Leopard, South Luangwa, Zambia

Zambia

The home of the walking safari, Zambia is renowned for on-foot adventures. Sleep in small bush camps, track lion paw prints at first light and finish the day ankle-deep in the cooling waters of one of the Zambezi’s quiet tributaries.

With a feeling of untamed nature, Zambia is a country that draws people back, time and time again. To many, a Zambian safari represents the real Africa – a still undiscovered wilderness where exploration on foot reaps the greatest rewards.

From the plains of Liuwa and the savannah of Luangwa to the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls, Zambia encapsulates the idea of an African adventure.

Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
Isolated elephant in a mist of sprayed water, South Luangwa, Zambia
Elephant, South Luangwa, Zambia

Why choose Zambia

Home of the walking safari, Zambia offers some of the best on-foot game wildlife viewing in Africa. Led by an expert guide, explore the magnificent Luangwa Valley on foot, with the option to even walk from camp to camp as part of a specialised walking safari.

And beyond this, Zambia has plenty to offer. On its southern border, the Victoria Falls crash majestically down into the Zambezi; in the remote north, conservation and royal rituals sit side by side on the Liuwa Plains; and farther west, prehistoric shoebill storks hide in the Bangweulu Wetlands.

Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia
Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia
Elephant with baby by river, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Why travel to Zambia with Steppes

With over two decades of experience arranging Zambian safaris, we know not just the best camps but the people behind them. A walking safari is brought to life by the guide, so we will always recommend camps that are renowned for their guides.

It’s also a reality of a Zambian safari that some of the better sightings come in busier areas of the parks. That’s why we often choose to combine multiple camps within the same park – balancing seclusion with exceptional sightings.

Hippos, South Luangwa, Zambia
Hippos, South Luangwa, Zambia

Our Recommendation

Don’t know where to start? This suggested holiday combines all the best elements of a Zambian walking safari: experienced guides, intimate camps and complete wilderness.

8 days

from £5,175 pp

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Need inspiration?
Browse our Zambia holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Lolebezi £££££

  • Africa
  • Safari Lodge

Set in the untouched wilds of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Lolebezi is arguably one of the most stylish and individual camps here.

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Latitude 15 £££££

  • Zambia
  • City

This 18-bedroom boutique hotel is the newest, sleekest, most exciting addition to hotels in Lusaka. Latitude 15 interiors are influenced by locally sourced art, each room boasts vibrant décor, progressive architecture and an innovative and creative vibe. The hotel offers high-tech conveniences, oversize luxury bedrooms, beautifully landscaped gardens and top-notch dining experience which will help relax and re-energize any weary traveller. Latitude 15 has a high level of sophistication and service that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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KaingU Lodge £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Positioned on the beautiful slow-moving Kafue River, KaingU Lodge is situated on the eastern edge of Kafue National Park. Traditionally styled, this small camp centres on a thatched boma. Beside this, a redwood deck looks out over the river, shaded by overhanging trees. At night a stone fire pit warms the deck, which is the perfect place for dining, sipping sundowners or simply relaxing. Six Meru-style thatched chalets, with canvas walls, dot the surrounding area. All feature en-suite facilities, as well as stone-built outside showers that face the waters of the Kafue River. The tented chalets sit on raised private decks and are lit by solar-powered lights.

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Thorntree River Lodge £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and only a short distance from Victoria Falls, this elegant river-facing lodge lies on the banks of the Zambezi. Built in a contemporary style, Thorntree River Lodge centres on a beautiful open dining area, with expansive wooden decking that features a cosy sunken boma.

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King Lewanika Camp £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

The launch of this new lodge heralds the arrival of the first luxury accommodation in the remote Liuwa Plains National Park. King Lewanika Lodge is formed of just six beautiful villas, including a two-bedroomed family villa. These stylish open-fronted villas, all of them spacious and private, look out over the endless plains of the park. Activities include game drives and bush walks, as well as the chance to join researchers from the Zambian Carnivore Program.

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Chamilandu Bushcamp £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Chamilandu Bush Camp nestles in splendid isolation overlooking both the Luangwa River and the rugged Nchindene range of hills bordering the valley. Accommodation comprises three grass and thatch chalets with comfortable beds, mosquito nets and en suite facilities. The camp is ideal for small groups seeking a heightened wilderness experience and the opportunity to explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary on foot. Open to a 180-degree vista, Chamilandu is a small classic safari camp which is situated in a cool ebony grove high on the banks of the Luangwa River, with breath-taking river views across to the Chindeni Hills in the distance.

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Experiences to consider

Zambia offers incredible experiences that will help us to create a bespoke and memorable journey for you.

Shoebill in East Africa, Zambia
Zambia

Spot Shoebills

Spot rare shoebills nesting in the Bangweulu Wetlands. Stay at the beautiful Shoebill Island Camp.

A black lechwe looks back on a wide open plain, Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia
Zambia

Wetland Wildlife

Encounter wetland species, such as the black lechwe and rosy-throated longclaw.

Wildebeest, Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia
Zambia

The Wildebeest Migration

Witness the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Stilt, Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia
Zambia

Bird Watching

Spot 300 species of birds, including the rare and endangered wattled and crowned cranes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

hyaena, Liuwa Plains, Zambia
Zambia

Hyenas

Encounter the park’s huge clans of hyenas – some as large as 60 individuals.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Zebra running on plains, Liuwa Plains, Zambia
Zambia

Plains Wildlife

Admire the game that flourishes here, with red lechwes, zebras and wildebeests, all seen in their thousands.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cultural shopping brackets
Zambia

Kabwata Cultural Village

Visit Kabwata Cultural Village for some curio shopping.

Bat migration, Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Zambia

Fruit Bats

Witness millions of fruit bats fill the skies in Kasanka.

Black Rhino, North Luangwa, Zambia
Zambia

Remote North

Explore remote and wild North Luangwa. Home to endangered black rhinos, this little-visited park is very different from its southern namesake.

Wading on walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia
Zambia

Walking Safari

Experience the thrill of approaching big game on foot – accompanied by one of the best walking guides in Africa.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Explore Zambia

  • North & South Luangwa
  • Lower Zambezi
  • Livingstone
  • Kafue National Park
  • Liuwa Plain National Park

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


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