Home of the walking safari, Zambia offers the ultimate twist on conventional wildlife safari destinations. The wilderness areas in parks and reserves offer regular sightings of popular predators, including lions, leopards and hyena.
If you head south to the plains of Busanga and Kafue National Park you can spot cheetahs. Large herds of elephant and buffalo roam the savannah plains whilst hippos and crocodiles wallow in their suited aquatic habitats. You may see elephant herds crossing the Luangwa River, tail to trunk as they protect their young. Other wildlife you may encounter includes wild dogs, vervet monkeys, spotted hyena, giraffe, warthog, antelope and porcupines, as well as some reptile species. Hear the boisterous alarm calls of baboons flying through the trees or witness an elusive leopard stealthily greeting the night as you return to your lodge after sunset.
The African hunting dog, also known as the African wild dog, is a species of canid found in various parts of Africa, including Zambia. These dogs are known for their unique hunting techniques, which involve chasing prey over long distances until the prey becomes exhausted. In Zambia, African hunting dogs can be found in several national parks and game reserves, including South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park. These dogs typically live in packs of 6 to 20 individuals, and their pack size can vary depending on factors such as food availability and habitat quality. Despite being highly skilled hunters, African hunting dogs are considered an endangered species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and disease. Conservation efforts are underway in Zambia to protect these animals and their habitats.
Visit Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park with acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Dyer. At Natural World Safaris we firmly believe in right time, right place, and Zambia is the perfect destination to take advantage of good sightings of a large pack of wild dogs.
Immerse yourself in this rich wildlife Zambia's South Luangwa National Park on this 10-day safari.
From 13000 per person
A 11-day Zambia walking safari through the beautiful South Luangwa Valley National Park. Get up close to the wildlife and gain an understanding of the smaller parts of the African bush with some of the best guides in the industry.
From 7000 per personWidely distributed throughout Zambia, leopards are found in many different habitats including savannas, woodlands, forests, and even in urban areas. Leopards are considered a protected species and are listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they are still facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Conservation efforts in Zambia are working towards protecting leopard populations through initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, community education programs, and the creation of protected areas. The leopards that live in the South Luangwa National Park are anything but shy, you can see them lounging in the trees, lurking and hunting. Despite the threats they face, in South Luangwa, leopards rule in the “Valley of the Leopard.”
Elephants are one of Zambia’s most iconic safari sightings. Vast herds roam freely in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, often seen crossing rivers or gathering around watering holes. The Luangwa River crossings, with elephants moving trunk to tail, are a particular highlight. Zambia is also a stronghold for elephant conservation, with anti-poaching efforts supporting a steady population increase in recent years.
The largest migration of mammals on the planet is in Kasanka National Park from late October to early December, when up to 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats migrate from the Congo Basin in search of specific trees.
With over 740 species of bird recorded, Zambia is also well known by ornithologists, particularly in the Central African Plateau where woodlands and the wet evergreen forests of the north are perfect habitats for an astonishing array of birdlife. One of Zambia’s unique species is the African shoebill; these quirky creatures seem almost Jurassic and are non-migratory so can be seen year-round.
Wildlife Specialists
Zambia is one of Africa’s best-kept wildlife secrets. Our safaris are timed to coincide with the best game-viewing windows, placing you in front-row seats for thrilling wildlife encounters. From witnessing dramatic lion hunts in South Luangwa to spotting elusive leopards by starlight, we work only with expert guides who live and breathe the bush.
Wealth of Experience
Zambia is where the walking safari was born, and our team has deep-rooted knowledge of the country’s wildest corners. From the remote valleys of North and South Luangwa to the floodplains of Liuwa, we work closely with the region’s top guides and camps to offer seamless access to exceptional wildlife encounters.
Tailor-Made Safaris
Every journey to Zambia is crafted around your personal interests — whether it’s tracking big cats on foot, birdwatching along the Zambezi, or catching the glow of a fiery African sunset from a bush camp. We focus on authentic experiences in areas far from the crowds, with flexible itineraries built just for you.
