Why Zambia is Africa’s hidden gem for safari travel

“It was wildest, untouched Africa, and it was magic.” - Jane Goodall

Zambia: Africa's wild beauty without the crowds

Zambia is often overshadowed by more iconic safari destinations such as Kruger National Park in South Africa, Okavango Delta in Botswana and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. However, Zambia is home to some truly picturesque national parks and impressive wildlife spectacles. With a whopping 30% of Zambia's landmass demarcated for wildlife, it is not surprising that Zambia is home to two incredible annual migrations.  

And perhaps most importantly of all, it still offers both authentic and luxurious safari experiences without the crowds! It is no coincidence that for the second consecutive year, Zambia has emerged as the winner of the Best Leisure Destination in Africa at the 2025 Global Traveler Awards. Dr. Jane Goodall may not have been referencing Zambia in her quote, but today her description runs true of Zambia's wilderness. In truth, Zambia’s parks have long been known for their outstanding wildlife experiences. This has made them particularly popular amongst seasoned safari-goers. Yet, until very recently, Zambia hasn’t been receiving the attention it deserves as a luxury safari destination.

Michelle recently visited Zambia again in 2025, as she guided one of my favourite families on a luxury safari to Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa. And she can confirm: Zambia truly is one of Africas most underrated destinations.

With over-tourism increasingly a concern in many parts of Africa, we are always looking for unspoiled wilderness without the crowds. Enter Zambia; a wilderness destination that offers both exceptional safari experiences, and the creature comforts our travellers have come to expect on safari. This was exactly why we custom designed this Zambia safari, and we weren't disappointed!

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Key Take Aways

• Zambia safari = wild beauty without the crowds – authentic, remote, and unspoiled.
• Exceptional value-for-money compared to other African safari destinations, with luxury camps at lower cost.
• Home of the walking safari – pioneered in South Luangwa, still one of the best places in Africa to experience it.
• Diverse safari experiences – from predator-rich South Luangwa, to the Lower Zambezi’s river safaris, to Kafue’s remote wilderness.
• Two epic migrations – wildebeest in Liuwa Plains and millions of bats in Kasanka.
• Conservation-driven & sustainable – small lodges, real impact, and wildlife-first operations.
• Safe and welcoming – one of Africa’s safest countries with friendly people and stable political climate.

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Why Choose a Zambia Safari Tour?

Why Zambia should be your next safari destination

Imagine South Africa, but wilder, more remote, no fences, and less accessible.  A raw wilderness destination, offering superb big 5 game viewing in addition to being home to a host of different species seen nowhere else in Africa.

Whilst some of Zambia's safari regions are relatively well known (e.g. South Luangwa National Park), its other regions are fast becoming Africa’s newest “it” safari destinations. Lower Zambezi and the Kafue National Park are two of our favourite Zambian destinations.

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What sets Zambia African safari tours apart

1. Unbeatable value-for-money: how much do safaris cost in Zambia?

Without a doubt, Zambia offers exceptional value compared to other luxury African safari destinations. The cost of a safari in Zambia is significantly lower than equivalent lodges in Botswana or Kenya (simply due to lower demand). Yet the quality of wildlife experiences often exceeds these pricier alternatives. This is why Zambia earned its place on our Destination Dupes list.

The average luxury Zambia safari cost falls between USD 700 and USD 1,400 per person per night for low season or slightly lower-end luxury lodges. High season prices and more luxurious lodges tend to hover between USD 900 and USD 2,200 per person per night.  

Compared to how much other safaris cost in Africa, this truly is unbeatable value-for-money. On average, luxury safaris in Africa cost between $1,500–$3,000 per person per night depending on the country and lodge. Zambia tends to offer excellent value for money, with fewer crowds and highly personalized experiences compared to more commercial safari destinations. Domestic flights within Zambia are also reasonably priced, making multi-reserve itineraries not only possible but achievable for most budgets.

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2. Pioneering the walking safari

With their history pioneering the walking safari concept, Zambia remains the best place in Africa to experience wildlife on foot. Northern Luangwa National Park, particularly, is one of the most epic wilderness walking destinations you can visit. The combination of walking, boating and game drives means there is something for everyone, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife on offer in a multitude of ways.  

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3. True sustainability without the flashy badges

The commitment to sustainability and conservation is tangible in Zambia. This is something to be appreciated in today's world. You truly get to experience that each of the camps and small operators are wildlife- and landscape-focused. When visiting the right lodges, you get to become an ambassador for these great parks - as opposed to mass-consumers of a commercialised, profit-driven operation.  

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4. One of the safest African travel destinations

And last but not least - as it's a concern many travellers have when visiting Africa - Zambia is renowned to be one of the safest countries in the world to visit. Politically stable and home to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, the country has low crime rates. Zambia is amongst our four safest African safari destinations.

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Top Destinations for a Safari in Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park – dreamy riverine landscapes teeming with wildlife

Perhaps top of the most scenically beautiful conservation areas in Zambia, the Lower Zambezi escarpment provides an impressive backdrop to the mighty Zambezi River, the star of the show. The park is defined by expansive Winter Thorn forests, fertile riverine floodplains, and open grasslands, as well as the side channels of the Zambezi river that invite canoe and boat safaris.  Its unique landscape and abundance of predators, especially leopards, lions and wild dogs, make it an incredibly appealing safari destination.  

Our 2025 Zambia adventure kicked off in the Lower Zambezi, a short 30-minute flight from the capital Lusaka. We stayed at Lolebezi Lodge, our home for the next 4 days. The flight in was exquisite – you drop down over the escarpment, descending into the Zambezi River valley below. Flying along the river itself, you have Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park on one side and Zimbabwe's Mana Pools on the other, with hippos, giant crocs and herds of elephants moving peacefully between the waterways & islands, unbound by human borders.

