Zambia Safari Guide: Walking & Wildlife - World Holiday Vibes Blog

Welcome travellers, to an Africa where the stillest moments are the most memorable.

Contents

Why is Zambia the next safari destination?The walk safari adventure starts in South Luangwa What would you find in South Luangwa?What is the best season to visit Zambia for safaris?What makes Lower Zambezi special Best time to visit Lower Zambezi What is special about Kafue?When is the best time to go to Kafue?What can one expect from a walking safari?How to plan your Zambia safari What to bring on your Zambia safari?How many days will you require?Zambia safari vs Botswana safari: which is right for you?Responsible travel in Zambia Why Zambia stays with you: Final thoughts FAQ

Now picture yourself standing next to a river in the early morning. The grass is still dewy silver. A hippo’s squeak can be heard somewhere past the trees. Your guide stops, listens and gestures towards another set of tracks. No pressure for the need to get on with it. The bush seems to hold its breath for a little while.

That’s the fun of a Zambia safari. It’s not just a wildlife viewing experience. It’s about being present hearing a bird call, seeing the outline of a tree, smelling dust behind a line of buffaloes, feeling the silence that suggests something is nearby.

Zambia is a great destination for those seeking a more authentic African adventure at a leisurely speed. It’s home to some of the most rewarding safari experiences in the continent with its Great river, open plains and wild forests. For the adventurous or the people who prefer to take their time to walk through the wilderness instead of just drive through, this is a place that deserves a special mention.

Why is Zambia the next safari destination?

A Zambia safari is not a conventional big game safari. It is famous for its sizeable protected areas, stunning rivers and impressive walking safaris. Many experiences focus on not rushing from sighting to sighting, but on spending time in one place and learning about the land around you.

Zambia’s best part is the opportunity to visit it in many ways. Fishing, hiking the game trails in the South Luangwa, and observing elephants on a canoe cruise to the Lower Zambezi district are optional. Both elephant and safari trails can be found on extensive plains in Kafue. Every park is unique and the whole safari experience is one of discovery.

If you were planning to travel around Africa then Zambia would also be an excellent addition to your Southern Africa trip. To start brainstorming ideas before deciding which parks and experiences are right for you, you can use our Southern Africa Safari Guide.

The walk safari adventure starts in South Luangwa

One of the first places I would recommend visiting in Zambia is South Luangwa National Park.

The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, its meandering Luangwa River and the walking safari which originated there. It has four seasons and the countryside is different each time, during the dry season, when the bush is more open, and during summer when the birds come back and new plants start to grow.

The wonder of walking in the bush

It’s not just a game drive without a vehicle as you might think. It’s a different perspective on the wilderness.

You can observe a set of tracks in the sand and see what animal species have walked past, or watch the wind dancing in the grass. Your guide can describe what a warning sound is compared to an alarm call. A small detail like a bird suddenly flying from a branch can be a part of the story.

The beauty of this is that you don’t have to see a lion back and forth every few minutes for the experience to be exciting. The waiting becomes part of the adventure.

The river valley is especially renowned for its high density of wildlife at South Luangwa. The park is home to elephants, buffalo and hippo in huge numbers and sightings of leopard are a major attraction. There are also some unique animals, like Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft’s giraffe.

What would you find in South Luangwa?

A South Luangwa safari offers a fantastic combination of wildlife and scenery:

Leopards: Leopards are a major attraction at South Luangwa, particularly in the woodland and river areas.
Elephants and buffalo: Large herds can often be found near water and across the valley.
Hippos and crocodiles: The Luangwa River is a major part of the park’s wildlife story.
Birdlife: More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatchers.
Unique scenery: Mopane woodland, baobabs, ebony forests and open savanna create a beautiful variety of habitats.

South Luangwa’s wildlife is as diverse as the land it inhabits riverbanks, woodland and open plains.

What is the best season to visit Zambia for safaris?

Visit the area at the right time for the desired experience: The dry season, typically July to October, is the most popular time for classic wildlife viewing. Animals are more likely to be found along rivers and water holes, with less vegetation making it easier to spot them as water becomes scarce.

May to October: the classic safari season

If you are primarily interested in the animals, this can be an ideal time to go on a Zambia safari.

Days are typically dry and sunny, and bush is more accessible. The mornings can get chilly in the early morning and hence a warm layer is handy before the sunrises. Can be hot in the afternoon, particularly in October.

The months of July to September are very popular for South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi but October can be very hot. July and August can be good months to consider if you want good wildlife viewing and a more comfortable temperature.

November to April: the green season

It is unique beauty during the rainy season. The woods are green, the grass is green and the migratory birds come also. It is a beautiful period for photographers and travellers who like to witness the bush in its greenest.

Some camps are not open in the wettest months of the year, however, some roads become impassible. If you are to visit during the green season, be sure to find out whether your camp and park access is open for that time of year.

Lower Zambezi: a safari defined by water.

Lower Zambezi is about land and water, while South Luangwa is about walking and the valley.

The park is situated on the north side of the Zambezi River across from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools area. Its rivers, floodplains and woods make for an attractive place to observe nature.

What makes Lower Zambezi special

Think of a quiet canoe ride on a channel, where the water gently passes by the canoe. An elephant can come to the river or a fish eagle can call out from a tree overhead. This is one of the most memorable experiences on a Zambia safari programme.

Elephants, hippos, buffalo, lion, leopard and the park is also home to a wide variety of birdlife. Canoe voyages, boat trips and game drives are all ways to experience the same amazing scenery.

The park is also scenic for those who seek a tranquil and diverse safari experience. You can start the day on the river, take the afternoon to see the animals in a car, and then end the day with the colours of an African sunset!

