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Classic Zambia Safari

A country full of wild and authentic safari experiences!

Zambia is home to the birthplace of walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park, the exhilarating land and water based safaris in the Lower Zambezi, and the wild and untouched national parks of Kafue and North Luangwa. The safari experience and game viewing is like no other. Here is a little breakdown of the safari destinations that Zambia home.

South Luangwa National Park

Zambia’s variety of national parks, landscape, topography, activities and guiding make it a very attractive destination for first time and experienced safari travelers. There are several national parks in Zambia but top of the list is the South Luangwa National Park. With reliable sightings of the elusive leopard, and a range of activities including night drives and exhilarating walking safaris, most guests spend an average of four to seven nights in the park to experience an unforgettable safari. Guests usually split their time between two camps and areas in the park and we highly recommend staying in at least one bush camp for a rustic and wild experience!

Take a look at: Mfuwe Lodge, Tafika Camp, Chinzombo Camp, Bilimungwe Camp, Mchenja Bushcamp

Lower Zambezi National Park

Second (or on par) with the South Luangwa is the Lower Zambezi National Park. With the mighty Zambezi River flowing through the park, game viewing activities are water and land based. With a selection including canoe trips, fishing, boat trips, night and day game drives and walking safaris, guests staying here will certainly not have fall short of things to do! Alongside a wealth of activities, one of the best things to do in the Lower Zambezi is to relax in the peaceful camp and enjoy an “armchair safari” with a gin and tonic in hand… watching the incredible wildlife come to drink along the riverbank!

Take a look at: Old Mondoro, Anabezi, Chiawa Camp, Sausage Tree Camp

North Luangwa National Park

Safaris to North Luangwa National Park are often combined with the south park, and whilst it is not a common itinerary, with a short 10-20-minute light aircraft flight between the two, it is easy to combine. With a few exceptions, the wildlife in the north is the same as what you would find in the south. The eland (the largest of the antelope), hartebeest, larger lion prides and buffalo herds are often seen more often here compared to the south. Walking safaris are the preferred method of game viewing, and depending on which camp you stay in, you may only get into a vehicle when you are arriving or leaving!

Take a look at: Mwaleshi Camp

Kafue National Park

Located in the centre of Zambia is Kafue National Park, and at a size of 22,400 square kilometres (approximately the same size as Wales), Kafue is the country’s largest national park. Although it is a lesser-visited area, Kafue homes a variety of areas and plains, offering diverse landscapes, geography, birding and wildlife. This park is characterised by a diversity of habitats, including floodplains, swamps, miombo woodland and vast open plains, which make the game drives and walking safaris all that more interesting! The size of the park means that wildlife densities are not as concentrated as some smaller parks, but this isn’t to say the game viewing isn’t fantastic!

Take a look at: Busanga Bushcamp, Shumba Camp, Ila Safari Lodge

Liuwa Plain National Park

Located in the very west of Zambia is the most remote and secluded national park in the country – Liuwa Plains. Meaning  “plains” in the local Lozi language, the vast grassland is home to the second largest wildebeest migration on earth (after East Africa). An impressive 47,000 or so wildebeest migrate from the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem into the park, their movement dependent on water, grazing, fire and human establishment.

Where to go in zambia
For Classic Safari

Classic Zambia Safari

Zambia Safari Map © The Africa Specialists 2025

More travel guides for Africa Classic Safari trips in 2026/27

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Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Classic Zambia Safari in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Classic Zambia Safari for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

South Luangwa National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
South Luangwa National Park

Victoria Falls

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Victoria Falls

Lower Zambezi National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lower Zambezi National Park

Kafue National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kafue National Park

North Luangwa National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
North Luangwa National Park

Liuwa Plain National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Liuwa plains wildebeest zambia africa specialists

Lusaka

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lusaka

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Classic Zambia Safari for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Classic Zambia Safari for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$140$1,200

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

Mwaleshi Camp

zambia

From $580 per person per night
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Mwaleshi Camp

Tafika Camp

zambia

From $980 per person per night
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Tafika Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp

zambia

From $580 per person per night
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Chikoko Tree Camp

Nsefu Camp

zambia

From $1,150 per person per night
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Nsefu Camp

Flatdogs Camp

zambia

From $425 per person per night
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Flatdogs Camp

