Safari in Zambia

Zambia, the birthplace of the walking safari

Zambia is a destination that doesn't try to sell itself. It doesn't need to. Its parks are among the least visited in Africa. Its camps can be counted on the fingers of two hands in some areas. And its approach to safari, deeply rooted in the tradition of the bush walk, makes it one of the most intense wildlife experiences on the continent.

It was in Zambia, in South Luangwa National Park, that the modern walking safari was invented. In the 1950s, naturalist and guide Norman Carr began taking his clients to explore the bush on foot, at animal level, in direct opposition to the motorized safaris that dominated at the time. This philosophy made South Luangwa the world's benchmark for walking safaris and it still permeates the entire Zambian safari culture today.

Coming to Zambia means choosing authenticity over comfort, immersion over spectacle, and depth over ease. It's a destination for travelers who want to experience the full extent of what a safari has to offer.

The must-see destinations for a safari in Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is the jewel of Zambia. This 9,050-square-kilometer park, traversed by the Luangwa River and its tributaries, is home to exceptionally rich and dense wildlife. Its leopards are world-renowned: the concentration of leopards in South Luangwa is one of the highest in Africa, and sightings, particularly during night safaris, can be close and of a quality rarely found elsewhere.

The park is also the preferred territory of African wild dogs, one of Africa's most endangered species. Each sighting of a wild dog hunting is a privilege few travelers have the chance to experience, and South Luangwa is one of the few places in the world where these encounters are still common.

During the dry season, the Luangwa River gradually narrows, concentrating wildlife on its banks in increasingly intense wildlife scenes. Hippos, elephants, buffalo, lions, and crocodiles congregate in large numbers around the water, which becomes the most precious resource in the bush.

The walking safari in South Luangwa

This is Zambia's signature experience, and it deserves a section of its own. The walking safari in South Luangwa is led by some of the best-trained Zambian guides on the continent, with a field tradition that stretches back more than seventy years. You walk silently through the bush, read tracks, learn to sense the presence of animals before you see them, and understand the territory in a way that no vehicle ever can.

This is an experience that demands complete trust in your guide, good physical condition, and a particular mental readiness. In return, it offers a level of immersion that travelers who have experienced it invariably describe as the highlight of their entire African adventure.

The Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi National Park runs along the north bank of the Zambezi River. It is a destination of striking beauty: the wooded escarpments that descend to the river, the islands covered in vegetation, and the herds of elephants that swim across the Zambezi create landscapes that belong only to this part of Africa.

Canoe safaris on the Zambezi are the signature activity of the Lower Zambezi. Paddling silently between hippos breathing a few meters away, along a bank where elephants drink, watching a vociferous bald eagle dive for a fish: it's an entirely different approach to wildlife than the classic vehicle safari, slower, quieter and often more intense.

The Lower Zambezi is also excellent for the valley's large game: lions, leopards, elephants in large numbers, buffalo, and crocodiles abundant in the river. The camps along the riverbanks offer some of the most spectacular sunset views in all of Southern Africa.

Kafue National Park

Kafue is one of Africa's largest parks, covering 22,400 square kilometers. It's also one of the least visited, making it a prime destination for travelers seeking absolute exclusivity. In some areas of Kafue, you can spend entire days on safari without encountering another vehicle.

Kafue boasts remarkably diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and cheetahs. The Kafue River creates wetlands teeming with birds and large herbivores, attracting a multitude of predators. Boat safaris on the Kafue offer a unique perspective on this exceptional river ecosystem.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 1,700 meters wide and 108 meters high, they generate a mist visible from 40 kilometers away and a roar that can be heard for miles. The approach from the Zambian side, from the town of Livingstone, offers a direct view of the falls and access to unique activities such as the "Devil's Pool," a natural pool at the very edge of the falls, accessible during the dry season.

Victoria Falls fits naturally into a Zambian itinerary as an entry or exit point and allows for the creation of combinations with neighbouring Zimbabwe or Botswana.

Why travel to Zambia with Fundis' Africa?

Zambia is a destination that rewards well-prepared travelers. The best camps in South Luangwa are booked months in advance for the high season. The wet season closes some camps in Lower Zambezi and Kafue due to flooding. Domestic flights between parks are essential, and coordinating them requires careful planning.

Our FGASA-certified guides know Zambia inside and out, from its practical details to its natural wonders. They select camps based on their location along the river, the quality of their local guides, and their commitment to the Zambian walking safari tradition. They prepare each client for the walking safari: the necessary physical fitness, the appropriate equipment, and the mindset that transforms this experience into something truly unforgettable.

Each safari in Zambia organized by Fundis'Africa is tailor-made, in French or English, with particular attention to the combination of experiences: drive and walking safari in South Luangwa, canoe safari in the Lower Zambezi, extension to Victoria Falls and combined with Zimbabwe or Botswana depending on your length of stay.

Safari in Zambia as a couple, with family or among enthusiasts?

Zambia is the ultimate destination for travelers who refuse to compromise. For couples, the intimate camps of South Luangwa, often limited to eight or ten guests, create an exclusive atmosphere difficult to replicate elsewhere. Nights spent on the banks of the Luangwa River, with hippos calling in the darkness and the southern stars overhead, are truly unforgettable experiences.

For walking safari enthusiasts, Zambia is the ultimate destination. Nowhere else on the continent does a walking safari offer the same historical depth, tradition of expertly trained guides, and immersive experience as in South Luangwa. If the walking safari is your priority, this is the place to go.

For families, Zambia is a destination to consider with children aged 12 to 16, depending on the camps and activities. Walking safaris are not suitable for young children for safety reasons. However, 4x4 safaris in South Luangwa are accessible and spectacular for all ages.

For travelers wishing to create a grand Southern African itinerary, Zambia naturally combines with Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls and Mana Pools, with Botswana for the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, or with South Africa to alternate between the traditional Zambian walking safari and the private reserves of Kruger National Park. Consult our Destinations FAQ for all practical information about Zambia.