Best wildlife safaris in Zambia
Zambia offers one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa – and a safari here is marked out by top-class walking safaris within the national parks; night drives within the parks; the outstanding quality of the guiding; and the individual nature of the small safari lodges and camps which give a great experience to their guests. Zambia is especially strong for travellers who long to get out of the vehicle and explore the bush by foot, for whom it has few real com it’s, a wildlife safari in Zambia might be the right choice.
Zambia is perhaps the best destination for a wildlife safari on foot in Africa. Walking safaris can be a really exhilarating experience, as they give you the chance to get close to wildlife, without a vehicle in the way. You don’t need to be especially fit; they’re not ‘route marches’ and you’ll stop frequently to look at the wildlife, being educated and entertained by the guide.
Night drives from camps are allowed within Zambia’s national parks – unusual in Africa. For the wildlife enthusiast this opens up a whole new world of crepuscular wildlife species that usually go unseen – from Sharpe’s grysbok, bushbabies and owls to civets, genets, African wildcats and leopards. See our sightings record for leopard from Zambia’s camps to appreciate how remarkably good Zambia’s night drives are for leopard sightings.
Of course, the underlying reason for the excellent wildlife sightings here is that Zambia’s guiding standards are very high. Most of Zambia’s safari lodges are small and highly individual; many of the best are still owner-run – and this contributes to a real focus on guiding. The enthusiasm of Zambia’s guides and their dedication to knowledge of the wildlife is always a real joy. Then underpinning this in most of the main national parks are very strict exams which guides need to pass in order to lead walking safaris.
Our page on the key animal species seen on a Zambia safari
includes sightings data from our travellers sent over the last few years.
You’ll find all of our Zambia safaris here, and just a small ‘taster’ selection of these below
Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African 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
2,232 sightings from 2,763 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.
46% SUCCESS
1,440 sightings from 3,098 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
658 sightings from 2,065 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.
30% SUCCESS
716 sightings from 2,352 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.
82% SUCCESS
1,881 sightings from 2,288 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.
46% SUCCESS
1,013 sightings from 2,205 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.
90% SUCCESS
2,691 sightings from 2,974 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.
85% SUCCESS
2,553 sightings from 3,005 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
1,962 sightings from 2,200 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.
23% SUCCESS
356 sightings from 1,582 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.
21% SUCCESS
335 sightings from 1,584 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.
52% SUCCESS
1,543 sightings from 2,942 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.
66% SUCCESS
1,810 sightings from 2,745 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
2,844 sightings from 3,393 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
60 sightings from 2,549 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
41 sightings from 2,484 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.
29% SUCCESS
427 sightings from 1,456 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.
42% SUCCESS
351 sightings from 836 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.
17% SUCCESS
43 sightings from 256 observations
