Things to Do in Zambia

It’s early morning and the still-cool air resonates with the buzzing and chirping of countless cicadas and birds. You’re walking single file along a dusty hippo trail when your guide quietly gives the signal and you come to a standstill: up ahead a lioness appears, locking her amber-coloured eyes onto you, then, with a flick of her tail, she gracefully slips away into the surrounding bush.

The encounter lasts only a moment, yet when she’s gone, your heart races with joy, and you suddenly notice you have been holding your breath. Your perspective expands, and you absorb your environment with fresh intensity – the hues are more vivid, the sounds resonate with clarity, and the scents are distinctly pronounced. This is Zambia, a land of excitement and thrill – where every moment invigorates your spirit!

Shumba Camp Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is renowned as the origin of walking safaris, yet its other stunning parks and reserves offer equally captivating experiences. The allure of these parks lies in their hidden gem quality, making them a top choice for seasoned safari enthusiasts, particularly those in search of a genuine wildlife adventure with fewer crowds.

You might be amazed to learn that Zambia is a fantastic option for those embarking on their first safari experience. What’s the reason behind that? The exceptional wildlife viewing remains a highlight, with local guides recognized as some of the finest in Africa. The parks of the Luangwa and Zambezi Valleys present a rich array of activities – from game drives and night drives to walking and canoeing safaris – all set against the backdrop of the swirling mist and roaring waters of the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Embark on an exhilarating journey on foot in South Luangwa.

Explore Africa Adventurers accompanied by two guides on a walking safari, observing majestic elephants in Zambia.

A guided walking safari offers a chance to dive deep into the heart of this untouched wilderness. As your senses heighten, your awareness deepens, revealing the intricate connections that bind every element of this remarkable ecosystem. Before long, you’ll spot various animal tracks in the sandy riverbeds, uncover which plants are edible, and be astonished by the wealth of knowledge you can gather from the ever-present piles of animal dung.

And yes, there is a strong possibility that you might encounter the excitement of a lion sighting – particularly in South Luangwa, renowned as one of the finest locations in Africa for observing big game on foot. There are no certainties, however: walking is not an endeavor for those intent on merely checking items off a list! Evenings unfold in cozy tents, where all the essentials of camping are expertly arranged by the knowledgeable team.

The ideal place to stay is nestled in the core of the South Luangwa, away from the hustle and bustle of others, vehicles, or any trace of modern life. Don’t let the name ‘bush camp’ deter you – you’ll find yourself at ease with luxurious linen, warm showers, mouthwatering meals, and refreshing drinks enjoyed around the campfire beneath a canopy of stars.

2. Exciting Safaris Along the Luangwa River, a safari vehicle embarks on an exhilarating game drive, observing three majestic elephants at Chamilandu Bush Camp, Zambia.

The South Luangwa is Zambia’s most renowned park for a compelling reason: the abundance of wildlife near the Luangwa River is among the highest in Africa. You might not encounter rhinos here, but aside from that one notable absence, there’s an abundance of big game to capture on countless camera memory cards.

On foot, you truly immerse yourself in this untouched wilderness, while in a car, you can traverse greater distances and enhance your opportunities to encounter wildlife. Our recommendation? Merge your walking safaris with game drives in this region celebrated for its abundant leopard and lion populations, the thunderous herds of elephants congregating at oxbow lakes, and unique species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra.

One of the guiding habits we truly appreciate is that the South Luangwa guides refrain from broadcasting every exciting sighting to one another automatically. This allows you to encounter a big cat or a kill with the space and freedom to quietly observe, creating a truly remarkable experience.

3. Glide Down the Lower Zambezi River Embark on a canoe safari while observing an elephant peacefully grazing at Baines River Camp in Zambia.

The Lower Zambezi is a stunning reserve that unfolds alongside the glistening waters of the expansive, azure Zambezi River. There is an abundance of big game here, and the lodges often offer a more adaptable approach to their schedules, crafting a day of activities tailored to your preferences: game drives, nature walks, or – a standout experience – canoe safaris.

Imagine a canoe safari not as a strenuous task, but as a leisurely journey: you glide along the water more than you paddle, passing by the flicking ears and snorts of hidden hippos and the sunbathing Nile crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. It’s a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement! The guides possess an incredible understanding of the animals’ habits and behavior, effortlessly anticipating their next moves.

As you glide through the water in a canoe, you experience an up-close and personal view of magnificent creatures like buffalo and elephant. They remain blissfully unaware of your gentle approach, continuing to quench their thirst at the water’s edge, undisturbed by your presence.

4. Experience the Thrill of Vic Falls Microlights flight over the breathtaking Victoria Falls in Zambia

Victoria Falls truly lives up to its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Nothing can truly ready you for the breathtaking moment you first lay eyes on the Zambezi River in full flood, roaring over the edge – 500 million litres of water per minute plunging into a deep rocky gorge, sending a misty cloud and vibrant rainbow-lit spray soaring into the sky.

The Main Falls are located in Zimbabwe (check out our complete guide to Victoria Falls), but the Zambian side offers its own breathtaking experience during the peak flow months from February to May. One of our favorite Zambian viewpoints is the Knife-Edge Bridge, which brings you face to face with this roaring waterfall – get ready to get drenched!

Victoria Falls is an incredible beginning or conclusion to a Zambian safari. If you have the time, I suggest spending three days exploring the numerous activities available – you can enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride or a microlight flight, or even experience the thrill of white-water rafting on exhilarating rapids.

5. Experience the Grand Journey of the Largest Mammals on the Planet

The migration of bats at sunset in Kasanka National Park, Zambia

Each year, from roughly October to December, the skies above Kasanka National Park burst into life with approximately 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats. Indeed, the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa is not the most extensive mammal migration on the planet!

The astonishing number of bats is truly captivating, but it’s the exhilarating environment that makes this experience unforgettable: majestic birds of prey glide through the striking skies, capturing bats for their morning meal. And of course, you can witness the extraordinary Kasanka highlights, such as the elusive sitatunga antelope, gracefully grazing in the enchanting mist of the wetlands during the early hours. If you’re a genuine lover of exploration, this is an experience you simply cannot miss.

Essential Information: Kasanka is a unique destination where you can experience this extraordinary natural event.
The migration occurs for a brief period of around 90 days, from late October to mid-December.
We suggest taking a private charter plane straight to Kasanka, where you will find an airstrip nestled within the park, and enjoying your stay at Wasa Lodge.
Kafue’s Busanga Plains

6. Discover the Untamed Busanga Plains of Kafue A lion resting in the grass at Shumba Camp in Zambia

Kafue National Park stands as one of Africa’s largest national parks, yet it remains the most untouched gem among Zambia’s three major parks. Far from the usual paths, Kafue remains incredibly untamed, featuring only a few exquisite tented camps.

In the far north of Kafue, the Busanga Plains unfold, showcasing one of Zambia’s most vital wetland treasures and offering the finest opportunities for observing wildlife in the park. Massive groups of red lechwe, puku, and elegant roan antelope roam the lush floodplains, their abundance drawing in a variety of predators such as wild dog packs, lion prides, and solitary cheetahs.

In Kafue, your days can be filled with exhilarating game drives, scenic boat rides, and thrilling walking safaris. You can cast your line for fishing on the Kafue or Lunga River, and birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 490 recorded species, adding exciting new ticks to their lists.