Top Tourist Attractions in Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a third of the country devoted to conservation, Zambia offers some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas in Africa from the majestic Victoria Falls to the vast national parks teeming with wildlife, there is no shortage of attractions for visitors to explore. In this comprehensive Top Tourist Attractions in Zambia, we will delve into the top tourist attractions in Zambia, providing details and facts to help you plan your ultimate Zambian adventure.

Victoria Falls

One of Zambia’s most famous attractions, Victoria Falls, is a breathtaking natural wonder that straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders), is undoubtedly Zambia’s most famous attraction. This mile-wide curtain of falling water is the largest waterfall in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors can marvel at the explosive power of the falls from various viewpoints on the Zambian side, including the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool on the edge of the falls.

Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the rainy season from February to May when the falls are at their fullest. During this time, visitors can expect to get wet from the mist and spray, which can reach heights of over 400 meters. The dry season from June to November offers clearer views of the falls, but the water flow is reduced.

In addition to the falls, the town of Livingstone, located just a few kilometers away, offers a range of adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides over the falls. The town also boasts a vibrant craft market and several museums showcasing Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.

Other Waterfalls

In addition to the mighty Victoria Falls, Zambia is home to numerous other impressive waterfalls:

Ngonye Falls

Located in western Zambia, Ngonye Falls is a series of cascades and rapids along the Zambezi River. While not as well-known as Victoria Falls, Ngonye offers a more intimate and less crowded experience. Visitors can hike along the river banks, swim in the natural pools, and even camp near the falls.

Lumangwe Falls

Situated in the Northern Province of Zambia, Lumangwe Falls is a stunning waterfall on the Kalungwishi River. The falls are characterized by a series of cascades and plunge pools, making it a popular spot for swimming and relaxation. The surrounding area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and a diverse array of bird species.

Chisimba Falls

Chisimba Falls is located in the Kasama District of Northern Province. The falls are formed by the Chambeshi River, which flows through a series of rapids and cascades.

National Parks

Zambia boasts an impressive network of national parks, offering some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa. Here are some of the most notable parks:

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier game park, known for its dense concentrations of wildlife and exceptional game viewing opportunities. The park is home to over 60 mammal species and 400 bird species, including the Big Four (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo).

One of the park’s standout features is its high density of leopards, which are almost invariably seen on night drives and tend to be very relaxed around vehicles. Other notable species found in the park include the Thornicroft’s giraffe, a subspecies endemic to the Luangwa Valley, and the Cookson’s wildebeest.

South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of the walking safari, offering visitors the chance to explore the park on foot and get up close to the wildlife. The park also offers traditional game drives, both during the day and at night, providing opportunities to spot nocturnal species such as the elusive leopard.

The best time to visit South Luangwa is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife congregates around the Luangwa River and its tributaries. However, the park is open year-round, and the green season from November to May offers excellent bird watching and the chance to see newborn animals.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is a relatively new addition to Zambia’s list of top attractions, having been established in 1983. The park is situated on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, and is known for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

One of the park’s main attractions is the opportunity to go on canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, where visitors can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds. The park is also home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species, as well as predators such as lions and leopards.

The best time to visit Lower Zambezi is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife congregates around the river and its tributaries. The park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa, covering an area of over 22,000 square kilometers. Despite its size, the park is relatively unknown and neglected by travelers, offering a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience.

The park is home to a diverse range of habitats, from the vast Busanga Plains in the north to the dense miombo woodlands in the south. It is known for its large populations of rare antelope species such as the Kafue lechwe and the Sable antelope, as well as its healthy leopard population.

Kafue offers a range of safari activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises on the Kafue River. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded, including the endangered wattled crane.

The best time to visit Kafue is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is more easily spotted. However, the park is open year-round, and the green season from November to May offers excellent bird watching and the chance to see newborn animals.

North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa National Park is a more exclusive and specialized destination compared to its southern counterpart. The park is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino), making it one of the few places in Zambia where visitors can see the complete set.

North Luangwa is geared mainly towards walking safaris, with a handful of exclusive camps offering exceptional guiding standards. The park offers a true wilderness experience, with vast stretches of untouched bush and the chance to encounter wildlife on foot.

Despite its small size (about half the size of South Luangwa), North Luangwa is home to a diverse range of habitats, from the Mwaleshi River in the east to the Muchinga Escarpment in the west. The park is known for its large herds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as its healthy populations of predators such as lions and leopards.

The best time to visit North Luangwa is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is more easily spotted. However, the park is open year-round, and the green season from November to May offers excellent bird watching and the chance to see newborn animals.

