Zambia

Zambia is wild, water-rich, and adventurous. It is famous for inventing the walking safari, allowing guests to experience the bush on foot. The South Luangwa Valley is often called the "Valley of the Leopard," while the Lower Zambezi offers unique canoe safaris.

Quick Facts

  • Country: Zambia
  • Size: ±752,618 km²
  • Major Regions: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue
  • Wildlife: High leopard density; "Special Four" (Thornicroft's Giraffe, etc.)
  • Malaria Zone: High risk; year-round prophylaxis is essential
  • GPS Coordinates: ~13°00′S 27°00′E

Location & Access

  • Main Gate Towns: Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe
  • Air Travel: Domestic flights from Lusaka (LUN) to bush airstrips.
  • Road Access: Remote; most luxury travelers utilize fly-in options.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Leopards: South Luangwa is world-renowned for daytime leopard sightings.
  • Hippos: Huge pods in the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers.
  • Birdlife: Exceptional raptor and waterbird diversity.

Best Time to Visit

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Season
Months
Weather
Game Viewing
Peak Dry
July–October
Warm days, cold nights
Excellent. Sparse bush makes this the best time for walking safaris.
Emerald Season
November–May
Hot, heavy rain
Lush scenery; boating safaris become possible in flooded areas.

Game Reserves & National Parks

  • South Luangwa National Park: Considered one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, famed for its leopards and walking safaris.
  • Lower Zambezi National Park: A beautiful park on the banks of the Zambezi, perfect for canoe safaris and tiger fishing.
  • Kafue National Park: One of the largest parks in Africa, offering diverse habitats from Miombo woodlands to the open Busanga Plains.
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: A small but vital park in Livingstone that provides sanctuary for white rhinos and views of Victoria Falls.

Summary

The dry months (June–Oct) are best for walking and predator sightings, while the Emerald Season offers a lush, water-based perspective.

Key Takeaways

Zambia is for the "bush lover" who wants to get out of the vehicle. It offers some of the most remote and high-quality wildlife encounters in Africa.