Zambia is without a doubt one of the best safari destinations in Africa, but for some reason it's rarely at the forefront of our guests minds when first discussing a safari. 

In this notebook entry we're here to change that!

For a long-while now we, at Bonamy, have been raving about how amazing Zambia is. There is something so pure and real about going on safari in Zambia that is hard to match anywhere else. In many ways, it feels like one of the last places to visit for a non-commercialised safari experience. 

There are currently five principle regions that we actively recommend to explore throughout the country, although we're certain more and more will open up in the coming years:

Livingstone:

On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, Livingstone is an absolute highlight for anyone wishing to visit the Falls. The majority of properties that we recommend are up-river set right on the banks of the Zambezi. These properties tend to offer a higher-end Victoria Falls experience than those on the Zimbabwean side, packed with more opportunities for activities.  

Lower Zambezi National Park:

Downstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River you will find the Lower Zambezi National Park, a true paradise for wildlife and photographers. The experience from this park is like none other, from game drives through the forest of winterthorn trees, to boating and canoeing along the river, it really is exceptionally spectacular. If you love elephants, there really is no better place to visit.

South Luangwa National Park: 

Along with the North Luangwa (its up-and-coming sister park), the South Luangwa is home to a vast diversity of wildlife and is also the home of the walking safari. The area is known for playing host to a number of David Attenborough's wildlife sequences, particularly of leopards and wild dogs.

Kafue National Park: 

This region is famous for its abundance of predators, which is saying something given how abundant predators are throughout the rest of the country. The park itself is vast and incredibly diverse from huge open plains to jungle-like forests. The area is brilliant for game-drives and boating alike. 

Liuwa Plains National Park: 

This area is lesser-known than most, but particularly later in the year, when most parks close for the rainy season it blossoms into meadows of stunning pink and yellow flowers which pop against the coats of lions and migrating wildebeest. 

Sadly, to combine each of these areas in one trip would be very tough, unless you can spare 3-4 weeks to travel slowly really allowing yourself time to connect with each area. But even a short visit taking in just one or maybe two National Parks, combined with time in Livingstone is amazing. 

There is a vast variety of styles when it comes to camps, from the most luxurious to the most simple. Some of our favourite camps across the whole of Safari Africa are found here.

We love Zambia because it offers incredible game viewing in a vast variety of mediums. It is also home to incredibly kind and welcoming people who make for phenomenal guides and hosts. 

Most of all though, Zambia feels real, and we challenge anyone who has been once to not go a back, again and again. 

To see a couple of examples of some amazing itineraries click the buttons below: