The best time to visit Victoria Falls – Livingstone depends on what you want to experience:
Luxury Zambia Safari Tours
Tailor-made safaris from Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), the rich floodplains of Kafue, to the Lower Zambezi and the Valley of Leopards -South Luangwa - designed by experts who care about the whole journey.
Zambia Safari: Untamed Wilderness, Extraordinary Experiences
Zambia is where authentic safaris meet extraordinary landscapes. From walking among big game in South Luangwa to drifting silently past elephants in a canoe on the Lower Zambezi, the country offers some of the most immersive safari experiences in Africa. Expect rich predator sightings, exceptional guiding, and a deep sense of wilderness in places like Kafue, one of Africa’s largest national parks, and Liuwa Plain, a seasonal haven for wildebeest, hyena, and birdlife.
Add in the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, and you’ve got a destination that combines adventure, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty – all with the care of a team who understands every step of the journey.
Zambia Destination Highlights
Victoria Falls
Feel the spray and thunder of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders – a breathtaking start or finish to any Zambia safari.
Walking Safaris
Born in South Luangwa, Zambia’s walking safaris bring you eye-to-eye with the wild on foot – thrilling, immersive, and expertly guided.
Zambezi River Canoe Safaris
Safely glide past elephants and hippos as you explore the Lower Zambezi by canoe – peaceful, intimate, and unforgettable.
Predator Sightings
Track leopard in South Luangwa or witness lions on Kafue’s Busanga Plains – Zambia offers some of Africa’s richest predator encounters.
Plan Your Zambia Safari
Let’s start designing your private safari experience. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or both – we’ll tailor every detail to how you want to experience Africa.
Tailored Zambia Safari Itineraries
These are some of our favorite Zambia safari itineraries – handpicked by Ubuntu Travel co-founders Kyle and Leah to highlight the very best of the country.
For couples who want more than a “click and go” honeymoon safari, Zambia offers something richer – slower mornings, wild beauty, and intimate moments shared in nature. From the spray of Victoria Falls to sunset canoe safaris and candlelit bush dinners under the stars, this is a love story written in the wild.
This 14-night journey blends wild adventure with lakeside serenity – from predator-packed game drives to barefoot luxury on Likoma Island. Explore Zambia’s top safari regions before unwinding in the calm, clear waters of Lake Malawi – the perfect balance of thrill and tranquility.
Zambia is the home of the walking safari and this 12-night journey through South Luangwa lets you experience it the way it was meant to be: on foot, immersive, and unforgettable. Stay at three distinct luxury camps, with expert guides, and round out your adventure with traditional game drives for a complete perspective of the wild.
The Ubuntu Travel Difference
Personalized Itineraries
Attention to detail from start to finish
Conservation Promise
Travel with a purpose
Experts in Africa
Our team of travel experts know Africa
Ready to Plan your Zambia Safari?
Reach out today and connect with our expert team – we care about the whole journey, from your very first call to your final farewell on safari. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed by our co-founders, Kyle and Leah, to reflect the kind of journey we’d take ourselves.
Places to Visit in Zambia
From legendary walking safaris and big cat encounters to river valleys, vast floodplains, the Zambezi River, and the thundering Victoria Falls – Zambia’s wild landscapes offer something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
Stop by the charming town of Livingstone or stay inside Zambia’s smallest reserve, Mosi-oa-Tunya, set along the mighty Zambezi River – just 20 minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls.
known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’ – is Zambia’s most iconic park, home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, exceptional predator sightings, and the birthplace of the walking safari.
A favorite of our co-founder Kyle Green, the Lower Zambezi offers unforgettable Zambezi River cruises, canoe safaris, and rich wildlife viewing along one of Africa’s most scenic safari frontiers.
Visit Africa’s second-largest wilderness – Kafue National Park – known for dramatic wildlife encounters on the Busanga Plains and hosting Zambia’s highest population of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).
Arguably the most remote park in Africa, North Luangwa is reserved for the truly adventurous – offering walking safaris only, with no game drives permitted. The result: a deeply immersive and the most authentic walking experiences in Africa.
Liuwa Plain is a growing conservation success story – home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, a revitalized predator population including a strong hyena presence and recovering cheetah numbers, and an abundance of wildlife in a truly off-the-map setting.
When is the Best Time to Visit Zambia?
Zambia is a seasonal safari destination, with distinct wet and dry periods that shape the safari experience. The best time to visit depends on where you’re going – and what kind of safari you’re after.
Dry Season: June to October (Peak Safari Season)
Why go: This is Zambia’s prime wildlife viewing season. With water scarce, animals gather at rivers and waterholes – making sightings more frequent and dramatic. Drier conditions also mean the road network is more accessible, opening up remote corners of the parks.
Where to go: Excellent conditions in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue (Busanga Plains open from July), and Victoria Falls (lower water = clearer views).
