Why Zambia is the Perfect Destination for a First-Time Safari

There are few travel experiences as transformative as a safari. The dawn chorus echoing through the bush, the silhouette of an elephant at sunset, the sense of connection to something wilder and older than yourself – a safari has a way of staying with you long after you return home. Yet with so many countries in Africa offering extraordinary wildlife experiences, it can be daunting to decide where to go for your very first time.

If you are considering your first safari, or searching for a more unique safari adventure to your previous experiences, Zambia may not be the most obvious choice. Countries such as Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa often spring to mind before this quieter, more understated nation. But for those in the know, a Zambia safari represents one of the most rewarding, diverse and authentic experiences available on the continent. With an unrivalled mix of game viewing, variety of landscapes, unique activities and a collection of intimate camps and lodges, Zambia offers the perfect introduction to the African bush.

A Country Made for Safari

Bordered by seven other nations, including Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Zambia has gained far less notoriety for its safaris than some of its neighbours, but that is rapidly changing. At its heart lie sweeping savannahs, meandering rivers and some of the wildest national parks on the continent. Unlike its neighbours, Zambia is less commercial and remains relatively undiscovered, meaning your experience feels exclusive, raw and authentic. However, its tourism industry and reputation are growing swiftly in the calibre of guiding and accommodations, and its accessibility to visitors.

or a first-time traveller, this balance is ideal. You gain the same abundance of wildlife as in the more famous safari countries, yet without the crowds, and often with better value for money. Safaris here feel personal – you might be the only vehicle watching a pride of lions on the move, or drifting alone down a quiet channel of the Zambezi at sunset.

The Home of the Walking Safari

Zambia holds a unique claim that sets it apart: it is the birthplace of the walking safari. First pioneered in South Luangwa National Park, walking safaris are now considered one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the bush. Accompanied by highly trained guides and armed scouts, you explore on foot, following animal tracks, studying plants, identifying bird calls and immersing yourself in the rhythms of the wilderness.

For your first time on safari, a walking safari offers the chance to truly understand how ecosystems work, rather than simply observing wildlife from a vehicle. While you may not always encounter large predators on foot, the thrill of knowing they are out there sharpens the senses and provides an unmatched perspective on Africa.

Beyond the Vehicle: A Variety of Activities

Of course, Zambia offers the classic game drives that most people imagine when they think of safari. Morning and afternoon drives bring you close to lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, while night drives – another speciality of Zambia – reveal nocturnal species such as civet, porcupine, hyena and even the elusive honey badger.

What makes a Zambia safari so appealing is the sheer variety of activities available beyond the vehicle. On the mighty Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park, water-based adventures abound. You might glide silently in a canoe past a basking crocodile, watch elephant swim across channels, or enjoy a picnic on a sandbar in the middle of the river, your toes dabbling in the cool waters of the Zambezi and hippo grumbling in the deeper channels. Sundowner boat cruises with a gin and tonic in hand are a ritual here, and many lodges set up al fresco lunches aboard boats or at the river’s edge.

Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, adds yet another dimension to a Zambia safari. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”, the falls are at their most dramatic from March to May, when the Zambezi is in full flood. Yet even at its driest, the sheer scale of the 100-metre-deep gorge is a spectacular sight. Visitors can enjoy helicopter flights, microlight trips, or more gentle activities such as sundowners overlooking the spray. Just beyond the falls, national parks provide further opportunities for game drives, river cruises, rhino tracking activities that are equally as inspiring as they are rewarding.

And then there are the aerial journeys. Internal light aircraft flights connect Zambia’s major safari regions, but they are more than just transport. Flying at low altitude, you gain a bird’s-eye view of floodplains, winding rivers peppered with pods of hippo, and vast wilderness areas, offering a spectacular and tantalising first taste of the landscapes below.

A Wealth of Wildlife

For many travellers, the wildlife itself is the most important factor when choosing a destination. A Zambia safari delivers on every level. Though not renowned for them, the “Big Five” are present – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino – although rhino are only reliably seen in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. South Luangwa is renowned for its large populations of leopard, often spotted draped across tree branches or hunting at dusk, while the Lower Zambezi is known for enormous elephant herds congregating along the riverbanks.

