Which national parks in Zambia offer the best safari experiences?

The top safari locations in Zambia center around three main parks. South Luangwa National Park stands out for its concentration of leopards and dedicated walking safaris while Lower Zambezi National Park offers water-based game viewing and large elephant populations. Kafue National Park particularly the Busanga Plains gives visitors regular lion encounters. Visitors can base themselves at properties like Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa or Kasaka Lodge in Lower Zambezi. A TourRadar traveler shared: "South Luangwa was incredible for wildlife diversity - we saw Thornicroft's giraffe Cookson's gnu and enormous herds of elephants and buffalo during our stay at Wildlife Camp."

What are the best times of year to visit Zambia's national parks for optimal wildlife viewing?

The key window for Zambian safaris falls between June and October during the dry season. Animals gather predictably around remaining water sources making them easier to spot. South Luangwa sees large concentrations of wildlife particularly elephants and buffalo coming to drink at the Luangwa River. The Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park reaches its peak viewing potential from July to October as flood waters pull back. As one traveler noted "The wildlife viewing in South Luangwa during the dry season was incredible - we saw countless elephants hippos and even leopards coming to drink at the river."

What type of accommodation can I expect on a Zambia safari?

Zambian safari lodging spans from high-end lodges to basic camping sites. The upscale category includes places like Kasaka Lodge along the Zambezi River and Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa with well-appointed chalets and private bathrooms. For those seeking a more rustic experience mobile tented camps like Bongololo Campsite in Kafue provide authentic bush stays. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The mix of accommodation was perfect - from luxury lodges at Wildlife Camp overlooking the Luangwa River to authentic bush camping under the stars in Kafue National Park."

What are the park entrance fees for Zambia's national parks?

Daily entrance fees vary by park. Lower Zambezi National Park charges USD 25 per person Kafue National Park costs USD 20 and South Luangwa National Park requires USD 30. Visitors to Busanga Plains in Kafue should factor in an extra USD 10 camping fee. Park officials request payment in recent USD bills as older currency may not be accepted.

What unique safari experiences does Zambia offer compared to other African destinations?

Walking safaris which originated in South Luangwa set Zambia apart from other safari destinations. The Lower Zambezi adds canoe-based wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River letting visitors get close to animals from the water. Kafue National Park's Busanga Plains offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with quality predator sightings and minimal tourist traffic according to TourRadar travelers.

What's the best way to combine multiple national parks in one safari?

An effective multi-park safari typically spans 10-14 days covering South Luangwa Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks. Most itineraries begin in Lusaka with flights to South Luangwa followed by transfers to Lower Zambezi using lodges like Wildlife Camp and Kasaka Lodge as bases. A TourRadar traveler advised: "We started at South Luangwa for the walking safaris then moved to Lower Zambezi for water-based game viewing - it was the perfect combination to see different aspects of Zambia's wildlife."

Zambia Safari Tours

10 best Zambia safari tour packages

$Zambia\'s Best Parks Tour$
$Zambia\'s Best Parks - 4 destinations$
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Safari
Zambia's Best Parks
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park,South Luangwa National Park,Mfuwe+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
National Park
South Luangwa National ParkLower Zambezi National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Purists Ltd.
From
US$4,171per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Nyati BIG-5 Classic “Best of Zambia” Safari Experience: Lower Zambezi, Kafue (Busanga Plains) and South Luangwa National Parks – 11 days
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park,Mfuwe,South Luangwa National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
22% Off
From $6,200
US$4,811per person
+$520 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
From Livingstone: 3 days - Explore Lochinvar National Park for bird-watching excursion
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Livingstone, Choma, Monze, Lochinvar National Park
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
8% Off
From $575
US$530per person
+$15 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
4 Days: Exciting Itezhi Tezhi Nocturnal Stargazing and Safari Experience
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park, Livingstone
Age Range
Ages 13+
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
13% Off
From $1,230
US$1,074per person
+$40 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Safari Experience In Lusaka National Park - Half-Day
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We saw giraffes, zebras, antilopes, 2 of only 12 white rhinos in Zambia and young elephants in the sanctuary."
Luca, traveled in October
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Lusaka
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
8% Off
From $156
US$144per person
+$15 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Bird-Watching Adventure at Lochinvar National Park 3 Days/2 Nights
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Livingstone, Lochinvar National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $685
US$599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Zambezi Highlights Itinerary: Victoria Falls, Safari, and Zambezi River Cruise 3-Day
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Livingstone, Zambezi, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $377
US$329per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Highlights of Zambia - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
National Park
KafueLower Zambezi National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Purists Ltd.
13% Off
From
US$4,714per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Zambia - Walking Safari with Batmigration in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kasanka National Park,North Luangwa National Park,South Luangwa National Park,Luambe National Park,Mfuwe+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Purists Ltd.
13% Off
From
US$4,336per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Luxury Northern Zambia Waterfalls & Wilderness Journey13-Day
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Mkushi, Kasanka National Park, Serenje
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $3,399
US$2,967per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Zambezi Canoe Safari
4.6 (50 traveler reviews)
"A great way to see Zambia and interact with the river life. Great exercise without being overly challenging."
Jennifer, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $3,103
US$2,794per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Kanzwa short holiday break excursion - 2 Nights Safari Tour to Kafue National Park - Southern Region (Ngoma Area Management)
4.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"Elefants, Hippos and Buffalos abound, and there's a chance to see lions or leopards. Also great for birdwatching."
Christoph, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
8% Off
From $750
US$692per person
+$20 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
From Livingstone: 3-days safari travel to Kafue National Park (southern part), Ngoma Area Management
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Not only that, but booking and discussion about plan was smooth. His team is well committed to provide good experience for customers."
Zarko, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Livingstone, Kafue National Park
Age Range
Ages 6+
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
8% Off
From $750
US$692per person
+$20 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Escape to Tranquility: Zambezi River in 6 Days
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $1,765
US$1,541per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Authentic Zambian Culture & Wildlife on a Nanzhila Safari Tour 10 Days/09 Nights
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Livingstone, Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Choma, Monze,Lusaka+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $2,472
US$2,158per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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