Zambia

Zambia is known for its untouched wilderness and diverse wildlife, making it a prime destination for safari enthusiasts and repeat travelers.

 

There are 20 national parks and 34 game management areas. Some of the most renowned national parks in Zambia include South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi, which are considered among the finest in the world. These parks offer excellent and immersive safari experiences in an unspoiled, natural setting.

 

South Luangwa National Park is often referred to as “The Valley of Leopards” due to its high density of leopards, making it one of the best parks in Zambia for spotting these beautiful big cats. Established as a game reserve in 1938 and later becoming a national park in 1972, it covers an expansive area of 2.2 million acres. The park’s location at the tail end of the Great African Rift Valley system contributes to its diverse ecosystems and wildlife populations - over 60 mammal species and more than 400 bird species. The park’s landscape includes open plains, woodlands, and the meandering Luangwa River, providing a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing. Visitors to South Luangwa National Park can expect to encounter large populations of giraffe, elephants, Cape buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. The park is particularly renowned for its walking safaris, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot.

 

"Where elephants journey through the lodge"... Kafue National Park is the largest national park in the country, covering an area of about 5.5 million acres. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 152 different species of mammals, 515 bird species, 70 reptile species, 58 fish species, and 36 amphibious species. Kafue National Park derives its name from the Kafue River. Red lechwe leaping across shallow wetlands, lions hunting in golden grasses, and elephants emerging out of morning mist – this is the Busanga Plains experience. Found in the northern region of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, this remote wilderness is distinct from the miombo woodlands of the park. Instead, flat grassland dambos are dotted with date palms and sausage and fig trees. As the flood waters recede over June to November, the Busanga Plains become accessible for safaris characterized by outstanding game-viewing, predator action and colorful birdlife.

 

Despite covering an area of a million acres, most of the game in Lower Zambezi National Park is concentrated along the valley floor due to an escarpment acting as a barrier at its northern end. Expect to see large herds of elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, lions, leopards, and hear the distinctive cry of fish eagles. The calm waters of this section of the Zambezi River make seasonal fishing, boating, and canoeing popular activities with opportunities to spot wildlife like elephant along the riverbanks.

 

Victoria Falls is known for its immense spray and incredible noise, earning it the local name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke that Thunders." The falls are located on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is known for its impressive size, with a width of 5,604 feet and a height of 354 feet making it the largest waterfall based on its combined width and height. The falls are roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice its width.

 

Aside from its incredible national parks and scenery, Zambia is one of Africa’s most acclaimed adventure and extreme sports capitals. A range of action activities, mostly located in the Victoria Falls area, draws visitors from all over the globe every year. Whether it’s bungee jumping from the Victorica Falls Bridge spanning the deep Batoka Gorge or river rafting down the wild Zambezi, you are sure to find something to get the adrenaline pumping and make your trip to Zambia an even more unforgettable experience. Activities marked with ** are on the Zimbabwe side of the Falls.

 

• Walk along the footpaths of the Falls: Explore the lush rainforest reserve on the Zambia side for stunning views of the falls.

• Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River to witness breathtaking sunsets.

• Rhino walking Experience: Take a walking safari with Rhinos in the Mosi O Tunya National Park.

• The Elephant Café: Enjoy unique and wild flavors at a tented cafe on the Zambezi River, while interacting with rescued and hand-reared elephants.

• Livingstone Island and devil’s pool: Sit on the rim of the Falls (generally closed between March to May when the water levels are very high).

• Royal Livingstone Express: A traditional steam train dinner run crossing the Victoria Falls bridge as the sun sets over the Falls.

• White water rafting on the Zambezi River: Brave one of the wildest one-day white water rafting trips in the world with 23 sets of thrilling rapids.

• Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls: Get a bird’s eye view of the majestic falls and surrounding landscapes. **

• Elephant encounters: Interact with these majestic creatures up close for a memorable experience. **

• Zambezi zipline and Flying Fox: Experience thrilling zip lining adventures over the Zambezi River. **

• Bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge: For adrenaline junkies, take on the 364 feet high bungee jump.**

• Zambia Artists at Victoria Falls: Stroll through town and visit the local artist shops.