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South Luangwa – heart of the Zambia safari experience

South Luangwa is home to some BIG names in the safari industry – Norman Carr, for example, is widely regarded as the pioneer of walking safaris; and Robin Pope established a benchmark for sustainable, community-focused tourism, running camps in the Luangwa region since the 1980's. Both Norman Carr & Robin Pope still operate camps in the South Luangwa region. For our recent visit, we chose Chiawa Safaris for this trip - a prominent family-run, Zambian-owned company known for its responsible tourism practices.  

The South Luangwa National Park, thanks to some of the pioneers mentioned above, is renowned as the traditional home of the modern walking safari. Much of the wildlife congregates along a 150km stretch of the meandering, seasonal Luangwa River – a major tributary of the Zambezi River which flows strongly in the rainy season, drying out to a series of oxbow lagoons and pools in the dry season, boasting the highest concentrations of hippo in Africa. Known for its elephant, buffalo and high population of lion and leopard, the South Luangwa is also home to the endemic Crawshay’s zebra and Thornicroft’s giraffe. South Luangwa National Park comes with its own nickname – it’ called the “Valley of the Leopard”.

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Kafue National Park – remote, authentic and without the crowds

Kafue National Park is known for its remote wilderness, fewer tourists, and unique wildlife encounters. A safari here offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Expect to see big cats, large elephant herds, rare antelope like sable and roan, and incredible birdlife across vast floodplains and woodlands. The best time to visit Kafue National Park is during the dry season from June to October.  

Here, lodges like Musekese Camp (from USD 670 per person sharing per night in the low season of May-June & November) offer exceptional game viewing and private safari experiences, in unspoiled wilderness areas at some of the lowest rates available today. Their conservation impact in the area is tangible, adding a great feel-good factor to visiting this more remote area of Zambia, with your stay contributing to its wider protection.  For travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic adventure, a Zambia safari in Kafue delivers unmatched exclusivity and a deep connection to the wild.

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Our wildcard: the wild and untamed landscapes of Luiwa Plains and Kasanka

In Luiwa Plains National Park, the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa takes place with over 40,000 wildebeest migrating to the Liuwa floodplains, an incredible sight that also attracts zebra and inevitably predators such as lion, hyena, cheetah and wild dog. At a similar time of the year, Kasanka National Park is visited by over 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats, which descend into the park's evergreen Mushitu forest to feed on ripening fruits.  

Even more astounding than these impressive migrations is that Luiwa and Kasanka do not even feature in Zambia's "mainstream” safari circuit, which rather includes Lower Zambezi, South Luanga and Kafue National Parks. In fact, 95% of all tourists visiting Zambia don't see these migrations and of the 1 million tourists visiting the country every year, over half of them visit solely for the Victoria falls (all the way in the South of the country) and never set foot in one of Zambia's other 54 Parks/ Reserves.

Both the Luiwa Wilderbeest Migration & Kasanka Bat Migration are prime attractions in the November shoulder season, in between the dry high season and rainy emerald season.

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Quick-fire tips and advice for planning your Zambia safari trip

Q: When to go on a safari to Zambia?

A:  The dry season (June to October) is best for a classic game viewing safari in Zambia, when wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. As Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari (pioneered in South Luangwa), the dry season is also ideal for walking. Guided on foot by expert rangers, you experience the bush in its purest form — tracking wildlife, learning about plants, and feeling immersed in nature’s rhythms.

75% of Zambian lodges are only open in this dry season. Others operate during shoulder season, which is broadly:  

• December-March: Emerald Season, with lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching in South Luangwa.  

• November: ideal for Luiwa Wilderbeest Migration & Kasanka Bat Migration

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Q: Zambia safari cost: how much do safaris cost in Zambia?

A: The average luxury Zambia safari cost falls between USD 700 and USD 1,400 per person per night for low season or slightly lower-end luxury lodges. High season prices and more luxurious lodges tend to hover between USD 900 and USD 2,200 per person per night.  

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Q: Safety on safari: Is Zambia safe to visit?

A: Yes, Zambia is safe for travellers. National parks and safari lodges are well-managed, and guides ensure your safety on all activities, including walking safaris. As with any international trip, take standard precautions like travel insurance, vaccinations, and avoiding unsafe urban areas at night. Working with a trustworthy and experienced travel agent will ensure you have a safe safari in Zambia.

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Q: What are the best Zambia luxury safari camps?

A: Some of the top-rated Zambia luxury safari camps and lodges are found in South Luangwa and along the Zambezi River (Lower Zambezi). These include intimate bush camps for adventurous travelers and high-end lodges with pools, fine dining, and river views.

‍Read more about our favourite Zambia luxury safari lodges here.

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Q: Booking Zambia African safari tours: who to book with and how to choose the right tour operator?

A: Book your Zambia wildlife safari with a safari agent who has travelled to Zambia themselves and has visited the camps that they are recommending to you. Experienced agents will be able to create tailored safari itineraries specifically to your needs, be that family, honeymoon, adventure, and/or luxury.  

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Explore some of our own Zambia safari tours here:

• The Wilds of Zambia: A watery wonderland mix of experiences, from the Busanga swamps in Kafue, to the mighty Zambezi River and Winter Thorn forests in Lower Zambezi - this is an action-packed safari full of exquisite animals and superb mix of game viewing opportunities.

• Browse overview of our favourite Zambia luxury lodges  or read more on our blog about Zambia luxury safari camps.

• Combine the best of South Africa with the best of Zambia: our most recent Zambia luxury safari tour. Read about our experience on our most recent Zambia luxury family safari to Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa.

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Are you interested in discovering Zambia? Get in touch today and we'll help you plan your dream Zambia safari.

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Written by Michelle Pengilly and Evelyn Poole.