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Wildlife Locations

11 recommended locations. Please contact us for further suggestions.

South Luangwa National Park

Comprising some 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness, South Luangwa is undoubtedly the jewel of Zambia’s national parks and a magnet to outstanding wildlife, particularly leopard. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave scenic oxbow lagoons. Find Out More

  • Where: Eastern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: leopard, Cookson’s wildebeest, Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, African elephant
  • Excellent for: Wildlife festivals, Walking safaris, Wildlife photography, Wildlife art safaris, Vehicle safaris

Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the few pristine wildernesses left in Africa. Its backdrop is dominated by the steep Zambezi Escarpment, but the Zambezi River is the main attraction, where tranquil yet exciting excursions by boat are an excellent way to appreciate the river and its wildlife. Find Out More

  • Where: Lusaka Province
  • Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, African elephant, cheetah, leopard, lion
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris

Bangweulu Swamps

This vast, waterlogged wilderness about 55 kilometres north-east of Kasanka is a destination for the connoisseur. The still waters of these swamps and the surrounding floodplains are one of the last remaining habitats of the rare and elusive shoebill who lurk on the grassy fringes after the rains. Find Out More

  • Where: Luapula Province
  • Ideal for viewing: black lechwe, reedbuck, shoebill, sitatunga, tsessebe
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Vehicle safaris, River safaris

Kafue National Park

Kafue is one of the world’s largest national parks. It’s has a rich variety of wildlife and a profusion of game who are attracted by the diverse habitats, which range from woodland opening onto wide, grassy dambos. The vast, rolling Busanga Plain, fed by the Lufupa River, attracts large herds of red lechwe and buffalo. Find Out More

  • Where: North Western Province
  • Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, defassa waterbuck, lion, red lechwe, sable
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris

Kasanka National Park

It might be one of Zambia's smallest parks, but Kasanka is packed full of different habitats with miombo woodland, riverine forest and papyrus swamps being just a few. Picturesque and peaceful, the birdlife here is exceptional and each year the park plays host to the migration of over ten million bats. Find Out More

  • Where: Central Province
  • Ideal for viewing: blue monkey, sitatunga, straw-coloured fruit bat, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, wattled crane
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Walking safaris, Wildlife photography, Photography tours With Nick Garbutt, Vehicle safaris, River safaris

Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa is a pristine wilderness. Its wooded areas offer excellent birding, especially during the October rains when the remote grasslands are a carpet of wild flowers. And the rains bring herds of wildebeest, mingled with zebra, from across the Angolan border for Africa’s second largest migration. Find Out More

  • Where: Western Province
  • Ideal for viewing: African wildcat, serval, steenbok, tsessebe, wild dog
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris

Lochinvar National Park

Situated on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats, this wetland is worth a visit if you want to experience a different aspect of Zambia. It is one of the few places to see Chaplin’s barbet – over 400 species have been recorded here. You can explore the wetland on foot, by vehicle and, at certain times of year, boat. Find Out More

  • Where: Southern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: blue wildebeest, Chaplin’s barbet, waterbuck, Kafue lechwe, oribi
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Vehicle safaris

North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa National Park is a tranquil and unexplored wilderness with a substantial wildlife population. Bordered by the Luangwa and Mwaleshi rivers and the Muchinga Escarpment, its habitats are diverse, with areas of pure mopane woodlands and lush riverine forests of red mahogany and sausage trees. Find Out More

  • Where: Northern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: African elephant, leopard, lion, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Cookson’s wildebeest
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Combining perfectly with a safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe or Namibia as well as Zambia, the Zambian side of the falls was once considered to be the ‘poor cousin’, by comparison with the views of the river and the falls from Zimbabwe. The two countries are linked by a spectacular iron bridge above the raging waters. Find Out More

  • Where: Southern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, African elephant, hippo, trumpeter hornbill, waterbuck
  • Excellent for: River safaris

Lusaka

Starting life as a village, Zambia’s capital city was expanded by colonial settlers and is now very much the beating heart of the country. With vibrant market stalls and tree-lined boulevards, it offers an authentic African experience as well as a variety of good quality accommodation and a cosmopolitan sensibility. Find Out More

  • Where: Southern region of the Central plateau
  • Excellent for: City stopover

Shiwa Ng’andu

Formed in 1911 by a young British officer, this 8,900 hectare reserve in northern Zambia makes a perfect combination with Kasanka or Bangweulu. Nearby is Kapishya, an exquisite hot spring, and the summit of Nachipala Bareback Hill offers you magnificent views of the lake. Find Out More

  • Where: Northern Province
  • Excellent for: Hiking

View trips to these locations

Wildlife trips

Zambia offers spectacular safaris, outstanding accommodation, superlative guiding and wonderful walking safari opportunities. From the verdant plains, walking trails and beautiful bush camps of the Luangwa Valley, to Kafue’s tree-climbing lions, or canoeing on the Lower Zambezi, its staggering diversity makes this an unforgettable wildlife destination.

