Zambia is famous as being the gateway to Victoria Falls but in reality, it offers far more. It’s a fascinating destination that lets you combine the drama and buzz of The Falls with wilderness and wildlife.
Both land and water-based safaris provide a memorable safari experience and Zambia is quite possibly the best base for walking safaris in the whole of Africa.
If you’re planning a visit, here are 10 incredible things to do in Zambia…
Depending on the time of your visit and the water levels your Victoria Falls experience can be very different. February to May is classed as peak season as it is the after the rains when the water is at it’s highest. It’s a dramatic display with lots of spray, so be prepared to get wet!
As the water levels drop later in the year, it’s still worth a visit as visibility is better. You can also experience excursions such as swimming in Devil’s pool on Livingstone Island, an adrenaline filled adventure that sees you looking right over the edge of the falls from your water-based vantage point.
It’s proximity to the Botswana border at Kasane makes Victoria Falls a popular add on to a safari itinerary.
As previously mentioned if you’re travelling to Zambia during the Falls’ dry season you can take a swim in the famous Devil’s Pool when waters are low. Spaces are limited as only a certain number of people can access Livingstone Island daily. To maximise your chances of a visit we would recommend you stay at Tongabezi Lodge. Which as well as being a stunning riverfront accommodation also happens to own Livingstone Island so give’s you preferential access.
Zambia is renowned for its secluded accommodation right on the water’s edge, from Victoria Falls through to the Lower Zambezi National park. Many lodges and camps have unspoilt views from your room directly onto the mighty Zambezi River, so are the perfect romantic spot to enjoy the sunset with a drink.
Immerse yourself in the wilderness and take the safari experience at a slower pace with a walking safari. The South Luangwa is renowned for it’s walking safari’s and has a rich history from when the first safaris were set up by Norman Carr in the 1950s.
Under the supervision of an experienced guide, you can choose to do anything from a 2-3 hour walk interspersed with game drives, to a full on 7-day walking itinerary that lets you walk between each camp, with the option of game drives once you reach your location.
For the adventurous, there is also the chance to enjoy an overnight sleepout under the stars.
Game drives can give you better coverage than touring on foot and this area has some fantastic sightings. A variety of game seek out the water source particularly in the dry season where the river is the main remaining permanent water supply. Possible sightings in this area include leopard, lion, elephant, zebra and Thornicroft’s giraffe.
Canoeing is a fantastic way to experience the Zambezi river and if you are used to being active, it is a welcome change from a game viewing vehicle.
Trips always head downstream as the current of the Zambezi can deceptively strong. Canoes normally take either 2 or 3 people and are led by at least one pro guide who knows the river well. We recommend Chiawa or Old Mondoro luxury camps who offer this experience
In close proximity to Victoria Falls, this small National Park is still worth a look. The park provides a home for numerous species including giraffe, zebra, warthog, as well as elephants. The elephants are often seen crossing the river allowing them to roam the park and it’s surrounds.
The biggest draw, however, has to be that it is the only place to see rhino in Zambia and even if you visit for this reason alone, it has to be worth it to see these prehistoric looking endangered species.
Get fully immersed in local culture! Set in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka, this large open air market takes place on the last Sataurday of every month. You will find everything from soapstone carvings to copper souvenirs – plus delicious street food!.
Lusaka is Zambia’s capital and the main point for connecting to all the national parks, so add a nights stopover and start bargaining.
If you want the ultimate off the beaten path experience, head north in Kafue National Park to the Busanga Plains. This wetland area provides excellent game viewing and there are just a handful of luxury camps dotted around the vast reserve. Experience a balloon safari to see wildlife from a different perspective.
Fruit bats that is! An extraordinary natural phenomenon occurs annually in the little known national park of Kasanka. Up to ten million fruit bats arrive on their journey from The Democratic Republic of Congo as the fruits of the local trees ripen. These bats converge in a specific area of woodland in the park and literally take over as they roost in the trees. Then at sunset, they all fly off to look for their next meal. The sight of this multitude as they fill the skies is both spectacular and mindblowing in equal measure
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