A Land of Untamed Rivers and Remote Wilderness.
Zambia is one of Africa’s last truly wild safari destinations.
From the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls to the remote wilderness of South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia delivers an authentic safari far from the crowds.
The Zambezi River defines the landscape, flowing over Victoria Falls into the Lower Zambezi Valley, where canoe safaris bring close wildlife encounters.
Zambia is known for vast protected wilderness and classic walking safaris in South Luangwa, offering a true on foot bush experience.
Remote, wild, and unspoiled, Zambia remains one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Victoria Falls and Livingstone
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks, shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with dramatic viewpoints accessed from the Zambian side.
The falls are at their most powerful between February and May, when high water creates heavy spray and thunderous flow, while lower water levels reveal clearer gorge formations and photographic viewpoints.
The nearby town of Livingstone is the main base for visiting the falls and offers river based activities on the Zambezi River including sunset cruises, rafting and scenic flights.
This region functions as the entry point for multi country itineraries and is featured on the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique Trade Route, which combines Victoria Falls with small group safari travel.
Victoria Falls and Livingstone are best known for combining a major natural landmark with adventure activities and strong regional connectivity.
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s leading wildlife parks, centred around the Luangwa River and its seasonal floodplains.
Game viewing is strongest in the dry season (June to October), when wildlife concentrates along remaining water sources, creating reliable sightings of elephant, hippo, buffalo and predators.
The park is particularly known for high leopard density and excellent walking safari opportunities conducted in designated wilderness areas with experienced guides.
It is a core feature of the Zambia & Malawi Livingstone Trail, which focuses on classic game viewing and remote safari environments.
South Luangwa is ideal for travellers seeking a traditional, high quality safari experience in an uncrowded wilderness setting.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park lies along the northern banks of the Zambezi River, directly opposite Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, forming a continuous river wilderness system.
The park is defined by canoe and boat safaris that provide close wildlife encounters with elephants, hippos and crocodiles along channels and islands.
Game drives explore escarpment and river edge habitats where lion, leopard and buffalo are regularly seen, particularly in the dry season.
Lower Zambezi is featured on overland routes such as the Trade Route Safari (LM22), which combines river wilderness with broader Southern African safari travel.
This region is best suited to travellers looking for a mix of water based safari experiences and classic game viewing in a remote setting.
Lusaka
Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and the primary international gateway for overland safari routes.
Most travellers pass through Lusaka briefly when connecting between regions such as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi or when entering Zambia via international flights.
While not a wildlife destination, Lusaka provides essential logistics, accommodation and transport connections that support overland itineraries.
It functions as the operational hub for safari routing across Zambia and is the key link between international arrival and wilderness destinations.
Lusaka serves as the transit base for journeys connecting into itineraries such as the Zambia & Malawi Livingstone Trail and broader overland circuits.
Safaris in Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zambia a good safari destination?
Yes. Zambia is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, especially for travellers looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience. It is known for vast protected wilderness areas, excellent wildlife viewing, and immersive safari activities such as walking safaris and canoeing on the Zambezi River.
Sunway Safaris explores Zambia as part of its small group overland journeys, combining iconic areas like Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River region, and national parks such as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
What is Zambia best known for on safari?
Zambia is best known for its walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, its canoe safaris on the Lower Zambezi, and its access to Victoria Falls from the Livingstone side.
These experiences focus on close range wildlife encounters in remote and uncrowded wilderness areas, making Zambia one of Africa’s most immersive safari destinations.
Sunway Safaris offers walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park on the Trade Route (LM22) Zambia & Malawi Trail (LL12) and Zambia & Malawi Livingstone Trail (ZMa16.)
What wildlife can I see in Zambia?
Zambia offers excellent wildlife viewing, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and a wide variety of antelope species. South Luangwa National Park is particularly famous for leopard sightings and high predator density.
Birdlife is also exceptional, especially along the Zambezi River and in wetland areas.
When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The best time for a safari in Zambia is during the dry season, generally from May to October. Wildlife viewing is at its peak during these months as animals concentrate around water sources.
The green season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birding, although some remote areas may have more limited access depending on rainfall.
Sunway Safaris generally operates itineraries in Zambia between April and November.
Is Zambia good for walking safaris?
Yes. Zambia is widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari, particularly in South Luangwa National Park. Walking safaris are led by experienced guides and offer a highly immersive way to experience the bush on foot.
Sunway Safaris includes guided safari experiences where walking activities are offered in suitable areas and conditions, depending on itinerary and park regulations.
What makes South Luangwa National Park special?
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s premier wildlife parks and is especially famous for its walking safaris and high concentration of wildlife. It is also known for its leopard population, which is among the best in Africa.
The park offers a raw and unspoiled safari experience, with fewer vehicles compared to more commercial safari destinations.
Can you combine Zambia with other countries on safari?
Yes. Zambia combines very well with neighbouring destinations such as Malawi, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Sunway Safaris operates multi country itineraries that connect Zambia with the wider Southern African safari circuit, including Victoria Falls as a key highlight.
Is Zambia safe for tourists on safari?
Yes. Zambia is generally considered a safe safari destination when travelling with reputable operators. As with all safari travel, normal precautions apply, especially in urban areas and when travelling independently.
Sunway Safaris operates guided small group tours, which means guests travel with experienced guides throughout the journey.
What is the difference between a Zambia safari and Botswana safari?
Zambia is typically more remote and activity focused, with a strong emphasis on walking safaris and canoeing. Botswana is more vehicle based, particularly in areas such as the Okavango Delta.
Zambia generally offers a more rugged and exploratory safari experience, while Botswana is known for higher density infrastructure and water based safari systems.
How many days do you need in Zambia for a safari?
Most travellers spend between 7 and 14 days in Zambia depending on the itinerary and whether it is combined with neighbouring countries.
Sunway Safaris itineraries are structured to allow enough time in key regions such as Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River area, and selected national parks without rushing the experience.