Kasanka National Park

Kasanka National Park is a small, heavily forested park known for its unique attractions, particularly the annual migration of straw-colored fruit bats. Between October and December, up to 10 million bats descend on the park, creating a spectacular sight as they erupt from their daytime roosts in the evening or return there at sunrise.

In addition to the bat migration, Kasanka is home to a variety of other wildlife, including the rare sitatunga antelope, which can be spotted from strategically located hides. The park also offers excellent birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded, including the rare Ross’s turaco and the shoebill stork.

Kasanka is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is more easily spotted. The park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites.

Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa Plain National Park, located in western Zambia, is a vast expanse of grasslands and wetlands that is home to a unique array of wildlife. The park is known for its annual wildebeest migration, which sees thousands of wildebeest gather on the plains to calve and graze.

In addition to the wildebeest, Liuwa Plain is home to a variety of other wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog, the elusive roan antelope, and the majestic lion. The park is also known for its birdlife, with over 300 species recorded, including the rare wattled crane and the endemic Chaplin’s barbet.

Liuwa Plain is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is more easily spotted. The park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites.

Wetlands and Plains

Bangweulu Wetlands

The Bangweulu Wetlands, located in northern Zambia, are a vast expanse of marshes, lakes, and floodplains that are home to a diverse array of wildlife. The wetlands are particularly known for their high concentrations of water birds, with millions of birds feeding in the nutrient-rich shallows.

One of the main attractions of the Bangweulu Wetlands is the opportunity to see the elusive shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking bird with a distinctive bill. The wetlands are one of the best places in Africa to spot this rare species, which is known for its bizarre behavior, including familicide (the killing of one’s own young).

In addition to the shoebill, the wetlands are home to a variety of other wildlife, including the endemic black lechwe antelope, which can be seen in their thousands during the wet season. The wetlands also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded, including the rare wattled crane and the African skimmer.

The best time to visit the Bangweulu Wetlands is during the wet season from November to April when the floodplains are at their most extensive. The park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites.

Cultural Attractions and Museums

Shiwa Ng’andu

Shiwa Ng’andu is a historic estate located in northern Zambia that offers a unique glimpse into the country’s colonial past. The estate was established in 1914 by Englishman Stewart Gore-Browne, who built a grand manor house modeled after an English country estate.

Today, Shiwa Ng’andu is still home to Gore-Browne’s descendants, who offer tours of the manor house and the surrounding estate. The house is decorated in period style and offers a fascinating look at the lives of colonial settlers in Zambia.

In addition to the manor house, Shiwa Ng’andu offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive sitatunga antelope and the rare Ross’s turaco.

Shiwa Ng’andu is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October when the weather is most pleasant. The estate offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites.

Livingstone

Livingstone, named after the famous explorer David Livingstone, is the Zambian base for exploring Victoria Falls. The town offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Livingstone Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. Visitors can also participate in cooking classes to learn about traditional Zambian cuisine, centered around the staple dish of nshima (made from white maize).

Lusaka

Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city, is not a major tourist destination, but it’s worth a stopover for visitors to the country. The city offers a glimpse into modern Zambian life, with highlights such as the vibrant Sunday Craft Market and the recently opened Lusaka National Park. The National Museum in Lusaka provides an overview of Zambia’s history and culture, with displays on topics such as witchcraft.

Lakes and Rivers

Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, stretching over 650 kilometers across four countries, including Zambia. The Zambian side of the lake offers a more secluded and peaceful experience, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting a variety of aquatic life.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake, straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambian town of Siavonga, known as the “Riviera of Zambia,” is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists seeking water-based activities such as boating, canoeing, and relaxing on houseboats. The lake also offers excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as tiger fish and bream found in its waters.

Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is one of Africa’s most iconic waterways, flowing through six countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean. In Zambia, the Zambezi offers a variety of experiences, from the adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls to the more serene and wildlife-rich stretches in Lower Zambezi National Park. The river is also a popular destination for fishing, with a variety of species such as tiger fish and bream found in its waters.

Luangwa River

The Luangwa River is a major tributary of the Zambezi River, flowing through the heart of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. The river is known for its high concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as its diverse array of bird life. The Luangwa Valley is also home to South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Parks, which offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along the river.

Conclusion

Zambia is a country that offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the vast national parks teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re interested in seeing the Big Five, spotting rare birds, or exploring the country’s colonial past, there is something for everyone in Zambia.

To make the most of your Zambian adventure, it’s important to plan your trip carefully and choose the right attractions for your interests and budget. Consider combining a visit to Victoria Falls with a safari in one of the national parks, or explore the country’s unique cultural attractions such as Shiwa Ng’andu.

No matter what you choose to do, a visit to Zambia is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. So why not start planning your Zambian adventure with Nextgen Safaris today?

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Zambia must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zambia Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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