Ideal for: Walking safaris, canoe safaris, predator sightings, and photography.
Travel tip: October is the hottest month of the year – but it’s also one of the most rewarding for big game activity.
Emerald (Green) Season: November to April
Why go: Lush, green landscapes return, birding reaches its peak, and the parks are quiet and full of color. Photographers will love the light and vibrant scenes.
Where to go: Select lodges in South Luangwa remain open. Victoria Falls roars to life, especially from March to April.
Closed parks: Much of the Lower Zambezi and Kafue’s Busanga Plains are inaccessible due to flooding.
Ideal for: Birders, photographers, and travelers seeking a slower, less-traveled safari experience.
Shoulder Months: May & November
May: The rains have cleared, the bush is still lush, and wildlife begins to gather – a beautiful, quieter time to travel. Co-founder Kyle Green visited South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi in May and recorded exceptional sightings – including six leopards in a single day at Lower Zambezi.
November: Marks the onset of the rains. Early in the month, game viewing can still be excellent before the weather shifts more dramatically.
FAQs About Safaris in Zambia
How do I get to Zambia from the USA?
Most travelers from the U.S. fly into Lusaka (LUN) or Livingstone (LVI) via major international hubs such as Johannesburg, Doha, or Addis Ababa.
While there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Zambia, Delta offers nonstop flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg, where you can easily connect via Airlink to Zambia’s key safari gateways. There are also convenient connections from Cape Town with Airlink.
Why visit Zambia?
Zambia offers one of Africa’s most authentic and adventurous safari experiences. With exceptional guiding, legendary walking safaris, and dense concentrations of wildlife in places like South Luangwa and Kafue, it’s ideal for those looking to go deeper into the wild. You’ll find intimate, conservation-driven luxury lodges in truly remote settings – with front-row access to predators, elephants, and dramatic wilderness.
For many, Zambia is a standout for its high leopard density in South Luangwa and strong wild dog populations in Kafue – making it a dream destination for serious wildlife lovers. Add in the wonder of Victoria Falls, and you have a safari that’s both raw and refined.
When is the best time to go to Zambia?
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season (June to October) – when wildlife viewing is at its peak and park access is at its best. This is the prime window for walking safaris, canoeing, and predator sightings across Zambia’s top parks.
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South Luangwa: Open year-round, but game viewing is at its best from July to October. May and June still offer lush landscapes and strong sightings – with fewer travelers, which we see as a major advantage. We also know of a remote region in the southern sector that’s well worth considering. Possibly Kyle’s favorite wilderness destination in Zambia – chat to us if you’re curious.
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Lower Zambezi: The park reopens in May, with canoe safaris, boat cruises, and game drives hitting their stride by June. Wildlife viewing peaks from August to October. Ubuntu Travel visited in May 2025 and had exceptional sightings – ask Kyle Green about his experience firsthand.
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Kafue National Park: Best visited from July to October, when the Busanga Plains are dry and accessible – ideal for spotting lion, cheetah, and wild dog in wide, open terrain.
The emerald season (November to April) brings green landscapes, peak birding, and dramatic storms – but access to Lower Zambezi and Kafue’s Busanga Plains is typically limited due to flooding.
For a quieter experience with striking beauty, consider traveling in the shoulder months of May or early November.
What are the top activities to do in Zambia?
Zambia is best known for its walking safaris, but the range of experiences goes far beyond. Here are some of the top safari activities:
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Walking safaris in South Luangwa and North Luangwa — Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari. Our specialist walking safari itinerary in South Luangwa lets you move between remote bush camps entirely on foot, accompanied by expert guides and armed scouts. For the adventurous, we can also arrange fly camping – sleeping under the stars with only a mosquito net and the sounds of the wild around you.
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Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River and its tributaries – glide past elephants and hippos for a peaceful, water-level perspective.
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Classic game drives in South Luangwa, Kafue, and the Lower Zambezi – ideal for predator sightings.
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Sunset river cruises on the Zambezi – perfect for photography, birdwatching, and sundowners.
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Zambezi River lodge transfers – travel between lodges by boat for a scenic and wildlife-rich connection.
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Victoria Falls experiences – rainforest walks, microlight flights, and serene upstream cruises from Livingstone.
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Leopard viewing – South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top places to see leopard.
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Birding – especially rich during the emerald season (Nov–April).
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Wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain – Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, in a surreal and remote landscape.
When is the best time to visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls?
Should I take malaria preventatives in Zambia?
Yes – Zambia is a malaria-risk area, and we strongly recommend speaking with your travel doctor or a certified travel clinic about preventative medication before your trip. Most safari lodges are located in remote areas where mosquitoes are present, especially during and just after the rainy season (November to April).
We also advise using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evening, and sleeping under mosquito nets — all standard precautions provided at the lodges we choose.
Please consult your doctor for up-to-date health advice based on your personal health history and travel itinerary.
