What to Expect on a Safari in Zambia

When I planned my first trip, I didn’t know quite what to expect—just that I wanted to experience wildlife in its most unfiltered form. After doing a lot of research, I settled on Zambia. There’s something unforgettable about an African safari in Zambia. It’s raw, wild, and somehow quieter than the more commercial safari destinations. Zambia delivered that and more. From riverbank game drives to unexpected lion sightings in the tall grass, this trip was the real deal.

If you’re considering where to go on safari, Zambia might not be the first place that pops into your head—but it should be. It’s less crowded than Kenya or South Africa, and the game viewing can be just as spectacular. Plus, the chance to do walking safaris in places like South Luangwa makes it a standout experience.

You can find more ideas for planning your trip on my African Safaris page, but let’s get into the specifics of what Zambia is really like.

Key Points

• Zambia is known for walking safaris—don’t skip them, they’re a highlight.
• Plan your trip between June and October for the best wildlife viewing.
• Expect fewer crowds, but more rustic logistics compared to more commercial destinations.

What an African Safari in Zambia Is Really Like

Compared to more polished destinations, Zambia feels grounded. Camps are often smaller and more intimate. Roads can be rough. Schedules are flexible and based on animal movement more than anything else. That’s part of the charm.

I stayed in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, two of the best areas for safari in the country. In South Luangwa, we’d do early morning game drives, have brunch back at camp, then head out again in the late afternoon until sunset. At night, we’d sometimes go out again with spotlights—it’s one of the few countries where night drives are common and legal.

Walking safaris here aren’t just a short stroll—they’re full-on wildlife tracking experiences. You go out with a guide and an armed scout, tracking fresh prints and learning how to read the bush. It was one of the most immersive travel experiences I’ve ever had.

You can get a better overview of where to go on safari in Africa here, but Zambia holds its own.

Wildlife You’ll See in Zambia

Zambia has all the big stuff: elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocs, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. South Luangwa is especially known for leopards, and I saw more there in a week than I have in some other countries combined.

Lower Zambezi adds a river element—you can take boat safaris, watch elephants swim across channels, or quietly drift past crocs and hippos in a canoe. That was one of the most peaceful parts of the whole trip.

For a broader overview, I’ve listed all the animals you might encounter in this African safari animals list.

Where You’ll Stay

Safari camps in Zambia tend to be smaller, often with just 6–10 tents. That was one of the things I appreciated most—there’s a real sense of intimacy and personal attention. You're not just another guest in a big resort.

The camps I stayed at felt like a cross between a rustic retreat and a front-row seat to the wild. Most are built with a low environmental footprint—think canvas tents on raised platforms or open-air chalets with thatched roofs. You might wake up with the sound of hippos outside your tent or watch elephants walk by as you sip your morning coffee.

Some camps are ultra-luxury, with plunge pools and fine dining, while others are simple and charming, with bucket showers and communal meals around a campfire. I stayed in both types, and honestly, both had their appeal. The luxury ones are incredible if you want comfort, but the more stripped-down camps often feel closer to the real heart of the bush.

If you’re trying to figure out what kind of lodging fits your style or budget, I have a full post on African safari hotels that includes Zambia.

Most camps are all-inclusive, which makes planning easier. Your room, meals, game drives, and even laundry are often covered in the price. It means you don’t have to constantly reach for your wallet, and you can just focus on soaking it all in. I break that down more in my all-inclusive African safari guide.

When to Go

Dry season is key if you want good game viewing. June to October is ideal—less vegetation, animals gather around water sources, and it’s easier to see them.

The green season (November to April) is beautiful and lush, but some camps close and roads get tricky. Birds are incredible that time of year, but mammals can be harder to spot.

This post on how much safaris cost breaks down how prices shift by season too.

How Zambia Compares to Other Safari Destinations

If you’ve already been on safari in South Africa, Kenya, or Tanzania, Zambia will feel noticeably wilder and more intimate.

From my experience, it’s less about polished infrastructure and more about raw connection with the landscape. The roads are bumpier, the schedules are looser, and the camps are more remote. But I actually loved that about it—it made me feel more present and less like I was on a tour conveyor belt.

You’re not watching animals alongside a dozen other jeeps lined up for the same lion sighting. In Zambia, it’s often just you, your guide, and the wilderness.

When I was in South Luangwa, we often didn’t see another vehicle during an entire game drive. That kind of solitude is rare in places like Kruger National Park or Kenya, where sightings can sometimes feel like a traffic jam. If you value a quieter, more immersive experience—even if it means a bit less comfort or convenience—I’d strongly recommend Zambia.

If you’re torn between Zambia and another country, it’s worth thinking about what kind of experience you want.

Here are some comparisons I found helpful when I was planning:

• African Safari in Botswana
• African Safari in Tanzania
• African Safari in Namibia
• African Safari in Zimbabwe

Extra Planning Resources

I’ve put together a few guides you might find useful if you’re still in the planning stage:

• African Safari Countries: Where to Go
• African Safaris from Cape Town
• Most Dangerous Safaris in Africa
• Safest Country in Africa to Visit
• African Safari Honeymoon Ideas