Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, is a lively, fast-growing city that blends urban energy with nearby nature, local culture, and historical landmarks. While many travelers use it as a transit hub, Lusaka offers several worthwhile experiences if you spend a day or two.

Culture & History

• Zambia National Museum – Learn about Zambian history, independence, traditional art, and contemporary culture.

• Freedom Statue – An important national monument commemorating Zambia’s struggle for independence.

• Kabwata Cultural Village – A collection of workshops where local artisans produce carvings, textiles, and jewelry using traditional methods.

Markets & Local Life

• Soweto Market – Lusaka’s largest and most vibrant market, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to household goods; a great place to experience daily city life.

• Pakati Market – Popular for street food and casual shopping.

• Arcades & Manda Hill – Modern shopping centers with cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Nature & Outdoor Escapes (Near the City)

• Lilayi Elephant Nursery – Visit orphaned elephants and learn about conservation efforts (advance booking recommended).

• Munda Wanga Environmental Park – A mix of botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuary, and picnic areas.

• Chaminuka Nature Reserve – Day trips featuring wildlife viewing, art, and outdoor activities just outside the city.

• Leopards Hill Viewpoint – A peaceful spot for sunsets overlooking Lusaka’s outskirts.

Food & Nightlife

• Sample traditional Zambian dishes such as nshima, ifisashi (peanut-based stew), and grilled meats at local restaurants.

• Enjoy international cuisine and coffee culture in neighborhoods like Kabulonga and Rhodes Park.

• Experience Lusaka’s nightlife with live music, bars, and lounges ranging from relaxed to energetic.

Arts & Community

• 37d Gallery – Showcases contemporary Zambian art and hosts cultural events.

• Theatre and live music venues – Occasional performances featuring local musicians and storytellers.

• Community events and festivals – Depending on timing, you may encounter cultural celebrations or craft fairs.

Practical & Experiential Activities

• Take a city walking tour to understand Lusaka’s colonial and post-independence history.

• Visit NGOs or community projects (with prior arrangement) to learn about local development initiatives.

• Relax at cafés or lodge gardens to observe everyday life and conversation.

Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest and least crowded national parks, offering vast wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and exceptional wildlife viewing. Its size and remoteness make it ideal for travelers seeking a classic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

Game Drives

• Explore different habitats including floodplains, miombo woodland, and riverine forests.

• Spot major wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes.

• Kafue is especially known for rare antelope species like sable, roan, red lechwe, sitatunga, and puku.

• Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best light and animal activity.

Boat Safaris (Kafue & Lufupa Rivers)

• Glide along calm waterways to observe hippos, elephants, and birdlife at close range.

• Ideal for photography and relaxed wildlife viewing.

• Sunset cruises are particularly scenic.

Walking Safaris

• Guided bush walks led by expert rangers.

• Learn to track animals, identify plants, and understand ecosystems.

• Offers an intimate, ground-level safari experience unique to Zambia.

Busanga Plains Exploration

• Visit the Busanga Plains, Kafue’s most famous region.

• Seasonal floodplains attract large herds of red lechwe, buffalo, and plains game.

• Excellent predator sightings, especially lions and cheetahs.

• Best visited during the dry season (June–October).

Birdwatching

• Over 500 bird species, making Kafue one of Zambia’s top birding destinations.

• Spot fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and migratory species.

• Best birding during the green season (November–April).

Fishing (Seasonal & Regulated)

• Catch-and-release fishing for species like bream and tiger fish in designated areas.

• Often combined with boat outings.

Scenic & Remote Wilderness Experience

• Enjoy the feeling of true isolation—long distances, few vehicles, and untouched landscapes.

• Ideal for travelers seeking slow safaris, extended stays, and deep immersion in nature.

• Stargazing is exceptional due to minimal light pollution.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing and access to the Busanga Plains.

• Green season (Nov–April): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, excellent birding (some areas inaccessible).

South Luangwa National Park is widely regarded as Zambia’s premier safari destination and the birthplace of the walking safari. It offers dense wildlife concentrations, dramatic river scenery, and an authentic, uncrowded bush experience.

Game Drives (Day & Night)

• Excellent sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

• One of Africa’s best parks for leopard spotting, especially on night drives.

• Night safaris reveal nocturnal animals such as genets, civets, hyenas, porcupines, and bush babies.

• Drives follow the Luangwa River, where wildlife gathers year-round.

Walking Safaris (Signature Experience)

• South Luangwa is famous for its guided walking safaris, led by expert armed rangers.

• Learn animal tracking, spoor identification, plant use, and bush ecology.

• Offers a thrilling, immersive way to experience wildlife on foot.

• Suitable for fit travelers; walks range from short strolls to multi-day treks.

Birdwatching

• Over 400 bird species, making it a top destination for birders.

• Spot African fish eagles, carmine bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons, storks, and endemic species.

• Best birding during the green season (Nov–April).

River & Wildlife Viewing

• The Luangwa River attracts massive concentrations of animals, especially during the dry season.

• Watch hippos and crocodiles in abundance.

• Seasonal lagoons fill with wildlife as water sources shrink.

