10 Things You Must do in Zambia

10 Incredible Zambia Experiences

Zambia is a truly authentic African country, known as ‘The Real Africa’, it provides back to nature activities such as fishing on Lake Kariba and watching cheetahs in Kafue National Park to adrenaline-fuelled experiences such as white-water-rafting down the wild Zambezi and microlights over the Victoria Falls.

There is undoubtedly no shortage of things to do and something for everyone, regardless of age and interests.

Let’s look at our top 10 Zambia experiences (in no particular order) …

1. Admiring southern carmine bee-eaters in South Luangwa

Few places in Zambia offer birders the diversity and excitement of South Luangwa National Park. More than 400 bird species call this park home and it is said you can see 100 species in a day. Species include a variety of raptors, storks, pelicans, owls, nightjars and of course bee-eaters.

There is an abundance of incredible birdlife to see in Zambia but, for us, there is nothing quite like the arrival of southern carmine bee-eaters to South Luangwa in late August and early September where they gather in their hundreds and select a breeding site on the steep sandy banks of the Luangwa River. The bright pinkish-red and blue colours of their feathers make for a wonderful sighting and birder or not watching them fly, drink, dig or perch is a site not to be missed.

2. Canoeing on the Kafue River

Share the water with hippos and crocodiles whilst canoeing on the Kafue River. Glide through the water quietly passing elephants and buffalo as you go. A canoe safari is both an exhilarating and relaxing way of viewing Africa’s wildlife.

As well as being amongst crocs and hippos and passing elephants and buffalo on the river banks you can expect to get up close to bird species such as the African finfoot or if you’re lucky sight a nesting colony of African skimmers.

3. Soak up the Victoria Falls!

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Referred to by the locals as ‘smoke that thunders’, it is the largest waterfall in the world. There are many adrenaline-fuelled experiences to enjoy at the Falls but one which is accessible for all is to get soaked by the Falls!

There are many trails you can follow to explore the Falls. Some of which will lead to you getting drenched head to toe by the rising vapours. It is a mesmerizing experience and provides first-hand insight into the magnitude of this natural wonder. If you don’t fancy getting completely soaked, you can rent a raincoat – although you will dry quickly under the hot Zambian sun…

4. Tiger Fishing on the Lower Zambezi

When it comes to catching your dream Tigerfish, there are few better places in Africa than the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia. One particularly good area is in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Fishing the Lower Zambezi is best during the summer months between September and May but the winter months can offer good catches too. Tigerfish of 4-7kg are frequently caught. The fish aren’t the only attraction, you will share your sandbank with the odd crocodile or two… You will hear monkeys calling and no doubt see a variety of birdlife and maybe even some cats!

5. Walking safari South Luangwa

Thanks to strict guiding exams, great wildlife and high-quality camps, Zambia is regarded as one of the best walking safari destinations in Africa. The pick of the bunch is South Luangwa- the South Luangwa National Park is said to be the birthplace of the walking safari, so where better to embark on this remarkable back to nature voyage?

While animals will generally ignore you in a vehicle, when you’re on foot, they recognise you as another type of animal. Watching them from a safe distance with no metal between you and the animal is a primal experience and your own instincts and excitement will kick in, heightening the experience. Not only will you spot animals from an alternative viewpoint you will discover the smaller critters that call the bush home and learn about different animal prints which have been left in the mud or sand.

Most camps in South Luangwa provide a walking safari experience and can range anywhere in length from one morning to 8-days!

6. Visit the Livingstone museum

The excellent Livingstone Museum, formerly David Livingstone Memorial Museum and Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, is the oldest, largest and best museum in the country, located in Livingstone near Victoria Falls. There are sections covering archaeology, history, ethnography and natural history.

If you want to learn more about the explorer, David Livingstone, and the national and cultural heritage of Zambia this is the place to do it. The museum displays journals and maps used by David Livingstone as well as artefacts from the early Stone Age to the present, covering some 250,000 years. The museum often has special exhibits, including the witchcraft exhibit and sculptures and paintings by Zambia artists.

7. Hot air balloon ride in Kafue

Take to the skies and gain an aerial perspective of this fantastic park. This hot air ballooning experience must be one of the most exclusive ballooning experiences in Africa. The ride takes place in the 28,000-hectare Busanga concession and it only offered to guests (at no extra cost) of Shumba Camp and Busanga Camp.

During the aerial safari, you will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the astonishing surroundings and high concentrations of wildlife, including red lechwe and puku. As well as regular sightings of hippo and buffalo.

8. Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Back to the Zambezi River but this time you will be able to relax and enjoy the splendour of the landscape and the wildlife from the comfort of a boat! The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest river in Africa at an incredible 2,574km long with the most famous part of the river being the mighty Victoria Falls.

A sunset cruise provides a wonderful opportunity for you to soak in nature’s bounty undisturbed. Drink in hand and the noise of the savannah around you, you will feel fully relaxed. In addition to embracing the nature and the landscape you will see hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and elephant as well as the fine, diverse, bird life: heron, egret, African fish eagle and pelican.

9. 5-4-3-2-1 -BUNGEE!

If you’re an adrenaline junkie you are going to want to do this. The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump is one of the most scenic bungee jumps in the world. With the Falls as the backdrop and the mighty Zambezi River flowing beneath you, it is a must for any thrill seeker!

Ready to leap from no man’s land between Zimbabwe and Zambia? You have just 4 seconds to take in the Zambezi as you free fall 111 metres. Before you know it, a recovery operator will have you hooked up and winched back to the walkway below the bridge.

10. ‘Flight of Angels’

The so-called ‘flight of angels’ is undoubtedly the most breath-taking way to see the magnificent Victoria Falls. There are two ways to take to the skies; a microlight or a helicopter ride. Some say the microlight is the best aerial experience, as you are exposed to the elements.

Whichever flight you opt for you can see the formulation of the gorges below and the Zambezi River as it leads up to the falls. You may also spot wildlife in the national park and soar with the birds.

10 incredible Zambia experiences! Which would you love to do most?

Would you like to visit Zambia and take on an adrenaline-fuelled experience? Or, perhaps, you’d rather relax and get back to nature? Whatever you are looking for, you can experience it in Zambia.

Contact us and we can create your ideal Zambia experience.