Zambia

Zambia isn't on most people's safari radar. But we think it should be. It offers some of Africa's most pristine wilderness, legendary walking safaris, and incredibly intimate wildlife experiences, all without the crowds that have taken over other safari destinations.

We spent a few weeks there last year discovering the magic of the region. Here's why we think Zambia should be at the top of your safari wishlist.

The Birthplace of Walking Safaris

South Luangwa National Park is where the walking safari was born, and it's still the best place in Africa to experience it. Zambian guides undergo some of the most rigorous training on the continent—it takes years to qualify, and they know everything from tracking skills to bird calls to medicinal plants. Walking safaris here aren't just game drives on foot; they're immersive experiences where you become part of the ecosystem. You'll track leopards through riverine forest, watch massive elephant herds from strategic hiding spots, and learn to read the landscape like the animals do. The park has one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife, with over 400 bird species and some of the best leopard viewing anywhere.

Kafue National Park: Africa's Best-Kept Secret

Kafue is roughly the size of Wales and one of Africa's largest parks, yet you'll rarely see another vehicle. The diversity here is staggering—from the seasonal Busanga Plains in the north (accessible only by light aircraft during flood season) to the Kafue River's rapids in the south. The Busanga Plains transform into a vast inland sea during the rains, then into wildlife-rich grasslands as the waters recede. This is where you'll see massive herds of red lechwe, rare sitatunga antelope, and some of Africa's best predator action, including healthy populations of wild dogs and cheetahs.

Lower Zambezi: Where the River Rules

The Lower Zambezi offers a completely different safari experience—one where the mighty Zambezi River becomes your highway. Canoe safaris here are legendary; you'll paddle silently past elephants drinking at the water's edge and navigate channels where hipsos surface just meters away. The park is known for its fearless elephants that swim between islands and its incredible fishing (tiger fish and bream). For the ultimate Lower Zambezi experience, escape to Sungani Lodge—one of our favorite places to stay in all of Africa. This family-owned sanctuary sits in the park's remote southern section on the edge of an enormous lagoon, accessible only by private aircraft. With just seven luxury tented suites and their own airstrip, it embodies everything we love about authentic safari luxury. [Read more about why we love Sungani in our Hotels We Love collection.]

World-Class Guiding

Zambian guides are considered among the world's finest. The training is intense—covering everything from weapons handling to advanced first aid, detailed flora and fauna knowledge, and sophisticated tracking skills. Many guides here have been walking the bush for decades and can read animal behavior like a book. Their expertise transforms every safari from simple game viewing into deep wilderness education.

Incredible Wildlife Without the Crowds

While Kenya's Maasai Mara sees hundreds of vehicles during migration, Zambia's parks remain gloriously uncrowded. South Luangwa is famous for its massive elephant herds and exceptional leopard density. The Lower Zambezi offers some of Africa's most relaxed elephants—they're so used to the river environment that they'll often approach boats and vehicles with curious confidence. Kafue protects everything from lions and wild dogs to rare antelope species you won't find elsewhere.

Authentic Africa at Great Value

Here's Zambia's secret weapon: it offers world-class safari experiences at a fraction of the cost of Botswana or Kenya's luxury camps. You'll get smaller, more intimate camps, longer stays, private guides, and all-inclusive luxury packages for significantly less than comparable experiences elsewhere. The lack of crowds means more personalized service and authentic bush experiences that feel like the golden age of safari.

For travelers who want to experience Africa as it was meant to be—wild, uncrowded, and deeply authentic—Zambia delivers something increasingly rare: the real thing.