28 recommended trips. Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Classic South Luangwa Safari

The South Luangwa National Park is arguably Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and it has been one of our most popular destinations for many-a-year. Join us on this classic small group safari where we spend an entire week exploring this iconic park in search of its amazing wildlife. Find out more about Classic South Luangwa Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,595
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

South Luangwa Photo Safari

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is a photographer’s paradise with exquisite light, stunning wildlife and some of the best guides in Africa. This ten-day tour, with an expert photographer as your leader, has been designed specifically to maximise wildlife photography opportunities. Find out more about South Luangwa Photo Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Classic Kafue Safari

Kafue National Park is one of the last tracts of true wilderness in Africa and it offers some of the most rewarding wildlife viewing on the continent. On this tailor-made safari you can hopefully enjoy countless opportunities to view wildlife and experience the varying habitats of Kafue. Find out more about Classic Kafue Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £6,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Zambia’s Wild West: Kafue & Liuwa Plain

The west of Zambia is seldom visited by even the most seasoned safari travellers. This is Zambia at its most untamed, undisturbed and unspoilt. This is as wild as Zambia can be! On this exceptional tailor made holiday you can find the very best wildlife that the Wild West has to offer. Find out more about Zambia’s Wild West: Kafue & Liuwa Plain

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £6,895
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D

Kafue & Lower Zambezi Photo Safari

Discover two of Zambia’s finest national parks; Kafue and Lower Zambezi on a dedicated photographic safari, led by photographer and team member Bret Charman. Enjoy the chance to photograph the country’s iconic wildlife including leopard, lion, African wild dog and elephant. Find out more about Kafue & Lower Zambezi Photo Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £7.995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A

Leopards of Luangwa

South Luangwa National Park plays host to the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard. Venture into their domain on both vehicle and walking safaris in search of this often illusive predator whilst admiring the numerous mammal and bird species that this magnificent park has to offer. Find out more about Leopards of Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Classic Luangwa Walking Safari

Zambia is the home of the walking safari, and this small group trip along the Mupamadzi River offers the quintessential bush experience. Staying in well-equipped tents and accompanied by expert safari guides, the trip covers three different camps to experience each location’s unique wildlife and habitats. Find out more about Classic Luangwa Walking Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £8,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Rivers & Rainbows

Travel during the ultimate green season when the rains have restored river levels, and you can travel by boat along the Luangwa River to view crocodiles and hippos. Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, and the young of most animals are born, including African wild dog puppies. Find out more about Rivers & Rainbows

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £4,525
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A

South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari

Hosted by award-winning sculptor Nick Mackman, this 7-night safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park promises to inspire a new appreciation of wildlife in you whilst developing your artistic skills in one of Africa’s finest wildlife locations, with a host of mammals and birds to admire. Find out more about South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £6,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Easy Birding in South Luangwa

South Luangwa, in north-east Zambia, is the jewel of the country’s national parks. The eastern boundary of this unspoilt wilderness is the Luangwa River, whose regular changes of course create oxbow lakes. There could hardly be a better place for birders, as Luangwa is blessed with some 400 bird species. Find out more about Easy Birding in South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,295
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Walking in the Heart of Zambia

This small group trip visits Zambia’s sensational South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Parks to enjoy walking safaris, and is jointly led by author Simon Barnes and Wildlife Worldwide founder Chris Breen. Their shared passion for the area and its abundant wildlife guarantee an illuminating and fun experience! Find out more about Walking in the Heart of Zambia

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £12,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • S

Lower Zambezi Short Break

Take a week to explore Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park and experience a secluded wilderness that offers wildlife viewing second to none. Best known for its boating safaris, elephant, lion, leopard and huge herds of Cape buffalo are resident here, together with impala and Nile crocodiles. Find out more about Lower Zambezi Short Break

  • Price (inc. flights): 7 days from £3,475
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Carnivores of South Luangwa

Join researchers from the Zambian Carnivore Programme for a behind-the-scenes view of conservation in action in South Luangwa National Park, and take part in research into its populations of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The riverside lodge accommodation at Nkwali is ideal for wildlife viewing. Find out more about Carnivores of South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £5,195
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Batty about Kasanka

Every November and December, millions of fruit bats take up residence in Kasanka National Park - witness this incredible sight while staying in a comfortable tented camp near the renowned Fibwe Hide. The trip also includes time in South Luangwa where walking safaris and night drives are a highlight. Find out more about Batty about Kasanka

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £5,895
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D

North Luangwa – Off the Beaten Track

Spend a week at Takwela – a beautiful camp in a wild and remote part of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. This unspoiled wilderness receives few tourists and offers an authentic safari experience. Exploring both on foot and by day and night safaris, search for leopard, lion and wild dog as well as elephant and more. Find out more about North Luangwa – Off the Beaten Track

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Green Season Secrets

In the Green Season the arrival of the summer rains transforms the dry land into verdant pastures dotted with wild flowers. At this time of plenty, there is no shortage of food, so many species choose to bring their young into the world, attracting the unwanted attention of various predators. Find out more about Green Season Secrets

  • Price (inc. flights): 16 days from £7,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

