Zambia Photo Safari: Capturing Africa's Wild Heart

I remember the first time I set foot on Zambian soil. I immediately felt at home, mesmerised by the stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming people and exceptional wildlife. I’ve been going back for more than ten years now, and it feels like my second home.

Zambia is known for its fantastic game-viewing in some of Africa’s finest national parks, as well as for one of the continent’s most iconic landmarks - Victoria Falls. The falls are visited by thousands of visitors every year and are certainly a sight to behold. However, for me at least, after a day or two near the falls, the real delights lay in three of the country’s most remarkable wilderness areas, South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks.

There's nothing better than waking up in the comfort of a lodge or bush camp before dawn, listening to the sounds of night. Hippos grunt from their watery refuge, wood owls hoot from the trees above, and then the first slither of light appears over the horizon. As daylight breaks, you head out on safari.

Driving through the wilderness, your senses are heightened, the sound of a breaking branch or a glimpse of movement out of the corner of your eye only adds to the excitement. Finally, you round a corner and there before you, a leopard is approaching. The moment takes your breath away, as you're transfixed by the spotted feline that's walking without a care in the world.

Whether you're there for photography, or just to soak up everything you see, these are the sightings you dream of. Encounters like this are a reality on our safaris, seen by many of our guests in Zambia.

For the past four years, I've been leading our South Luangwa Photo Safari. This has introduced so many of you to the wild wonders of the Luangwa Valley, somewhere that's dear to my heart. 

However, I want to showcase one of Zambia’s other remarkable wilderness areas - Lower Zambezi National Park. With that in mind, we're delighted to launch our new Lower Zambezi Photo Safari. The stunning landscapes of this gem of a national park provide a wonderful diversity of imagery, allowing us to build an impressive portfolio of some of the region’s most sought-after species.

We hope to photograph mammals such as lion, leopard, elephant, and African wild dog, alongside a host of herbivores and a number of birds such as African fish eagle and maybe even Pel’s fishing owl. What’s more, with the chance to enjoy boat safaris, the wildlife watching and associated photography opportunities is exceptional.

If, like me, you know and love the Luangwa Valley, this is an opportunity to explore somewhere new. This twin-centred stay in the Lower Zambezi Valley offers outstanding wildlife encounters and memorable photographic opportunities. 

What’s not to love? Join me for this unique photo safari with some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife in a serene setting.

If you'd like to join Bret Charman on this fantastic photography trip in Zambia, learn more about our Lower Zambezi Photo Safari today, or contact our friendly team for further information.