Best time to visit Lower Zambezi

The dry season is typically the best time to see wildlife, and July to October is a favoured time. The park is a good place to go for canoeing and boating, but availability will vary with water levels and the operating season of the boating company.

If you have other ideas on how to combine Zambia with other neighbouring countries then our Zimbabwe Safari Guide is a great place to start.

Kafue National Park: vast open wilderness.

Kafue is one of the hidden gems of Zambia. It is the oldest and the largest National Park in the country, and has an area of approximately 22,400 square kilometres. Yet, it’s not as well-known as some of the better-known safari destinations in Africa.

If you enjoy the space, Kafue may be a great option for you.

What is special about Kafue?

The park has a remarkable variety of vegetation. Miombo woodland, mopane forests, rivers, seasonal wetlands and the famous Busanga plains are available. These are open floodplains that are particularly scenic, featuring expansive open areas, tall grasses and wildlife moving across the horizon.

There is also a large variety of wildlife in Kafue, including elephants, buffalo, hippo, lions, leopards, numerous antelope species and others. The park’s rivers and wetlands are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.

When is the best time to go to Kafue?

Generally the dry season (June to October) is the best time for easier access and viewing of wildlife. The Busanga Plains are seasonal and some areas may be open during certain months of the year.

Kafue is a great choice for a more laid-back safari adventure.

What can one expect from a walking safari?

One of the most unique experiences offered in Zambia is a walking safari. It’s not about going long distances and looking for the largest animal. It is about being in the moment.

Early morning, when the air is cool and the bush is all a roar, it may be possible to walk through the woods. Your guide might make a stop to introduce you to a track, a bird or a plant that you wouldn’t have seen from the car. You come to realize that the wilderness is not only the animals you see, but the signs you observe, too.

A walking safari is a rewarding experience for those who love nature, photography and learning about the environment. It also provides a greater awareness of the landscape, of the ground underfoot, the trees overhead and the sounds that shift throughout the day.

If you wish to discover this kind of adventure then our Walking Safari Guide is a great resource to begin with.

How to plan your Zambia safari

The best Zambia safari experiences are not about trying to see everything. It’s about selecting the right park and allowing time to enjoy it.

1. Choose your safari style

Walking and wildlife: South Luangwa is an excellent choice for travellers who want to explore on foot.
River and canoe adventures: Lower Zambezi is ideal for combining wildlife with time on the water.
A wide open wilderness: Kafue is a great choice for those who appreciate space, topography and a more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Consider the season – For classic wildlife viewing, the dry season is generally the most convenient. If you like green landscape, birds and less visitors, then the wet season may be beautiful, but you must be careful with the openings of the camps and road condition.

3. Give yourself time to unwind – Another of my favourite things about safari is that the best ones happen when you’re not expecting them.

It can be a simple drive in the morning and a leopard in a tree in the evening. A walk can start with finding tracks and end with a peaceful observation of the river. Take time to enjoy those moments, not going from one park to another.

What to bring on your Zambia safari?

There are a few useful tips for a more comfortable safari:

Lightweight and breathable clothes in neutral colours.

A warm layer for the early morning.
Shoes that are comfortable for walking or trainers for guided walks.
A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Binoculars for wildlife and birds.
A reusable water bottle.
Insect repellent and any personal medication you need.
A small day bag for walks and game drives.

Also, take note of the luggage restrictions on your safari flights, some camps are accessed by light aircraft and may have restrictions.

How many days will you require?

If you’re planning a first visit, 7-10 days is ideal to visit two safari areas without feeling rushed.

The basic program might be:

3 nights in South Luangwa for walking safaris and classic wildlife viewing.
3 nights in Lower Zambezi for river adventures and game drives.
1 or 2 nights in Lusaka at the beginning or end of the trip, depending on your flights.

If you want a longer safari you can make the trip to Kafue for a different landscape and more remote atmosphere.

Zambia safari vs Botswana safari: which is right for you?

Both locations have excellent wildlife opportunities but are unique in character.

If you are looking for walking safaris, river safaris and wild space, then Zambia will be an ideal choice. Botswana is a great destination for those who aspire to experience the Okavango Delta, encountering wildlife in the water, and enjoying stunning desert scenery.

If you are in doubt about which one to choose, we have a Botswana Safari Guide that can give you an idea of how they compare.

If you want to know more about other locations for safaris in Africa, check out our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide.

Responsible travel in Zambia

A safari is a privilege and the best safaris are those that are respectful to the places and people that make them possible.

Select the responsible operators that observe the wildlife-viewing guidelines, maintain a distance from wildlife, and promote local communities conservation efforts under the guidance of the Zambia Ministry of Tourism and wildlife protection. If walking, pay attention to your guide and follow their directions. Wilderness is not a place to run or take unnecessary risks.

Protected areas in Zambia are part of a broader conservation narrative and tourism can have a significant positive impact on conservation and livelihoods.

Why Zambia stays with you: Final thoughts

A Zambia safari isn’t only a holiday, it brings you the ultimate world holiday vibes. It’s an opportunity to see Africa from a personal, peaceful and wonder filled perspective.

It may be the sound of a fish eagle calling over the river. It could be elephants roaming through the trees at dusk. Or it could be when you are quietly gazing at a small rock formation and your guide points out one you never would have noticed alone.

It’s what is so special about Zambia. It urges you to take time to see it and let the wilderness be your guide.

Then, you’ll find when you get back home, some of the things you remember best aren’t always the best sightings. In some cases, it’s the little things; footprints in the sand, the light of morning on grass, the sound of the river trickling down the valley.

Welcome to Zambia, where the wild is not only there but also here.

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