Zambia Travel Guide

Not as crowded as many others - yet lots to see.

A stunning introduction to Africa

This was my first trip to southern Africa after years of journeying around South America, North America, Europe and Asia. I was looking for a unique experience that would encompass affordability, adventure, wildlife, scenic beauty and a uniquely African experience . Zambia seemed to fit the bill and fulfilled my expectations. I chose to go during the green season when crowds were lower. Although animals were not as easy to view in parks such as Kafue, the birding made up for it. My itinerary went from Victoria Falls, with a side trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, to the Lower Zambezi River for 2 days of canoeing and finally to South Luangwa. I was impressed with the professionalism of the guides, especially on the Lower Zambezi River and in South Luangua National Park. I had many highlights on this trip, but I would choose the Microlight flight over Victoria Falls , the canoeing trip on the Zambezi River and my time in South Luangwa National Park. The canoeing offered me close proximity to hippos, elephants and the peaceful tranquility of camping on the Lower Zambezi River. South Luangwa gave me all the cat sightings I was hoping for. The birding was simply incredible, rivaling the animal sightings. As a modest traveler, the lodging was to my liking, mostly in tents. Marula Lodge, outside of South Luangwa National Park, was very welcoming. I loved camping next to the river and the outdoor showers. The restaurant had tasty food and guiding was exceptionally professional. The country is very scenic, especially along the rivers. Big sky unsets were very memorable. I guess that if I were to alter anything on the itinerary during the green season, it would have be increased time on the Zabesi River and at South Luangwa National park at the expense of Kafue National Park. Although I felt like Kafue National Park to myself, the grass was too high for wildlife viewing during green season. Overall the trip was terrific and made for a satisfying 1st experience in Africa. Finally, I would like to thank Denver of Denssafari for organizing a superb itinerary at an affordable price. I look forward to my return to the region in the next year or two.

1) Highly accessible (English is the main language), prices are affordable, the local transit (while a little chaotic) is easily utilized, locals are generally friendly and helpful
2) Safe, there was never any sense of risk that I experienced in Lusaka, Livingstone, Kasanka or Mfuwe. Police are corrupt but not so much so that I had to pay for, or herd of people being harassed for bribes.
3) Amazing sights and activities, my personal highlights included swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls, while little fish nibbled the dead skin off my body like some Vietnamese spa, watching up to 10,000,000 fruits bats take off from the canopy in Kasanka National Park, rafting down the Zambezi and a seemingly endless number of great sights in South Luangwa.

I can only base this on our experience in South Luangwa, but from what we heard from other guests, the other parks in Zambia are extremely good too.

I have lived in Zambia for over four years now, and everything from the wildlife, to the local people is an amazing experience. Zambia is a beautiful country, rich in wildlife. It is much more 'real' compared to other places in Africa as not as many people visit.

This is based on South Luangwa.

Five stars for most boxes. And 'only' four for birding because I didn't encounter much that I hadn't seen on previous safaris, despite South Luangwa's abundant bird life.

Zambia is a destination that has everything for everyone. From the novice safari goer to the experienced. The wealth of biodiversity and the level of knowledge from the guides is exceptional.

Relatively few tourists compared to other African countries
Game viewing easily matches the best parks on the African continent

Zambia for me is one of the best safari destination overall. Few tourists, great accommodations, wonderful wildlife, very well trained guides, wonderful nature. Only the infrastructure (moving between the national parks) is a bit complicated. There are no direct flight options between the parks (as there are in Tansania for example). You have always to return to Lusaka which is less fun...