Zambia is for people who want safari at its most real. It is the birthplace of the walking safari, and its South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi parks deliver some of the most authentic, guide-led wilderness experiences in Africa, with superb leopard and wild dog.
Zambia also shares Victoria Falls at Livingstone — including the legendary Devil’s Pool — making a bush-and-falls combination effortless.
Highlights of Zambia
South Luangwa
The home of the walking safari and exceptional leopard sightings.
Explore South Luangwa →Lower Zambezi
Canoeing and fishing beneath the escarpment on the great river.
Victoria Falls (Livingstone)
The Zambian side, with the seasonal Devil’s Pool.
Explore Victoria Falls (Livingstone) →Kafue National Park
Vast, remote wilderness and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
Recommended lodges & camps in Zambia
Where you stay shapes your whole safari. These are properties we know personally and return to again and again — chosen for their location, their guiding and the way they make you feel. Tell us which appeal and we'll build your journey around them.
These are a few of our favorites — we work with many more across every price point. Have a specific lodge in mind? Tell us in your enquiry and we'll secure it.
Know before you go
The practical details we handle for you — flights, entry, health and money — summarized here so nothing surprises you. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.
Getting there from the USA
Fly to Lusaka or straight to Livingstone (for Victoria Falls) via Johannesburg; Emirates via Dubai also works well from the East Coast. South Luangwa is a short internal flight from Lusaka.
Visas & entry
US passport holders currently enter Zambia visa-free — one of the easiest entries in Africa. Check the latest before you fly, as rules do change.
Health
Malaria is present year-round, so prophylaxis is recommended. Bring proof of yellow fever vaccination only if arriving from an endemic country.
Money & tipping
The kwacha is local currency, but USD is accepted at lodges (bring newer bills). Tipping is entirely at your discretion — most guests set aside about $20–25 per person per day for guides and camp staff.
What to do in Zambia
Wild, uncrowded and personal — Zambia rewards travelers who want the bush on its own terms.
Walk South Luangwa
The walking safari was invented here. Armed scout ahead, guide beside you — reading tracks, dung and alarm calls for three hours of the most alive you will ever feel.
South Luangwa
Jun–Oct
Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
Livingstone Island lunches, the Devil’s Pool swim in low water, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi above the lip of the falls.
Livingstone, Zambezi
Devil’s Pool Aug–Dec
Canoe the Lower Zambezi
Drift past hippo pods and drinking elephants with the Zimbabwean escarpment behind — then tiger fishing before sundowners.
Lower Zambezi
Apr–Nov
Night drives for leopard
South Luangwa’s after-dark drives find leopard, genet, civet and honey badger — a whole shift of animals most safaris never see.
South Luangwa
Year-round in main camps
Best time to visit
Dry season — peak walking safaris and concentrated wildlife.
Highest water at Victoria Falls for the most dramatic spectacle.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Fly into Lusaka (LUN) or Livingstone (LVI); light aircraft reach the camps. US travelers can obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival; check current requirements at booking.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Walking Safari
A walking safari is the bush on foot — led by expert armed guides.
Explore → ExperienceVictoria Falls
The greatest curtain of falling water on earth — a natural wonder.
Explore → Southern AfricaBotswana
A Botswana safari is Africa’s water wilderness — the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari.
Explore →Zambia FAQs
Getting to Zambia — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Zambia journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now