Zambia Safari Camps
Zambia rewards people on their second or third safari. The South Luangwa carries extraordinary leopard density and some of the best guide training on the continent, the Lower Zambezi adds canoeing and tiger fishing under the escarpment, and Kafue is empty enough that you can drive a morning without seeing another vehicle. Camps here range from six bed riverside houses to old fashioned bush camps reached on foot. Night drives are permitted, which is rare in a national park, and the green season closes much of the Luangwa from about November to April. Walking led bush camps are ranked separately. This page takes the vehicle and river based camps.
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Lower Zambezi's pioneering riverine camp, renowned for Africa's top guiding teams, combining game drives, night driving, river safaris on custom pontoons, canoeing, and photographic expertise in a conservation-led operation.
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Lower Zambezi's luxury river camp voted BBC's top ten African destination, featuring seven private suites with pools, guaranteed private guiding across game drives, canoeing, fishing, and boat safaris in a conservation-aligned operation.
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A family-owned luxury camp on the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park, offering tiger fishing, game drives, and river safaris across 5,500 square kilometres of wilderness.
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South Luangwa's gateway lodge famous for seasonal elephant crossings, offering game drives and walking safaris from 18 riverside chalets within an award-winning 140,000-acre private wilderness.
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A five-tent tented camp in Liuwa Plain National Park run by Ker & Downey Zambia, offering walking safaris, game drives, and access to Zambia's wildflower migration and open plains wildlife.
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A six-suite safari camp in Kafue's remote Busanga Plains known for dense lion populations and exceptional predator viewing across open floodplains.
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A river-focused safari camp where the Chongwe meets the Zambezi, offering game drives, canoe safaris, and tiger fishing against a backdrop of dense woodland and water-based wildlife.
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A five-suite riverside camp in South Luangwa accessed by boat, specializing in night game drives and walking safaris with armed National Park scouts.
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A four-room eco-lodge in Kafue built as bird's nest structures overlooking the Busanga Plains, with electric game drives and 100-percent solar power.
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A 10-room lodge in South Luangwa National Park run by Kafunta Safaris since 1998, featuring professional guiding, leopard viewing, and a natural hot tub fed by geothermal springs.
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A conservation-driven camp on Kafue's remote northern lagoon where the camp itself funds wildlife protection, offering small-group guiding and a working relationship with the landscape.
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South Luangwa's first Fair Trade certified lodge, combining affordable luxury with direct conservation impact, family-friendly accommodation, and high-density wildlife game viewing along the Luangwa River.
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A small, unpretentious bush camp of five reed chalets overlooking the Lower Zambezi, run by the Chiawa family with a philosophy of authentic safari without extra layers.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of activities can I expect in the Lower Zambezi region?
You can enjoy tiger fishing, canoeing, and river safaris on custom pontoons or boats. Many camps also offer traditional game drives and night driving through the wilderness.
Which areas are best if I want to see high densities of leopards or predators?
South Luangwa is famous for its extraordinary leopard density and professional guiding. For dense lion populations and predator viewing on open floodplains, the Busanga Plains in Kafue are an excellent choice.
Are there any eco-friendly or conservation-focused lodging options?
Several camps focus on sustainability, including a solar-powered eco-lodge in Kafue built with bird's nest structures. You'll also find Fair Trade certified lodges and camps that directly fund wildlife protection.
Is Zambia a good destination for families?
Yes, there are family-friendly accommodations available that combine luxury with high-density wildlife viewing. Some lodges are also family-owned and offer diverse activities like fishing and game drives.
What makes the Kafue region different from South Luangwa?
Kafue offers vast, remote landscapes like the Busanga Plains and northern lagoons where you can drive for a long time without seeing another vehicle. South Luangwa is more renowned for its specific guiding expertise and high concentration of leopards.