Personalized trips to Zambia
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Introducing Zambia

When is the best time to visit?
June to October is the dry season and the best time to view wildlife—animals are drawn to water sources, and low vegetation offers excellent visibility. Temperatures are moderate with cold mornings and evenings from June-August, while September and October are very hot (this is also when prices are highest). Rains can start as early as November, which makes for beautiful changes in the vegetation. The rainy season is in full swing from January-May when you'll find hot, humid weather, and a drop in prices. Note that safari camps may be closed November-April.

Where should you go?
Victoria Falls, the massive natural wonder on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, should be on every visitor's list. Accessed on the Zambia side via Livingstone, the falls is a year-round destination, though the water flow changes from full flood to less dramatic levels depending on the season. South Luangwa has some of the best game viewing and guiding in the world, and many travelers spend a full week of safari here alone. Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and Liuwa Plains are all also worth a visit.

How many days do you need?
Travelers with at least ten days will be able to see 3 regions at a comfortable pace, with time for multiple days of safari at more than one location. With a week or less, stick to Victoria Falls and one short safari in South Luangwa.

Zambia Travel Insights

Safari in Zambia
Map of Highlights of Zambia: Victoria Falls & South Luangwa - 7 Days
Highlights of Zambia: Victoria Falls & South Luangwa - 7 Days

In this 7-day tour, you will explore some of Zambia's most astonishing natural gems. You will begin the adventure canoeing and sunset cruising on the Zambezi River—the fourth-longest in the entire African continent! Then, you'll be able to enjoy another fluvial wonder: the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Finally, you will have three thrilling nights on safari at South Luangwa National Park. Keep your eyes open for zebras, elephants, lions, and more.

Orphaned Elephants at Lilayi
Map of Lilayi & South Luangwa Safari in Zambia - 7 Days
Lilayi & South Luangwa Safari in Zambia - 7 Days

Visit the Lilayi Elephant Sanctuary, go on a safari game drive, and see Africa's incredible natural landscapes on this 7-day adventure itinerary. You'll see the baby elephants and explore the African bush, then stay in restful and comfortable accommodations at night. Round out your trip with a visit to the Kuanda village to learn about the local people and culture.

Leopard in Luangwa
Map of Zambia National Parks - 13 Days
Zambia National Parks - 13 Days

This adventurous itinerary is perfect for travelers who prefer to explore off the beaten track. Go on game drives in South Luangwa and the remote Luambe National Park, where the small-group accommodations mean you'll enjoy the full park to yourselves. End the trip in the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park in a luxury camp set on the banks of the beautiful Zambezi River.

Game drive in the morning
Map of Luxury Zambia Safari & River Camp - 5 Days
Luxury Zambia Safari & River Camp - 5 Days

See the best of Lusaka and Livingstone on this luxurious 5-day itinerary. Start with a night in a gorgeous boutique hotel in Lusaka, then transfer to Lilayi to visit the Elephant Orphanage and go on a game dive. Fly to Livingstone and enjoy two nights in a stunning property located on the beautiful Zambezi River. Enjoy a sunset river cruise and fly over Victoria Falls on an unforgettable helicopter flight.

A fireplace at a safari lodge
Map of Ultimate Zambia Safari - 10 Days
Ultimate Zambia Safari - 10 Days

Adventurous, nature-loving travelers will love this itinerary that focuses on two of the top national parks in Zambia—South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. You will be able to explore three different camps in South Luangwa before heading to the quiet camp at Lower Zambezi camp that only allows for 20 guests at a time. If you want an insider's safari experience with opportunities to visit areas that most tourists never see, this trip is designed for you.

Leopard in Kafue National Park
Map of Zambia Safari Adventure: Livingstone & Kafue - 7 Days
Zambia Safari Adventure: Livingstone & Kafue - 7 Days

Make your dreams of a multi-day safari come true with this relaxed and flexible itinerary. You'll begin and end in the town of Livingstone where you'll have the opportunity to see the magnificent Victoria Falls before heading to a safari camp within the stunning Kafue National Park for three nights of safari drives and exploration. Travelers who prefer an off-the-beaten-path experience will love this quiet and uncrowded park's distinct landscapes.

Zambia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Zambia map: Natural Highlights of Zambia: Victoria Falls, Lusaka and South Luangwa - 7 Days
Natural Highlights of Zambia: Victoria Falls, Lusaka and South Luangwa - 7 Days
View article
Zambia map: Zambia Safari - Lilayi & South Luangwa
Zambia Safari - Lilayi & South Luangwa
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Zambia map: Experience Zambia - South Luangwa, Luambe & Lower Zambezi
Experience Zambia - South Luangwa, Luambe & Lower Zambezi
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Zambia
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 16 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 15 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

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Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 21 hours ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

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Travel specialist Petru van Zyl
active 2 days ago

Petru van Zyl

I started in the travel industry in August 1998 and have 21 years experience as a travel consultant. I am a senior consultant who specializes in FIT travel, group travel, VIP clients, luxury...

