Choosing a Zambia safari as your vacation destination will ensure that you experience an African wilderness trip unlike any other. The wildlife is plentiful, and the vast landscapes and unbelievable waterways, including one of the seven greatest natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, provide a backdrop to your safari in Zambia that simply cannot be matched. Experiencing both the North and South Luangwa National Parks – as well as the beautiful Bangweulu Swamps – is well worth it. These parks are famous for their large wildlife population, birdlife and incredible game–viewing safaris.
Discover one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The valley in South Luangwa boasts a wide variety of interesting vegetation with the landscape dotted by trees such as mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, ivory palm, marula, tamarind and baobab. A Zambia wildlife safari will offer sightings galore of leopard, lion, elephant, wild dog, bushbuck and puku as well as more than 400 different birds, including black-headed herons, crowned cranes, bee-eaters and ground hornbills. Enhance your Zambia vacation with the option to visit the Kafue National Park, one of the country’s oldest and largest wildlife areas. Covering more than 22 000 square kilometers, Kafue offers intimate animal encounters and wildlife experiences. The Kafue River is a vital life source, drawing great herds of elephants and buffalo, with sightings of a variety of predator species guaranteed. Bird enthusiasts will have a field day in Kafue, with more than 500 species present.
Include some time in the border town of Livingstone when planning your Zambia safari. Situated a mere 10 kilometers from the spectacular Victoria Falls, an excursion to Livingstone will satisfy historical, cultural and archaeological curiosity. It is also home to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a small but vibrant park along the banks of the Zambezi River. The wildlife park includes tall riverine forest with palm trees, miombo woodland and grassland with plenty of birds, and animals including Angolan giraffe, Burchell’s zebra and a variety of antelope. Jenman African Safaris has popular tour packages that allow you to experience the very best of Africa.
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its best in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Parks.
Victoria Falls is strongest from February to May, but flow varies throughout the year.
Top experiences include:
Walking safaris in South Luangwa
Canoe safaris in the Lower Zambezi
Visiting Victoria Falls
Game drives in Kafue National Park
Birdwatching
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi
Cultural village visits
Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Credit cards are accepted in major lodges and hotels.
ATMs are available in Lusaka, Livingstone, and larger towns.
Rainy season is from November to March though the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. Eastern areas and higher areas generally receive more rain than western and lowland areas.
By April and May, most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that’s still green, but starting to dry out. Nighttime temperatures start to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations. June, July and August nights become much cooler, the days remain clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up if you’re out at night, as some nights get very cold! Most of Zambia’s small ‘walking bush camps’ open at the start of June, when the roads have dried out sufficiently to allow access.
This is the start of the ‘peak season’ for these countries – with cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings. In September and October, the temperatures climb: the lower-lying rift valleys – Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get up to 45 degrees. However, you’ll see some superb game as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.
November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season’s first downpours.
Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to neutral colours – khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are a must.
Most travellers move between national parks via light aircraft flights. Road transfers are also possible on guided tours. Self-driving is possible but best suited to experienced travellers.
Zambian cuisine includes dishes such as nshima, grilled meats, stews, and fresh fish. Safari lodges serve high-quality international meals. Dietary needs are usually accommodated with notice.
Yes. Many lodges offer Wi-Fi, though speeds may vary. Mobile coverage is good in towns and moderate in remote parks.
Zambia uses Type G plugs (UK-style) with 230V/50Hz. Some lodges limit power usage during certain hours.
Zambia is considered safe for travellers, especially within national parks and on guided tours.
Basic precautions should be used in cities.
Most nationalities require a visa. Zambia offers eVisas and visas on arrival for many travellers.
A passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
