Zambia can offer you a more authentic and wild safari experience than many of the better known safari destinations. But there are still some fantastic safari lodges to enjoy. These allow you to make the most of Zambia's beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife.
So let's get started with the top 5 Zambia Safari Lodges.
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The Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lusaka, Zambia
Nestled in the untamed wilderness of Zambia's heartland lies the remarkable Royal Zambezi Lodge. The lodge offers you an oasis of luxury and adventure beckoning safari lovers the world over.
As a distinguished safari operator, the lodge has earned prestigious awards and recognition becoming one of the leading Zambia safari lodges. Set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Zambezi Valley Escarpment and perched along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, you will enjoy the Royal Zambezi Lodge’s prime location on the fringes of the UNESCO-designated Mana Pools National Park. The Lower Zambezi National Park is also just a stone's throw away.
This privileged position gives you unparalleled access to Zambia’s most captivating and diverse wildlife-filled ecosystems. Upon your arrival, you'll be welcomed into safari luxury and comfort. Choose to indulge in the Royal Suites or elevate your experience further with the Presidential Suites, all seamlessly integrated into the beautiful surroundings. What makes your stay truly remarkable is that the lodge is situated within an unfenced and free-wildlife zone, ensuring unforgettable encounters right from the sanctuary of your suite. Here, elephants, hippos, buffalos, lions, leopards, and a host of other magnificent creatures are frequent visitors, each regular visitor with a charming name bestowed upon them by our dedicated staff.
At the Royal Zambezi Lodge, your safari is meticulously planned to harmonize with the rhythms of the wilderness. Expert guides lead you on early morning, late afternoon, or thrilling nocturnal game drives when wildlife is most active. The all-terrain vehicles are equipped with sunshade roofs, warm ponchos for cooler evenings, and handheld spotlights for unforgettable nighttime sightings. These excursions offer unobstructed panoramic views and swift transportation to promising wildlife locations, all thanks to real-time communication with talented guides over onboard radios. The lodge offerings extend beyond traditional safaris.
Embark on bush walks, hikes, canoeing adventures, and angling expeditions. Delve into the captivating world of birdwatching or engage with local communities to truly immerse yourself in the rich culture of Zambia. Take a serene river cruise and savor the tranquil beauty of the Zambezi River.
The Royal Zambezi commitment to flexibility means that they’re eager to tailor your stay to create your ideal Zambia safari. And after your exhilarating game drives and bush walks, you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at the Royal Zambezi Spa, one of Zambia's exclusive bush spas.
4, 5 days+The Royal Zambezi Lodge
Lusaka, ZambiaThe award-winning Royal Zambezi Lodge offers you an incredible experience of Zambia’s heartland, traversing untamed wilderness and vibrant ecosyst...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 2,025
/ person -
The Kaingu Safari Lodge
You will find the Kaingu Safari Lodge in the heart of Zambia’s pristine wilderness. As an owner-run lodge in one of the country’s most wildlife-rich regions, Kaingu Safari Lodge seamlessly blends comfort with the untamed beauty of its surroundings. This meticulously crafted lodge stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
The lodge offers personalized service and strives to tailor make your experience. And from the moment you arrive, you'll sense a warmth like being among family. Kaingu Safari Lodge serves as your gateway to Kafue National Park. Covering 22,440km² of wildlife habitat, this is one of Africa's best-kept secrets. Here, you can immerse yourself in the wild, almost entirely on your terms. Situated in the Namwala Game Management Area (GMA) along the Kafue River, the lodge offers you an array of activities that allow you to connect with nature like never before. Game drives in the national park reveal the rich diversity of wildlife against breathtaking landscapes.
And the boat cruises along the Kafue River offer a chance to witness hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more, against a backdrop of stunning rock formations and islands. You can also explore the African bush on foot. The lodge’s nature walks introduce you to Zambia's vastness, with large granite boulders adding a unique dimension to the experience. And now, be among the first to explore the Kafue River's hidden treasures in inflatable canoes guided by safari experts, encountering hippos, crocs, and a wealth of birdlife as you paddle through pristine waters. Kaingu is more than just a lodge; it's a commitment to preserving the environment.
