Zambia

- Zambia

Activities & Special Interest

Special interest & Safari activities in Zambia

 

Big-game viewing

Game drive with lions, Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Most big-game viewing in Zambia takes place on game drives in open 4×4 vehicles. The best regions for seeing big game are the South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park. Please view our regions page for more information on these areas and other regions.
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Night drives

Night drives, civet, Zambia

Night drives are widely available throughout all National Parks in Zambia. Typically, camps will spend an hour or so game-driving with a spotlight on the way back to camp after sunset drinks in the bush. Night drives in Zambia are good fun and usually very rewarding, with the woodlands of Luangwa and Lower Zambezi being especially productive for seeing a variety of nocturnal species including leopard.
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Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris by Francois, Zambia

Zambia is a great walking safari destination and game-viewing on foot is widely available both inside and outside the national parks. However, the best regions for walking in the bush are the South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks.

Most safari properties offer nature walks as an individual activity, even if their main focus is game drives. If you are keen to combine walking with a comfortable and relaxing stay, there are several permanent camps which focus more on walking than driving, and you can base yourself at such a property for any number of days. For those who are really keen to get out into the bush and focus entirely on a walking adventure, there are a number of fantastic walking trails and adventurous ‘walking only’ bush camps to choose from. Guiding is excellent in Zambia, and it remains arguably the best country to consider for in-depth walking experiences.
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Water-based Safaris

Water-based safaris on the Zambezi River, Zambia

Zambia offers some excellent water-based safaris. The Zambezi River offers the best canoeing safaris, especially along the Lower Zambezi National Park shoreline where there is a wide variety of game to enjoy. The Lower Zambezi also offers wonderful boat cruises which can combine good wildlife and scenic viewing with some fishing.

In general, the Luangwa River which flows through the South Luangwa National Park is only navigable in the rains, and few companies offer this.

Boat safaris are also available in Kafue National Park and on the Upper Zambezi above Victoria Falls, whilst more remote destinations such as the Bangwuelu Swamps include boating and dugout canoe exploration when water levels allow. Below the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world.
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Birding

Birding, Woodland Kingfisher, Zambia

Zambia is a wonderful birding destination, with around 750 species recorded. The Zambezi River on its own is a haven for a huge variety of birdlife, especially water birds, whilst the woodlands and thickets of South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks are also very rewarding. Pels fishing owl can be seen in both the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, as can white-fronted and carmine bee-eaters which nest in the river banks from late August to October. The Luangwa is also home to large stork and crane colonies. Away from the more mainstream safari regions, serious birders should consider including the Bangwuelu Swamps, one of the best places in Africa to see the rare shoebill, and Lochinvar. We do not specifically arrange birding group tours, but many of our customers are keen birders and putting together an individually designed itinerary is very easy. Specialist guides are available. From September to March, many intra-African migrants are resident.
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Species specific interests

Specific species, hippo in Luangwa River, Zambia

Zambia offers a very wide range of wildlife viewing, but is especially known for excellent leopard viewing in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks. Exceptional up-close elephant, hippo and crocodile viewing is also available along the major rivers, and the country has a wide range of antelope and other plains game including rarer species such as puku, oribi, sable and roan antelope, Litchenstein’s haartebeest, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicrofts giraffe.

Zambia is also very good for nocturnal sightings of species such as civet, genet, bushbaby, white-tailed mongoose and porcupine.

However, it is worth noting that rhino are unlikely to be seen, cheetah viewing is limited to Kafue National Park, and giraffe are not found in the Lower Zambezi.
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Cultural Experiences

Sussi cultural village visit, Livingstone, Zambia

Zambia, like the rest of Africa, offers many varied cultural experiences although it is now rare to see local people dressing traditionally. Along the edge of most of the wildlife areas, you’ll be able to visit villages and share experiences with the local people – this is particularly common if travelling through the South Luangwa or along the upper and lower Zambezi. Kawaza village outside the South Luangwa Park offers international guests the chance to stay overnight and experience much more of the local customs and culture.

One of Africa’s great ceremonies takes place annually when the Lozi people of the Barotse floodplains (western Zambia) undertake the traditional ‘kuomboka’, when the King moves with his people and cattle from floodplains onto higher ground before the big floods. This occurs sometime in March or April but is extremely difficult to predict.

The people of Zambia are very friendly and most guides and staff in safari camps will be able to tell you about their lives, culture and customs.
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Photographic Safaris

Photographic safaris, Tanzania

Most people who head out on safari plan to take a few photographs. However, in depth photographic safaris are growing in popularity, whether in the form of small group trips (please see the ‘Groups’ section for links to specialist photographic tours) or individually tailored holidays.

