When we talk about an authentic safari experience, there are many factors to consider. With so many amazing safari destinations, each with its own charm, it will probably come down to personal choice at the end of the day. So, the question is whether a safari in Zambia will deliver the most authentic safari experience. Let’s investigate.
Zambia Safari Destinations
More than 30% of Zambia is reserved for wildlife areas. With 20 different National Parks and approximately 34 game management areas, you can see that Zambia is serious about conserving its wilderness areas.
The National Parks are administered by ZAWA, the Zambian Wildlife Authority. The Game Management Areas are essentially wildlife buffer zones between the parks and the human settlements. These are very important as there are no fences around any of the National Parks and wildlife move around freely. This of course creates many problems also with the human-wildlife conflict being the biggest.
The top National Parks and the most visited are the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, and Kafue National Park. These parks are considered some of the very best wildlife and safari destinations in all of Africa, but even so, the human footprint is still very small, and the visitor numbers are not nearly that of other destinations such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park.
Most of these destinations and the camps/lodges within them are also very remote, and this ensures a very private safari experience away from the crowds. Zambia possesses some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas in Africa, something that is hard to find elsewhere, to be honest – and that is most definitely an important factor when considering the most authentic experience.
Zambia Safari Activities
When you think of safari activities, you think of morning and afternoon game drives. Game drives are the best way to find game and approach to a safe distance in the comfort of your game vehicle. Although these are the staple of any safari in any destination, in Zambia there are many more options.
Zambia is the birthplace of the ‘’Walking Safari’’ and believe me there is no better way to get closer and experience nature at its wildest. Zambia has some of the best guides and trackers in the business, and they will get you up close and personal with big game such as elephant, buffalo, and even lion. In my opinion, you have not experienced a true safari until you went on a bush walk in big game territory. South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi probably have the best walking safaris in Africa, along with Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
The Lower Zambezi, as the name suggests is situated along the Mighty Zambezi River, a true African landmark everyone should visit at least once. Many legends have been told; the story of David Livingstone comes to mind immediately. In true explorer style, you can drift down the Zambezi on a canoe, while elephants feed on the banks and hippos surround your small man-made canoe – an exhilarating experience. Boating safaris on the Zambezi are also on the menu for the less adventurous that want to get up close to the big game in the river.
Whether it be a walking safari in South Luangwa or canoeing down the Zambezi River between hippos and elephants, or the usual game drive in some of the most wildlife-rich regions in Africa – a Zambian safari is an extraordinary and adrenaline-filled safari experience that is very hard to beat.
Photo Opportunities & Wildlife
What is needed for the perfect photo? A semi-decent camera or mobile phone? I would say the most breathtaking and wild scenery; the best wildlife sightings on a regular basis; and of course, the ability to get extremely close to take your perfect shot.
In Zambia, you will get these opportunities every single day on safari. Expect some of the most beautiful and natural surroundings possible and many big game sightings which include lion, elephant, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, hyena, plains game, and many antelope… as well as numerous bird species.
South Luangwa is not named ‘’The Valley of the Leopard’’ for nothing. Expect to see many in both the Luangwa Valley and the Lower Zambezi.
Zambia Safari Camps & Lodges
Zambia is one of the last places where most camps and lodges are still owner and family-run. This ensures an exceptional and intimate experience and is also one of the main reasons many regular safari travelers return to the same camps. Most camps are seasonal, and only open from May to October. The reason for this is, because of their remoteness, it is almost impossible to reach them by road during the rainy season.
The Zambia safari camps and lodges are some of the most beautiful I have been to, and the service is unbeatable. Stunning locations, 5-star dining, rustic luxury rooms, and my favorite – wildlife in camp. Nowhere in Africa will you experience close animal encounters like in Zambia, even in your camp or lodge.
Is a Zambia Safari the most authentic safari experience in Africa?
Considering all of the above I would say that it comes pretty damn close!
Why not experience it for yourself and decide?
Contact our safari experts and let them plan the perfect Zambia safari for you.
