Top 10 Zambia Safari Tours & Trips for Unforgettable Adventures

By Sarika V

  ●   Last Updated : 29 Jan 2025

Africa

Adventure

Zambia is the dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is a safari paradise because of its abundant biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and unmatched opportunities for up-close interaction with the natural world. Experience safaris like no other, from walking safaris through the wildlife-rich South Luangwa to canoeing on the Zambezi River, and classic game drives through the lower Zambezi. The best time to visit Zambia is from June to October and enjoy one of the top Zambia safari tours and trips.

safaris


1. South Luangwa National Park - Walking Safari


South Luangwa National Park is known for its walking safaris. It is located in eastern Zambia and is one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The park offers an intimate wildlife experience guided by expert rangers. You can explore the bush on foot, and if you're lucky enough, you may come face-to-face with elephants, lions, or giraffes. This 9,050 sq. km park, with its diverse ecosystems, makes the perfect place for birdwatchers. It offers visitors one of the most immersive Zambia tours where you can experience the natural beauty up close.


How to reach: It takes 45 minutes by road from the Mfuwe Airport.

Safari price: From $400 per person.

Suitable for: Family vacations (note: children under 12 are not permitted), trips with friends, or a honeymoon for those seeking a more immersive, up-close wildlife experience.


lungwana south



2. Lower Zambezi National Park - Canoe Safari


For a unique safari experience, head to Lower Zambezi, where canoe safaris allow you to glide past elephants drinking at the water's edge. It is another jewel of Zambia’s safari landscape, located along the northern banks of the Zambezi River. This park is known for its breathtaking scenery, water-based activities, and pristine wilderness. It spans about 4,092 square kilometers (1,580 square miles).


How to reach: Access is via Lusaka with a 1-hour flight to Royal Airstrip, followed by a short drive.

Safari Price: $500 - $1000 per person.

Suitable for: Family vacations, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure groups.


lower zambezi


3. Kafue National Park - Game Drives


One of Africa’s largest national parks, Kafue offers exceptional game drives that allow visitors to experience its vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. You’ll have a chance to see rare species like cheetahs, wild dogs, and sable antelope. It covers over 22,400 square kilometers and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, floodplains, and river systems.

Adventure Activities in Kafue National Park: Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boat Safaris, and Hot Air Balloon Rides.


How to reach: A 4 to 5 hours drive or a short charter flight from Lusaka.

Safari Price: $300 - $600 per person per day.

Suitable for: Families with older kids, honeymooners and small groups.


kafue


4. Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park


While Victoria Falls is most famous for its stunning waterfalls, it is also a wildlife adventure gateway. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, it is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is part of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. Here, the falls are divided into several sections, such as Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Eastern Cataract. Each section offers unique views and experiences, depending on the season.


How to Reach: Fly into Livingstone Airport, located just a 20-minute drive from the falls.

Safari Price: $150 - $500 per person.

Suitable for: Families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers looking for stunning views and exciting activities.


victoria falls


5. North Luangwa National Park- Remote Wilderness.


If you are seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, North Luangwa is the place to go. Known for its raw beauty, incredible walking safaris, and abundant wildlife, this park is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a more intimate connection with nature. It is part of Africa's ancient landscape, shaped by the Great Rift Valley. The beauty of visiting this park lies in the truly remarkable wildlife encounters and the chance to explore an untouched wilderness.


How to Reach: 

  • By Flight: Charter flights are the most practical way to reach North Luangwa, landing at airstrips such as Mwaleshi or Chifunda.
  • By Road: Most visitors arrive via organized tours due to the park's challenging road conditions.

Safari price: $600 - $1200 per person per day.

Suitable for: Couples, small groups, and those looking for seclusion and pristine landscapes.

Kids under 12 years old are generally not allowed, but younger children can still enjoy game drives if accompanied by a private guide.


north Lug


6. Liuwa Plain National Park - Wildebeest Migration


Liuwa Plain is famous for its annual wildebeest migration. The Liuwa Plain National Park, located in the western region of Zambia, is home to Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration. The migration in Liuwa Plain offers a serene, crowd-free experience with opportunities to observe not only the wildebeest but also a rich diversity of other species in a pristine wilderness. It’s a unique alternative for nature enthusiasts seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari. In Liuwa Plain National Park, The Lady Liuwa was an iconic lioness, having survived alone for years before eventually being joined by a new pride.


