Zambia's nicest lodges for wildlife safari

Top-class walking safaris, the outstanding quality of guiding, and many highly individual lodges - all mark out a safari in Zambia for one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa. Especially for travellers who long to get out of the 4WD and explore the bush by foot, a wildlife safari in Zambia might be the right choice.

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 for a walking safari, although sensible shoes are recommended. The usual distance covered is about two to five miles (3-8km) per day and you will stop frequently to spot the signs of wildlife and be educated and entertained by the guide.

Zambia is perhaps the best destination for a wildlife safari on foot in Africa. First-class walking safaris actually started here, and guides are trained to high standards and have to pass strict exams before they can lead a wildlife safari in Zambia. As the result, the country has some of the best guides in Africa, and their knowledge and passion can make a huge difference to your wildlife safari.

In addition, most of Zambia's safari lodges are small and highly individual; many of the best are still owner-run. The enthusiasm of these people and their dedication to knowledge of the bush will enhance your wildlife experience.

Unlike many countries in Africa, Zambia allows spotlit night-drives in its national parks. Thus giving travellers a window on another world: the chance to see nocturnal animals like amusing porcupines and the elusive leopard.

The 20 best places for wildlife safaris in Zambia

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Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
|100% (8 reviews)

Anabezi is in an area with one of the highest densities of game and birdlife in the Lower Zambezi, making it a great spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Wildlife viewing during activities and from camp are both excellent. More about Anabezi Luxury Camp
Busanga Bushcamp
|93% (19 reviews)

The small Busanga Bushcamp stands beside the amazing Busanga Plains and is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck. More about Busanga Bushcamp
Chiawa Camp
|98% (73 reviews)

The Lower Zambezi is one of the best parks for wildlife safaris in Zambia, and Chiawa is one of very few camps inside the park. Top-notch guides add to the understanding and enjoyment of a safari, and red-filtered spotlights on night drives create less disruption to the wildlife... More about Chiawa Camp
Chongwe River Camp
|96% (116 reviews)

Chongwe’s location near the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment allows sightings of species that you may not see elsewhere on your wildlife safari in Zambia. Such species include the Samango monkey (Corcophithecus mitis), and the crested guineafowl (Guttera pucheroni). More about Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River House
|100% (8 reviews)

Chongwe River House comes with a private expert safari guide who is fully qualified to lead walking safaris, boat trips and 4WD safaris. Hence you can expect a first-class wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the Lower Zambezi Valley. More about Chongwe River House
Kaingo Camp
|96% (188 reviews)

Kaingo is in an area of South Luangwa National Park with high densities of more common species, as well as endemics such as Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe, making this an excellent spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia. More about Kaingo Camp
Kakuli Bushcamp
|97% (62 reviews)

On a bend of the Luangwa River at the confluence of the Luwi River, where elephants regularly congregate, Kakuli Bushcamp is in an area with a high density of game and bird life. Combine this with great guiding, and the result a superb wildlife safari experience. More about Kakuli Bushcamp
Kapani Lodge
|95% (80 reviews)

Kapani is close to the centre of South Luangwa – around Mfuwe Lagoon – which means very relaxed big game indeed, and usually some excellent sightings. 4WD safaris are organised both day and night, but walking safaris can also be requested. The guiding here is of a high standard. More about Kapani Lodge
Luangwa River Camp
|96% (60 reviews)

South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top big-game destinations, and high densities of wildlife make Luangwa River Camp a good option for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Night drives make sightings of lion and leopard particularly common. More about Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa Safari House
|100% (14 reviews)

Luangwa Safari House comes with a private 4WD safari vehicle and an expert guide. With night drives and some off-road driving also allowed in the park, Luangwa Safari House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the South Luangwa. More about Luangwa Safari House
Mchenja Bushcamp
|98% (63 reviews)

Zambia’s South Luangwa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, with high densities of wildlife; Sightings of lion and leopard are particularly common on night drives. On one of our drives from Mchenja Bushcamp during the dry season, we saw many antelope – including ... More about Mchenja Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
|99% (126 reviews)

The game hides at Mwamba camp are one of its main attractions, and they allow you to see some fantastic wildlife. The game-rich area and high-quality guides make this a great camp for wildlife safaris in Zambia. More about Mwamba Bushcamp
Nkwali
|96% (199 reviews)

Nkwali camp has first-rate guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris, and South Luangwa allows night drives, and some off-read driving. These factors make for a superb wildlife safari experience in one of Africa's best game areas. More about Nkwali
Nsefu
|98% (164 reviews)

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, where elephants regularly cross, Nsefu is in an area with a high density of game and birdlife – but relatively few visitors. This, along with top-notch guides, results in excellent Zambian wildlife safaris. More about Nsefu
Potato Bush Camp
|98% (11 reviews)

Potato Bush is one of the few camps in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park itself. This location, combined with excellent guides and a variety of activities, makes Potato Bush one of the best camps for a wildlife safari in Zambia. More about Potato Bush Camp
Robin's House
|94% (10 reviews)

Robin's House comes with a private 4WD and an expert guide, fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris – and the park rules allow night drives and some off-read driving. Hence Robin's House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience. More about Robin's House
Sausage Tree Camp
|97% (33 reviews)

Sausage Tree is one of the few camps within the Lower Zambezi National Park itself, which has excellent game densities. The location is complemented by superb guides, making this one of the best camps for a Zambian wildlife safari. More about Sausage Tree Camp
Shoebill Island Camp
|90% (6 reviews)

The Bangweulu area has not only super birdlife, but some excellent plains game - including the beautiful and endemic black lechwe, oribi, tsessebe and sitatunga. More about Shoebill Island Camp
Shumba Camp
|95% (13 reviews)

Shumba stands in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains, which is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck. More about Shumba Camp
Tafika
|98% (274 reviews)

Tafika’s excellent guides lead numerous activities, allowing multiple perspectives during a wildlife safari in Zambia. The camp is in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park, which is an excellent area for big game including elephant, buffalo, leopard and occasionally wild dog... More about Tafika