The main activity here is of course the safari. Among the best offered in Africa, Zambia’s safaris give an opportunity for top quality viewing with some excellent guides. The national parks of Zambia are not too as commercialised yet, so the experience is rugged and close to the wild. The adventures and experiences you will have in the pristine wilderness will make you want to stay longer and experience more of the reserves as they are all very different in character. The thrill of seeing the magnificent animals running untamed in their natural environment will stay with you forever. There is a large variety of safaris to choose from, these are only a few examples.
South Luangwa is one of the most stunning, renowned as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, it covers 9,050 square km and centres around the Luangwa River. Home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife, you will find hippos and crocodiles in the river, elephants and waterbucks on the banks, and herds of buffalo sweeping majestically across the plains. Giraffes, zebras and antelopes abound, and leopards are very common here, running in packs. A birdwatchers paradise, over 400 species have been recorded in the park.
Largely a dry woodland park, with the Luangwa River meandering through it, and many small lakes, this safari park is relatively inaccessible so retains the charm of isolation. Night safaris take place here too, which are fairly rare.
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers fishing and canoeing as well as big game watching. Lions, leopards and cheetahs prowl around, and elephants and hippos are much in evidence too. A very remote park, this is best visited on organised safari trips. There are several lodges, offering accommodation and amazing food, throughout the park and pick-ups can be arranged from Lusaka or Chirundu, Again a myriad of birds fill the skies, and a few days and nights here would be a truly amazing experience.
Kafue National Park covers 22,400 square km and ranges from flood plains in the north to desert in the south. Numerous different plants and flowers grow here, forming the perfect backdrop for the wide range of wildlife found here – everything from monkeys to monitor lizards, buffaloes to bush babies can be seen here. Many boat trips are offered here, and there are some brilliant lodges where the staff will wine and dine you after a wonderful day either driving or floating through the park. The north is often impassable in the wet season, so time your visit here carefully.
Most parks offering camping in designated sites, as well as lodges. Most safari packages are based around lodge accommodation though, and offer fully guided tours with drives, walks, and canoe trips through the parks, culminating in evenings sitting around the swimming pools and bars provided by the lodge hosts.