How to Reach : 

  • By Flight: Fly to Kalabo Airstrip from Lusaka, followed by a 1 hour drive to the park.
  • By Road: A 4x4 vehicle is essential, as the park is remote and the roads can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.

Safari Price: $500 - $800 per person per day.

Suitable for: Families, couples, and anyone seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience.


liuwa


7. Kasanka National Park - Bat Migration


Each year, Kasanka transforms into one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles — the bat migration. Millions of fruit bats gather in the park, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Located near the town of Serenje in Zambia's Central Province, Kasanka hosts one of the world’s largest bat migrations. With around 10 million bats filling the sky, it is considered the world's largest mammal migration.


Best Time to Visit Kasanka National Park:

  • Late October to Early December: Peak bat migration season, with optimal chances of witnessing the phenomenon.
  • Green Season (November to March): Lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

How to Reach: A 6 hour drive from Lusaka or chartered Flight.

Safari Price: $150 - $300 per person per day.

Suitable for: Family vacations, especially for kids (under 5) , honeymooners and photographers looking to witness one of the world’s largest mammal migrations.


kasanka


8. Bangweulu Wetlands - Shoebill Stork Spotting


For birders, this wetland is a paradise, especially for those seeking a glimpse of the rare shoebill stork. Also known as 'where the water meets the sky,' the Bangweulu Wetlands is a stunning and unique ecosystem in northern Zambia. This vast area, a mix of swamps, floodplains, and seasonally inundated grasslands, is famous for its incredible biodiversity, traditional fishing communities, and as one of the last refuges of the rare shoebill stork. It also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

Don’t miss these activities in Bangweulu Wetlands: Shoebill Tracking, Birdwatching, Game viewing, Fishing Culture Experience and Scenic Canoeing. 


How to Reach: A 12-hour drive from Lusaka or a charter flight to Chikuni Airstrip, which provides direct access to the wetlands.

Safari Price: Approximately  $250 - $500 per person per day.

Suitable for: Families, couples, and groups of friends can enjoy the unique birdlife and tranquil wetlands.


Bangweulu



9. Zambezi River Safari - Luxury Cruises


Cruising along the powerful Zambezi River is an unforgettable adventure. Panoramic views, gourmet meals, and wildlife sightings can be enjoyed aboard a riverboat. It is one of the most luxurious and serene ways to experience Africa's iconic river. Zambia River safaris offer houseboat safaris, boutique river cruises, private island stays, and short sundowner cruises, providing a range of luxury and adventure options along the Zambezi River.


Safari Price: starts from $50 per person. 

Suitable for: Couples, families, and those looking for a relaxing and scenic experience with luxury amenities.


zambezi river


10. Lochinvar National Park - Birdwatching Haven 


Lochinvar National Park is located in the southwestern part of Lusaka, Zambia. It offers exceptional beauty and outstanding birding opportunities. Lochinvar is also home to hot springs, echoing rocks, and the remnants of an Iron Age village on Sebanzi Hill, known for its caves and wildlife. The reason to visit Lochinvar Park is for the stunning birding experience, with over 400 species, and the opportunity to see animals like the Kafue Luchwe, an amphibious antelope, with their hooves wading during hiking safaris.


How to Reach: 

  • By Road: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on road conditions from Lusaka.
  • By Flight: The nearest airport is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka.

Safari Price: $100 - $250 per person per day.

Suitable for: Families, couples, and small groups looking for a peaceful wildlife experience.


lochinvar


Zambia’s safari offerings are as diverse as its landscapes, catering to adventurers, families, and luxury travelers alike. From walking safaris in South Luangwa to canoeing along the Zambezi River, these experiences promise unforgettable memories. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a high-end safari vacation, Zambia delivers exceptional wildlife encounters and authentic African adventures. Start planning your trip today with these flights to Zambia to discover the untamed beauty of Zambia. 








Sarika V

Join me on my travels as I dive into vibrant cultures, explore jaw-dropping landscapes, and collect stories that will make you want to pack your bags and go!

Related Blogs

Home Explore

Top 10 Zambia Safari Tours & Trips for Unforgettable Adventures