Photography Safaris

• Ideal for photographers due to:

  • Open safari vehicles

  • Strong natural light

  • Close wildlife encounters

• Particularly famous for leopard, lion, and elephant photography.

Cultural & Community Visits

• Visit nearby villages and community-run projects (with lodge arrangements).

• Learn about local life, conservation partnerships, and sustainable tourism.

Seasonal Experiences

• Dry Season (May–October):

  • Best wildlife viewing

  • Peak safari season

• Green Season (Nov–April):

  • Lush landscapes, dramatic skies

  • Fewer tourists and excellent birdlife

  • Some areas become inaccessible

Why South Luangwa Stands Out

• One of Africa’s most wild and uncommercialized parks

• Exceptional predator sightings

• Pioneer of ethical, guided walking safaris

• Strong conservation focus and knowledgeable guides

The Bangweulu Wetlands in northern Zambia are one of Africa’s most important and least-visited wetland ecosystems. Remote, wild, and community-managed, Bangweulu is best known as the only place in the world where you can reliably see the shoebill stork in its natural habitat.

Shoebill Tracking (Signature Experience)

• Guided excursions by boat and on foot to locate the shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most iconic and elusive birds.

• Early-morning outings offer the best chances of sightings.

• Encounters are carefully managed to minimize disturbance.

Birdwatching

• Home to over 430 bird species, including:

  • Wattled cranes

  • African skimmers

  • Pelicans, herons, storks, and egrets

• A global hotspot for wetland and migratory birds.

• Best birding during the dry season (May–October).

Boat Safaris & Canoeing

• Explore channels, floodplains, and lagoons by motorboat or traditional dugout canoe.

• Observe birds, antelope, and wetland wildlife from water level.

• Offers a peaceful, immersive experience unlike traditional game drives.

Wildlife Viewing (Beyond Birds)

• Spot large herds of black lechwe, an antelope species endemic to the Bangweulu ecosystem.

• Occasional sightings of sitatunga, crocodiles, and semi-aquatic mammals.

• Wildlife viewing is subtle and spread out, emphasizing patience and observation.

Cultural & Community Experiences

• Visit local fishing villages and learn about traditional wetland lifestyles.

• Understand conservation efforts led by African Parks in partnership with local communities.

• Gain insight into sustainable fishing and land-use practices.

Photography & Nature Immersion

• Ideal for wildlife and bird photographers seeking rare species and minimalist landscapes.

• Vast open skies, reflective waters, and dramatic light create striking compositions.

• Perfect for slow travel and deep nature immersion.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May–October): Best access, shoebill sightings, and bird activity.

• Wet Season (Nov–April): Difficult access but lush scenery and breeding birds.

Why Bangweulu Is Special

• One of Africa’s most ecologically significant wetlands

• The world’s most reliable destination for shoebill sightings

• Remote, uncrowded, and conservation-focused

• A rare alternative to classic savanna safaris

Nsumbu National Park is one of Zambia’s most remote and least-visited parks, located on the southern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the far north of the country. It combines classic safari landscapes with lake scenery, offering a rare blend of wildlife, beaches, and freshwater activities.

Game Drives

• Explore miombo woodland, open plains, and lakeside habitats.

• Wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, zebras, hartebeest, bushbuck, and warthogs.

• Sightings are more scattered than in major parks, emphasizing exploration and solitude.

• Excellent sense of true wilderness with minimal vehicle traffic.

Lake Tanganyika Activities

• Relax on untouched sandy beaches along one of the world’s deepest and clearest lakes.

• Swimming in designated safe areas with crystal-clear freshwater.

• Kayaking and boating along the shoreline and coves.

• Fishing for species such as Nile perch and local cichlids (regulated).

Boat Safaris & Water Exploration

• Combine wildlife viewing with boat excursions along the lakeshore.

• Observe animals coming to drink, especially elephants and antelope.

• Scenic cruises at sunrise and sunset.

Birdwatching

• Outstanding birdlife due to the mix of lake, woodland, and wetland habitats.

• Spot African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, pelicans, and migratory birds.

• A rewarding destination for both casual and serious birders.

Hiking & Scenic Walks

• Short guided walks through woodland and along the lakeshore.

• Enjoy panoramic views over Lake Tanganyika and surrounding escarpments.

• Excellent opportunities for photography and nature immersion.

Cultural & Community Visits

• Visit nearby fishing villages to learn about local traditions and lake-based livelihoods.

• Experience northern Zambian culture, often combined with conservation initiatives.

Remote Wilderness Experience

• Ideal for travelers seeking off-the-grid adventure and minimal crowds.

• Limited infrastructure enhances the feeling of isolation and exclusivity.

• Exceptional stargazing due to lack of light pollution.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (May–October): Best access, wildlife viewing, and lake activities.

• Wet season (Nov–April): Lush landscapes but difficult travel conditions.

Why Visit Nsumbu National Park

• Rare combination of safari + beach-style relaxation

• Access to Lake Tanganyika

• One of Zambia’s most remote and peaceful parks

• Perfect for adventurous, slow-travel safari enthusiasts