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About 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
Best Hotels in Zambia
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Old Mondoro Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia 4 rooms from $110
Active Holiday - Great for families there are plenty of on and off site activitiesValue chic - Excellent value for a fully functioning safari lodgeFishing - Catch and release fishing on the Zambezi RiverGreat walks - Guided bush walksA back to basics, authentic tented bush camp on the banks of the Zambezi. Rustic, but comfortable. Open-style canvas and reed rooms with en suite bathrooms and private sun decks. A safari camp with a back to nature philosophy. Safari and animal activity from right outside the camp. See More
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Luwi Bushcamp South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 4 rooms from $350
Eco break - Sensitive to the surrounding enviroment Luwi Bushcamp specialises in walking safarisBack to Nature - Indoor outdoor living in the form of al fresco dining and outdoor bathroomsGreat walks - Specialises in walking safarisFull of characterAn intimate and secluded rustic tented bush camp . Reed and thatch chalets beneath a shady canopy looking over the grass plains. The nearby 'hippo hide' provides fantastic opportunity for close sightings of hippos, crocodiles and more. A minimalist camp, but with charm and character. See More
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Sausage Tree Camp Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia 6 rooms from $356
Families - Spacious tented accommodation that kids will loveOutstanding location - In the heart of the Zambezi National Park.Birdwatching - Around 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National ParkGreat walks - Guided bush walksIntimate safari camp with a touch of luxury. Great location in the heart of the Zambezi National Park - a prime game viewing spot. Bedouin style tents with outdoor bathrooms. Excellent food and high standards of service. Guided bush walks, canoe safari and evening game drives with sun-downer drinks. See More
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The River Club Livingstone, Zambia 10 rooms from $396
Back to Nature - RIght by the famous Victoria Falls - awash with wildlifeValue chic - Excellent value for what is a luxurious safari lodgeFishing - Local fishing tripsSwimming Pool - Lovely outdoor poolRecommended by - Kiwi CollectionEdwardian-style lodge close to Victoria Falls. Thatched chalets set in manicured gardens with fantastic views over the river. Wellness centre providing beauty treatments, gym, and a hot tub. A luxurious spot with excellent wildlife and outdoor activities. See More
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Luangwa Safari House South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 4 rooms from $450
Outstanding location - On the edge of a lagoon and with a backdrop of the hills.Local markets - Trips to the Mfuwe areaRestrictions on children - Above 7 years old onlyGreat walks - Guided Bush WalksStunning private house with a unique style on the edge of a lagoon. Beautifully styled bedrooms with suspended balconies and glorious views - an architectural feat. Swimming pool, al fresco dining and open lounge. One of the best spots for watching game. A private and personal experience. See More
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Nsefu South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 6 rooms from $535
Back to Nature - Views up and down the LuangwaViews - Great views from hotelBirdwatching - Large Yellow Billed Stork colonyGreat walks - Walking safarisRecommended by - Kiwi CollectionThis permanent lodge on the banks of the Luangwa offers game viewing on your doorstep. Six thatched en suite rondavel rooms with river views. Spot the nearby waterhole from the bar and watch elephants crossing the river daily. An excellent spot for those who prefer solid walls around them. See More
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Tafika Camp South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 6 rooms from $725
Romantic Break - Gorgeous honeymoon suite and romantic diningRestrictions on children - Under 12's not permitted on walking safariSights nearby - Mkasanga - the local villageGreat walks - Guided bush walksFriendly, family bush camp with some of the best guiding in Africa. Reed and thatch chalets with outdoor showers and spectacular views. Fabulous for small, intimate walking safaris. Exceptional game viewing and exciting activities, including mountain biking safari. See More
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The Royal Livingstone Livingstone, Zambia 173 rooms from $836
Active Holiday - Perfect for white water rafting and safari trips.Riverside - A stone's throw from Victoria Falls.Swimming Pool - Lovely Outdoor PoolRestaurant - Recommended.Recommended by - Kiwi CollectionAn elegant colonial-chic safari lodge on the banks of the Zambezi and minutes from Victoria Falls. The prefect place for an active family safari adventure. See More
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Busanga Bush Camp Kafue National Park; Busanga Plains, Zambia 3 rooms from $880
Views - Superb views over the floodplains in front of the camp.Back to Nature - One of the best places for spotting gameBirdwatching - Bring binoculars and spot birds from the camp.TraditionalRemote bush camp for keen game watchers. A relaxed, laid back and unpretentious camp that is well suited to game enthusiasts - it is all about safari. Just three grass-tented bandas make it an ideal spot for groups or families. See More
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Chiawa Lower Zambezi, Zambia 9 rooms from $895
Back to Nature - Surrounded by some of Africa's best wildlifeHoneymoons - Tailor made honeymoon packagesIn/by a Nature Reserve - Lower Zambezi National ParkBirdwatching - Birdwatching from the open-sided central loungeRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Kiwi CollectionSuperb family-operated camp overlooking the Zambezi. One of Africa's top ten safari spots in an unrivalled location under a grove of mahogany trees. Each beautiful, romantically decorated room overlooks the Zambezi. A spot for honeymooners and those who want the best. See More
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Shiwa Ngandu 'Africa House' North Luangwa, Zambia 4 rooms
Country Escape - A colonial era country house surrounded by unspoilt African plainsActive Holiday - Horse riding excursions, nature walks, climbs and bird watchingGreat walks - Nature walks and climbs to nearby hot springsSights nearby - Kapishya Hot SpringsA reminder of a bygone colonial era. A newly renovated country estate in the heart of the Northern Zambia. Set in a 10,000 hectare game ranch, rich in wildlife and steeped in history. The separate villa has four spacious rooms - perfect for a group or a family. A truly unique spot. See More
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Lufupa Camp Kafue National Park, Zambia
Views - Views over the river confluence.Value chicSwimming Pool - Small outdoor poolRestaurant - Recommended.Canvas tents in a wild location on the confluence of two rivers. Basic but comfortable tented lodges on stilts. A lively bar and restaurant, even a plunge pool. Lots of safari activities. A hive of energy and great value for money. See More