Custom travel to Zambia

Zambia is one of Africa's most authentic safari destinations — landlocked country of 752,600 km² (1.4 times France) for 21 million inhabitants, 12-15 h of flight with stopover from Paris. Independence 1964 (former British Northern Rhodesia). Nicknamed the 'cradle of walking safari' — bush walking, supervised by armed ranger and tracker, was invented at South Luangwa by Norman Carr in 1950s, becoming the signature of Zambian safaris (incomparable sensation of being on foot 30 m from an elephant or lion). Victoria Falls (UNESCO 1989, natural border with Zimbabwe, nicknamed 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' — 'the smoke that thunders' in Kololo language, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, world's largest waterfall by width — 1,708 m, 108 m height, 500 million liters/min in rainy season). Zambian side: Devil's Pool (natural pool at edge of abyss, accessible September-December dry season, Africa's craziest experience). South Luangwa National Park (9,050 km², 60 mammal species, 400 bird species, one of Africa's highest leopard densities, only park with own sub-species — Thornicroft giraffe, Crawshay zebra). Lower Zambezi National Park (4,092 km², along Zambezi River bordering Zimbabwe, Big Four — no rhinos, world-unique canoe safari among elephants and hippos). Kafue National Park (22,480 km², Zambia's largest park, 158 mammal species). 10-12 days to combine Victoria Falls and 1-2 parks. A destination reserved for authentic safari enthusiasts, medium-high prices but exceptional quality.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Victoria Falls and Devil's Pool
  • South Luangwa: walking safari cradle
  • Lower Zambezi: unique canoe safari
  • South Luangwa leopards (world top)
  • Kafue: Zambia's largest park
  • Endemic sub-species (Thornicroft, Crawshay)

Sample itineraries

Classic Zambia: South Luangwa and Victoria Falls

Duration : 10 days

Route : Lusaka (1 night) → South Luangwa Mfuwe flight (4 nights, walking safari) → Lower Zambezi flight (3 nights, canoe) → Livingstone Victoria Falls flight (2 nights)

Combined Zambia + Zimbabwe

Duration : 12 days

Route : South Luangwa (4) → Lower Zambezi (2) → Victoria Falls Zambia Livingstone side (2) → border crossing → Hwange Zimbabwe (3)

Exclusive Zambia: Robin Pope Safaris

Duration : 10 days

Route : Time + Tide Chinzombo (Robin Pope South Luangwa, 4 nights) → Tena Tena or Nsefu (3 nights other Robin Pope lodge) → Tongabezi Victoria Falls (3 nights)

When to go

May-October is the best period (dry season, wildlife concentrated at water points, comfortable walking safaris). September-December: ONLY period for Devil's Pool (dry season, reduced flow). Avoid November-April (rainy season, many lodges closed in 'emerging' season).

  • Cool dry season (May – August) — All parks open, wildlife concentrated at waterholes
  • Hot dry season (Devil's Pool) (September – October) — Devil's Pool open, wildlife concentrated, Victoria Falls perfect view
  • Emerging season (short rains) (November – December) — Animal births, migratory birds, birdwatching
  • Rainy season (January – April) — Victoria Falls max flow (but mist)

Practical information

One of Africa's safest and most stable countries (democracy since 1991, peaceful transitions). Vigilance Lusaka (pickpockets), avoid some districts at night. KAZA UNI-VISA online or on arrival ($50, valid Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana transit, 30 days, ideal for combined). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. ESSENTIAL antimalarial. Avoid tap water. Cards accepted in premium lodges and Lusaka, cash (USD or ZMW) elsewhere. English omnipresent (official language). Tipping: $10/day for rangers, $5-$10/day for lodge staff (essential to their income).

Frequently asked questions

When?

May-October (dry season). September-December only for Devil's Pool. Avoid January-April (monsoon, lodges closed).

How long?

10 days for South Luangwa + Lower Zambezi + Victoria Falls. 12 days combined with Zimbabwe.

Budget?

€6,500-€8,500 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €11,000-€15,000. Flights: €1,100-€1,500.

Visa?

KAZA UNI-VISA ($50, 30 days, valid Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana transit). Ideal for combined.

Family?

Walking safari from age 12 (safety). Before: restricted 4×4 game drives and canoe. Family lodges available.

How to get around?

Proflight Zambia domestic flights ESSENTIAL between parks and Victoria Falls. Safari 4×4 with ranger.

Walking safari: level required?

Good walker (3-h average walk, uneven ground). From age 12. Safety supervised by armed ranger and expert tracker.

Devil's Pool: safety?

September-December dry season only (low flow). Good physical form required (50-m swim). Supervised by professionals. Edge is rocky and naturally secured.

Combine?

Yes: Zambia + Zimbabwe (Hwange, practical KAZA UNI-VISA), Zambia + Botswana (Okavango Delta), Zambia + Malawi.

Tips?

Essential for rangers ($10-$20/day) and lodge staff ($5-$10/day). Major income source.