We are probably best equipped to arrange individually tailored photographic holidays. The flexibility and service we offer allows you to carefully plan your safari to meet your exact requirements, whilst our specialist knowledge is crucial, not just in terms of knowing where to photograph particular species, but also in terms of being able to provide suitable vehicles and guides. Your itinerary in Zambia will depend on your interests and priorities, however some of the possible highlights would be scenic photography of the Victoria Falls, elephants, hippo and crocs along the Zambezi River, leopards and lions in the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, rare antelopes such as sable and roan in Kafue, and spectacles such as nesting carmine bee-eaters, and stork colonies. Many of the better safari camps, particularly in the South Luangwa, build seasonal ‘hides’ in strategic locations which offer excellent photographic opportunities.
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Fishing

Fishing on Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Fishing is widely available on the Zambezi River. Tiger fish are the key quarry for serious anglers, either on the Upper Zambezi above Victoria Falls, in Lake Kariba or on the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, fishing is available in a few spots including Lake Tanganyika in the far north of the country.
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Other Activities

Other activities, microlighting in Luangwa Valley, Tanzania

In the Mosi au Tunya National Park, near Livingstone and Victoria Falls, it is possible to join elephant-back safari excursions. These include riding the elephants for about an hour, with two further hours spent interacting with them, watching them feed or perhaps even take a mud bath!

Horse-riding is limited in Zambia, but is available in a couple of spots, including outside Livingstone and at Shiwa Ng’andu in northern Zambia.

Other activities available on a limited basis include quad-biking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, bungee-jumping, jet-boating, micro-lighting and helicopter safaris. We can also cater for very specific interests such as dendrology, Lepidoptera, archaeology etc.
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Other regions

Other regions

Of the lesser wildlife areas, Kasanka National Park and the Lake Bangweulu wetlands lie in the northern part of the country and are of particular interest to bird watchers. The rare shoebill can be seen in Bangweulu, whilst the species list in Kasanka is well over 400. Kasanka has a very diverse habitat, and although small (covering just 350 sq kms), sports a reasonable wildlife population of which sitatunga are of worthy note. In November and December, millions of Straw-coloured fruit bats migrate into the park, one of natures great migrations.

In the west of the country, on the border with Angola, the Liuwa Plain National Park plays host to Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration. The park covers some 3600 sq kms, and is generally only accessible during the dry season (June to November) when the receding waters of the Barotse Floodplain dry sufficiently to allow vehicle movement. The park is dominated by huge tree-less plains (it is possible to reach areas where there is no tree or any other object above the grassland in sight, a truly daunting experience) where eroded natural waterholes hold enough stagnant water through the dry season to support the wildlife population – some 43000 wildebeest, oribi, zebra and lechwe being the main species. The prime predator is the hyaena although wild dog and lion have also been seen in very small numbers. Birdlife is superb, with large flocks of pelican, crowned crane and wattled crane amongst the various stork, egret and plover species and on can only imagine what the area is like during the wet months. The huge plains are fringed by riverine woodland. To reach Liuwa is an expedition and not one which should be tackled lightly. Choose to take the scheduled small group departures during Mary, June, October and November.

For further information on safari options available in Zambia please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.

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Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park lies on the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi River as it flows in an easterly direction as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The park is extensive, including the floodplains of the river and extending inland to encompass much of the impressive escarpment. This diversity provides the Lower Zambezi with a wider variety of habitat than the wildlife areas across the waters in Zimbabwe.

The floodplains are wooded with acacia and mahogany trees, and stretch out on either side of the river. During the dry season (May to October), the floodplains teem with a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife. Hippo are everywhere. Herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, impala and waterbuck graze the sweet grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods. Lion and sable rest in the shade of the giant figs. Wild dog roam through the area, and crocodiles bask in the shallows, awaiting their chance of a meal when the animals report to quench their thirst. Fringing the floodplains, thicker bush which shelters the shy creatures such as leopard, honey badger and bushbuck, is interspersed with open vleis providing ideal walking country. The hills are rugged and offer spectacular views over the valley looking east to the Mupata Gorge, and west back towards the Kafue River confluence with the Zambezi.

During the late dry season (late August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the rivers providing a colourful spectacle to complete the impressive list of birds to be seen.

The key aspect of visiting the Lower Zambezi is to experience the river itself, and you’ll have the opportunity to canoe or boat through the channels, or try your hand at fishing. Walking is also available, and game drives are equally productive even though the park has a limited road infrastructure.

