Zambia safaris take you into some of the wildest and least crowded wilderness left in Africa. This is the birthplace of the walking safari, the home of the mighty Victoria Falls and a country where you can watch a leopard on a night drive, canoe past elephants on the Zambezi and see millions of fruit bats fill the evening sky.
Zambia is a large, landlocked country in south-central Africa. It is not as famous as Kenya or Tanzania, and that is exactly its charm. Its parks are huge, its camps are small and intimate, and on many game drives you will not see another vehicle at all.
Zambians are known for their warm welcome, English is widely spoken and the country has a strong reputation for safety. In this guide, our team at Tulambule covers the best places to visit, the best time to go, what Zambia safaris cost, practical travel tips and how to combine Zambia with gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Why Choose Zambia Safaris?
Three things make Zambia safaris stand out from the rest of Africa:
- Walking safaris: walking safaris were pioneered in South Luangwa in the 1950s, and Zambia's guides are still among the best on foot.
- Night drives: Zambia allows guided night drives in its national parks, giving you the best chance anywhere to see leopards, hyenas, genets and porcupines after dark.
- Wild, uncrowded parks: huge parks with only a handful of camps mean a truly private wilderness experience.
Add Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and Zambia offers a complete safari and adventure holiday in one country.
Zambia Safaris at a Glance
| Top highlights | Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, Liuwa Plain, Kasanka bat migration |
| Best time for wildlife | June to October (dry season) |
| Best time for Victoria Falls | February to July for full flow; August to December for Devil's Pool |
| Ideal trip length | 4 days for Victoria Falls; 8 to 14 days for a full safari |
| Typical cost | From about US$150 per person per day |
| Visa | Visa-free for many nationalities; others pay US$50, or US$50 for the KAZA UniVisa |
Best Places to Visit on Zambia Safaris
1. Victoria Falls
No trip to Zambia is complete without Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders", the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest single sheet of falling water on earth. At peak flood, around 500 million litres of water pour over the edge every minute, about the same as 200 Olympic swimming pools.
The falls are shared with Zimbabwe. On the Zambian side, they are protected in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, close to the town of Livingstone. Zambia's side gives you something special: from about August to December, when the water is lower, you can swim in Devil's Pool right on the edge of the falls on a guided trip from Livingstone Island.
Victoria Falls is also the adventure capital of Africa. Popular activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, microlight and helicopter flights, sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi and a guided walk to see white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
2. South Luangwa National Park
For big game, the best of all Zambia safaris is South Luangwa. The park covers about 9,050 square km of the Luangwa Valley, and few places in Africa can match the density of animals along its river.
Expect big herds of elephants, buffalo and hippos, strong lion prides, Thornicroft's giraffes (found only in the Luangwa Valley) and huge Nile crocodiles. South Luangwa is often called the valley of the leopard, and night drives give you an excellent chance of seeing one.
This is also where the walking safari was born. Walks range from a gentle morning stroll from your lodge to several days of walking between remote bush camps, always led by an expert guide and an armed scout.
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park lies along the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, with a dramatic escarpment as its backdrop. Its small riverside camps make it one of the most relaxing Zambia safaris you can take.
The highlight is canoeing. Gliding quietly past elephants drinking at the water's edge, hippos and crocodiles is an experience you will never forget. You can also enjoy game drives, walks, boat cruises and catch-and-release fishing for the famous tigerfish.
4. Kafue National Park
Kafue is Zambia's largest national park, covering about 22,400 square km, slightly bigger than South Africa's Kruger National Park. Yet it receives only a tiny share of Kruger's visitors, so you can often enjoy a lion or leopard sighting entirely to yourself.
The Busanga Plains in the north of the park are the highlight. From about June to October, these open floodplains are full of red lechwe and puku, which draw lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Kafue has been co-managed with the conservation group African Parks since 2022.
5. North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa is Africa at its wildest. It has very few roads, only a handful of seasonal camps and a trickle of visitors, so activities focus on walking safaris.
The park is home to Zambia's only black rhinos, reintroduced in the early 2000s, as well as large buffalo herds, lions, hyenas and the Cookson's wildebeest, found only in the Luangwa Valley.
6. Kasanka National Park
If you thought the Serengeti wildebeest migration was spectacular, wait until you see the Kasanka bat migration. From about late October to December, up to 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive in a small patch of swamp forest in Kasanka National Park in northern Zambia.
By numbers, it is often called the largest mammal migration on earth. Watching the bats pour out across the sunset sky is one of the most extraordinary wildlife sights in Africa, and Kasanka is also a great place to see the shy, water-loving sitatunga antelope.
7. Liuwa Plain National Park
In the far west of Zambia, Liuwa Plain hosts Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration. When the rains arrive in about November, tens of thousands of blue wildebeest gather on its vast grasslands, followed by hyenas and lions.
Liuwa is remote and managed by African Parks. It is best for experienced safari travellers looking for something completely different.
Sample Zambia Safaris and Itineraries
These sample itineraries show some of the Zambia safaris we can tailor for you. Every trip is built around your dates, budget and interests, so use them as a starting point and contact us for a personalised plan.
4 Days Victoria Falls Trip to Zambia
A short break in Livingstone with a guided tour of the falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and time for adventure activities.
8 Days Zambia Walking Safari in South Luangwa
A classic walking safari in the valley where it all began, mixing guided walks with day and night game drives.
5 Days Victoria Falls and Chobe: Zambia and Botswana
Victoria Falls combined with a day or more in Botswana's Chobe National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds.
14 Days Zambia Safari: Two Weeks in Zambia
The full Zambia experience: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls in one unforgettable journey.
