Located centrally in the southern part of Africa, Zambia is a classic safari destination, offering a range of traditional safari activities.
It’s especially recommended for outdoor enthusiasts – anyone wanting to plunge into wildest Africa will find plenty to excite them here, including plenty of water-based and walking safaris, along with traditional game drives.
Animal and bird lovers will be especially enthralled with Zambia, as it offers a wide range of wildlife. Here are five highlights:
Leopard
Zambia offers fantastic leopard viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks. Leopards are regularly seen during the day and at night – if you’re lucky you might be able to see one hunting.
Hippo
The best place in Africa to see hippo, Zambia gives many great vantage points for seeing these yawning water-lovers.
Water safaris along the Zambezi are a perfect way to view hippo and in the dry season, huge pods of hippo congregate in the remaining pools of the Luangwa River. You’re also likely to catch a huge variety of birdlife, not to mention elephant and crocodile!
Carmine bee-eaters
For bird lovers, a glimpse of the beautiful carmine bee-eater is an essential part of the to-do list while visiting Zambia.
It makes its unusual nest in the sandy banks of the Lower Zambezi and Luangwa Rivers from late August to November.
Kasanka bat migration
For those who aren’t squeamish about flocks of bats, the migration in Kasanka during November is a spectacular sight and a point of scientific curiosity.
With literally millions of fruit bats taking to the air at twilight, this unique wildlife event is very special: it is guessed that it’s the largest congregation of mammals in Africa, and possibly the highest concentration in the world.
Enthusiasts can go on guided tours through the forest during daylight to view the bats as they roost.
Roan antelope
The Busanga Plains of Kafue offer a prized opportunity to view the rare roan antelope, along with many other rare species such as oribi, puku, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.
Anyone wishing to go on safari in Zambia should consider a tailor-made tour, which will take your preferences, budget and priorities into account.
It’s also recommended for those with particular activities in mind, whether it’s photography opportunities, birding, water safaris or game viewing.