To find out more information on Zambezi safari options please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.

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The Victoria Falls, Livingstone and the Upper Zambezi

The Victoria Falls, Livingstone and the Upper Zambezi

Victoria Falls – one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. The spectacular falls were discovered in 1855 by David Livingstone who later wrote, “no one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” He named them after his Queen, for the first and only time deviating from his practise of naming places and features after their local native names, in this instance “Mo ku sa tunya mosi” (nowadays shortened to mosi au tunya – ‘where there is always smoke rising’).

Spanning a width of some 1700 metres, the waters of the mighty Zambezi actually plunge down five distinct waterfalls, separated by islands which account for just over 300 metres of the total span.  The average height is just under 100 metres.  During the peak flood season (April and May), the flow increases to some 33,750,000 cubic metres a minute. Below the falls, the turbulent waters of the Zambezi rush away down the Batoka Gorge in a series or hair-pin bends which indicate the previous locations of the falls (over billions of years, the falls are migrating ‘upstream’).

Close to Victoria Falls is the town of Livingstone, which has an interesting museum and some good craft markets but is otherwise largely by-passed. However, above the falls, the Upper Zambezi River offers a wide range of attractions and a number of upmarket lodges offer somewhere to relax and enjoy nature whilst visiting Victoria Falls. There is a National Park, Mosi au Tunya, covering a significant section of the river frontage, but with the exception of a few white rhino kept under close protection, there is little game to see.

However,  the Victoria Falls and the Upper Zambezi region is known for the wide variety of activities on offer, including white-water rafting, jet-boating, bungee-jumping, quad-biking, horse-riding, elephant-back safaris, helicopter flights, microlighting, cultural village visits, canoeing, river cruises, birding tours and visits to Livingstone Island.

To find out more information on tours to Victoria Falls please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.

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Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park

The Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa, covering an area of nearly 22500 sq.kms.  The north-eastern and southern sectors of the park are essentially covered by miombo woodland, whereas the north-western sector contains the Busanga floodplains which become accessible from late June to November. There are three major rivers, the Kafue River itself and its perennial tributaries, the Lunga and Lufupa. Although the terrain is generally flat, the beauty of the park is evident in its diverse habitats with floodplains, miombo woodland, thick riverine vegetation and open grassy areas called dambos. The wildlife is impressive – in the miombo woodland areas, lion, leopard, wild dog, zebra, elephant, buffalo, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, roan, sable, kudu and impala are found. Hippo frequent the permanent water channels. The birdlife is fantastic, with over 400 species recorded and large flocks of pelican, crowned crane and wattled crane gathering.

A highlight of the park are the Busanga Plains, an area of wide open grassland which become flooded during the rainy season (December to May). In the early season (May to early July), the Busanga is inaccessible by vehicle and activities (when camps are open) are limited to walking and boating, with unpredictable game-viewing. Once the plains have dried up enough (usually by late July), game drives are possible and the Busanga can be enjoyed as an excellent big game destination. The plains are known for their large concentrations of puku, lechwe, oribi, buffalo, hartebeest, wildebeest and zebra, whilst roan antelope are also frequently seen. Lion are the dominant predator in the region, but cheetah and hyaena are also often seen and leopard can be seen on the fringes of the grassland.

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The Luangwa Valley

The Luangwa Valley

The Luangwa, lying in the north-east of the country, is considered as one of the finest wildlife areas is Africa and is often attributed as the home of the traditional walking safari, one of the key reasons for visiting.

The valley forms the southern end of the Great Rift Valley and the floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau. Through the centre flows the Luangwa River, fed by dozens of ‘sand rivers’ which flow during the rainy season causing it to become a raging torrent.  The Luangwa frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. It is these lakes which are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the parks.

The North Luangwa National Park covers an area of 4,500 sq. kms, but except for a few wilderness camps along the Mwaleshi River, it is mostly closed to the public. Certainly there are few roads, and all game-viewing is done on foot. A safari here is more about the wilderness experience, although large herds of herbivores, particularly buffalo, are encountered, often shadowed by the resident lion prides.

Between the North and the South parks, on the eastern bank of the river, Luambe National Park can be found. It is small, covering an area of only 250 sq.kms., and is usually only visited when travelling between north and south parks by road. There is one safari camp.