12 Days Zambia and Malawi Safari and Beach Holiday
A South Luangwa safari followed by relaxing days on the shores of Lake Malawi.
13 Days Uganda, Zambia and Botswana: Gorillas, Victoria Falls and Chobe
The best of East and Southern Africa: gorilla trekking in Uganda, then Victoria Falls and the elephants of Chobe.
Combine Zambia Safaris With Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Zambia has big game, walking safaris and Victoria Falls, but no gorillas. That is why so many travellers pair it with Uganda.
A popular combined trip starts with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, then flies south to Livingstone for Victoria Falls and on to South Luangwa or Chobe. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs US$800 per person, and a chimpanzee permit in Kibale costs US$250.
Browse our Uganda gorilla safaris and our guide to the best things to do in Uganda to plan the Uganda part of your trip.
Best Time for Zambia Safaris
The best time for Zambia safaris is the dry season, from June to October. The bush thins out and animals gather around rivers and lagoons, making them easy to find. September and October are the hottest months and often give the most dramatic game viewing.
The wet season, from November to April, is known as the Emerald Season because of the lush green bush. It brings newborn animals, superb birding and lower prices. South Luangwa is especially beautiful at this time, but some camps close and many bush roads become hard to drive.
For Victoria Falls, February to July brings the biggest flow and the most spray. From about August to December the water drops, which is the season for Devil's Pool and the best white-water rafting.
How Much Do Zambia Safaris Cost?
Budget Zambia safaris start from about US$150 per person per day, mid-range safaris from about US$250 to US$400, and luxury safaris from about US$500 per person per day. Remote walking safaris and fly-in camps cost more.
The table below gives typical prices per person per day, depending on your travel style:
| Comfort level | Private safari (per day) | Group safari (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget camping | US$200 | US$150 |
| Budget lodges | US$225 | US$175 |
| Mid-range lodges | US$400 | US$250 |
| Luxury lodges | US$575 | US$500 |
| Luxury plus | US$1,075 and up | Not available |
Park and conservation fees are set by the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and they can change. Our quotes always include the latest fees.
Zambia Visas and How to Get There
Zambia waives visas for many nationalities. If you do need one, a single-entry visa costs US$50. If you also want to see the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa costs US$50 and covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus day trips into Botswana.
The East Africa Tourist Visa used for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya does not cover Zambia, so you will need to check Zambia's rules separately.
Most visitors fly into Lusaka, Livingstone (for Victoria Falls) or Mfuwe (for South Luangwa). From Uganda, you can fly from Entebbe to Lusaka or Livingstone with one connection, usually through Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg.
Is Zambia Safe for Tourists?
Yes. Zambia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit, and crime in the safari areas is rare. Zambians are friendly, polite and welcoming to visitors.
In cities such as Lusaka, take normal precautions: do not show off expensive items, keep valuables in your hotel safe and avoid walking around at night. In the parks, wild animals are unpredictable, so always follow your guide's instructions, especially on walking safaris.
Practical Tips for Zambia Safaris
1. Money and Spending
Zambia's currency is the Zambian kwacha, but US dollars are widely accepted at lodges and by tour operators. Card payments can carry high fees around Livingstone, and remote camps may not take cards at all, so carry some cash.
Most Zambia safaris are fully inclusive, covering your game drives, guided walks, meals and local drinks. Premium imported drinks are usually extra.
2. Tipping
Tipping is your choice, but a common guide is about US$10 per person per day for your guide and tracker, and around US$25 per person per stay for the general lodge staff. In restaurants, check whether a service charge is included; if not, 10% is standard.
3. What to Pack
Pack light, loose clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, plus a warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evening drives. Choose neutral colours such as khaki, olive and brown. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies, and white, which shows dust.
For walking safaris, bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes and a sun hat. In the rainy season, add a light rain jacket, as downpours are short but heavy. In towns, dress is fairly conservative, so knee-length or longer skirts and shorts are best.
FAQs About Zambia Safaris
What is the best time for Zambia safaris?
June to October is the best time for wildlife, as animals gather around water in the dry season. For Victoria Falls at full flow, visit between February and July.
Is Zambia good for a safari?
Yes. Zambia is one of Africa's best safari countries, famous for walking safaris, night drives, quiet parks and Victoria Falls. South Luangwa has some of the best leopard viewing on the continent.
How much does a Zambia safari cost?
Zambia safaris cost from about US$150 per person per day on a budget, about US$250 to US$400 for mid-range lodges, and from about US$500 for luxury camps.
Do I need a visa for Zambia?
Many nationalities can visit Zambia without a visa. Others pay US$50 for a single-entry visa, or US$50 for the KAZA UniVisa, which also covers Zimbabwe.
Can I see Victoria Falls from Zambia?
Yes. Victoria Falls is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambian side, near Livingstone, is the only place to swim in Devil's Pool, from about August to December.
Can I combine a Zambia safari with gorilla trekking?
Yes. Many travellers start with gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then fly to Livingstone for Victoria Falls and on to South Luangwa. A Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800.
Plan Your Zambia Safari With Tulambule
Whether you want to walk with an expert guide in South Luangwa, canoe the Lower Zambezi or feel the spray of Victoria Falls, Zambia safaris deliver some of Africa's most authentic wildlife experiences.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is a licensed tour operator based in Uganda, planning safaris since 2014. We can build your Zambia trip from scratch or combine it with gorilla trekking in Uganda, a Kenya or Tanzania safari, or a beach stay in Zanzibar.
Tell us your dates, budget and travel style, and we will send you a tailor-made itinerary with clear pricing.
Continue Planning Your Trip
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