Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explore Victoria Falls and the real Botswana at some of our favourite boutique hotels...
Victoria Falls and pristine safari regions for the more energetic lesser known but equally rewarding adventures in a beautiful country.
Zambia is a wonderful country, friendly and peaceful, that offers superb wildlife and cultural encounters. It really is Africa’s best kept secret.
The country boasts the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa rivers which are the major focal points of the best safari areas. There is also Victoria Falls which offers its own amazing spectacle as well as adrenalin-packed activities.
A genuine highlight of a safari to Zambia is the very high quality of guidance which is maintained and regulated through a clear structure of guiding examinations and assessments.
It was in Zambia’s South Luangwa that the concept of walking safaris originated as the best way to enjoy the flora and fauna of the national parks. This is the finest area for walking with big game in Africa.
Along with the walking options the national parks of Zambia allow night drives which add an exciting extra dimension.
Zambia is impressive in so many ways and each of its different regions offers something unique and memorable:
South Luangwa: The lush Luangwa Valley is one of the finest wildlife areas in Africa. South Luangwa, the largest park in the region, offers superb game viewing with few visitors and a range of high-quality camps. The area is famous for pioneering walking safaris and is renowned for one of the highest leopard densities in Africa.
Victoria Falls: One of the seven natural “wonders of the world”. This is an area of spectacular scenic beauty from the cascading Victoria Falls themselves to the broad picturesque course of the Zambezi River upstream. Along with the abundant wildlife, there are numerous leisure activities and adrenalin sports.
Lower Zambezi: A stunningly beautiful rift valley through which the mighty Zambezi river flows. This region offers big game viewing alongside an impressive river with a stunning mountain backdrop. A superb mix of high-quality day and night game drives, walking safaris, motorboat and canoeing activity options.
Kafue: One of the largest parks in Africa this is the location for a remote, wild and diverse safari within a pristine wilderness. The Busanga Plains in the far north offer a unique environment within Zambia and attract a concentration of both common and rare antelope alongside a very healthy predator population.
Lusaka: Zambia’s capital city. Not high on Zambia’s list of attractions but its vibrant atmosphere, city market and attractive boulevards do offer some appeal.
South Luangwa is ideal for those seeking a rich wildlife experience, Kafue for diverse landscapes, Lower Zambezi for water-based activities, and Victoria Falls for its iconic natural wonder and adventure activities. Lusaka your international flight hub.
Kafue National Park is the largest of Zambia’s National Parks and compared to the better known South Langwa and Lower Zambezi is very under-utilised.
The Lower Zambezi National Park protects a large section of the stunning Zambezi valley. This is a superb area for safari with a wonderful scenic backdrop of the mighty Zambezi River and the surrounding mountains.
Most visitors to Zambia will bypass Lusaka as quickly as possible to avoid the uninteresting urban chaos. However some customers do need to stay here in order to connect with the early morning BA flight departure to London.
What makes this area so special, compared to other parks with a similar volume of wildlife, is that visitor numbers are relatively low which ensures a more intimate and high-quality wildlife experience.
Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders” – a name that accurately depicts the plum of spray, visible from some distance, caused by the cascading waters of the Zambezi River.
Q. Is Zambia a good safari destination?
Yes. Zambia is world-renowned for walking safaris, remote wilderness areas like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, and abundant wildlife in an uncrowded, intimate setting.
Q. When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The dry season from May to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, while November to April is the wet season, bringing lush scenery and spectacular birdwatching.
Q. Do I need a visa to visit Zambia?
Yes. Most visitors, including UK citizens, require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival at major airports and border posts.
Q. Is Zambia safe for tourists?
Yes. Zambia is politically stable and welcoming. Safaris are conducted in secure lodges and reserves with experienced guides, making it a safe and enjoyable destination.
Q. What wildlife can I see in Zambia?
Expect lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, and abundant birdlife. Walking safaris provide close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat.
Q. What makes Zambia different from other safari destinations?
Zambia is known for walking safaris, intimate camps, low visitor numbers, and pristine wilderness — offering a raw, off-the-beaten-track safari experience.
Q. Can I combine safari with other experiences in Zambia?
Yes. Many itineraries combine South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Victoria Falls for a mix of walking safaris, canoeing, river cruises, and stunning waterfalls.
Q. What should I pack for a Zambian safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, sturdy shoes, a fleece for cool mornings, insect repellent, and binoculars. Most lodges provide laundry services.
Q. How much does a Zambia safari and beach holiday really cost, and are there any hidden extras?
Safari and beach holidays are tailor made, so the cost depends on where you go, the level of accommodation and the time of year. We provide a clear breakdown of what is included, so you can understand your trip from the outset.
Your proposal will typically cover accommodation, internal flights, transfers, park fees and guiding. Where there are additional elements such as international flights or optional experiences, we explain these early so you can plan with confidence.
We will also guide you on other costs such as visas, tips and premium drinks. This means you have a realistic view of your overall budget before you travel.
Our approach is simple. Clear pricing, honest guidance and no hidden costs in your confirmed itinerary.
We had an amazing family holiday (2 kids aged 10) and the service and recommendations from S&B were fantastic. Local Masai Wanderings guide (Clement) was brilliant, knowledgeable and friendly and a real joy to travel with. Everything went very smoothly which was a testament to the organisation by S&B. Many thanks to Nick and the team, we will be back!
When you book a holiday like this you know it’s going to be early starts and early nights, and on the go Inbetween. It is the most rewarding experience, and the mix of luxury and tented accommodation makes you appreciate both, the consistent is the level of service from all staff, and their inherent friendliness was an added bonus.
I am just back from Tanzania and wanted to thank you very much for a fantastic itinerary. I loved all the accommodation choices made, all the connecting flights worked well and the guide was superb. I had a great time and let me know if you want to get some more feedback on any of the properties suggested by you and also Pongwe Beach which excellent.
We had the BEST time! I have been struggling to put into words how amazing our honeymoon actually was. By the time we got to Selous Riverside Safari Camp it was after lunch so we’d missed the afternoon trip but we went on the river safari late afternoon which was brilliant, could only be discribed as breathtaking for our first few sightings.