The South Luangwa National Park covers an area of 9,000 sq. km and is the park most frequently visited by tourists.  Most of the park is situated to the west of the river, though it does extend eastwards across the river in two places (Nsefu and Luamfwa).  There are higher quantities of game than in the northern park, and a far greater variety of small lodges and seasonal bushcamps. The Mfuwe region, close to the local airport, is the busiest part of the park, with several lodges close together traversing the same central section of the park, but once you move away from Mfuwe (north or south) the safari experience becomes very exclusive.

The main safari season is fairly limited, starting in June and ending before the onset of the rains at the end of October. Game-viewing is superb at this time, especially as the dry season progresses and animals become increasingly reliant on the Luangwa River. Some properties remain open during the rainy season (November to May) and offer exceptional ‘green season’ prices to entice travellers. Although game-viewing is severely restricted at this time, bird watching can be superb.

Many of the safari operators have one main, more permanent, lodge complemented by a number of the seasonal bushcamps. In most instances, this ‘main’ lodge is located in the central Mfuwe sector, with easy access to the airport and supplies. The Mfuwe region does offer fantastic game viewing but is also the least exclusive section of the park. A few operators have their main lodge or camp located away from the busy Mfuwe region, therefore it is not necessary to spend time in the Mfuwe region if you are seeking exclusivity.

The seasonal bushcamps are set up in more remote areas of the park at the beginning of each season and due to the limited number of roads and tracks, often concentrate on walking safaris. These bushcamps are traditionally very simple, made of grass and reeds (though some are now also under canvas) and normally accommodate no more than 8 guests. Not surprisingly, there has been a trend towards more comfortable bush camps in recent years, though some still offer an adventurous experience.

Activities within the South Luangwa include day and night game drives (night drives are particularly productive for leopard sightings) and walking. Walking is available as an activity from most camps, some of which sell themselves on being much more orientated to walking than driving. For anyone looking for adventurous walking experiences, there are a few dedicated multi-day walking trails available. A number of lodges also use wildlife hides/blinds.

Wildlife viewing in South Luangwa is exceptional. Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog and reedbuck. Endemic species include the Thornicrofts giraffe (more commonly seen in the southern sector), and Cookson’s hartebeest (more common in the northern sector and in the North Luangwa). However, the valley is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen three days out of four. However, cheetah are not found and you have little chance of seeing rhino.

The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here.  Special sights during the dry season include the impressive flocks of crowned crane, and from August onwards, the carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters which gather to nest in the river bank.

For further information on South Luangwa Safari options please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our expert safari specialists.

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Regions


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Specialist & Private Guiding

Private & Specialist Guiding

Most safari camps in Zambia organise game drives with between 4 and 6 guests on a vehicle. Whilst sharing your experiences with a few other guests is normal and often great fun, it is usually possible to pay extra for ‘exclusive-use’ of a vehicle for all or part of your safari. A private vehicle naturally comes with a private guide and tends to be very appealing to more experienced travellers who have very specific interests such as birding or photography. Not all camps offer this option, and some camps charge significantly more than others. Taking a private vehicle is not necessary for most people, but it is an option to consider if you have specialist interests or simply would like to prioritise the flexibility and exclusivity that a private vehicle and guide will offer.

The standard of guiding within Zambia is generally very good, and especially so if you intend to walk. However, if you would like to take things one step further, it is possible to hire specialist ‘private guides’. Zambia is blessed with many exceptional guides, some of whom continue to guide without attracting huge fees. With many years experience as leading safari specialists, we know these guides personally. Whilst we do not often promote ‘hand holding’ just for the sake of it, the benefits of travelling with a top quality private guide are not limited to just their guiding qualities, but extend to encompass your whole safari experience. Hosting at meal times, smoothing your way through transfer arrangements and telling entertaining stories of Africa around the camp fire all fall under the remit of a top private guide.

If you feel that you would appreciate a private vehicle and/or a specialist private guide for all or part of your safari, please advise us when you speak to us. We are very flexible and different regions present different opportunities, so we will simply work with you to include the level of exclusivity and guiding that you desire.

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When to Travel & Seasons

Zambia Seasons, Climate And Weather – When To Safari In Zambia

Zambia has very obvious wet and dry seasons which have a huge influence on game-viewing. The dry season is from April to October, with the rains falling from November through to March.

Game-viewing conditions from April to early June can be challenging, with the grasses still long and the trees in leaf (neither of which are ideal for walking). The conditions are better from late June through to October, when grasses and foliage have withered, dropped or been eaten, and animals are reliant on permanent water sources. From August onwards (the height of the dry season) the landscape can look very harsh, but game-viewing is superb. Migrant birds tend to start arriving in August. Late October/November brings the onset of the rainy season, often with heavy storms, and whilst game-viewing can still be good, conditions can deteriorate very quickly.

