Safari in Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls
Discover the iconic Victoria Falls and the rich birdlife and plains game of Southern Zambia's wetlands and conservancies.
Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls
Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls
Gamamwe Ranches Conservancy
Gamamwe Ranches Conservancy is a protected area in Zambia.
Lochinvar National Park
Another key park on the Kafue Flats, Lochinvar is primarily a birding paradise, boasting an incredible diversity of waterbirds and raptors. It's also home to large herds of Kafue lechwe and offers a unique landscape of floodplains and hot springs, making it a specialized destination for ornithologists.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Though small, this park is significant for encompassing the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It also hosts a small but important population of white rhinos, along with elephants, buffalo, and giraffes, making it a convenient wildlife stop for visitors to the falls.
Nkanga River Conservation Area
Nkanga River Conservation Area is a protected area in Zambia.
Compare Parks in Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park | - | 442 | - | Moderate | High | ZM-0035 (3km) |
| Lochinvar National Park | - | 419 | - | Very Quiet | High | FLLV (16km) |
| Gamamwe Ranches Conservancy | - | 361 | - | Very Quiet | High | ZM-0006 (36km) |
| Nkanga River Conservation Area | - | 361 | - | Quiet | High | ZM-0006 (40km) |
152 species recorded in Southern Zambia & Victoria Falls13 threatened
We love the raw power of the Zambezi here, especially as it plunges over Victoria Falls. The spray creates a constant mist, nurturing a unique rainforest ecosystem right at the edge of drier woodlands. Beyond the falls, the surrounding conservancies offer classic safari plains game alongside incredible birdlife, particularly in the mosaic of wetlands and islands. The sunsets over the wider Zambezi are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues.
Terrain & Altitude
A mix of gently undulating plains, rocky outcrops, and extensive seasonal floodplains fed by the Zambezi River.
900-1,150m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by miombo woodlands, acacia thickets, and lush riverine forests along the Zambezi.
Water Sources
The mighty Zambezi River is the lifeblood, creating vast floodplains and supporting numerous smaller channels and lagoons.
Unique Features
The sheer, immense curtain of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dramatically shapes the landscape and ecosystem.
We always recommend flying into Livingstone (LVI) for the most convenient access to Victoria Falls and the surrounding Zambian conservancies. While driving from Livingstone is straightforward, consider chartering a small aircraft for a scenic flight directly to remote camps if your budget allows – it truly is a spectacular way to arrive.
Nearest Airports
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)
20km / 30min drive
Daily connections from Johannesburg on Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa
Kasane International Airport (BBK)
70km / 1.5hr drive
Seasonal flights from Johannesburg
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Livingstone
Paved roads to most lodges and attractions around Victoria Falls; 2WD vehicles are generally sufficient
From Kasane, Botswana
Cross-border drive via Kazungula ferry or bridge; 4WD recommended for some lodge access roads
Temperature
21.9°C
71°F
Rainfall
273.5 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
82%
Sunshine
8.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Zambia