Zambia Safari Holidays
Zambia offers untouched wilderness for an authentic African adventure
Overview
Zambia Safari Holidays
Zambia is home to some of Africa’s most unspoilt wilderness, making it a top choice for family safari holidays.
Often considered one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, Zambia offers unique safari experiences.
The country’s two healthy river systems, the Luangwa and Zambezi, support an unusual concentration of diverse ecosystems, from miombo woodlands to seasonal floodplains, home to over 250 different types of mammal and 700 bird species.
Big cat sightings are particularly frequent, with the Luangwa valley righlty living up to it’s nickname: the valley of the Leopards.
Families can enjoy an incredible range of activities, from boat safaris on the Zambezi to walking safaris in the Luangwa as well as visits to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
With more variety than many other safari destinations, Zambia is also one of the most affordable options for family safari adventures, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Overview
Zambia Safari Holidays
Itinerary Ideas
Suggested itineraries for Zambia safari holidays
Where to go on your Zambia safari holiday?
Begin your adventure in South Luangwa National Park, a fertile river valley renowned for its predator populations and the birthplace of African walking safaris, pioneered by Norman Carr in the 1960s.
Further east lies the Lower Zambezi National Park, a remote wildlife haven. Although less prolific for game-viewing than South Luangwa, it offers a less crowded, wild charm. Known for its gentle waters and stunning sunsets, the Lower Zambezi is ideal for picturesque canoeing safaris, where you can spot pods of hippos and wading elephants.
Kafue National Park, far to the north, is a hidden gem. The seasonally flooded Busanga Plains are one of Zambia’s best-kept safari secrets, with a fluvial landscape often likened to a ‘mini Okavango Delta.’ Here, specially adapted lions leap over water channels, and you can enjoy sleepouts beneath unpolluted night skies.
No family safari to Zambia would be complete without visiting the world-famous Victoria Falls. Known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa,’ Livingstone is the perfect base for exploring this natural wonder.
What to see on a Zambia safari holiday?
A safari holiday in Zambia promises unforgettable experiences for the entire family. From spotting four of the Big Five and rare African wild dogs in South Luangwa to cultural visits to the Toka-Leya people, Zambia has it all.
As well as being home to four of the Big Five, the South Luangwa is known as the ‘Valley of the Leopards’ and remains as one of Africa’s best destinations to spot these elusive creatures. A walking safari through the fertile river valley doubles as a birding safari with your expert guide pointing out some of the park’s 39 birds of prey.
Head to the Lower Zambezi for a water-based safari. Whether taking a leisurely sunset cruise or an early morning canoeing excursion, the densely concentrated wildlife will surround you.
The sprawling Kafue National Park is a unique addition to any adventurous Zambia family safari. The hugely underrated Busanga Plains boast incredible sightings of predators hunting the large herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest.
And one mustn’t forget a stop-off at Victoria Falls, to witness the natural wonder of the largest falling cascade of water in the world.
Our favourite Zambia experiences
Zambia’s remote national parks offer Big Five safaris with few other visitors around, giving you the sense of exploring a truly untamed wilderness on your Zambia safari holiday.
Visit the Mosi oa Tunya National Park for a glimpse of its rehabilitated population of endangered white rhinos before spending an afternoon exploring the raging rapids and heart-pounding views of Victoria Falls.
Travelling down river and into the east of Zambia, complete your Big Five checklist in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Home to huge herds of elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, a family safari here also offers the bonus of seeing the critically rare African wild dog.
A final stop at the South Luangwa National Park is essential for an authentic Zambia safari holiday. Not only can families spot three species endemic to the Luangwa – the Crawshay’s Zebra, Cookson’s Wildebeest and Thornicroft Giraffe – but they can take atmospheric bushwalks in the historic home of the walking safari.
Where to stay in Zambia?
Often considered a ‘safari purist’ destination, Zambia is famed for its authentic seasonal bush camps offering an unfussy yet comfortable experience.
In recent years, however, an increasing number of stylish lodges and private-use houses have been developed to meet growing demand for luxury Zambia safari holidays.
With lodges such as Tongabezi offering the utmost in understated luxury to under-canvas camps like Kakuli providing a traditional safari experience, you can cater your accommodation to your family’s needs.
Is Zambia family-friendly?
Zambia is highly family-friendly, offering a wide range of exceptional wildlife and enriching experiences that cater to all ages.
Its top safari lodges often feature family suites, specialised guides, and junior ranger programs, ensuring your Zambia safari holiday meets both yours and your child’s needs.
With many of the camps being unfenced to allow game to roam freely, safety is a priority. Many camps provide dedicated staff to ensure children are engaged and comfortable or offer child-friendly activities like specialist bush walks and immersive cultural visits to local villages.
Zambia’s wildlife-rich national parks, coupled with its welcoming hospitality and flexible itineraries, make it an ideal destination for adventurous family safaris.
How to plan your Zambia safari holiday?
The best way to start planning your own Zambia safari, is to get in touch with us, the experts.
We’ll start with a free consultation, via phone, video call or email/chat. We’ll get to know you and what your hopes and dreams are for this special trip.
From there, we’ll produce your own personalised itinerary and refine it with you to ensure it’s perfect.
We’ll then be with you each step of the way to plan every detail and answer every question, ahead of your dream safari. As a small, family-run business, we offer a standard of service and care unmatched in the industry.
When you’re ready to start planning your own unique family safari holiday, we’re ready to help.