Being at one with nature, traversing scenic terrain across east Zambia’s Luangwa River Valley and watching the abundant hippo population wallowing in the glistening river. If you’ve ever wished to find yourself completely off the beaten track and consider yourself an adventurous safari enthusiast, then our classic walking safari across Zambia is an unmissable experience.
Home to rare wildlife including the elusive black rhino, enormous remote national parklands and warm respectful people, Zambia hosts some of the very best walking safaris across the continent. Walk from camp to camp over several days with the option to enjoy night fly camping under the stars. This is simply the best way to explore this region and see wildlife up close.
"After enthralling days walking through the bush alongside the magnificent wildlife, evenings are spent by the glowing campfire, glancing upwards to the breathtaking display of stars lighting up the sky."
Zambia may not be your first thought when it comes to safari destinations, yet the country’s huge diversity of ecology and regional concentrations of wildlife make it an excellent choice with some of the best wildlife in Africa outside of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
South Luangwa is one of the finest national parks in Zambia, known for its endemic giraffe and the Crawshay’s zebra; it’s also home to the highest concentration of leopard in southern Africa. You can expect to find the fertile plains dotted with lions, impala, puka, wildebeest and herds of buffalo grazing whilst you walk close by. The beautiful and lesser visited North Luangwa region feels like primaeval Africa – boasting huge herds of wildlife with buffalo, lion, Cookson’s hartebeest and eland antelope with excellent bird-watching opportunities. The two areas complement each other well given that they feel very different. We recommend combining a visit to these regions with the magnificent Lower Zambezi, Kafue and the Busanga Plains.
Accompanied by a private guide, we ensure complete flexibility and the trip will be planned entirely around what you want to see and do. One of our favourite times to visit is in the dry season, between May and October, when wildlife congregates around depleting water sources, making animals much easier to spot. Equally wonderful is the “Emerald Season” between November and April when the rains transform the national parks into a lush green paradise. Birding is excellent at this time of year and it’s also possible to explore by water, giving you access to areas that are inaccessible during the dry season. There tend to be fewer tourists and vehicles during the “Emerald Season” allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature.
Accommodation options include walking between mobile or static camps, covering around 10 km per day. If you’d prefer walking for shorter periods, another option is to return to the same luxury camp each day. Our team will ensure that the trip is curated to your wishes and that the camps are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind throughout your safari. After enthralling days walking through the bush alongside the magnificent wildlife, evenings are spent by the glowing campfire, glancing upwards to the breathtaking display of stars lighting up the sky thanks to the low light and air pollution.
If the idea of an epic safari adventure speaks to you, then our Zambian walking safari will provide the setting for a life-changing experience in this spectacular country.
