ℉
MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 51 ℉
 

September to mid-Nov

End of the dry season Zambia

Temperatures heat up quickly in September and October prior to the start of the summer rains. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts becoming noticeably less. Somewhere in November, the summer rains start. This heralds the end of the safari season in Zambia with most camps closing at the end of October or mid-November. Depending on specific location, some camps remain open until the end of the year.
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 109 mm
MAX TEMP 22.5 ℃ / 73 ℉
MIN TEMP 11 ℃ / 52 ℉

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

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Zambian Meander Safari

Blessed with some of the finest wildlife experiences and one of Africa’s greatest rivers, Zambia is the essence of raw Africa. The game parks of South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi are wild and...

WHEN May - Oct
DURATION 11 Nights
FROM ₤ 8,294
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Romantic Zambia & Malawi

This romantic 13 night safari combines the best of Zambia and Malawi and offers a unique take on the classic bush and beach safari. It is ideal as a honeymoon option or for anyone looking for a...

WHEN Apr - Oct
DURATION 13 Nights
FROM ₤ 7,251
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Zambia Family safari

This 9 night family safari combines some of the highlights of Zambia – the beautiful Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambezi River, the game-rich South Luangwa National Park and the exciting...

WHEN Apr - Sept
DURATION 9 Nights
FROM ₤ 18,422
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Valley & Lake Safari

This 10 night safari combines the best of Zambia and Malawi and offers a unique take on the classic bush and beach safari.

WHEN May - Oct
DURATION 10 Nights
FROM ₤ 5,623
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Mobile Walking Safari with Robin Pope Safaris

This classic 7-night mobile walking safari combines the best of the South Luangwa National Park. The game reserve of South Luangwa is wild and remote, appealing to those hungry for an intimate...

WHEN Jun - Sept
DURATION 7 Nights
FROM ₤ 5,058
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Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls Highlights

This 11 night itinerary places a strong emphasis on excellent game-viewing, cultural interest and scenic beauty. It's ideal for the first time visitor to Southern Africa and can be adapted in a...

WHEN Mar - Oct
DURATION 11 Nights
FROM ₤ 2,770

Start planning your dream trip

Find me the best in for

Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Download our Insiders Guide to Zambia Safaris

Major attractions, sample tours & camps, and the low-down on best areas to visit! Get our free guide here
 

Natasha Jantjies

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Natasha, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
LET'S PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI
Did you know
  • Victoria FallsThe Victoria Falls are double the height of Niagara Falls
  • InsectsZambian termite hills can be as tall as a house

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Victoria Falls vs Livingstone ? Choosing between the Zambia or Zimbabwe sides

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Mila's photo blog from her walking safari in Zambia

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8 Cool Places to Pop THE Question

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Best Tours & Things to Do at Victoria Falls

This post summarizes our top 14 things to do at Victoria Falls. Both on the Zimbabwe side and Zambia side at Livingstone. It doesn’t aim to cover ALL of the Victoria Falls tours on offer. But we...

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Tasha Eygelaar

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Tasha, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
LET’S PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI

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