Zambia Travel Guide

The flagship of Zambia is South Luangwa National Park, which is one of the oldest parks in Africa, with a rich tradition of excellent guiding. Zambia is often considered a second safari destination, usually for those who have caught the “safari bug” in South Africa or Kenya. The abundance of wildlife, in a very typical Africa bushveld setting, and the stylish simplicity of the camps make Zambia special.

However, it is the walking that really makes Zambia stand out. South Luangwa is one of the few national parks in Africa where you can walk – often from camp to camp – and it is not unusual to view the Big Five on foot.

In addition to this, many professional photographers rate South Luangwa as a special photographic destination. The wide winding river, the dust at sunset and the phenomenal game viewing make it easy to take wonderful photographs both from a vehicle or on foot.

Elsewhere, Kafue National Park can – in the right season – be explored by mokoro like the Okavango Delta, the Bangweulu Swamps are home to the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork and North Luangwa National Park only has three permanent lodges, making it one of the remotest experiences in Africa.

Only children aged 12 years or older can go on a walking safari in Zambia.

Despite regular news headlines suggesting that the falls have dried up, the truth is that water levels fluctuate on a seasonal basis – with this schedule rarely changing much from one year to the next.

The falls are fed by rains in Angola, Zambia and even Congo, far away from the falls themselves. Due to this distance, water levels peak well after the rains begin, usually reaching their peak in April and May. During these months, the falls become a mass of crashing water with spray often obscuring them completely. This means that views on foot can be less spectacular than you might expect, but the views from the air are staggering.

Either side of these peak months – so January, February, June, July and August – a tremendous amount of water still flows over the falls, but the spray is less, meaning views on foot are much better. The sight from the air remains spectacular. For the best all-round experience, we would recommend travelling during these months.

Water levels fall to their lowest point between September and December. As this coincides with some of the hottest weather in October, many people prefer not to visit at this time. During these months, it is quite common for the Zambian side of the falls to dry up almost completely; however, the Zimbabwean side continues to flow and the lack of spray can make for excellent photographs.

Both sides offer different perspectives and we recommend that, regardless of whether you stay in Zimbabwe or Zambia, you cross the border to see the other side. Therefore, it is not hugely important which side you chose – both offer similar activities and a wide range of excellent accommodation.

The Zimbabwean side does have the greater flow of water, so when water levels are particularly low, this side remains more spectacular. However, the Zambian side can lay claim to the Devil’s Pool, where you can take a dip right at the edge of the falls – an exhilarating experience.