Zambia remains a relatively non-commercial safari destinations, untamed, unexplored and wild, where small safari companies operate intimate little camps in remote and beautiful reserves.
The best known safari area lies to the east, where the wonderful South Luangwa National Park provides the iconic Zambian bush experience, along with the more remote North Luangwa with its specialist walking camps. To the south Lower Zambezi is another fantastic reserve, this time also offering motorboat and canoe trips to complement the usual vehicle and walking safaris. To the west Kafue is a huge and remote wilderness with a handful of superb camps. Last but by no means least are the sensational Victoria Falls at Livingstone which most guests include in their journey to this part of Africa.
Chattering and throwing monkey oranges on the roof of your cottage, the monkeys start your day before the sun does. Stumbling out into the misty morning, a cup of coffee in hand, you watch as the sun rises over a broad snaking river. A breeding herd of elephant soundlessly descends the dusty bank to drink. The sun turns the glassy water pink, crocodiles stir and a fish eagle's screech pierces the air.
Together with Zimbabwe, Zambia has the best safari guides in Africa, and safaris here are unusually outdoorsy and involving, often including a high proportion of walking. The 'home of the walking safari', Zambia's prolific game is especially exhilarating when encountered on foot. Elephant, lion, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe and puku are just some of the animals you will see. Once you've approached a large herd of buffalo on foot, game-viewing from a vehicle may never give quite the same thrill.
In addition, the national parks in Zambia all allow night drives which adds a new dimension to game-viewing - searching for the elusive leopard, the spotlight seeking the reflection of its eyes in the undergrowth. Welcome to Zambia - you have arrived in the wild heart of Africa!