Tongabezi

zambia

From $965 per person per night
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Tongabezi

Waterberry Lodge

zambia

From $600 per person per night
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Waterberry Lodge

Chongwe River Camp

zambia

From $990 per person per night
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Chongwe River Camp

Chamilandu Bush Camp

zambia

From $955 per person per night
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Chamilandu Bush Camp

Royal Livingstone Hotel

zambia

From $625 per person per night
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Royal Livingstone Hotel

Latitude 15

zambia

From $140 per person per night
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Reception, Latitude 15, Lusaka, Zambia

Crocodile River Camp

zambia

From $580 per person per night
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Crocodile River Camp

Chindeni Bush Camp

zambia

From $1,066 per person per night
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Chindeni Bush Camp

Luangwa River Camp

zambia

From $665 per person per night
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Luangwa River Camp

Kafunta River Lodge

zambia

From $710 per person per night
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Kafunta River Lodge

Islands of Siankaba

zambia

From $560 per person per night
See the island now
Islands of Siankaba, View of the camp, Victoria Falls, Zambia

Robin’s House

zambia

From $455 per person per night
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Robin's House

Mchenja Camp

zambia

From $1,200 per person per night
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Mchenja Camp

Nkwali Camp

zambia

From $755 per person per night
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Nkwali Camp

Kakuli Camp

zambia

From $1,200 per person per night
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Kakuli Camp

Mfuwe Lodge

zambia

From $755 per person per night
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Mfuwe Lodge

Nsolo Camp

zambia

From $1,030 per person per night
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Nsolo Camp

Kapamba Bush Camp

zambia

From $955 per person per night
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Kapamba Bush Camp

Tena Tena

zambia

From $1,150 per person per night
See the camp now
Tena Tena

Bilimungwe Bush Camp

zambia

From $955 per person per night
See the camp now
Bilimungwe Bush Camp

Luwi Camp

zambia

From $1,030 per person per night
See the camp now
Luwi Camp

Luangwa Safari House

zambia

From $600 per person per night
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Luangwa Safari House

Zunguilila Bush Camp

zambia

From $955 per person per night
See the camp now
Zunguilila Bush Camp

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Classic Zambia Safari in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Classic Zambia Safari for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days8Days11

Duration

$4,500$5,500

Price Brackets (USD)

8 Nights

The Greatest Walking Safari

Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park

From $5,000 per person
See the Trip
Walking Safaris in South Luangwa, Zambia

11 Nights

Authentic Lodges and Mobile Camps

Chobe National Park, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia

From $4,500 per person
See the Trip
Jao Camp, Okavango Concessions

9 Nights

A Focus on Botswana

Chobe National Park, The Okavango Concessions, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
African Leopard
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Classic Safari trip to zambia in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a zambia Classic Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of zambia or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect zambia Classic Safari  trip…

January fair

Visiting Zambia in January 2026/27

January sits right in the middle of the main rainy season in Zambia which, due to the abundance of impassable “black cotton” soil, brings the safari industry to a halt to all intents and purposes. There are one or two properties still open and Victoria Falls is getting to its highest water levels.

Activities & Events

The “green season” birding in the South Luangwa is excellent if a little wet!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Virtually nobody around so great prices and availability
  • + Really good birding
  • + Victoria Falls at high water levels
  •   The black cotton soil restricts access

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Not really a time fo big game viewing

February fair

Visiting Zambia in February 2026/27

As with travel in January, February is still right in the middle of the main rains and so access and logistics are severly hampered. Of the few camps that remain open there is good birding and some boating to be done. 

Activities & Events

Not really a time for big game viewing, this is a peaceful period with birding and Victoria Falls still good options.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Very few visitors so good prices and availability
  • + Excellent birding
  •   Rainfall really restricts safari activities

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + Be on the look out for special rates

March mixed

Visiting Zambia  in March 2026/27

Still classified by camps as the “green season”, March offers a quiet and less rushed safari with birding and witnessing Victoria Falls at its peak flow the main activities. Not really a time for big game viewing.

Activities & Events

As per the above, this is not really a main season for game viewing but, with fewer crowds, limited walking and, in particular, birding can be rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Good time for limited walking and birding
  • + Really good value for money
  • + Victoria Falls is at its peak flow
  •   Game viewing and access are still restricted

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + Good value for those on a budget

April mixed

Visiting Zambia in April 2026/27

Still sitting firmly in the rainy season, April is still a restricted month in Zambia with birding and limited walking safaris the main activities. 

