Zambia is a massive landlocked country and home to three great rivers: the Luangwa, the Kafue and the mighty Zambezi. These permanent water sources attract countless animals, trailed in turn by eager safari goers.
While game drives in the South Luangwa tend to be the order of the day, it’s walking that wins. Bucking the hunting trends of the 1950s, renowned conservationist, Norman Carr (1912-1997) pioneered the concept of the walking safari in Zambia. And the rest, as they say, is history. Step out into the wilds of the South Luangwa on foot to enjoy its many oxbow lakes and sunny river beds. In the Lower Zambezi, the experience centres around the river. Activities on the Zambezi include boat safaris, fishing and canoeing, as well as game drives. Kafue’s Busanga Plains are famous for their lion prides, while the Luangwa Valley – so called for its impressive leopard concentration – is also one of Africa’s top lion strongholds.
Discover the greatest spectacle in Zambia and Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration in the remote grasslands of Liuwa Plain. The annual migration begins in the rainy season (November) when 45 000 to 50 000 wildebeest head south in search of higher ground.
For unique and unforgettable African safari experiences, this unassuming country is hard to beat. If predator action is what you seek, Zambia delivers in spades. (Don’t forget to pack a comfy pair of walking shoes and ditch the fluorescent activewear in favour of something a little less attention-grabbing. This is lion country after all.)
No visit to Zambia is complete without witnessing the phenomenon that is Mosi-oa-Tunya, or The Smoke That Thunders, the evocative local name for Victoria Falls, the mightiest fall on earth. Feel the spray of Victoria Falls on your face, or observe from the lofty height of your helicopter. This is the adventure capital of Africa and there are many activities for thrill seekers of all ages. Top of our list is a swim in Devil’s Pool, perched on the edge of the Falls. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to the country’s only white Rhino population and well worth a trip.
From the sweeping grasslands of the Kafue to the furthest stretches of the remoter-than-remote Liuwa Plains, Zambia’s pristine wilderness is a rare feast for the adventurer’s soul. In these parts, little luxuries like Wi-Fi and chilly AC are hard to come by. Then again, so are wildly wonderful and unique African safari experiences like these.