The accommodations are designed to have minimal impact on the pristine surroundings. The lodge is owner-operated in an eco and socially sustainable manner, ensuring that your stay here leaves a positive footprint. You can also venture beyond the lodge and wildlife to explore rural village life in Zambia. Just 25 km from Kaingu Lodge, you'll discover families engaged in traditional farming and fishing, welcoming visitors with open arms. During the school terms, you can visit community schools supported by the KaingU Trust, where every guest's contribution makes a difference. Families and young explorers are in for a treat at Kaingu.
The nature walks, boat cruises, and engaging activities allow everyone to delve into the untamed wilderness. Your children can connect with local schoolmates, fostering cultural exchange. Activities prioritize conservation and sustainable use of resources, ensuring an enriching experience for all.
6 daysThe Kaingu Safari Lodge
Lusaka, ZambiaNestled in the heart of Africa’s pristine wilderness, you will find the Kaingu Safari Lodge. The lodge beckons you to embark on a journey of a lif...
- Game Drives, Boating, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,000
/ person -
The Chiawa Camp
Nestled along the pristine banks of Zambia’s Zambezi River, Chiawa Camp welcomes adventurers to experience the Lower Zambezi National Park’s wildlife-rich wilderness. As pioneers of this unspoiled landscape, the family-owned and operated Chiawa Camp has garnered awards for its unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, exceptional safari encounters and hospitality.
Chiawa Camp provides a gateway to Africa's iconic wildlife. Here, guests can marvel at elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and more, all thriving in their natural habitat.
From heart-pounding game drives and exhilarating game walks to serene canoe trips and leisurely boat cruises, the camp's experienced guides offer a diverse range of experiences that immerse guests in the wonders of the Lower Zambezi's unique ecosystem. Each luxurious tent offers breathtaking views of the Zambezi River, ensuring guests have a front-row seat to the mesmerizing African sunsets and the captivating wildlife that frequents its shores.
The culinary team at Chiawa Camp crafts a delicious fusion of Afro and European cuisine, guaranteeing a dining experience that caters to every palate. Fresh ingredients and innovative menus define the camp's culinary offerings. Chiawa is unwavering in its dedication to not only providing extraordinary experiences but also safeguarding this pristine environment for future generations. The camp adheres to strict conservation practices and ethical tourism. -
The Tongabezi Lodge
Tongabezi Lodge welcomes travelers to an enchanting eco-lodge just 12 kilometers upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls. Positioned on the Zambezi River, this award-winning destination combines luxury with adventure, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a world of romance, natural beauty, and unique dining experiences.
The lodge offers a selection of five individual and exclusive River Cottages. And guests can choose accommodations that resonate with their idea of the Tongabezi experience. Each of the individually styled River Cottages and Houses accommodates two to five guests, characterized by unique touches and charming character.
You will enjoy a blend of romance, exclusivity, and attentive service along the Zambezi River. At Tongabezi, there is no fixed itinerary; guests have the freedom to decide how much or how little they wish to do. Inclusive excursions can be booked at their convenience, and the lodge can help you book external activities to make the most of the region.
Tongabezi Lodge offers an array of inclusive activities during guests' stays, including awe-inspiring visits to Victoria Falls, morning game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, serene sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River, and romantic sampan dinners on the water. Park and museum entrance fees are additional.
Elevating the Tongabezi experience, non-inclusive activities include the renowned Livingstone Island Tour, allowing guests to swim in Devil's or Angel's Pool (dependent on Zambezi water levels). From microlight flights to helicopter excursions and white-water rafting, a wealth of enticing options await. -
The Mfuwe Lodge
Nestled amidst the tranquil embrace of ebony and mahogany trees, Mfuwe Lodge stands as an award-winning sanctuary for you to discover the heart of Luangwa. Prepare to be captivated by the abundance of wildlife in this region.
Giraffes gracefully walk around the park, hippos bask in the sun, buffalo roam freely, antelopes dart through the savannah, and stealthy crocodiles wait in the lagoon. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife on a number of activities and excursions. Head out to explore on game drives, night drives and walking safaris with skilled and friendly guides. In November, local elephants make a grand entrance, wandering right through the lodge's lobby, drawn by a nearby wild mango tree. And between late October and mid-December, you can witness whole families of elephants as they feast on the fallen fruits.
Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.