Zambia

Zambia is Africa’s best-kept secret for the true safari aficionado. In a world of increasingly crowded parks, Zambia remains a bastion of raw, wide-open wilderness. In 2026, it has emerged as the leader in “Noctourism”—the art of the night safari—and “Calmcations,” where digital detox meets high-end bush living. From the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls to the leopard-rich valleys of the east, Zambia offers a luxury defined by space, silence, and some of the most expert guiding on the planet.

Whether you are tracking lions on foot in the place where walking safaris were born or taking a “moonbow” tour of the falls, Zambia is a masterclass in the beauty of the wild.

Why we love Zambia

We love Zambia for its “humanity.” It is a country where the connection between the guide and the guest is sacred, and where 72 different tribes coexist in a spirit of peaceful “Teranga.” In 2026, we especially love the country’s commitment to sustainability, with the Lower Zambezi recently recognized as the world’s first carbon-neutral park. It is a destination that proves you don’t need a Wi-Fi signal to feel completely connected.

The Most Beautiful Places in Zambia

From the “Smoke that Thunders” to the “Valley of the Leopard”:

1. Victoria Falls & Livingstone

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). In 2026, the trend is the Moonbow Tour—witnessing a lunar rainbow formed by the spray of the falls during a full moon. Stay at the Royal Livingstone by Anantara for old-world colonial glamour, or Tongabezi Lodge for a more intimate, eco-chic retreat hidden on the banks of the Zambezi.

2. South Luangwa National Park

The birthplace of the walking safari and “The Valley of the Leopard.” This is arguably the finest game-viewing destination in Southern Africa. For 2026, the peak of luxury is Time + Tide Chinzombo, featuring award-winning villas on a private bend of the river. For a raw experience, combine it with a “Sleep-Out” under the stars in a remote bushcamp like Mchenja.

3. Lower Zambezi National Park

A majestic floodplain where the Zambezi Escarpment meets the river. This is the home of the “Water Safari.” In 2026, the newly opened Lolebezi offers a sleek, contemporary take on the safari lodge, while Sausage Tree Camp remains a favorite for its “classic-meets-cool” aesthetic. It is the best place in the world for a sunset canoe safari past pods of bathing elephants.

4. Kafue National Park & Busanga Plains

One of the largest and oldest parks in Africa, yet remarkably unvisited. The northern Busanga Plains are famous for “flying lions” (lions that leap across the marshes) and incredible cheetah sightings. In 2026, the Wilderness Shumba Camp offers hot air balloon safaris at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the middle of the vast, emerald plains.

5. Liuwa Plain National Park

For the traveler who has seen it all. Located in the far west, this remote park hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration. Stay at King Lewanika Lodge, the only permanent camp in the park, to experience a landscape of infinite horizons, golden light, and the legendary hyena clans of Liuwa.

Highlights of a Tour Through Zambia

  • The Walking Safari: Don’t just watch the wild; walk through it. Guided by an armed scout and a master naturalist, you’ll learn the language of the bush—from the alarm calls of squirrels to the scent of a leopard on the wind.
  • Devil’s Pool: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take a dip in this natural infinity pool right on the lip of Victoria Falls (available in the dry season, usually Aug–Jan).
  • The Bat Migration at Kasanka: Between October and December, witness the world’s largest mammal migration as 10 million fruit bats descend on a tiny forest in northern Zambia. It is a natural spectacle that rivals the Great Migration.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The Dry Season (May to October) is the gold standard for wildlife, as animals congregate around the rivers. The Green Season (November to April) is a hidden gem for birdwatchers and photographers, offering lush landscapes and “Emerald Season” rates.
  • Fly-in Ease: Zambia’s “Proflight” network makes hopping between Livingstone, Lusaka, and the bush camps seamless. In 2026, avoid the long road transfers and enjoy the views from a light aircraft.
  • Noctourism: Zambia is one of the few places in Africa where night drives are a specialty. Use this opportunity to spot nocturnal predators like leopards, hyenas, and the elusive honey badger.
  • Language: English is the official language and is spoken fluently throughout the country. A friendly “Muli Bwanji” (How are you?) will earn you an immediate smile.