If you are a connoisseur who yearns for untouched wilderness, this is the safari for you! Zambia's vast Bangweulu wetland is home to over 30,000 black lechwe and the highly endangered shoebill, and Kasanka famously has over 400 bird species, including the rare Pel’s fishing owl. Find out more about Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £9,975
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • A
    • M
    • J

Natural Wonders

Few trips venture as far as Namibia’s northern border, but this innovative itinerary employs a combination of self-drive and guided safari to visit famed Etosha and the Caprivi en route to Africa’s Four Corners – where Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet – ending at Chobe and Victoria Falls. Find out more about Natural Wonders

  • Price (inc. flights): 16 days from £4,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Luangwa Valley & Lower Zambezi

Combine the beauty of the Luangwa Valley with the delights of the Lower Zambezi. In South Luangwa, you will find the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard, and boat trips on the Lower Zambezi add another dimension to watching wildlife, with elephant and huge herds of buffalo. Find out more about Luangwa Valley & Lower Zambezi

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Scenic Wonders of Kafue & Hwange

This journey takes in some of Africa’s finest wilderness: Kafue is one of Zambia’s best kept secrets and it is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, and Hwange National Park in neighbouring Zimbabwe teems with impressive fauna and flora. The mesmerising Victoria Falls provide a suitable end to this stunning trip. Find out more about Scenic Wonders of Kafue & Hwange

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £5,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Classic Africa Explorer

This 37-day comprehensive itinerary, which visits no less than seven countries, delivers the ultimate African safari experience and a wealth of contrasts. Travel to some of Africa’s best National Parks and stay in a range of classic lodges, hotels and tented camps on this wildlife trip of a lifetime. Find out more about Classic Africa Explorer

  • Price (inc. flights): 37 days from £16,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Zambezi Wonders & Wilderness

A fabulous family safari offering the perfect combination of outstanding natural wonders, unspoilt wilderness, incredible wildlife and fun activities. From the spectacular Victoria Falls and the astonishing wildlife of South Luangwa, to the pristine shores of Lake Malawi, enjoy the very best of Zambia and Malawi. Find out more about Zambezi Wonders & Wilderness

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Bats, Rhinos & Reptiles

Kasanka National Park plays hosts to a remarkable annual wildlife spectacle; from mid-November onwards an estimated 12 million fruitbats arrive. Guided walks will take you to witness this marvellous spectacle, and will be combined with time on safari in the national parks of Zambia and Malawi. Find out more about Bats, Rhinos & Reptiles

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,345
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D

Distinctive Zimbabwe & Kafue

This trip focusses on the essence of Zimbabwe and Zambia – neighbouring countries that boast some of Africa’s finest wildlife areas. From the stunning Mana Pools and its aquatic wildlife, fly to the remote Busanga Plains in Zamiba’s Kafue National Park for vehicle safaris to see plains game and their predators. Find out more about Distinctive Zimbabwe & Kafue

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £7,395
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Best of Zimbabwe & Zambia

This upmarket flying safari combines three of southern Africa’s most fruitful wildlife areas: Hwange and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the vastness of the Kafue in western Zambia. Staying in delightful tented camps in the best locations, enjoy day and night game drives and boat trips to see the abundant wildlife. Find out more about Best of Zimbabwe & Zambia

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £9,295
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Scenic Splendour & Wildlife Wonders

This safari travels to Busanga Plain in the northern sector of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, home to huge herds of lechwe and puku and an exceptionally high density of lion, before taking in the mesmerising Victoria Falls. The final stop is wildlife-rich Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Find out more about Scenic Splendour & Wildlife Wonders

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £7,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Festival of Wildlife Zambia

To celebrate over 30 years of Wildlife Worldwide, the Festival of Wildlife will be held in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. South Luangwa is a wildlife paradise, with exquisite light, stunning scenery and a myriad of animals including leopard, lion, wild dog, elephant and a range of nocturnal species. Find out more about Z) Festival of Wildlife Zambia

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £5,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Ultimate South Luangwa

Combining two of the finest camps in the South Luangwa National Park, this exclusive small group tour will provide one of the best wildlife experiences that Zambia has to offer. Travelling at the perfect time of year, we should encounter wild dog, lion, martial eagle, leopard and many other species. Find out more about Ultimate South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

When to go

May to August is the driest and coolest season. Bird watching is best done at the start of this period and the later months are better for other wildlife, when the bush has dried.

Seasons

  • Dry season

    May to Aug: The rains abate, migrant birds depart, and walking safaris begin.
  • Dry season

    Sep to Oct: Temperatures rise, game moves to the rivers, and buffalo form big herds.
  • Green season

    Nov to Apr: The rains bring a time of rebirth and a profusion of birdlife.

Wildlife events

  • May to Jun: Best time for shoebills in the Bangweulu swamps
  • Sep to Oct: Carmine bee-eaters nest along the banks of the Luangwa River
  • Nov: Blue wildebeest gather on Liuwa Plain
  • Nov to Dec: Millions of straw-coloured fruitbats congregate in Kasanka
  • Dec to Mar: Green season, best time for birding and animals giving birth
  • Feb to Apr: Wild dog packs emerge from the hills into the Luangwa Valley