Safari in Zambia

Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and offers some of Africa's most immersive bush experiences. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks...

Zambia Safari at a Glance

8 safari regions, 49 parks & reserves, 229 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Zambia

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Visit Zambia

The best months to visit Zambia are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.2°C, rainfall 282.4mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 184.7mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 135.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.2°C, rainfall 44.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.8°C, rainfall 3.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 54.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 19.2°C, rainfall 1.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 51%
  • July: Great, temperature 19.1°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 45.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.9°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 38.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 34.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 27°C, rainfall 12.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 38.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 26°C, rainfall 77.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 55.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 172.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 69.2%

Wildlife in Zambia

Home to 229 recorded species including 82 iconic birds, 55 waterbirds, 52 birds of prey, 10 tropical birds, 7 antelope & gazelle, 6 big herbivores.

Notable Species in Zambia

Recommended Packing List for Zambia

Based on average temperature of 22.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 58%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safety & Health - Zambia

Zambia offers some of Africa's most immersive bush experiences, and while safety is always a priority, we find the country to be incredibly welcoming and secure for safari-goers. With expert guiding traditions and a focus on responsible tourism, you can confidently explore its wild heart, knowing you're in good hands.

Visa

For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Zambia. We find it easiest to obtain one on arrival at major entry points, or apply for an e-visa beforehand. If you're planning to combine your Zambian safari with a visit to Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, we highly recommend the KAZA Uni-Visa, which covers both countries for a single fee.

Malaria

Zambia is considered a high-risk malaria zone, particularly in the prime safari areas like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking anti-malarial prophylaxis. Consult your doctor well in advance to discuss the best option for you. Beyond medication, we always pack insect repellent with a high DEET concentration, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers at dusk and dawn, and ensure our mosquito nets are properly used in camp. The lodges we love are meticulous about this, but personal vigilance is key.

Safari Calendar - Zambia

For the ultimate Zambia safari, we recommend visiting during the dry season from May to October. This period offers the best game viewing as wildlife congregates around water sources and the vegetation thins. We particularly love the shoulder months of April and October for a balance of good sightings and fewer crowds. If birding is your passion, the green season from November to March is unparalleled, though be prepared for rain and potentially challenging road conditions.

January - Green Season

We love the dramatic skies and the photographic opportunities this time of year, especially for keen birdwatchers.

February - Green Season

We recommend this month for dedicated bird photographers who don't mind the rain and want to experience the bush in its most verdant state.

March - Green Season

We find the landscape incredibly beautiful and the feeling of having the parks almost to ourselves is unparalleled.

April - Shoulder Season

We think this is a fantastic month to visit as the parks transition to the dry season, offering good game viewing without peak season crowds.

May - Dry Season

We love the crisp air and the excellent game viewing that begins in earnest this month, making walking safaris particularly rewarding.

June - Dry Season

We recommend June for its comfortable temperatures and the start of prime game viewing season, especially for those who enjoy cooler mornings.

July - Dry Season

We consider July one of the best months for wildlife viewing, with consistently good sightings across all major parks.

August - Dry Season

We love August for the sheer abundance of wildlife and the dramatic scenes at waterholes, though it is the busiest month.

September - Dry Season

We find September offers a fantastic combination of excellent game viewing and slightly fewer crowds than August, with the heat building.

October - Shoulder Season

We recommend October for the dedicated safari enthusiast who can handle the heat, as game viewing remains strong and crowds thin.

November - Short Rains

We enjoy the dramatic weather and the fresh green shoots that signal the end of the dry season and the start of new life.

December - Short Rains

We love the vibrant green scenery and the excitement of new life in the bush, making it a great time for photographers and birders.

Safari Regions

Zambia FAQs

When is the best time to visit Zambia for a safari?

The prime safari season in Zambia is the dry winter months, from May to October, offering excellent game viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources. However, the 'Emerald Season' (November to April) provides lush landscapes, incredible birdlife, and lower prices, ideal for photographers and those seeking a different experience.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see on a Zambian safari?

Beyond the abundant general game, Zambia is particularly renowned for its strong populations of African wild dogs, especially in South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks. You can also expect excellent leopard sightings and a diverse array of birdlife, including many endemic species, making it a birder's paradise.

How much does a safari in Zambia typically cost?

Safari costs in Zambia vary significantly based on duration, accommodation luxury, and activities, but generally range from $500 to $1500+ per person per night. This reflects the high-quality guiding, exclusive camp experiences, and park fees associated with its immersive and often remote safaris.

What makes a Zambian safari experience different from other African destinations?

While famous for walking safaris, Zambia also excels in offering exceptional water-based safaris, particularly canoeing on the Lower Zambezi River, providing unique perspectives on wildlife. Additionally, many camps offer thrilling night drives, allowing you to spot elusive nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and even leopards on the hunt.

Is Zambia a safe country for safari travelers?

Zambia is generally considered a safe and welcoming country for tourists, with a stable political environment. While standard precautions against petty crime should be taken in urban areas, safari camps and national parks maintain high safety standards for guests and wildlife encounters, ensuring a secure experience.

Recommended Books for Zambia

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zambia by Chris McIntyre - The definitive Zambia guide - South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and Victoria Falls in unmatched detail. Essential for self-drive and walking safari planning.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Other Safari Countries in Southern Africa