Often referred to as one of Africa’s best kept secrets, landlocked Zambia is set atop a high plateau in Central Africa and is geographically defined by its great rivers and basins, of which the most famous is its namesake, the Zambezi. The home of the walking safari; when tracking through the bush with an armed guide, you will learn about the smaller things that you would otherwise miss in a vehicle on a standard safari holiday. Night drives here can also be exhilarating and perfect for spotting some predatory action in the African bush. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, there is the added attraction of canoe safaris along the picturesque Zambezi river, ideal for an atmospheric sundowner, dodging hippos frolicking in the depths whilst elephants drink from the banks.
Working closely with local communities and conservation organisations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of Zambia. Unlike other safari operators, we can offer you exclusive experiences that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, private game drives or a guided tour of a local villages are just the beginning of some of the special experiences we can include in your Zambia itinerary.
For an 11-day walking safari in Zambia, we recommend a starting price of $9,000 per person. This will generally include accommodation at two different lodges, transfers and private guides.
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry dry season between August and November. Zambia is a relatively temperate country, although the climate can range from 21°C or 70°F to 31°C or 88°F depending on the altitude, which generally varies between 1,000 and 1,600 metres - largely dictated by the valleys of the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa Rivers.
Mobile camping safaris offer a truly unique experience, with the sounds of grazing animals or vervet monkeys hopping between the roves. Zambia is a truly wild destination and the places to stay in Zambia really do reflect this, with beautiful walking trails focused on the outdoors. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find luxury; the comfort and exclusivity of camps such as Tena Tena, Mchenja and Tafika will make your experience truly exquisite. For families and small groups, safari houses such as Luangwa House offer space, activities and safari programmes from one exclusive bush base.
Fantastic support and service as always! Overall it was an incredible experience, the entire trip was perfectly organised, the accommodation was incredible and the location is still by far the most incredible place on earth. Zambia is an absolute gem!
The level of service was incredible, it felt very personal and like communicating with a friend. The accommodation was superb with top notch service. This was a wonderful family trip and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The trips are superbly tailored to requirements! Thank you NWS for organising this special time for us.
Our safari was fantastic. The camps we stayed in were exceptional - especially Lion Camp with an excellent guide and the incredible sightings. The policy of having your own guide and your own vehicle made the experience even more special. Chindeni was also excellent - beautiful camp in a lovely setting , fantastic guide and some fantastic sightings. Bili was very good - nice camp with lots of wildlife at the waterholes, great guide but almost all relatively quiet game drives with one exceptional sighting of a leopard with a baby cub!
Our guide Jeffrey was amazing. His knowledge and skills were very impressive. This was one of the best safari trips I have ever been on. The food was also brilliant, Everyone has been helpful and friendly. We're already considering Indonesia or one of the snow leopard trips next!
I enjoyed working with my destination specialists to plan this trip, everything was great! I'm looking forward to travel to South America next!
Everything was excellent and exceeded our expectations. Ellen put together a unique and varied itinerary for us. It was absolutely perfect and gave us a taste of three distinct views of Zambia. Great trip planning, super responsiveness, and everything was attuned to our preferences.
Zambia’s top safari areas include South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Park. South Luangwa is known for walking safaris and leopards, Lower Zambezi for river-based game viewing, and Kafue for untouched wilderness. Need inspiration? Discover where to go in Zambia.
When preparing for an African safari in Zambia, pack neutral-toned, lightweight clothing for sun and insect protection, including long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a wide-brimmed hat, and closed-toe shoes. Carry a sweater or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings, along with a lightweight rain jacket if needed. Essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, and camera equipment are crucial. Personal medications, toiletries, power adapters, cash, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack are recommended.
The best months for a Zambia safari are during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is less dense, making them easier to spot. July to September is particularly popular for safaris as wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. The weather is cooler during these months, making for more comfortable game drives. However, it's important to note that October can be extremely hot before the rains start. While the wet season (November to April) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, some areas may become inaccessible due to heavy rains.
For a Zambia safari, you would typically fly into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Lusaka serves as a major hub and has international flight connections. From Lusaka, you can then take domestic flights to various safari destinations within Zambia.
Depending on your chosen safari area, you might also fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, especially if you're planning to visit Victoria Falls. Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) is another important entry point, located near South Luangwa National Park.
We’ll work with you to fully plan out every detail of your itinerary so you don’t need to worry.
The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, often abbreviated as ZMW or represented by the symbol "K". It's recommended to have some local currency on hand for small expenses, tips, and purchases in local markets. While larger hotels and tourist areas might accept major foreign currencies or credit cards, having Zambian Kwacha is useful for a smoother experience, especially in more remote or local settings.
Tipping practices in Zambia involve showing appreciation for good service. On safaris, it's customary to tip around $10 to $20 per person per day for guides and drivers, and a similar amount for lodge staff. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip may be added to the bill or appreciated if not included. Hotel porters generally receive $1 to $2 per bag, while local guides, taxis, and drivers might be given around $5 to $10. Spa and wellness services could warrant a 10-15% tip. While these are general guidelines, tipping is a personal choice based on the quality of service and local customs.
Yes, though it’s especially rewarding for those seeking an immersive experience. The lodges are intimate, the guiding exceptional, and safety standards high. Zambia suits travellers looking for authentic, less commercial safaris.
The best time to visit Zambia for safari is June to October, when it’s dry and animals gather around rivers and lagoons. This is ideal for walking safaris in South Luangwa and boat safaris in Lower Zambezi. The rainy season (Nov–Mar) brings lush landscapes and birdlife.
Zambia is home to lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and wild dogs. The Luangwa Valley has some of the best leopard sightings in Africa, while the Zambezi River attracts herds of elephants and buffalo.
Zambia offers walking safaris, boat safaris, and night drives — often within the same park. Multi-day walking safaris link camps across the bush, offering an unmatched sense of wilderness.
Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and remains one of Africa’s most authentic wilderness experiences. With low visitor numbers and exceptional guides, it’s ideal for travellers seeking raw, off-grid adventures.
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.
