Zambia: Africa's Most Underrated Nature and Wildlife Destination

Zambia is an under-the-radar safari destination with untamed landscapes, diverse wildlife, and welcoming people. Unlike other countries where safaris are somewhat commercialised, Zambia offers an authentic bush experience in Africa. After all, this is the nation that pioneered the walking safari – an activity with appeal to families, couples, and the most intrepid adventurers. 

This is a “small-town country” with warm communities nestled amid the wide open spaces. Interactions with Zambian people and passionate guides often tend to be the highlight for travelers. In terms of where to go in Zambia, let’s take a look at the three principal regions for safari, cultural experiences, and adventure.

Livingstone

Named after the Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone, Livingstone is a charming town near the border with Zimbabwe. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls is the main draw to Livingstone. These thundering cascades may be experienced through white-water rafting, helicopter flights over the falls, or a thrilling dip in the Devil’s Pool.

In terms of culture, the Livingstone Museum is the oldest and largest in Zambia. Exhibits relating to Zambian tribal heritage, colonial history, and the influence of David Livingstone. The town also has several craft markets where you can purchase artisanal trinkets fashioned from wood and textiles. A short drive to Mukuni Village immerses you in the customs of its 7,000 Leya inhabitants. 

South Luangwa National Park

The South Luangwa National Park is considered the birthplace of the walking safari. It was the conservationist Norman Carr who pioneered the concept in the 1950s, seeking an alternative to game hunting. His mission was to introduce foreign travelers to the beauty of the park’s resident wildlife and to kindle a desire to preserve and protect it.

These days, walking safaris remain a cornerstone of Zambia’s appeal. Immersive, thrilling, and educational, these excursions are always accompanied by a specialist safari guide and armed scouts. The reserve’s counterpart, North Luangwa National Park, offers an even wilder experience where vast floodplains and riverine forests are explored almost exclusively through walking safaris.

The wider Luangwa Valley is famous for its density of game and predators. In fact, this region is considered the “Valley of the Leopard” due to its high population of the spotted cat. 

Lower Zambezi National Park 

Lying to the south, the Lower Zambezi National Park is another exceptional option for safari exploration. This park stretches along the mighty Zambezi River and offers a combination of game drives and canoe safaris. Elephants wade through the river shallows, while the bankside is awash with a steady movement of hippos, buffalo, and birds. The Lower Zambezi National Park is particularly suitable for families with younger children looking for variety and soft adventure. Many lodges are family-friendly with a supply of private guides ready to tailor-make an itinerary.

Getting around Zambia

Getting around Zambia is refreshingly straightforward. Frequent flights connect the main parks and regions, usually taking around an hour at most. This means you can hop from the adventure hub of Livingstone to the remote Luangwa National Park or Lower Zambezi without long transfers. This convenience makes it especially suitable for family holidays or time-pressed travellers eager to see a variety of landscapes and wildlife zones in a single trip. 

Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations when you are ready to book your trip to Zambia.