10 Best Safaris in Zambia (2026)

We share the best safaris in Zambia, from walking safaris in South Luangwa to canoe adventures on the Zambezi. Explore wild, untamed landscapes, incredible wildlife sightings, and unforgettable African safari experiences.

If you’re dreaming of an African safari that feels raw, remote and wonderfully uncrowded, Zambia should be at the very top of your list. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari and home to some of the continent’s most pristine wilderness, this is where you trade traffic jams for elephant crossings and swap busy game drives for intimate wildlife encounters.

From the wildlife-rich plains of South Luangwa to canoe safaris along the Zambezi River and the dramatic landscapes near Victoria Falls, Zambia offers a safari experience that feels truly wild. There are so many best safaris in Zambia to choose from, so here are the top choices!

Why visit Zambia?

Beautiful, diverse, and abundant with wildlife, landlocked Zambia is situated in the southern part of Africa and is one of the safest and friendliest countries to visit. Often regarded as one of the loveliest hidden gems of Africa, Zambia has plenty to offer. 

The wild and powerful Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, twenty national parks, over a dozen spectacular waterfalls, lovely villages, and amazing safari parks are some things that make this country unique. Spending a holiday in Zambia can be a memorable experience. 

Explore vast open spaces, enjoy the wilderness, and admire lovely animals roaming the country. If you wish to experience the finest safari adventure, pack your bags and visit attractive Zambia!

Best Safaris in Zambia

1. Lower Zambezi National Park

Our first best safaris in Zambia is Lower Zambezi. This national park is home to nearly 400 bird species and 60 different mammals, including:

• buffaloes, 
• leopards
• antelopes
• wild dogs, 
• and elephants.

Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River are the most popular types of safaris that visitors enjoy. They allow visitors to explore some very distant areas of the Lower Zambezi National Park. 

You can explore numerous waterways while admiring huge hippos, elephants, and crocodiles in the waters, as well as the baboons sitting on the shores. 

Wild camping is possible by the riverbank or on some remote islands, where you can refresh and relax before your next trip.

2. South Luangwa National Park

Located in the Eastern part of Zambia, South Luangwa National Park has an abundance of wildlife. Here you can spot some beautiful:

• big lions, 
• large elephants, 
• elegant antelopes, 
• lovely zebras, 
• as well as some unique species of giraffe. 

Many different types of safaris are offered in this park, but walking safaris are the most popular ones. With the walking safaris, visitors can see animals from very close and can learn more about the distinct ecosystem of Zambia. 

Lodging is also available in the park, and some game drives are also available after sunset. Some unique animals can be seen only during the night time, like porcupines or honey badgers, so night safaris are very attractive as well.

3. Kafue National Park

This is the largest and oldest national park on Zambia`s territory, covering a huge terrain that stretches over three different provinces. Established nearly 100 years ago, Kafue National Park is where the Kafue River flows for over 250 kilometers. 

Since this park is so grandiose, it is impossible to explore everything this park has to offer, making it one of the best safaris in Zambia. That is why many visitors choose to explore specific parts of it. If you want to experience something unique, visit the Busanga Plains in the park, get on a hot-air-balloon safari to see the animals and wildlife from a high perspective. 

Walking safaris, boat drives, and game drives are also available in the park, and there are numerous camps and lodges throughout the park where visitors can stay. 

The Kafue National Park serves as a home for:

• lions, 
• wildebeest, 
• lechwe antelopes, 
• buffalo, 
• and over 500 bird species. 

4. Kasanka National Park

If you are visiting Zambia or are planning to do so, then you must try the numerous interesting attractions and activities available at the Kasanka National Park. A trip to this park is sure to refresh and rejuvenate your mind and soul making it one of the best safaris in Zambia.

The numerous picnic spots, hot springs, and spas in the park will surely make you feel the vibes of a traditional African safari in East Africa.

