Two colorful birds hover near a branch, one perched and one in flight, against a smooth green background.

With large concentrations of wildlife and active adventure, Zambia combines comfort and service with terrific game viewing in varied and beautiful landscapes.

Your adventure begins

An old-school African safari: bush camps, walking safaris, remote wilderness, and big cats

Why visit Zambia?

Nowadays, it’s possible to go on safari without sacrificing an ounce of comfort; however, staying in luxury safari camps and lodges with polished marble and enclosed glass walls can sometimes defeat the purpose of immersing yourself in the African bush. For those adventurous travelers who want to go back to the basics of true safari, Zambia is the place.

Zambia is a down-to-earth experience and can include walking safaris, canoeing, and boat safaris alongside crocs and hippos. Adrenaline activities such as whitewater river rafting and bungee jumping are widely available to an intrepid explorer. Zambia is a destination of immense beauty and opportunity—soul food for all who arrive with an open heart.

Zambia, your way

Zambia is a paradise for guests wanting to immerse themselves in the wilderness. The wildlife experience is incredible and we recommend it as much for first-time safari-goers as seasoned veterans. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild without the interference of civilization or crowds. You can interact with local owners, trackers, and rangers on a personal basis and get a feel for the real Zambia. 

Sketch of a leopard.
African leopard

Many travelers are drawn to Livingstone, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Victoria Falls. It offers magnificent views of the Falls and is the spot for adrenaline sports and a host of fun activities.

For those looking for a more active safari experience, Zambia’s system of bushcamps in South Luangwa and North Luangwa means that travelers can walk from camp to camp to fully immerse themselves in the original safari experience. In the Lower Zambezi, water activities like canoeing, boating, and fishing, are great additions to traditional game drives and bush walks.

Why visit Zambia?

Nowadays, it’s possible to go on safari without sacrificing an ounce of comfort; however, staying in luxury safari camps and lodges with polished marble and enclosed glass walls can sometimes defeat the purpose of immersing yourself in the African bush. For those adventurous travelers who want to go back to the basics of true safari, Zambia is the place.

Zambia is a down-to-earth experience and can include walking safaris, canoeing, and boat safaris alongside crocs and hippos. Adrenaline activities such as whitewater river rafting and bungee jumping are widely available to an intrepid explorer. Zambia is a destination of immense beauty and opportunity—soul food for all who arrive with an open heart.

Zambia, your way

Zambia is a paradise for guests wanting to immerse themselves in the wilderness. The wildlife experience is incredible and we recommend it as much for first-time safari-goers as seasoned veterans. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild without the interference of civilization or crowds. You can interact with local owners, trackers, and rangers on a personal basis and get a feel for the real Zambia. 

Many travelers are drawn to Livingstone, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Victoria Falls. It offers magnificent views of the Falls and is the spot for adrenaline sports and a host of fun activities.

For those looking for a more active safari experience, Zambia’s system of bushcamps in South Luangwa and North Luangwa means that travelers can walk from camp to camp to fully immerse themselves in the original safari experience. In the Lower Zambezi, water activities like canoeing, boating, and fishing, are great additions to traditional game drives and bush walks.

We had a fantastic time and the peace of mind that everything was taken care of. Brigid worked with us to achieve our travel goal. She gave good advice, and the trip turned out exactly as we had hoped.

Karen and Dennis Ko, 2025 Travelers

Group sits on a wide sandy plain at sunset watching wild dogs cross in the distance, with palms silhouetted.

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Who will enjoy a Zambia safari?

Zambia is paradise for safari-goers wanting to get up close and personal with nature. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the wild without the interference of civilization or crowds. When considering Zambia as a destination, honestly consider your comfort level for being close to nature. Are you okay with harmless geckos in your tent? Are you excited or scared of the prospect of using a bucket shower on the banks of the Zambezi?  Zambia offers life-changing experiences—for the right person.

What to expect on a Zambia luxury safari

Every Extraordinary Journey is bespoke, deeply personal, and designed to uncover the unexpected beauty that makes a destination come alive

Memorable accommodations

Zambia’s luxury camps and lodges lean authentic and intimate, favoring stylish bushcamps that keep you close to nature without losing comfort. Expect smaller properties (often just a handful of chalets or tents) where thoughtful design, excellent service, and open-air living make the wilderness feel like part of your room. Compared to more built-up destinations, the vibe is simpler and more soulful, and that’s exactly the point.

Carefully considered wilderness

Zambia rewards travelers who crave space, privacy, and a real sense of the wild. In places like South Luangwa, North Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue, you’ll explore huge landscapes with minimal crowds, often from camps tucked deep in the bush or along the river. The result is a safari that feels unfiltered, with quiet roads, natural sightings, and an atmosphere that’s wonderfully removed from modern life. 

Expert guides

Zambia is famed for its guiding, especially for walking safaris where skill, tracking, and bush knowledge truly shine. Guides and scouts here excel at reading spoor, interpreting behavior, and helping you experience the ecosystem up close, whether on foot in Luangwa or by boat on the Zambezi. Their calm confidence makes adventurous activities feel both thrilling and grounded. 

When is the best time to go on safari in Zambia?

The Zambian dry season stretches from mid-April to mid-November after which many camps become inaccessible. October is great for elephant viewing, but beware that it gets hot. Air conditioning is almost non-existent in many of the camps.

We recommend July to September as a good time to travel because the land is dry and game viewing is good during this peak season.

If you have a sensitive budget, the shoulder season (May/June) offers lower rates and great value for money. The green season, December to April, is terrific for birdlife. Many of the more remote bush camps are closed during these months due to inaccessibility, but there are still plenty of options.

The best whitewater rafting times are straight after the rainy season (March-May) and guests are assured of a longer river run and high water.

Best

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

July - October

Good

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

January - December

Where to go in Zambia

Zambia’s wild heart spans walking safaris in Luangwa, river adventures on the Zambezi, and Victoria Falls thrills

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa predominantly features game drives and walking safaris. Starting from a main camp near Mfuwe gate, guests either drive or walk to and between smaller bushcamps (many with only four to six chalets) nestled deeper in the remote parts of the park. Some Zambia safari bush camps have limited road access which is highly appealing to those seeking the purist experience. Other activities do exist at select camps like star beds at Luwi Bush Camp and mountain biking at Tafika Camp. You’ll find some great cultural experiences from the main camps near Mfuwe.

Zambia safari FAQs

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