Some places are generous. Zambia is one of them. Generous with its space, its beauty, its stillness and above all, its wildlife. Here, guests don’t just come to see the animals, they come to be surprised by them, moved by them, and changed by them.
Across Zambia’s two great safari regions, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, sightings come in many forms: lions at golden hour, elephants waist-deep in water, leopards slipping through light and shadow. Whether you’re walking quietly through a grove of winterthorn trees, drifting by boat at dusk, or rumbling along on a game drive before breakfast, Zambia shows its wild, honest, unforgettable self.
In the South Luangwa, wildlife thrives along the life-giving Luangwa River, including several endemic species.
You can expect to see large herds of elephant and buffalo, zebra herds, plentiful crocodile and pods of hippo. The South Luangwa is believed to have the highest density of wildlife in Zambia, and is home to several endemic species, including the Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, and Cookson’s wildebeest – all found only in this part of the world. The birdlife is just as rewarding, with over 450 species filling the trees and skies, from fish eagles to Lilian’s lovebirds and of course, the vibrant carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks during the dry season.
Predator sightings here are exceptional, with lion, leopard, and African wild dog all regularly seen. South Luangwa is often called the Valley of the Leopard, and for good reason. These elusive, ethereal cats are seen here more frequently than almost anywhere else. It’s not unusual to spot them during the day draped over a branch, padding silently through grass, or moving with elegant purpose at dusk. But it’s more than just frequency, it’s the intimacy of the encounter. The stillness of the moment when the leopard turns to look right through you. The hush that falls over the vehicle when it begins to stalk. These are not just sightings, they are encounters with something wild and wonderful.
The Lower Zambezi’s unique position between plateau and valley ecosystems gives rise to an incredible mix of habitats and species, making it one of the most biodiverse corners of Zambia.
In the Lower Zambezi, the river becomes the stage. Elephants cross the channels daily, sometimes swimming between islands, their trunks held like snorkels. Buffalo gather on the floodplains, waterbuck appear as if conjured from the mist, and predators (especially lions and wild dogs) move through the woodlands in search of prey. Leopard are seen here too, often silhouetted against the escarpment or resting in the crooks of trees. And then, there are the birds – kingfishers, African skimmers, and many more – which help turn the Zambezi into a colourful symphony.
When it comes to predators, it is the African wild dogs that steal hearts in the Lower Zambezi. Endangered, highly intelligent, and endlessly entertaining to watch, they roam in close-knit packs with deep bonds and a relentless energy. When wild dogs are on the move, so are you. Following them through mopane woodland as they chase down impala with unbelievable speed and strategy is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Then, of course, there are the elephants. The Lower Zambezi is famous for them, not just for their numbers, but for the way they move through the landscape. You may see them from a canoe, their great grey shapes rising from the riverbanks, or wandering through camp, or silhouetted against a coppery sky. They are everywhere, and once you have seen them in this vast land, you’ll know that they belong here.
In Zambia, the extraordinary feels natural, unfolding slowly, then all at once. A leopard in the morning light. A lion’s roar rolling across the valley at dusk. Wild dogs streaking through the trees. An elephant, close enough to hear her rumble. These moments stay with you long after you’ve left because, in Zambia, you don’t just go on safari, you fall in step with the wild.
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