Kasanka National Park is located in the Serenje District of Zambia and is approximately 390 kilometers long, Kasanka is among the largest national parks in Zambia. It has been the first of Zambia’s national parks to be fully managed by a public-private partnership.

The Kasanka National Park has a wide range of attractions that will surely entice even the most demanding traveler. Some of the popular attractions include:

• the Snake River where you can view a variety of gigantic rivers that form the Snake’s tributaries; 
• the Lake Magadi, which has hippo pools and other picnic spots; 
• the Mzima River with its many lagoons and its massive crocodiles that you can encounter. 

All of these sites are easily accessible and are close to Kasanka city. Moreover, during your tour of the safari park, you can also visit the Lwiimani Hills where you can see some remarkable stone sculptures that date back to the Kasanka’s era. 

You can make a selection from a variety of guided tours available that will help you discover the park’s wonders and attractions.

5. North Luangwa National Park

For travellers seeking true wilderness, North Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most untouched safari destinations and one of the best safaris in Zambia.

Far quieter and more remote than its southern counterpart, it’s ideal for walking safaris that delve deep into raw bushland where sable antelope, hartebeest and large buffalo herds roam. With only a handful of intimate, low-impact camps, North Luangwa offers a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere — perfect for seasoned safari-goers who want to connect with nature in its purest form. 

6. Bangweulu Wetlands

The vast Bangweulu Wetlands in northern Zambia offer a safari experience that’s beautifully different from the savannah parks. This water-rich wonderland is one of the best places to visit in Africa and in the world to see the iconic black-lechwe antelope and the rare shoebill stork, making it a paradise for birders and wildlife photographers.

Boat excursions through the channels bring you close to grazing antelope and wading birdlife, while the surrounding grasslands may reveal sitatungas and other wetland dwellers. For an off-the-beaten-path best safaris in Zambia with striking landscapes and unique wildlife, Bangweulu is hard to beat.

7. Liuwa Plain National Park

If you’re looking for a safari that feels completely untouched and wildly remote, Liuwa Plain National Park is one of Zambia’s best-kept secrets and a must on your Africa bucket list. This vast grassland is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, where tens of thousands of wildebeest move across the plains between October and December.

The park is also known for its resilient lion population and dramatic skies, especially during storm season when lightning cracks across the horizon. With very few visitors, this is a safari for travellers who want raw wilderness, epic photography opportunities and a true off-grid adventure.

8. Nsumbu National Park

Bordering the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, Nsumbu National Park offers a completely different safari setting. Here, sandy beaches meet woodland and savannah, creating one of Zambia’s most scenic landscapes.

Game drives reveal elephants, zebra and antelope roaming against a lake backdrop, while boat safaris provide a chance to explore hidden coves and bird-rich shores. Its remoteness means fewer crowds and a peaceful, laid-back safari atmosphere — ideal for travellers wanting something unique and beautifully tranquil.

9. Blue Lagoon National Park

Located on the Kafue Flats, Blue Lagoon National Park is a haven for birdwatchers and antelope enthusiasts. During the dry season, large herds of lechwe gather on the floodplains, creating spectacular wildlife scenes. The wetlands also attract an abundance of birdlife, including storks, cranes and fish eagles.

While it may not have the predator densities of South Luangwa, Blue Lagoon offers peaceful landscapes, open horizons and fantastic photography opportunities — particularly during golden hour when the wetlands glow.

10. Mweru Wantipa National Park

For those craving a truly wild and rarely visited destination, Mweru Wantipa National Park is one of Zambia’s most remote safari regions. Set around the seasonal Lake Mweru Wantipa, this park features vast open plains, woodlands and wetlands that support elephants, antelope and diverse bird species. 

Infrastructure is limited, which adds to the adventurous feel — this is a safari for experienced travellers who want to explore somewhere few others have been. If solitude and discovery are high on your list, Mweru Wantipa delivers.

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Zambia is waiting to be discovered! Plan your trip carefully to see as much as possible, make sure to prepare for a safari adventure, and collect some unforgettable experiences!

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