Aside from The Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia’s game reserves are relatively undiscovered treasures for those travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten path safari experience. Three diverse ecosystems offer a rich and distinctive wildlife experience with exclusive safari camps.
Trying to figure out where the best national parks or game reserves are in Zambia can be a difficult task, maximizing your opportunities to see as many animals as possible. We have put together a list of the top 3 national parks in Zambia for every African vacation safari enthusiast. Check out some of our exclusive Zambia safari tours in 2021.
Top 3 National Parks in Zambia
The South Luangwa National Park is where Africa’s first walking safaris were pioneered and they remain one of the finest ways to experience the wonders of this land. The Luangwa is often referred to as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and for good reason.
The Luangwa River and its lagoons attract a huge concentration of game and there are now a fair number of safari operators offering accommodations from budget to luxury.
The park lies opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools forming an enormous wildlife sanctuary. Although the diversity of game is not as wide as the other game parks, it’s lure lies in its pristine wilderness state and the opportunity to get really close to wildlife along the Zambezi channels. Huge herds of elephant are often seen at the river’s edge. The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard.
In Livingstone adventure seekers have no shortage of activities to fuel that rush of adrenalin. From white water rafting, to bungee jumping, micro-lighting, helicopter rides and a swim at the edge of the Falls in Devils pool, there is an activity for every wish.
The Kafue National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Africa. It is fed by three rivers attracting thousands of waterbirds and due to its varied habitats it has the largest diversity of mammal species in Zambia. The wealth of plains game attracts predators, including wild dogs, cheetah and lion prides.
See what travelers are saying about our Zambia trips
"In 2017 Cheryl Gould and Lion World returned us to Africa - Zambia and Botswana - after a 20 year hiatus.
Her recommended addition of Mfuwe Lodge in S. Luangwa National Park, Zambia added a wildlife experience from our cottage deck alone that rivaled all other safaris: management and staff at Mfuwe were flawless.
Chobe National Park is clearly underrated for its wildlife opportunities. Our last camp - Sanctuary Stanley - in the Okavango Delta was less inspiring owing to a stronger seasonal influence".
Jack5rud(via Tripadvisor)
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Contact a Zambia safari specialist to find the best option for you.
If you're planning a Zambian safari, bear in mind that the rains in Zambia come mostly from November to April and this is when most camps are closed and many unsurfaced roads in Zambia become impassable. The best time for game viewing in Zambia is during the dry season, May to October, when animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes.
Many camps do not open until May, however you will find some that are open all year round, particularly in the Mfuwe section of South Luangwa National Park where there are all weather roads.
Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, is an all year round destination, with the highest water levels on the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls being found usually between April and June at the end of the rainy season.
In the dry season, June to November, the water levels are lower but there is less spray so you have better panoramic views. We do suggest visiting the Zimbabwean side of the Falls in the dry season, as the Falls on the Zimbabwe side have a higher water flow during those months.
