One of the friendliest and safest countries in Africa, Zambia attracts travelers with its abundance of wildlife, dramatic views, and luxury safaris. Always warm and welcoming, the country’s inhabitants belong to 72 different ethnic groups, each with its own culture and customs. Curious travelers who want to explore Zambia have access to no less than 20 national parks and 34 game management areas. About one-third of the country is reserved exclusively to wildlife. Surprisingly, Zambia is not overrun by tourists, and this is a blessing for tourists who want to visit the untouched and unspoiled Africa.
Zambia is the land where the walking safari was born and where a safari experience is not just about observing but also about connecting to the environment and becoming a part of nature. You’ll spot extraordinary creatures in the wild while enjoying an oasis of tranquility away from anything remotely familiar. And that’s something extraordinary for many! This is the ideal safari destination for visitors who prefer to explore uncharted territory while enjoying luxury safari experiences and the magic of solitude.
Known Zambia
Most travelers who want to explore Zambia come here for its majestic Victoria Falls, a natural splendor shared with Zambia’s neighbor, Zimbabwe. The waterfalls lure nature lovers and thrill-seekers, especially in March and April, when the fall’s spray can be seen from miles away, and the cascading water is often touched by rainbows. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is more than just a “pretty thing to look at”. It’s a spectacular creation of nature and an adventure sports destination. Those who seek to feed their appetite for extreme sports have the chance to experience the excitement of falling into the falls’ abyss if they’re willing to take the 111m bungee jump from the Victoria Falls’ bridge that connects Zambia with Zimbabwe.
Rafting on the mighty Zambezi River promises to be another spectacular experience. You’ll find some of the best white water rapids in the world just below the Victoria Falls, in the Batoka Gorge. If you’re craving for a rafting experience, Livingstone, Zambia’s former capital and currently Africa’s adventure sports capital, is the best place to set your base. The river is an excellent destination for a guided canoe safari that will take you within Lower Zambezi National Park. The views are often dotted with elephants minding their own business along the banks, as well as hippos and an extravaganza of birds.
Zambia’s current capital, the lively city of Lusaka, is a great place to learn more about the country and its people. Go to the Kabwata Cultural Village to see carvers at work and admire indigenous arts and crafts, and visit the Lusaka National Museum to find more about the country’s history, ethnography, art, and even witchcraft. However, don’t think that Lusaka is stuck in the past! Zambia’s capital is keeping up with times and invites travelers to discover its vast selection of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Unknown Zambia
Unknown Zambia is the untamed and raw Zambia. You’ll find it on your walking safaris and game drives. Wild Zambia is a spectacular destination best discovered by foot. Guides accompany tourists along the bush walks and enrich the experiences with an abundance of information about the variety of wildlife.
Walking safaris are available in various national parks, such as Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue, and North Luangwa, but the most phenomenal walking safaris are the ones available in the South Luangwa National Park. The protected woodlands and grasslands along the Luangwa River create one of the best game-viewing regions in Africa.
South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari and the most beautiful national park in Zambia. Its lands teem with wildlife, the park being home to a glorious population of leopards and a high number of African wild dog. If you opt for a safari in South Luangwa National Park, you’ll probably also spot the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, as well as Cookson’s wildebeest. The safari options are various, but even the most luxurious tents and lodges in Zambia have a low impact on the environment and are oriented towards the conversation of pure Zambia.
Game drives are popular mostly in the larger national parks, like Liuwa Plains, where you need to cover longer distances to spot the game. Lions and elephants, buffalo and giraffes are all at home in the Liuwa Plains National Park. Moreover, every year, the park becomes the scene of the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa. Another spectacular treat awaits in the northeast of Zambia, on the territory of the fascinating Kasanka National Park. Between October and December, millions of fruit bats migrate into Kasanka, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle, especially in the sunset when they conquer the skyline.
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