Activities & Events

For those that are keen on white water rafting, this is a good month to do go as the waters of Victoria Falls tend to calm down a bit allbeit the rapids are also calmer.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Good value for money
  • + Great birding still
  •   Restricted safari activities

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Really good month for a quieter safari experience

May mixed

Visiting Zambia in May 2026/27

At last, as the main rains start to fade as the month goes on, the country and properties start to re-open once more in preparation for the main season. While many areas remain tricky to navigate, game viewing in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi start to improve. 

Activities & Events

The main reason for coming to Zambia, walking and driving safaris start up once again.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Rain starting to clear up
  • + Wildlife viewing and walking safaris start to improve
  • + Still very good value for money
  •   Not all the properties have re-opened yet

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + A good month to take a gamble if you are on a budget

June great

Visiting Zambia in June 2026/27

Known as a fringe month for Zambia, June is one of our top picks as most areas are now fully accessible, all the camps are open once more and the game and scenery is starting to really come into its own.

Activities & Events

Walking safaris benefit from the lower temperatures and, as such, it is a great time to visit.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Excellent game viewing
  • Plenty of good rates to benefit from
  •   Not too many downsides!

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + A great period for budgets and viewing

July best

Visiting Zambia in July 2026/27

July is the start of the main season in Zambia for safari and, as such, all of the camps and areas start to fill with people wanting to see what the country has to offer. Excellent game viewing in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and the Kafue.

Activities & Events

Walking safaris in South Luangwa and boating in the Lower Zambezi are top choices!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and clear weather with cool mornings and evenings
  • + Superb wildlife numbers across the country
  • + Victoria Falls is looking resplendent!
  •   Prices have jumped up since June

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get booked in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting Zambia in August 2026/27

The main safari period is now in full swing across the country with walking in South Luangwa being one of the real highlights. Plenty of people also head to Victoria Falls for white water rafting as the waters recede and so the rapids improve.

Activities & Events

All the main parks of South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and the Kafue are as good as they get.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are starting to increase as the month goes on
  • + Very good game viewing and activities
  • + Great month for white water rafting
  • The most expensive month in the year to travel

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Early booking is a must for the month

September great

Visiting Zambia in September 2026/27

September remains, arguably, one of the very best months to visit Zambia. With temperatures still in the middle 20s, game starting to congregate around the water sources and the arrival of the carmine bee eaters, there is plenty to see and do. 

Activities & Events

Really good walking, boating and birding to be done in the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm, clear days make for great walking
  • + The arrival of the carmine bee eaters provide a focus
  • + Lower season for visitors
  •   Prices are still on the higher side

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Earlier in the month is better for temperatures

October still good

Visiting Zambia in October 2026/27

October brings higher temperatures to Zambia and, as such, walking safaris tend to be restricted to early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Later in the month the nightly temperatures can make things uncomfortable for those who are not used to it.

Activities & Events

Still a good time to see plenty of game although the water of the Lower Zambezi is a welcome relief after the heat of the South Luangwa!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather, starting to heat up
  • + Visitor numbers start to drop off
  •   Temperatures can start to tell for some

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Try and travel earlier in the month

November fair

Visiting Zambia in November 2026/27

Ostensibly the start of the rainy season towards the end of the month, November is a great month for those not affected by the higher temperatures as the country becomes quieter once more. Be prepared for hot, muggy days!

Activities & Events

Walking safaris can be draining at this time of year although there is still excellent game to be seen.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Much lower visitor numbers meaning better value and options
  • + Game viewing and migratory birding very good
  •   Temperatures can be stilfing at times

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Aim to book at the front end of the month

December fair

Visiting Zambia in December 2026/27

December moves into the start of the main rains and, as such, the rivers start to fill and mobility starts to become restricted. Still offering good walking and a host of birds varieties, it is still a very pretty time to travel.

Activities & Events

Walking and boating safaris are still very rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Excellent value time of the year
  • + Very good birding in particular
  •   Rainfall can make for soggy game viewing
  •   The bush becomes harder to track through

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good value time of the year

Please visit our Best Time to Visit zambia page for full information about zambia

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

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Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

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From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.