The birthplace of the walking safari — Zambia offers raw, authentic wilderness experiences in the Luangwa Valley, Zambezi adventures, and its own dramatic perspective on Victoria Falls.
The dry season from May to October is prime safari time when bush thins out and animals concentrate along rivers. South Luangwa peaks from August to October with exceptional walking safari conditions. Victoria Falls water levels peak from February to May. The Emerald Season (November-April) brings rain, lush green landscapes, and incredible birding. Many camps close during the heavy rains (January-March). Shoulder months of November and April offer good value with reasonable conditions.
Zambia is mid-range on the African safari price spectrum. South Luangwa lodges range from $150-600/night mid-range to $600-1,500/night luxury. Lower Zambezi camps are slightly more expensive at $400-2,000/night. Kafue is more affordable with camps from $100-500/night. Livingstone accommodation ranges from $30-500/night. A 7-day Zambia safari covering South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi costs $3,000-5,000 mid-range or $5,000-12,000 luxury per person. Walking safari supplements are typically $50-100/person/day on top of camp rates.
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport (LVI) in Livingstone are the main entry points. Direct flights from Johannesburg (2hrs), Nairobi (3hrs), and Addis Ababa. Zambia offers e-visas ($50 single entry) or the KAZA UniVisa ($50) covering Zambia and Zimbabwe. Proflight Zambia connects Lusaka to South Luangwa (Mfuwe, 1.5hrs), Lower Zambezi (Jeki, 1hr), and Livingstone. Road access to South Luangwa from Lusaka takes 6-7 hours on a good tarmac road.