Joanna James
If you want to see the big game or go on your first safari, Zambia is the place to do it. The country is home to Luangwa and Zambezi National parks, which together offer a variety of activities – and the big-game viewing is consistently good.
Walking safaris may not be everyone's cup of tea. The idea of tracking big game on foot might seem quite the daunting adventure for most and camping overnight in the wilderness even more so. However, the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the birthplace of guided safari walking and has some of the most experienced guides in all of Africa. You'll learn many things on guided walking safaris such as the edible plants on the trail and how to read animal tracks.
Zambia has some of the densest populations of big game in Africa, especially in Luangwa. However, you won't see rhinos here, but you will see lions and leopards in abundance. Though walking safari may feel more immersive, on a drive, you can cover far more ground. It might be worthwhile to consider doing a mix of both. Endemic animals to look out for in Zambia are the Thornicroft's giraffe and Crawshay's zebra.
You never run out of things to do in Zambia. If walking safaris or safari drives aren't enough of a thrill, or if you've done both and find yourself wanting more, try going on a canoe safari as well. The Zambezi river is simply gorgeous and attracts a plethora of big game to its shore. Canoeing is not hard work – you'll be drifting more than you'll be paddling. Canoe safaris are oddly both peaceful and thrilling, and you get the chance to get up close with submerged hippos and Nile crocodiles lazing on the riverbanks. The guides are very experienced and very attuned to the habits of the big game here, so have no fear, you'll be in good hands.
'The smoke that thunders' or Mosi-oa-Tunya, is the name that locals call Victoria falls. Wherever you are from in the world, you have probably heard of this majestic waterfall, but seeing it up close is a truly transcendental experience. Watching 500 million litres of water crashing into the deep gorge below is a sight your eyes might have trouble adjusting to immediately, but once you do, the rising mist and the rainbow-lit spray will only add to the heavenly scene unfolding. If you stay at a property such as Avani Victoria Falls Resort, the staff will arrange everything you need to have a great up close and personal experience at these majestic falls.
East Africa's great wildebeest migration is not the largest migration of mammals in the world. It is the Kasanka bat migration. Each year from October to December, over 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats take over the skies of Kasanka in a display of truly dramatic proportions. The atmosphere here during that time of the year is electrifying as giant birds of prey flock to the area to prey on the migrating bats. While you are in Kasanka, make it a point to try and catch a glimpse of the extremely rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope.
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.
