Suggestions for family safari holidays in Zambia
Still feeling very 'wild' and a bit adventurous, Zambia isn't the first country we'd recommend for family safari holidays, especially with young children. However, if you have slightly older children, say 7+, and are looking for a family holiday off the beaten track, then a Zambia family safari can be the perfect choice.
Zambia guides have to pass through a stringent system of exams before they're allowed to take charge of guests, which is why the country is known for guiding of an outstanding quality. This can make a massive difference to your Zambia family safari experience, in particular for the kids. Ask us about a guide experienced with children, who can tailor the safari around them! Note that there's a minimum age of 12 years for walks in Zambia's national parks.
For accommodation, consider the country's exclusive-use houses, which come with their own kitchen and chef, plus private 4WD vehicle and guide. They excel in offering flexibility and privacy to travellers on family safari holidays in Zambia.
Alternatively, and for more affordable Zambia family safari holidays, plenty of owner-run camps work well for families with slightly older children. The camps' guides are often good at child-friendly guiding, too.
Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Zambia
Tongabezi
Set back from Tongabezi’s main areas, the ‘Garden House’ consists of a double, a twin and a lounge centering around a little garden with its own pool. Set back from Tongabezi’s main areas, the Garden House consists of a double, a twin and a lounge centred on a little garden with its own pool. Children, best 7+, often enjoy canoeing, fishing, trips to the Falls or simply the campfires on a Zambia family holiday here.
Sussi & Chuma
With no age limit for children, the private Chuma Houses are a great option for family holidays in Livingstone, whether as a stand-alone trip, or as an addition to your safari. With a team on standby to help with all aspects of your stay (including chef, waiter, housekeeper and private guide), and a private pool and deck area, Sussi & Chuma is ideal for families who’d prefer a bit of privacy.
Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs is an affordable, mid-range camp with a large pool, flexible dining and a selection of family chalets perfect for a relaxed family holiday in Zambia. Room-only bookings are possible, and it has no age restrictions, although we recommend it to children 10+. All of the staff are have proven to be outstandingly friendly and approachable to children – both younger and older.
Waterberry Lodge
With family rooms, a swing, a pool, board games, pretty gardens and the option of a private villa, the small, tranquil Waterberry Lodge is great for family safari holidays in Zambia. Go walking on the adjacent nature trail or enjoy a variety of activities nearby! We recommend it for ages 6+.
Avani Victoria Falls
Avani is a bright, cheerful three-star hotel suitable for a good-value stay only 500m from the Victoria Falls during family holidays in Zambia. There’s a kids club here with special children’s activities, although this is at an extra cost. Children of all ages are welcome.
Toka Leya Camp
With several inter-leading rooms, Toka Leya is a great camp for family holidays to Zambia. Children might enjoy the camp's interactive drumming evenings with local bands, as well as river cruises, campfires at night, and trips to the Victoria Falls and the nearby village.
Chongwe River House
The spectacular Chongwe River House was made for family safaris. Very stylish and totally original, it centres around a vast lounge-dining area, and a large outdoor deck and swimming pool. With four large en-suite bedrooms, it's one of Africa's best family safari camps.
Tangala House
Tangala House near Tongabezi is a lovely family home that can be privately hired by up to eight guests – complete with toys, books, a 12m pool, kitchen equipment, etc. Its location is well-suited for Zambia family safari holidays including a visit to the Victoria Falls.
Robin's House
Robin's House has been purpose-built for family safaris – just like a family house. It has a central lounge and dining area, two en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen and plenty of space. It's one of Africa's best destinations for a family safari and offers a good-value safari.
Tafika
Tafika offers a family chalet, top guiding and excellent food and service during Zambia family safari holidays. Expect 4WD drives, walks, mountain-bike safaris and village visits! The owners raised their own children here, so under-12s are sometimes accepted.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House was purpose-built for families, with a vast central lounge and dining area, four large en-suite bedrooms (all with full, en-suite bathrooms), a kitchen and plenty of space. Outside is a swimming pool and a game-viewing platform.
Shiwa Ng'andu
Shiwa Ng’andu offers a variety of activities for your family safari holidays in Zambia, e.g. game drives, horse-riding and archeology projects. Children often love the big gardens and farm animals. Expect a matching price tag though!
Kasaka River Lodge
The Hippo Pod at Kasaka River Lodge is a reasonably priced, simple private house,,and is excellent for a family holiday in Zambia. Children can go on boat safaris, game drives, canoeing (12+), fishing trips and village visits.
Family holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Family holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Zambia
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,292 sightings from 4,069 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,119 sightings from 4,511 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
958 sightings from 3,012 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,119 sightings from 3,425 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,794 sightings from 3,372 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
48% SUCCESS
1,553 sightings from 3,212 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,974 sightings from 4,372 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,809 sightings from 4,436 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,917 sightings from 3,262 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
539 sightings from 2,229 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
519 sightings from 2,239 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,355 sightings from 4,294 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,672 sightings from 3,982 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,173 sightings from 4,961 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 3,586 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,613 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
661 sightings from 2,201 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
526 sightings from 1,230 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 367 observations
Other styles of holiday in Zambia
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