Safaris in Zambia
The South Luangwa valley is rightly considered to be one of the finest safari locations anywhere. The Luangwa valley is the southern extension of the Great Rift Valley, and consists of nearly 15,000 kms2 of protected areas spread across 4 Nationals parks, of which the South Luangwa National Park is the largest and most accessible.
South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa NP consists of 9,000 kms2 of woodland, grassland, riverine habitat and oxbow lakes formed by the river changing course over the course of thousands of years. South Luangwa NP has traditionally been the home of the finest walking safaris with some very experienced high class operators. From June to November (the dry season runs from April to November) small walking safaris trek between impossibly beautiful small camps and the rewards, be they predator encounters huge nesting colonies of carmine bee eaters, are sensational.
South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa NP consists of 9,000 kms2 of woodland, grassland, riverine habitat and oxbow lakes formed by the river changing course over the course of thousands of years. South Luangwa NP has traditionally been the home of the finest walking safaris with some very experienced high class operators. From June to November (the dry season runs from April to November) small walking safaris trek between impossibly beautiful small camps and the rewards, be they predator encounters huge nesting colonies of carmine bee eaters, are sensational.
Recommended operators.
- Wildlife Worldwide. Specialists in wildlife holidays all over the world, but with particluarly strong Zambia credentials.
- Track and Trail River Camp. Located on a prime spot on the banks of the Luangwa River, specialising in walking and photo safaris.
- Busanga Safaris. Luangwa walking safari specialists based in fine lodges and accompanies by National Park rangers.
- Definitive Africa have extensive first hand knowledge of Zambia and can help you design the safari that you want.
Kafue National ParkKafue National Park is huge, about the size of Wales. The Busanga plains dominate the Northern section of the park. These 750 kms2 plains, which usually flood between February and June, are teeming with game as well as lions, leopard and cheetah. The south is more wooded and dominated by the Itezhi Tezhi lake. Birdlife is prolific in both areas, especially around the rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Read more about Kafue National Park and see photos here.
Victoria Falls
In the top 2 of waterfalls in the world, (Iguacu on the border of Argentina and Brazil being the other; by comparison Niagara is a concrete clad overcrowded toilet.) Vic Falls is a must see. There is much more to do than just sit in awe gazing at the falls, this is also a giant natural playground with some of the finest white water rafting anywhere, and a myriad of ways to see the falls from helicopters, microlights or dangling upside down from the bottom of a bungy cord. There is wildlife too with the small but worthwhile Mosi O Tunya National Park definitely worth a couple of hours. There are no predators to much of the wildlife is more relaxed and approachable, and sadly, this is the only place in Zambia to see rhinos.
In the top 2 of waterfalls in the world, (Iguacu on the border of Argentina and Brazil being the other; by comparison Niagara is a concrete clad overcrowded toilet.) Vic Falls is a must see. There is much more to do than just sit in awe gazing at the falls, this is also a giant natural playground with some of the finest white water rafting anywhere, and a myriad of ways to see the falls from helicopters, microlights or dangling upside down from the bottom of a bungy cord. There is wildlife too with the small but worthwhile Mosi O Tunya National Park definitely worth a couple of hours. There are no predators to much of the wildlife is more relaxed and approachable, and sadly, this is the only place in Zambia to see rhinos.
The Bangweulu swamps
This vast, inaccessible, flood plain floods between November to March and is one of the best places in Africa to see the enigmatic Shoebill stork.
Black Lechwe, oribi and many smaller antelopes are common, while hippo and Crocodiles ply there trade in the swamps. Elephants are mostly found in the drier months but the birdlife is the main draw and is at its most spectacular in the wet season, although quite fantastic at any time of year.