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Travel specialist Chloe Cottrell

Chloe Cottrell

I have always had a deep connection to Africa, especially my home, Zimbabwe. Through personal travel, my passion for the safari world and travel was born. It brings me such joy to assist others in...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Zambia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Ultimate Zambian Safari - South Luangwa and Lower & Upper Zambezi
Zambia | Jul 20 - Jul 31, 2022

Jill
Jill B.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2022

My husband and I are just home from a fabulous holiday in Zambia. We stayed 5 nights in the marvellous South Luangwa National Park – 3 at Kafunta Lodge and two at Three Rivers Camp. The accommodation was fabulous, especially the star beds at Three Rivers and the deck, infinity pool and hot tub at Kafunta! The fine dining was an unexpected pleasure too, along with a different and stunning dining location for every meal. Our guides Solomon and David were marvellous – skilful drivers, experts on... read more

My husband and I are just home from a fabulous holiday in Zambia. We stayed 5 nights in the marvellous South Luangwa National Park – 3 at Kafunta Lodge and two at Three Rivers Camp. The accommodation was fabulous, especially the star beds at Three Rivers and the deck, infinity pool and hot tub at Kafunta! The fine dining was an unexpected pleasure too, along with a different and stunning dining location for every meal. Our guides Solomon and David were marvellous – skilful drivers, experts on the extensive bird life and other animals and strategic in their decision making to optimise the experience for us with our cameras always clicking. Highlights here were the frequent leopard and lion sightings. We were very impressed by the strong environmental focus at Kafunta. No plastic water bottles for instance. And the network of social enterprise partnerships they have, engaging with the local community around them. Congratulations to the founders Ron and Anke Cowan for their ethical and responsible approach to tourism.

We flew from the brilliant town of Mfuwe to the Royal airstrip, where we were picked up by wonderful Weston who was our guide on the Lower Zambezi, based at Baines River Camp. The pace here was less cracking, which was just what we needed by now! We chilled as we watched the mighty Zambezi flow from the verandah of our sumptuous room. We enjoyed several interesting game drives here as well as relaxing cruises on the river. Lots of crocodiles, elephants and hippos.

We finished with three nights at the beautiful River Club, out of Livingstone. A helicopter flight to view the Victoria Falls is an absolute must –after circling the falls several times we flew low over the water zig zagging our way downstream in the fantastic gorges! Paul, Mack, Davies, Chloe and Costa ensured we had a great stay here too. Terrific food served at a different location every meal, sensational setting and lovely cruises on the upper Zambezi.

The animal of the trip would have to be the hippo. Closely followed by the terribly shy warthog. We did not see any rhinos so will definitely be back to Africa in the near future to address this omission!

Local specialist: Chloe Cottrell

Incredible experience to Southern Africa!
Zambia | Oct 28 - Nov 7, 2019

A
andrew y.
Midlothian, VA | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2019

The trip planned for us by Deborah and Tara at Elgin Africa was amazing. We came up with a base plan and they took it from there. From the boutique hotel in Cape Town to the Victoria Falls Hotel with its incredible history to the tented safari camp in Zimbabwe, everything was well organized and came through without any glitches whatsoever. All in country land transfers were pre-arranged and were always on time (or early). We did 3 private day tours in Cape Town; Stellenbosch, the Cape... read more

The trip planned for us by Deborah and Tara at Elgin Africa was amazing. We came up with a base plan and they took it from there. From the boutique hotel in Cape Town to the Victoria Falls Hotel with its incredible history to the tented safari camp in Zimbabwe, everything was well organized and came through without any glitches whatsoever. All in country land transfers were pre-arranged and were always on time (or early). We did 3 private day tours in Cape Town; Stellenbosch, the Cape Peninsula, and shark cage diving (highly recommended). The safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana were nothing short of incredible. The safari guides and drivers were all top-notch professionals and we enjoyed spending time with them and learning about their countries. They all had stories to tell. The food was also amazing; we were always surprised at the quality of the meals that were prepared for us.

We would highly recommend Elgin Africa and Deborah for anyone looking to spend time in Southern Africa.

Local specialist: Deborah Smook
Deborah
Deborah Smook
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2019

Dear Andrew and Chisty

Thank you so much for choosing us and I am super happy that you had such a great experience. It was really nice meeting you as well!

I hope to see you again soon in SA!

All the best,
Deb

Upcoming Trip
Zambia | Jul 2 - Jul 9, 2019

S
Sara H.
Fairbanks, AK | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2019

We recently traveled to Zambia and I want to highly recommend Chloe and Off2Africa. Our trip was well planned and Chloe was very responsive to changes and adjustments that came up. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities she arranged for us; the hotel, Latitude15 in Lusaka, the Lilayi Elephant Rescue and Kafunta Lodge. The lodge at Lilayi was wonderful. Kafunta Lodge and Safari in Mfuwe was the highlight of the trip. Staff at Kafunta were amazing, our driver Cephus was an expert guide and... read more

We recently traveled to Zambia and I want to highly recommend Chloe and Off2Africa. Our trip was well planned and Chloe was very responsive to changes and adjustments that came up. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities she arranged for us; the hotel, Latitude15 in Lusaka, the Lilayi Elephant Rescue and Kafunta Lodge. The lodge at Lilayi was wonderful. Kafunta Lodge and Safari in Mfuwe was the highlight of the trip. Staff at Kafunta were amazing, our driver Cephus was an expert guide and he and John spotted lots and lots of sights for us to see, even at night. The accommodations for our entire trip were very pleasant and the food served at the lodges and hotel was top notch. Zambia is a trip in a lifetime, and we’ll definitely go again. I highly recommend Chloe, Off2Africa, Latitude 15 Hotel, Lilayi Elephant Sanctuary, and Kafunta Lodge and Safari.

Local specialist: Chloe Cottrell
Chloe
Chloe Cottrell
Local specialist in Harare, Zimbabwe | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2019

Thank you Sara for your lovely recommendation, it was a pleasure planning your trip along with you and we are delighted that you enjoyed it all so much! Looking forward to the next adventure.