Joanna James
Zambia is home to a whopping 21 national parks! You'll be spoilt for choice, so here are a few of the best National parks to visit and add to your itinerary.
Spread over a massive 22,400 square kilometres, Kafue National Park is said to be the oldest national park in the country. This is also the largest national park, established in the 1950s by Norman Carr, in the whole of Africa. However, despite its pretty large size, the national park is largely undiscovered and little known, which makes it a great location to spot wildlife. Nevertheless, the park area has seen some interest shown in the past couple of years, resulting in a number of camps and lodges being built around the area. This park is a quick 2-hour drive from many a Livingstone hotel in Victoria Falls, the likes of the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Kafue national park covers parts of Southern, central, northwestern and western parts of Zambia. Within the national park, some of the animals you'll spot are hippos, elephants, crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, honey badgers, mongooses, otters and much more. Keep your eyes peeled!
Located in the Eastern province of Zambia, this national park is extra unique, as there is a combination of lush woodlands, grassy plains, unspoiled vegetation and the famous Luangwa River. There is plenty of impressive wildlife and intense natural beauty all over. The locals refer to the national park simply as 'South Park'. It was founded in 1904. It covers a staggering 9050 square kilometres and lies 500 metres above sea level. Boasting the largest concentration of wild dogs, the park has over 60 different species of wildlife such as zebras, antelopes, lions and hippos along with many species of birds.
A land with an abundance of rolling grasslands and pristine wilderness, Liuwa Plains National Park has to make it to your itinerary! Covering an area of 3660 square kilometres, this national park is located in western Zambia and was founded in 1972. The best time to visit would be between the months of August to December. Boasting over 300 species of birds, this national park is a haven for bird watchers!
This peaceful sanctuary is known to be one of Zambia's smallest national parks. Located at the very southwestern edge of Lake Bangweulu, the national park possesses lakes, rivers, wetlands, meadows, dambos and much more. While it's unlikely you will spot huge herds of animals around every corner of the national park, it is undoubtedly the most picturesque park you'll come across, so don't forget your camera! Covering an area of only 420 square kilometres, this national park located in central Zambia was founded in 1972. You'll spot the rare aquatic antelopes, spur-winged goose, storks, hippos and waterbuck among more interesting animals. The national park is said to be an excellent bird-watching spot as well!
For picture-perfect sunsets and elephant herds, Lower Zambezi National Park is a true gem! Known to be one of the best national parks, crocodiles, hippos and elephants call it their home.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
