Zambia Holidays And Safaris

Zambia: some background

Zambia has been inhabited for at least 200,000 years, although its more recent history has been influenced by Europeans, particularly the British who claimed Zambia as a protectorate under the leadership of Cecil Rhodes.  Northern Zambia was named after Rhodes before it became Zambia in the 60s and gained its independence.
 
Zambia’s recent history has also been greatly influenced by its bountiful supply of copper which served it well economically until the 1970s when demand dropped, leaving Zambia one of the poorest nations in the world, however since then copper prices have continued to rise and Zambia is capitalising on such increase in demand.
 
In geographical terms Zambia is about the same size as Texas, butterfly-shaped, landlocked, and has borders touching Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Namibia and the Congo.
 
The capital Lusaka sits roughly in the middle of the country (helpful for flight access), and there is another international hub at Livingstone to the south west which serves the Victoria Falls.
 
To the east is the best-known wildlife reserve, the South (and North) Luangwa, whilst the Zambezi wildlife areas hug the Zambezi River and the southern borders of the country. Victoria Falls is in the southern-most point of Zambia, in the south west of the country. The less-known Kafue and Liuwa National Parks are found in the west.
For more information take a look at the Zambia map below.

Zambia Safaris

We love Zambia. For those that have visited the continent a few times and are seeking something really wild, raw and beautiful- look no further! The remote, low key and uncommercial parks pumping with incredible wildlife action make a Zambia safari one of the best holidays you can do. What makes Zambia so special is that many of the camps are still actually owner run which is a rarity in the rest of Africa.

Zambia: when to visit

Zambia follows the wet and dry season schedule of the ITCZ (Intertropical  Convergence Zone).  The dry season tends to run from May to October, and during this period it gradually heats up until the heavens open in November to mark the start of the humid wet season. The rains tend to fall until April when the cycle begins once more.
 
The best time to visit for a Zambia holiday is during the dry season when temperatures are pleasant, the sun shines, the bush is sparse and animals gather around waterholes, thus making them easier to spot. Many camps are in fact closed during the rains which limits your options, and if you find some open, consider that access may be tricky.

Zambia Holidays: getting around

Most trips to Zambia start in either Livingstone or Lusaka, and all the parks can be accessed from these points by light aircraft. The main flight operator is Proflight which has a large fleet of aircraft, and with a larger group it is also possible to charter flights from one park to the other for a more exclusive and direct flight itinerary.

The main international hub is Lusaka, the capital, which is served by a number of airlines including Emirates, KLM and Kenya Airways. It is now also possible to connect with Botswana, Malawi and Tanzania, which is useful if you are contemplating a multi-country itinerary or a beach extension after your safari (although this will generally involve a 'dead night' somewhere).
 

Zambia: where to stay

 

South Luangwa:

One of Zambia’s most famous parks, the South Luangwa benefits from the fertile banks and flood plains of the Luangwa River which support some of the best game viewing in Africa, especially during the dry season when the game comes close to the river to feed and drink.
 
There are two main areas in the South Luangwa where the camps are found - the Mfuwe area with the more substantial and older established lodges such as Kapani (Norman Carr) and Nkwali (Robin Pope), and an area in the national park across the river with smaller, rustic and remote bush camps such as Mchenja, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli, Tena Tena and Nsefu. It can work very well to spend a couple of nights at one of the 'main' camps in the Mfuwe area and then to go deeper into the park to stay in one of the more remote 'bush camps' such as those offered by Robin Pope, Norman Carr and The Bush Camp Company.
 

North Luangwa:

When considering where to stay in Zambia, consider that North Luangwa is quite literally the most remote safari destination in Africa, to the extent that the only roads into the park lead to the only camp, Mwaleshi. The walking safaris here are the best in the world. Walking is the main activity, though there are (somewhat limited) game drives and night drives on offer. If you want to get away from it all - this is where to go!
 

Lower Zambezi:

The camps and lodges in the Lower Zambezi are all located along the Zambezi River, with views on to the river and a backdrop of hills towards the stunning escarpment. Part of the stretch along the river is within the GMA (Game Management Area); this area is more accessible if one is driving and hence a little busier. The game is good here but it’s better to be actually inside the park. The further into the park you go the fewer vehicles there are and the wilder it gets.
 
There are five or so top camps here in the Lower Zambezi - like most in Zambia they are all owner-run and are hosted in a very homely and friendly manner. Just outside the park is Chongwe River Camp in the GMA; moving into the park there is the luxurious Sausage Tree and Potato Bush, then the more classic Chiawa and deeper inside the park its sister bush camp, the more rustic and remote Old Mondoro. The newest property is Anabezi, a luxurious option deep in a remote part of the park.
 

Kafue:

Kafue is Africa's third largest National Park, and the Busanga Plains in the north of Kafue is one of the few areas comparable to the Serengeti for big cats. The main camps that we recommend are wonderfully small; Shumba has 6 tents, and Busanga only 4; this and the low numbers of visitors to the park guarantees you a truly exclusive and remote experience.