Table of Contents
Introduction
Zambia is home to some of Africa’s most pristine and diverse national parks. While spots like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are well-known safari destinations, Zambia’s other national parks remain largely unexplored. These hidden gems offer exceptional wildlife viewing, stunning scenery, and unique activities in isolated wilderness settings. Join me as I uncover Zambia’s best-kept national park secrets. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned Africa expert, Zambia’s parks have something special waiting to be discovered.
Kafue National Park
Spanning over 22,400 sq km, Kafue is Zambia’s largest national park. It was established in 1924, making it one of Africa’s oldest protected wilderness areas. The landscape encompasses lush floodplains, open woodlands, and riverine forest along the Kafue River. This diversity of habitats supports an abundance of wildlife like lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and hundreds of bird species.
One of the best ways to explore Kafue is by boat. Slowly drifting down the Kafue River allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush. Look for colorful bee-eaters perched on branches and mighty hippos wallowing in the water. Keen birders can tick off specials like Pel’s fishing owl and swamp boubou.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Bordering the mighty Zambezi River, this park protects stunning wilderness scenery. Towering cliffs overlook grassy floodplains where buffalo, waterbuck, and puku graze. Louis trees dot the landscape, providing shade for dozing lions. Canoeing down the Zambezi offers an iconic African experience. Paddle past grunting hippos, basking crocs, and trumpeting elephants. Game drives reveal even more wildlife action, like leopards stalking antelope. Lower Zambezi is a top pick for adventurous travelers seeking a remote safari escape.
North Luangwa National Park
For a truly off-the-beaten path experience, make your way to North Luangwa. Its rugged hills and forests feel world’s apart from anywhere else. Although wildlife numbers are lower than South Luangwa, the park still protects healthy populations of elephants, Thornicroft giraffes, Cape buffalo, and more. Walking safaris allow you to approach animals on foot for thrillingly close encounters. The park also offers exceptional night game drives when nocturnal creatures like lions, leopards, and hyenas are active.
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa is likely Zambia’s most famous park, and for good reason. The concentration of wildlife around the oxbow lagoons of the Luangwa River is among the most dense in Africa. Iconic safari animals like lions, leopards, elephants, Thornicroft giraffes, and African wild dogs thrive here. South Luangwa pioneered walking safaris, letting adventurers experience the bush up close. Nighttime game drives reveal the park’s wild nocturnal action. Hotspots like Nsefu and Tafika camps offer front-row seats to the drama.
Liuwa Plain National Park
In Zambia’s remote west, Liuwa Plain protects 3660 sq km of grassland wilderness. Herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate here from Angola every November, in Africa’s second-largest overland migration. Follow their dusty trails across the flat, endless plains. Birders will be awestruck by flocks of migrating cranes arriving from Siberia. Staying at King Lewanika Lodge lets you interact with Lozi villagers practicing traditional lifestyles. Liuwa offers a taste of old Africa at its most wild and untouched.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Home to the world-famous Victoria Falls, “the smoke that thunders,” this compact park offers big rewards. Feel the ground shake as over 500 million liters of water plunge 100 meters into the Batoka Gorge each minute. Get drenched on a guided tour through swirling rainfalls and rainbows. See the falls from above on a scenic flight or while white water rafting. Nearby Livingstone town provides a comfortable base to explore the falls and delve into local history.
Lusaka National Park
Despite being only 16 sq km, Lusaka National Park packs a lot into a small space. Its proximity to Zambia’s capital city makes it perfect for day trips. The Zambezi and Kafue rivers that border the park provide water for wildlife. Spot giraffes munching leaves from tall acacias and dazzles of zebra grazing the floodplain. While small, the park hosts over 90 bird species for avid birdwatchers. Enjoy game drives or peaceful walks spotting warthogs, waterbucks, and grazing antelopes.
Nsumbu National Park
Sitting on the shores of beautiful Lake Tanganyika, Nsumbu feels like the edge of the earth. Reaching the park involves a long but rewarding drive. Relax on scenic boat cruises to see fish eagles soaring over glittering waters. The lakeshores attract thirsty groups of elephants and buffalo. Exceptional fishing and snorkeling can also be enjoyed in Nsumbu’s pristine waters. Set up camp on the beach and watch the sun sink below the distant mountains for an unforgettable sunset.
Sioma Ngwezi National Park
Zambia’s newest park only opened in 2020 but is already making its mark. After years of poaching, wildlife like elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and big cats are being reintroduced. Community-based conservation initiatives help local people benefit from the park’s development. Sioma Ngwezi contains stunning scenery like forested hills, floodplains, and waterfalls. Pristine and untouched, it offers possibilities for exploring uncharted wilderness. As infrastructure improves, this park is set to become a rising star.
Conclusion
While Zambia contains globally famous parks, its lesser-known wilderness areas often get overlooked. But these hidden gems offer exceptional wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and amazing adventures off the beaten track. From remote walking safaris to canoe journeys, Zambia’s national parks contain something to spark every traveler’s imagination. Next time you plan an African safari, be sure to venture beyond the well-worn routes. Zambia’s untamed wildernesses are waiting to be discovered.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Zambia’s national parks?
The dry season from May to October is generally the ideal time. Wildlife concentrations are higher around water sources, and vegetation is sparse making animal spotting easier.
Which parks are best for walking safaris?
South Luangwa pioneered walking safaris in Zambia. North Luangwa also offers exceptional walking safaris in remote wilderness.
Where can I see the great wildebeest migration?
From November to March, you can see the migration in Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia.
Which parks allow night game drives?
Many parks, including South Luangwa, Kafue, and North Luangwa, offer thrilling nighttime game drives.
Where are the best spots for birdwatching?
Kafue National Park and Liuwa Plain National Park are prime birding destinations, with over 500 species combined.