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Most folks don’t think of a Zambia safari but it is actually widely classed as one of the top five destinations in Africa. Unique wildlife, game reserves and national parks as well as one of the most famous rivers and waterfalls in the world make Zambian Safari destination second to none.

There are direct flights from Johannesburg and Europe into Lusaka, from there it is a hop, skip and jump to some of the wildest places in Africa. Zambia has always been known as “the real Africa” as well as the home of the famous (and ever popular) walking Safari.

1. Victoria Falls: One of the original seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is without doubt the most popular Safari destination in the country and for good reason. With not only the Falls and the Zambezi River on offer, there are countless adventure activities to be had; from river rafting and bungee jumping to helicopter flights and canoeing all the way through to elephant back riding. Victoria Falls is without doubt as popular as Cape Town, the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.

Getting there: Fly into either Victoria Falls or Livingstone airports, as part of a safari package or self-drive.

2. South Luangwa: This area is one of the greatest wildlife centres in the world. There are few national parks within Africa that come close in terms of wildlife numbers and sightings; the South Luangwa is a true photographers Paradise. Within the valley a unique variety of species of fauna exists, including the Thorneycroft giraffes, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra.

For the birders, the South Luangwa offers a paradise all of its own with over 400 bird species to be found. The park covers 9050 square kilometres and became a National Park in 1972.

Getting there: Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, as part of a safari or self-drive.

3. Kafue National Park: Kafue is Zambia’s largest National Park, roughly the same size as Wales in the United Kingdom. Kafue National Park is not as popular as either the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Busanga Plains found in the north of the Park offer fantastic wildlife and birdlife as well as luxury lodges which combine to offer unique safaris that will be truly unforgettable. The Plains are world famous for their lion, leopard and cheetah sightings along with large herds of buffalo and antelope. It is highly recommend adding Kafue National Park to any Zambia safari itinerary.

Getting there: Fly directly to lodge as part of a safari

4. Lake Kariba: Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made dam and can be found along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 220 km’s in length and 40 km’s wide covering a total of 5580 sq. km; the lake is perhaps more comparative to a sea. It is certainly one of the premium photographic areas in Zambia with classic African sunsets with an awesome backdrop of the water and the African bush. One of the main attractions of Lake Kariba is the fantastic game fishing on offer, complete with accommodation in local lodges or even on houseboats, on the lake itself. For an authentic experience it is always recommended to stay in one of the many houseboats on offer.

Getting there: Choose this as part of a safari package, fly-in or self-drive experience.

5. Zambezi River: The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, flowing through Namibia, Botswana and into Zimbabwe and Zambia, with its flow ending up in the Indian Ocean on the Mozambiquean coastline. The River plays host to the Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and flows past the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. The many activities on offer include canoeing, whitewater rafting and some of the finest fishing in Africa, not to mention some of the most superb wildlife and birdlife spotting. All of the above locations are highly recommended and can be easily included in any scheduled or tailor-made Zambian Safari.

Getting there: Taken as part of a safari package, fly-in or self-drive experience.

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