Your expert guide will immerse you in the intricate details of the wilderness ( © Robin Pope Safaris )
Being on foot brings deeper insight and the opportunity to get close to wildlife ( © Bushcamp Company )
A walking safari provides the freedom to explore on foot, away from the confines of a safari vehicle. You can tailor the intensity of the walks to suit your preference – whether it’s a short bush walk from a permanent camp, walking between permanent safari camps or for the more adventurous, embarking on a traditional mobile safari.
My below round-up of the best places to take a Zambia walking safari explains the unique draws of each location. The best way to explore these on safari is with an experienced walking guide, journeying through the wilderness with camps set up along the way. Spending multiple nights under canvas, you’ll have your feet on the ground and senses fully engaged, creating an exceptional safari experience.
Spot lion, leopard, elephant and many more species in the South Luangwa National Park ( © Bushcamp Company )
Opt to walk between comfortable bush camps for a multi-day walking safari in South Luangwa ( © Robin Pope Safaris )
Walk past giraffe on your walking safari in South Luangwa National Park ( © Robin Pope Safaris )
Return from your walks to the luxury of Chiawa Camp and sleep beneath the skies on their star bed tower.
Top Zambia walking safari destinations
Zambia’s vast, pristine parks—such as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi—are known for their rich wildlife and privacy, ideal for those seeking an exclusive and immersive safari experience.
Top luxury walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park
The finest walking safaris in Zambia are still to be found in the South Luangwa National Park which is a veritable treasure trove of abundant wildlife concentrated around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of leopard in southern Africa and it is also home to the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe.
The elephant population is healthy, as is the hippo population. The birdlife is equally rewarding, with over 400 species recorded in the area. The walking safaris are conducted by extremely knowledgeable conservationists and private guides, with a focus firmly on the wildlife and surrounding environment.
Many South Luangwa walking safaris are conducted by walking between tented camps and spending a night or two in mobile fly camps en route. I recommend starting with a couple of nights in a comfortable permanent tented camp to find your Africa feet before taking a 7-night walking safari between mobile camps, which are set up for you in a completely remote part of the park. Then return to a luxury camp or villa for the final nights to wash the dust off your boots before returning home or continuing the adventure on a white sandy beach.
This is one of those ultimate ‘back to nature’ experiences you can have on an African safari – you won’t see any other humans apart from those on your walk! I implore everyone to try it at least once…
Exclusive walking safaris in North Luangwa National Park
For a truly adventurous twist to a Zambian safari, consider exploring the remote North Luangwa National Park – a hotspot for lion, hyena, kudu, Cookson’s wildebeest, elephant, wild dog, leopard and rhino. Favoured by seasoned safari enthusiasts, this park is home to a select few intimate bush camps that specialise almost entirely in walking safaris, offering an authentic wilderness experience.
Exceptional walking safaris in Lower Zambezi National Park
There are also excellent walking experiences to be had elsewhere in Zambia. The first lies in the Lower Zambezi National Park, one of my favourite parks in Southern Africa. Why? Well, it’s the light! The contrast in colours of pastel albida forest, purple escarpment and blue waters of the Zambezi River sets a beautiful scene.
The abundant water and rich food sources of the Lower Zambezi create a diverse habitat for phenomenal wildlife viewing. This compact national park is home to one of Africa’s healthiest elephant populations, along with large herds of buffalo, prides of lions and leopards.
The area also teems with smaller carnivores and omnivores, including nocturnal hyenas, jackals, zebras and various antelope species. Get close to hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, while the park’s vibrant birdlife offers endless opportunities for birdwatchers. It’s also an ideal setting for photographing elephants as they feed, swim or cross the mighty Zambezi River.
Exceptional walking and canoeing safaris are on offer here, taking guests between intimate fly camps set on islands. Camp locations have been thoughtfully chosen to provide optimal access to wildlife, strategic game routes and the perfect vantage points for sunrise and sunset, along with many other carefully considered elements to ensure a truly extraordinary safari experience.
While game viewing is primarily done on foot or by canoe, the variety of activities available in the Lower Zambezi is what makes this park truly special. Wildlife drives, boat cruises and fishing offer a well-rounded exploration of this remarkable wilderness.
The vast wilderness of the Liuwa Plains
Other considerations for walking are those safari camps placed in possibly the most far-flung park in Zambia, the Liuwa Plains National Park. This vast wilderness hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, surpassed only by the famous Great Migration of the Maasai Mara–Serengeti ecosystem. Beyond the awe-inspiring movement of wildebeest, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Covering an area comparable to the size of Wales, Liuwa Plain is a pristine landscape with only a few permanent lodges, ensuring an exclusive safari experience. While the wildebeest migration is a major draw, you can also expect regular sightings of predators like lion and cheetah, alongside large clans of hyena that dominate the plains as well as unusual antelope such as eland and tsessebe. Bird enthusiasts can also spot a remarkable variety of species including the iconic wattled crane.
During the rainy season, the plains burst into colour as various wildflowers bloom, adding to the park’s charm. Guides often highlight these small, beautiful details – such as the striking flame lily, scarlet pimpernel, dwarf mobola, summer sand and tumbleweed lilies. Together, these natural wonders make Liuwa Plain a rewarding destination for those safari enthusiasts willing to go the extra mile.
Sighting of elephant on foot in Lower Zambezi National Park (© Chiawa Camp)
Spotted hyena dens in Liuwa Plains (© King Lewanika Camp)
Why take a mobile walking safari in Zambia?
Although a mobile camping and walking safari may offer a simpler style compared to the luxury lodges found across Africa, it doesn’t mean ‘roughing it.’ In Zambia, this engaging experience allows you to fully connect with nature, making it one of the best ways to truly disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and unwind on your holiday. Each step taken brings a deeper appreciation of these precious landscapes and a greater understanding of why they are worth protecting.
Moving slowly through the bush with your private guide and armed scout offers a chance to immerse yourself in the finest details of the wilderness. It’s not just about spotting wildlife; it’s about noticing the intricate web of life around you — from the trees and plants to the insects, birds and all their fascinating interactions.
Sleeping in a tent brings you even closer to nature. Through gauze windows, the night sounds are clearer, the breeze carries the scent of wild herbs and woodsmoke, and you wake naturally at first light. The shifting light of dawn and dusk, the distant calls of lions as you lie safely in your tent connects you deeply with the wilderness in a way few other experiences can match. The sights, the sounds, the scents — they’ll stay with you long after your adventure ends!
Best time to take a walking safari in Zambia
The ideal time for a walking safari in Zambia is during the dry season – from May to October. For the best wildlife sightings, consider visiting in September or October, though temperatures can be quite high during these months.
What to pack for your walking safari in Zambia
When packing for a walking safari, prioritise comfortable, breathable clothing in earthy tones that blend with the African bush—think khaki, browns and greens. Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures: mornings can start off chilly but warm up significantly as the sun rises, while the evenings cool down quickly once the sun has set so dressing in layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day is essential.
It’s also important not to underestimate the strength of the African sun – pack a wide-brimmed hat, quality polarized sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen—sunburn is no fun! The MOST crucial items in your luggage should be a pair of closed, comfortable walking boots or shoes that are properly broken in. Avoiding brand-new footwear ensures you can walk long distances without blisters or discomfort.
Looking to embark on a luxury walking safari in Zambia? Reach out to our experts to learn more about our exclusive Zambia safaris.
Tales from the road less travelled...
