Zambia

Despite being home to Victoria Falls and the Zambezi National Park, Zambia is one of the least touristy African nations - a good choice if you're looking for a rough round the edges safari experience. The wilderness possibilities here are endless, but you have to work a bit harder for them - travel is less smooth, accommodation options less luxurious. For some people though this adds to the experience, and some of the best places to stay in Zambia feel as close as you can get to the 'real' Africa.

If you're looking for a different safari experience you can also look Kenya or South Africa.

What Not To Miss

• Lake Kariba in southeastern Zambia, and the end of the road for water flowing from Victoria Falls.
• South Luangwa National Park, which has some of the greatest biodiversity in Africa, including loads of elephants.
• Kafue National Park, the largest in Zambia and home of the cast grasslands of the Busanga Plains, another wonderfully bio-diverse region.
• Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, an impressive chimpanzee sanctuary.
• Livingstone, 11kms from the falls and a laid back backpacker mecca.
• And finally Lusaka, Zambia's capital city.

Be sure to book ahead as the best places to stay in Zambia get quickly filled up - especially in safari season!

Best Bush Camp Experiences

• For the traditional safari bush camp experience, one of the best places to stay in Zambia is Old Mondoro. These four, virtually open-air canvas and reed huts with en suite bathrooms, right on the banks of the Zambezi River provide a real 'back to nature' experience. The camp overlooks a maze of scenic channels and islands in a peaceful spot. Fish, kayak and see what you can see.
• Nsefu is a former hunting lodge and is a good choice for folks who're a bit nervous about sleeping in tents. On the bank of a bend in the Luangwa River, this spot offers game watching on your doorstep. The bar, hidden inside an old termite mound, allows you to watch as animals, especially leopards, gather to the river in the evening. There are guided walks and day and night drives on offer.
• Lufupa Camp offers great value. South of the Busanga Plains on the join of two rivers, this is a beautiful, peaceful spot good for fishing and birdwatching, as well as game spotting. The ten canvas Meru tents, which are on stilts, are basic but comfortable, but there are some luxuries - like a plunge pool! This camp is known for its wildness and its energy.

For a Walking Safari

• If you're looking for a personalised walking safari experience in the Luangwa Valley, the six, reed and thatch rooms of the Tafika Camp are perfect. Run by the owners, who are very, very experienced guides, this camp is small and intimate. Get back to nature in the open air showers and see the wonder of the valley from above when you're taken microlighting by the owner!
• The Luwi Bushcamp is focused solely on walking safaris, so it's peaceful and ecologically focussed. The accommodation here is four reed and thatch 'chalets', which are grander than huts, but along those lines. Shaded by huge mahogany trees, these chalets overlook a grassy plain - a frequent highway for animals crossing between the forest and the lagoon, just off the camp's site.

A Luxury Safari

• Chiawa is regarded as one of Africa's top ten safari camps, based on the excellence of the guides and its unrivalled location overlooking the Zambezi River. All eight rooms, and one suite, have river views, and they're as luxurious as safari camp accommodation can get. This once in a lifetime experience of Zambia does come with a price tag.
• In the heart of the Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree Camp, with Bedouin-style tents and an excellent reputation for its cuisine is one of the best places to stay in Zambia if you're looking for a safari with a hint of luxury.
• The Luangwa Safari House is another excellent choice for people who prefer to sleep within firm walls. This private house sits on the edge of a lagoon and has a backdrop of the spectacular Chindeni Hills. There are only four bedrooms - the house only sleeps eight - so you have the comfort of the pool, alfresco dining on the suspended balconies and the peace and quiet which attracts the game right to your door, almost to yourself.
• Oozing colonial chic, The Royal Livingstone is the ideal spot for an upmarket safari trip. Offering stylish, traditional accommodation and an unbeatable location just minutes from Victoria Falls, you can come back after a day out to unwind by the pool or treat yourself to a massage. A super stay.

A Family Safari

• The Busanga Bush Camp is one of the best places to stay in Zambia for families or groups because it only has a few rooms. It's boasts a wonderful location on an island overlooking the Busanga Plains in the far north of Kafue National Park. The remoteness of the spot increases your chances of seeing rarer game and it is especially well known for lion sightings. The fact that the accommodation has proper walls will help many a parent feel safer about their children!
• Another property with real walls, the Shiwa Ngandu 'Africa House' is another of the best places to stay with children. A converted colonial country house, this 'ranch' has 10,000 hectares rife with game so there's no disadvantage to sleeping under a ceiling. Refined and colonial inside, this land is raw - Shiwa Ngandu translates to 'Lake of the Royal Crocodiles'.

A Honeymoon Safari

• If you're here on honeymoon, The River Club with views of Victoria Falls, is one of the best places to stay in Zambia. A twenty minute drive to the falls, this Edwardian-style lodge is right on a bend in the Zambezi river. The thatched, chalet style accommodation is set amongst lush, manicured gardens, whilst the spa and wellness centre has beautify treatments, a gym and a jacuzzi. So if you're looking for a relaxing safari experience this would be perfect.

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you think you'd be best served by a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• You are best visiting during the dry season, from May to October, as this is when the temperature is nice enough to spend your days off on safari.
• It can get pretty hot though in September and October, with the average daily temperature rising up to 29°C - so you may wish to avoid coming at this time.
• The rainy season lasts from December to April.
• International visitors can fly into Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, however there's no public transportation at the airport so you'll need to get in a cab once you arrive.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Zambia,
• Widen the net to include our recommendations in Tanzania or in Kenya.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Zambia