During the rains (December to March), most safari areas are either closed, or offer significantly reduced game-viewing experiences. However, birding is exceptionally good at this time of year and boating safaris are available once the Luangwa is in full flood. If you travel at this time, you are likely to enjoy a very exclusive safari and some fantastic birding, as well as a bit of rain!

There are various regional considerations to be aware of. In the South Luangwa Valley, game-viewing roads are unlikely to be ‘graded’ until early June, making driving less comfortable and more restricted earlier in the season.

In Kafue National Park, the Busanga Plains (arguably the best area of Kafue to visit) are usually only accessible by vehicle from mid July onwards, when water levels have dropped enough, whilst the Lower Zambezi has a slightly longer season and can comfortably be visited from April though to November (though June to October is still best).

The Bangwuelu Swamps flood after the rains, from March through to June, allowing much better access to view the rare shoebill.
November and December also offer more specialist wildlife viewing opportunities with the fruit bat migration taking place in Kasanka each November and Africa’s second greatest wildebeest migration taking place on the Luiwa Plains through November and December.

Victoria Falls can be seen in full flood during and after the rains, usually from March through to June. Viewing the raging torrent on foot at this time of year can be a rather ‘wet’ affair, and access to Livingstone Island (in the heart of the falls) is not possible. Views from the air are spectacular. From July onwards the water levels drop allowing safe access to Livingstone Island. From September to December, with lower water-levels, the full extent of the 1.7kms wide waterfall is more visible.

Temperature-wise, it is temperate (not too hot or cold) in April, May and late August/ early September. The mid-winter months from June through to late August are lovely and fresh, with clear sunny days but very cold evenings and early mornings. From late September onwards, temperatures rise significantly and it can get extremely hot during the day (up to 40C), remaining warm in the evenings. Following the onset of the rains in November, the summer months are usually slightly cooler (still in the top 30’s) but can be humid, particularly along the rivers.

- Zambia

Wildlife Highlights

Wildlife Highlights of Zambia

Zambia is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the great herbivores and elusive predators to rarer antelopes, colourful birds and more unusual nocturnal species.

The riverine plains and mopane, miombo and acacia woodland habitats that form much of Zambia’s national parks are home to a wide range species, from the common impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, greater kudu, zebra and giraffe, to rarer species such as roan and sable antelope, Litchenstein’s haartebeest, Cookson’s wildebeest, oribi, puku and Thornicrofts giraffe.

The great rivers of Zambia are home to a wide range of birds and huge populations of hippo and crocodile, whilst also attracting large numbers of buffalo and elephant. The wetland region of Bangweulu is home to vast numbers of black lechwe, whilst the Kafue lechwe is found in Lochinvar. Both regions have significant numbers of water birds, including Shoebill in Bangweulu.

Night drives are common in Zambia and permitted in the National Parks, and species such as large spotted genet, bushbaby, serval, aardvark, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, civet, porcupine and African wild cat are often seen.

Whilst there are healthy lion populations in all major parks, it is fantastic leopard viewing that Zambia is best known for, especially in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks. Cheetah can be found in Kafue, principally around the Busanga Plains, and in recent years wild dogs have been making a reasonable recovery throughout the major parks, but you should not ‘expect’ to see either species.

Birding is superb in Zambia, with approximately 750 species recorded. Particular highlights include the rare shoebill found exclusively in the Bangweulu Swamps, the endemic Chaplin’s barbet, and Pels fishing owl, found in both Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks. These parks are also two of the best places to view and photograph white-fronted and carmine bee-eater nesting sites. Waterbirds are very well represented along the great rivers and in the wetland regions.

Kasanka National Park is home to the rare sitatunga antelope and also plays host to the bat migration each November, where literally hundreds of thousands of fruit bats converge on the park for several weeks. In the remote west of the country, the vast open Luiwa Plains play host to Africa’s second great wildebeest migration in November/December.

Sadly, you are unlikely to see rhino in the wild. There are a few individuals under protection in Mosi au Tunya National Park, close to Victoria Falls, though this park does not offer an authentic safari experience. There are ongoing plans to re-introduce rhino to the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi Valleys, and although there are isolated populations, you cannot currently expect to see them. There are also no giraffe in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Please see our ‘regions’section for more detailed information on Zambia’s different wildlife areas. Please contact us to discuss specialist trips as well as general game-viewing safaris.