Zambia is also one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dog, a rare and highly endangered predator. Packs roam through South Luangwa and Kafue, offering thrilling encounters for those lucky enough to find them. Honey badgers, caracals and servals are other unusual species often seen here, alongside hippo, crocodiles and a dazzling variety of birdlife – more than 700 species in total.

For your first safari, this abundance ensures that each game drive or activity is filled with excitement, while the chance of encountering rarer animals adds an element of surprise.

Zambia’s Safari Regions

Part of what makes Zambia so compelling for a first safari is the variety of destinations within one country. Each region offers something unique, meaning your trip can be as diverse as you wish.

South Luangwa National Park

Often considered the jewel in Zambia’s crown, South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, healthy predator populations and stunning scenery. The Luangwa River cuts through the park, attracting elephant, hippo and crocodiles, while ebony and mahogany forests provide shade for leopard and lion.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Set along the Zambezi River opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, this park combines traditional game drives with exceptional water-based experiences. You can expect to see elephant wading in the shallows, buffalo herds grazing on islands, and vibrant kingfishers darting along the banks.

Kafue National Park

One of Africa’s largest national parks, Kafue is remote and less visited, offering a true sense of, and immersion in the wilderness. Its Busanga Plains are home to roan antelope, sable, large herds of red lechwe and tree-climbing lions, only found in a very limited collection of locations across Africa. For those seeking something different from the classic safari circuit, Kafue is an excellent choice.

Victoria Falls & Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

While many travellers come to Livingstone primarily to see the falls, the surrounding national park provides a chance to spot white rhino and enjoy gentle game drives. The combination of dramatic landscapes and wildlife makes this area a perfect bookend to a Zambia safari.

Notable Camps and Lodges

Zambia’s safari camps are intimate, often family-run and designed to immerse you in the wilderness. For first-time visitors, choosing the right lodge can feel overwhelming, so here are five notable options offering a range of styles, locations and budgets:

Chinzombo, South Luangwa

A luxurious yet eco-friendly lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. With spacious villas, private plunge pools and access to excellent game viewing, Chinzombo is ideal for those seeking comfort without sacrificing authenticity.

Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi

A stylish and sophisticated camp set on the banks of the Zambezi River. Offering luxurious tents with private plunge pools, exceptional guiding and a wide range of activities from canoeing to walking safaris, Sausage Tree Camp provides the perfect balance of indulgence and adventure. It was also founded by our very own Julie McIntosh, so it holds a very special place in our hearts.

Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue

Located on the remote Busanga Plains, this camp is seasonal and intimate, offering a true wilderness feel. Its position provides outstanding opportunities to see lion, cheetah and antelope against a dramatic backdrop of sweeping flood plains that attract a wealth of species.

Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls

Just upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi offers a romantic escape on the banks of the Zambezi. With individually styled cottages and houses, impeccable service and activities ranging from river cruises to guided visits of the falls, Tongabezi blends luxury with charm and is perfect for first-time safari travellers looking to pair wildlife with one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Flatdogs Camp, South Luangwa

For travellers seeking a more affordable option without compromising on experience, Flatdogs is a fantastic choice. A short drive from Mfuwe regional airport, the camp offers everything from safari tents to a treehouse, along with excellent guiding and easy access to the park.

This range of camps demonstrates the accessibility of a Zambia safari: whether you are seeking barefoot luxury, an authentic bush experience or a budget-friendly adventure, there is something for everyone.

For those taking their first steps into the world of safari travel, this combination offers both reassurance and adventure. You can gain all the comfort and convenience you need, paired with the excitement of discovering wild Africa in its purest form.

A First Safari to Remember

A Zambia safari is about more than ticking animals off a list. It is about slowing down, listening to the bush, and learning to see the landscape through new eyes. It is about the thrill of spotting leopard eyes glinting in torchlight, the laughter shared over sundowners on a boat, the smell of rain on dry earth, the comfort of falling asleep to the distant call of hyenas and enjoying the warm hospitality and cultural connections offered by lodge staff and guides throughout the country.

For your first safari, Zambia provides all the elements you could hope for – and so much more. It is a country that rewards curiosity, that surprises and delights, and that offers a safari experience both rich and unforgettable. Whether you choose to explore the predator-rich Luangwa Valley, drift down the Zambezi, lose yourself in the wilderness of Kafue, or conclude with the drama of Victoria Falls, your first safari in Zambia will almost certainly not be your last.

See you out there.

Thomas

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