Zambia is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, here’s our updated guide to the top 10 places to visit in Zambia, along with some excellent accommodations to consider.
At the end, we also make some itinerary suggestions for different lengths of stay.
As always, we rely on the excellent Brad Guides’ book “Zambia Safari Guide”, which devotes 530 pages to Zambia, something impossible to summarise in a single blog! A great recommendation to help you plan your trip.
Here are our 10 top places to visit and things to do in Zambia:
1. Victoria Falls & Livingstone
Undoubtedly Zambia’s most iconic attraction, the Victoria Falls are a must-visit. They are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, after all! Whether you’re there for adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting or just soaking in the majestic views, Livingstone offers something for everyone.
The town itself is rich in history, with museums and cultural tours to enjoy. Beautiful properties are found at the falls or further upriver on the Zambezi from which to embark on water-based safaris.
The best time of the year to see the falls at their fullest is from April until July. At the peak of the dry season in Zambia (August to October), the falls can appear less impressive, although they never dry.
Where to stay for the Falls:
- The Royal Livingstone Hotel: A luxury hotel that offers spectacular views of the Falls, with colonial elegance and modern comforts.
- Waterberry Zambezi Lodge: Located further upriver, away from the busy area near the falls, this boutique lodge offers personalised service and an intimate connection to nature.
2. The Luangwa Valley
We’re obviously biased when it comes to the best national parks to visit for spectacular photographic safaris, as South Luangwa is our home!
But African specialists will confirm that the South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, renowned for its walking safaris, leopard sightings, and diverse ecosystems.
The more remote North Luangwa National Park offers a less frequented experience, with limited access.
The best time to visit the Luangwa Valley is during the dry season, from May until October (but it can get really hot in August, September and especially October).
Where to stay in South Luangwa:
- Kafunta River Lodge: A charming lodge with spectacular views, offering comfortable accommodations and excellent wildlife experiences.
- Three Rivers Camp: Perfect for those seeking a more remote and immersive wilderness experience, with star beds and eco-friendly luxury.
Where to stay in North Luangwa:
- Takwela Camp: An intimate camp with only 4 chalets set at the confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa Rivers.
3. Lower Zambezi & Lake Kariba
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers exceptional wildlife experiences along the mighty Zambezi River, where canoeing and boat safaris are top activities. Nearby, Lake Kariba provides a serene backdrop for fishing, birdwatching, and sunset cruises.
The best time to visit the Lower Zambezi is between June and October, during the dry season.
Where to stay in Lower Zambezi:
- Kutali Camp: Known for its remote location and intimate atmosphere, this camp offers a unique and immersive bush experience. It set under the shade of large winterthorn trees by the Zambezi River, in the heart of the national park.
- Baines River Camp: Situated upriver on the Zambezi River, this camp combines comfort with varied safari experiences.
4. The Kafue National Park
One of Africa’s largest national parks, Kafue is vast and offers something for everyone, from stunning plains to dense woodlands. It is the oldest national park in Zambia.
The Kafue River offers great options for water-based safaris, as well as some fun canoeing activities.
The Busanga Plains, in the northern sector, are famous for large herds of antelope and frequent predator sightings.
The best time to visit Kafue depends on the area of the park itself. Some camps remain open most of the year, while some more remote camps will only open from July to October.
Where to stay in Kafue:
- Musekese Camp: Located in the remote Lufupa sector of Kafue, Musekese Camp is renowned for its expert guiding and commitment to conservation. With just a few tents, this camp offers an intimate and immersive safari experience, focusing on walking safaris, boat trips, and game drives. It also has a satellite camp at the Busanga Plains.
- Kaing’U Safari Lodge: Nestled along the Kafue River, Kaing’U provides stunning river views and a range of activities, including boat cruises, fishing, and walking safaris. The lodge combines rustic charm with comfort, offering guests an off-the-beaten-path experience in serene river landscapes.
5. Liuwa Plains
Remote and wild, Liuwa Plains National Park is home to one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles—the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa. The park also offers unique birdwatching opportunities and impressive hyena populations.
The best time to visit Liuwa Plains is during the dry season, from May to November. The wildebeest migration tend to happen between October and December.
Where to stay in Liuwa Plains:
- African Parks: A number of community-owned campsites are available through African Parks or through specialist outfitters who will organise the trip for you.
Are you planning a safari? Download our in depth Zambian Safari planning guide!
6. Kasanka & Bangweulu area
Kasanka National Park is famous for the largest mammal migration on Earth—when millions of fruit bats congregate between October and December.
The Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the rare shoebill stork and a wealth of other bird species. They are located in northen Zambia, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The best months to visit Kasanka would be October through December for the bats and great birdwatching. As for the Bangweulu Wetlands, the ideal time is May to August, when the water levels recede.
Where to stay in Kasanka & Bangweulu:
- Wasa Lodge: Located in Kasanka National Park, this lodge is perfect for witnessing the bat migration.
- Shoebill Island Camp: A remote camp in Bangweulu, ideal for birdwatchers and those seeking to spot the elusive shoebill.
7. Lake Tanganyika
In the northernmost part of Zambia, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, with a rich aquatic life found nowhere else. It offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a stunning place to relax.
The best time to enjoy the beautiful waters of the lake is from June to October, but birdwatching is awesome in the rainy season, from December to March.
Where to stay at the lake:
- Ndole Bay Lodge: A beautiful lakeside lodge that offers water activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Lake Shore Lodge: Ideal for those looking to combine diving, nature walks, and stunning lakeside views.
8. Lusaka
Despite its horrendous traffic, Zambia’s capital city offers a cosmopolitan scene with a good choice of attractive boutique hotels or international chains. More than just a stopover, Lusaka offers plenty to do with vibrant markets and shopping malls, the National Museum, and excellent dining options.
Lusaka can be visited year round.
Where to stay in Lusaka:
- Latitude 15: A chic, boutique hotel with a strong design ethos, perfect for those wanting a stylish city break.
- Ciêla Resort & Spa: Ideally situated near the airport, this stylish designer hotel offers convenience and comfort for travellers, making it a perfect stop for a relaxing stay before catching a flight.
9. More waterfalls & Hot Springs
We all have heard about Victoria Falls, but Zambia has 17 beautiful waterfalls worth visiting, each offering a more tranquil and intimate experience.
Located mainly across the Northern province, finding the falls is like going on a treasure hunt. To name a few: Kalambo Falls (double the height of the Victoria Falls!), Kundalila Falls, Lumangwe Falls, Kabwelume Falls, Ngonye Falls, Chisimba Falls, Chipembe Falls, etc.
Hot springs are also a particularity of Zambia. These natural geothermal pools are scattered across the country, with Kapisya Hot Springs near Lake Tanganyika being one of the most famous. Other notable hot springs include the Chinyunyu Hot Springs near Lusaka, a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking the therapeutic benefits of its warm waters.
The falls and hot springs can be visited year-round, although falls will be fuller at the end of the rains, in April and May.
Where to stay by the hot springs:
- Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge: A unique lodge offering access to nearby waterfalls and natural hot springs.
10. History & Cultures
Zambia’s rich history and diverse cultures make it a rewarding destination for travellers interested in more than wildlife.
With so many tribal identities, Zambia has a rich array of festivals rarely attended by tourists. These authentic ceremonies are aimed at the local population, and it is best to seek the advice of a knowledgeable guide.
The Kuomboka ceremony (often in March, depending on the water levels) is probably the most famous ritual; it marks the retreat of the Lozi king to his high-water residence.
The country also features excellent historical sites and museums such as the Kabwata Cultural Center and the National Museum in Lusaka, the Livingstone Museum and the city’s historical tour, and the unusual and remarkable Shiwa Ng’andu Manor House and Estate (Muchinga Province).
Festivals take place at different during the year.
Some Itinerary Suggestions
7-Night Itinerary:
- Victoria Falls (2 nights): Stay at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, explore the falls, and enjoy a sunset cruise.
- South Luangwa (5 nights): Enjoy a combination of 3 nights at Kafunta River Lodge and 2 nights at Three Rivers Camp for a short getaway to the park and experience both walking safaris and game drives.
10-Night Itinerary:
- Victoria Falls (2 nights): Start with a visit of the falls, and a birding cruise at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge.
- South Luangwa (5 nights): Explore one of Africa’s best wildlife parks at Kafunta River Lodge and Three Rivers Camp.
- Lower Zambezi (3 nights): End by exploring the Lower Zambezi with Classic Zambia at Kutali Camp.
14-Night Itinerary:
- Victoria Falls (2 nights): Begin at the relaxing Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, visit the falls, boat on the river, and explore Livingstone and its museum.
- Kafue National Park (3 nights): Head to Kafue and stay at Musekese Camp to discover the wildlife-rich Lufupa area.
- South Luangwa (6 nights): Enjoy a full week in South Luangwa and split your stay between Kafunta River Loge, Three Rivers Camp or Island Bush Camp.
- Lower Zambezi (3 nights): End Kutali Camp or Baines River Camp with exciting water-based safaris.
Resources:
Bradt Guide Zambia: https://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/africa/zambia/
Zambia Tourism: https://www.zambia.travel
