Joanna James
If you are dreaming of unforgettable safaris in Africa, Zambia is where you need to be. From breathtaking wildlife to iconic landscapes, this country offers everything you could want from such an adventure and so much more. Here’s why Zambia deserves the top spot on your safari bucket list.
Ticking off the ‘Big Five’, namely the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros, is every safari-goer’s dream and by visiting several key national parks in Zambia, you can do just that. For example, the South Luangwa National Park offers glimpses of leopards, lions, elephants, and buffalos, while Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is where you can spot rhinos to complete the list. But why stop at just five? Zambia’s parks are teeming with wildlife, from graceful antelopes to cheeky monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Keep your camera ready because you never know what might wander into view!
Why settle for just a safari when you can also see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Victoria Falls, or ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders), is as epic as it sounds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest curtain of falling water, and it is pure magic, especially when in full flow. Pro tip: to enjoy the best of both worlds, stay at a property like Avani Victoria Falls Resort that offers unlimited access to Victoria Falls as well as a chance to go on exciting game drives at nearby Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. You will get to see wildlife by day and marvel at spellbinding cascading waters by evening!
Zambia is one of the places where walking safaris first began, and they are still amongst the most thrilling ways to connect with the wild. Guided by expertly trained rangers, you can venture into the bush on morning or afternoon walks, soaking in every sight, sound, and scent of nature. If you are up for a challenge, try a full-day bush walk or even a multi-day walking safari for an adventure that’s truly unforgettable. It’s a raw, immersive experience that lets you see wildlife up close, all while feeling like part of the landscape yourself.
African safaris aren’t limited to land and you can take to the water too! Glide along the Luangwa or Kafue Rivers in a canoe for a serene and intimate way to spot wildlife and birdlife along the way. One of the most rewarding things to do in Zambia for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers is to also take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; as the setting sun casts its glow over the landscape, you have a chance to catch sight of crocodiles, hippos, elephants and a wide range of African birdlife.
Zambia’s hidden gem status means fewer crowds and a more authentic safari experience. Places like Liuwa Plain National Park let you enjoy unique wildlife sightings in peace including the spectacular wildebeest migration in November, one of the largest in Africa. You can also head to Kasanka National Park in October to witness millions of fruit bats arriving from the Congo in an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. These secluded spots make Zambia feel like a personal invitation to the wild, where it’s just you, nature, and the adventure of a lifetime!
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.
