Walking safaris and the mighty Victoria Falls
Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for wild, uncrowded national parks and its side of Victoria Falls. South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari, and the Lower Zambezi offers canoe safaris beside elephants. Livingstone is the adventure hub near the falls. It suits safari lovers who want authentic wilderness and fewer vehicles.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
One of the largest waterfalls in the world, shared with Zimbabwe, known locally as the smoke that thunders. Trails lead along the edge on the Zambian side.
A wildlife-rich valley known for leopards, walking safaris and huge hippo pods. It is Zambia's best-known park.
A park along the Zambezi River famous for canoe safaris among elephants and hippos. Mana Pools lies opposite in Zimbabwe.
A natural rock pool on the lip of Victoria Falls, accessible only at low water. Guides take small groups from Livingstone Island.
A huge park with the Busanga Plains, where lions and lechwe roam floodplains. It is one of Africa's largest parks.
Livingstone offers rafting below the falls, sunset cruises, bungee jumping from the bridge and helicopter flights. It is an adventure base.
A small park near the falls where white rhinos are tracked on foot with rangers. Giraffes and zebras graze here.
A remote grassland with the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, managed by African Parks. Hyenas and lions follow the herds.
Each year millions of straw-coloured fruit bats gather in a small forest in Kasanka, among the largest mammal migrations on earth. Dusk is spectacular.
A huge man-made lake on the Zimbabwe border, good for houseboats, fishing and sunsets. Siavonga is the main resort.
A deep, clear lake with sandy beaches and colourful cichlid fish. It is remote and peaceful.
An English-style country manor built in the African bush in the 20th century, with hot springs nearby. It inspired the book The Africa House.
Vast wetlands where the rare shoebill stork lives, along with black lechwe. Community-managed with African Parks.
Zambia's oldest museum, with archaeology and items linked to David Livingstone. It explains the region's history.
A wild, remote park with walking safaris and reintroduced black rhinos. Very few visitors make it here.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
Victoria Falls and adventure hub.
adventure, nature · Guide comingCapital and gateway.
gateway · Guide comingSouth Luangwa gateway.
safari · Guide comingLake Kariba resort.
relaxing · Guide comingLower Zambezi gateway.
safari · Guide comingThe gateway to Liuwa Plain and the Barotse Floodplain.
remote, gateway · Guide comingVictoria Falls and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Lake Kariba
Classic walking safaris.
South Luangwa, North Luangwa
Canoe safaris on the river.
Lower Zambezi, Chirundu
Floodplains and migrations.
Liuwa Plain, Kafue
Lakes, wetlands and bats.
Kasanka, Bangweulu, Lake Tanganyika
Luangwa Valley and walking safari country.
South Luangwa, Mfuwe, Luangwa River
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: June to October. The dry season concentrates wildlife around rivers.
Victoria Falls is fullest from about March to May, with heavy spray; from about September to December it is lower, and the Devil's Pool can open.
January. Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
87°F daily high, 77°F average, 5.5 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
The US State Department rates Zambia Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions; take normal care in cities and with wildlife.
Distances are large and roads rough, so most visitors use light aircraft between parks.
Safari camps are costly, though Livingstone has budget options.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Check visa and entry rules on the Zambia Department of Immigration website (zambiaimmigration.gov.zm) and your own government's travel advice before you go. |
| Plugs | Type C, D, G; 230 V 50 Hz |
| Tap water | not safe |
| Tipping | Tip safari guides and camp staff; around 10 percent in restaurants. |
| Payments | Cards work in hotels; carry kwacha and US dollars for small places. |
| Emergency | 999 general emergency, 991 police, 993 fire |
| Etiquette | Greet people warmly and use both hands to receive items. Ask before taking photos. Same-sex relationships are illegal. |
| What to wear | Dress modestly in towns; neutral colours on safari. |
| Driving | On the left |
| Between cities | Domestic and light-aircraft flights connect Lusaka with Livingstone, Mfuwe and bush strips. Roads are long and rough, but buses link main towns. Self-drive needs a 4x4. |
| Main airports | LUN, LVI, MFU |
| Ride apps | Yango, inDrive |
Bantu-speaking peoples settled the region centuries ago and formed kingdoms such as the Lozi and Bemba. David Livingstone was the first European to describe Victoria Falls, in 1855. Britain ruled the area as Northern Rhodesia, and copper mining grew in the 20th century. Zambia became independent in 1964 under Kenneth Kaunda and has had peaceful changes of government.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.