Home to the mighty Luangwa, Kafue, and Zambezi rivers, landlocked Zambia is amongst the most underrated and unexplored countries in the world. Featuring as many as 20 national parks, it’s also one of Africa’s best safari destinations. If you want to spot the big five animals of Africa such as African buffalo, elephants, rhino, leopards, and lions, head to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. You can plan a visit to South Luangwa National Park, and be mesmerised by the majestic Victoria Falls. Alternatively, you can also view hippos, zebras, and giraffes in the less-explored Kafue National Park. No matter where you go, Zambia offers Africa’s greatest all-around wilderness experiences. With that, there are excellent safari lodges to stay where you can wake up to the sounds of the wilderness. For recommendations, check out the top safari lodges in Zambia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Chiawa Camp
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The dream that is Tent 9 at Chiawa Camp - and the inspiration for the new tents that will be built next year #safarilife @tea.cunniffe
Posted by Chiawa Safaris on Sunday, November 10, 2019
Who said that you cannot indulge in some romance while on a safari? You and your partner should head to Chiawa Camp, the very first camp to operate on the waters of the Lower Zambezi River. Naturally, the award-winning camp offers a ton of water fun such as angling, boating, and canoeing. They also offer guided nature walks, fascinating night drives, and reliable sightings of the Big Five. After a long day of exploring, the fabulous tented rooms are very welcoming with serene river views. You’re also treated to exquisite cuisine even as the guides regale you with tales of the rich history of this region.
Chiawa Camp
Address: Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa, Zambia
Star Rating: 5
Travelers Review: Excellent 5 (from 284 reviews)
2. Track and Trail River Camp, Kakumbi (from USD 149)
Reasonably priced safari lodge with optional chalet upgrade and 3% credit card fee.
Great facilities, caring staff, and amazing views of the Luangwa river, crocodiles, and hippos.
Superb location next to South Luangwa National Park, perfect for self-drive or guided safaris.
Excellent dining with a view of hippos and crocodiles, friendly service, and an amazing ambiance.
On the banks of Luangwa River within Nsefu Game Reserve, Track and Trail River Camp offers guests a peaceful wildlife experience. Located just five minutes from the entrance, the riverside camp offers sightings of four out of the Big Five as well as giraffes, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species. The best part is that the day safari comes with a picnic lunch. Choose from sprawling riverfront chalets or luxury tents that feature all modern comforts. You will also find Wi-Fi, an outdoor gym, a restaurant and bar, a bush house spa, and an incredible riverfront swimming pool. At the day’s end, relish a lime and vodka, the unofficial drink here right by the barbeque.
Track and Trail River Camp
Address: South Luangwa National Park
443.39 km (275.6 mi) from Kalimba Reptile Park
3. Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Safari Lodge, Chisamba (from USD 135)
Reasonable pricing, but overpriced compared to previous years
Reliable internet, clean and comfortable bedding, safari feel near Lusaka
Fantastic location outside of Lusaka with beautiful scenery and game walking around
Delicious and generous breakfast, fresh and tasty meals, but limited dinner options
Protea Hotel by Marriott is the perfect base for those who want the safari experience while staying close to Lusaka. Located on a private game reserve north of the capital, this lodge offers the options of rooms with patios and wonderful views of the bush and the lake. While here, you don’t just get to experience game drives but also quad bike safaris. Plus, the lion enclosure is hardly five minutes from here. Aside from a bar and restaurant, a tree-shaded terrace is also the perfect place to unwind, as are the cool waters of the divine outdoor swimming pool.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Safari Lodge
Address: 1887 Kamaila Road
27.16 km (16.9 mi) from Kalimba Reptile Park
4. Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa National Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
TIME + TIDE Chinzombo, South Luangwa, Zambia
Posted by Time + Tide Africa on Monday, December 7, 2020
Nestled on Luangwa River, Time + Tide Chinzombo is the most luxurious camp in South Luangwa National Park. Blending style and elegance, the tranquil place offers spectacular views of the river and valley. An award-winning guide team will take you on bespoke boat cruises, safari walks, and thrilling animal tracking. They even have reliable predator sightings, especially leopards. Choose from six luxurious villas, each of which has a deck with a private plunge pool. Down a winding path sits the dining area and shared lounge where you can relish delicious meals. All in all, it’s the perfect place for experiencing the African wilderness with all five-star comforts.
Time + Tide Chinzombo
Address: Luangwa River South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Star Rating: 5
Travelers Review: Excellent 5 (from 89 reviews)
5. Shumba Camp, Kafue National Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Wilderness Safaris on Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Small groups and families will absolutely love Shumba Camp that is nestled in the remote Kafue National Park. The camp lies near the famed Busanga plains, one of the most important wetlands in Zambia and a wildlife paradise. The camp promises reliable predator sightings and organizes enthralling boat rides, hikes, and night drives through the plains. If you get really lucky, you can board a seasonal hot-air balloon offering bird’s-eye views. Stay in modern tents that offer stunning views, complete with plush en-suite bathrooms with outdoor and indoor showers. The camp also offers a traditional culinary bush experience where delicious meals are cooked on an open fire right in front of you.
Shumba Camp
Address: Kafue National Park, Zambia
Star Rating: 5
Travelers Review: Excellent 5 (from 52 reviews)
6. Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We still talk about this day. The elephants came to Mfuwe Lodge for a visit and wandered all over. They only knocked over one water glass and didn't break a thing!
Posted by The Bushcamp Company on Saturday, November 21, 2020
If you’re a safari-goer, then head straight to the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park. Dubbed as one of the world’s most unique lodges, the camp offers air-conditioned chalets nestled under mahogany and ebony trees around two lovely lagoons. So, you can watch wildlife right from your perch or while you’re enjoying a cool dip in the swimming pool. After a day safari, relaxing at the bush spa offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What’s more, the camp is hardly five minutes from the national park gate, and the camp also arranges excellent walking safaris. The best bit is that herds of elephants regularly make their way through the camp too.
Mfuwe Lodge
Address: Mpika, Zambia
Star Rating: 5
Travelers Review: Excellent 5 (from 959 reviews)
7. Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Starting the weekend the right way ? Private moments like this are the cherry on top of an already perfect day...
Posted by Sausage Tree Camp on Friday, April 30, 2021
Surrounded by mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi River, Sausage Tree Camp offers seven luxury suites complete with a porch, a private pool, and open-air bathrooms. Enjoy African-fusion meals on the viewing deck or in the open-air dining tent with stunning views of the foliage. The camp is famed for its water safaris, as well as its fishing, canoeing, and walking activities. The best part is that it’s one of the few lodges that offer reliable sightings of zebras.
Sausage Tree Camp
Address: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Star Rating: Five Star
Travelers Review: Excellent 5 (from 163 reviews)
8. Lilayi Lodge, Lusaka (from USD 312)
Experience the African wilderness in comfort and style at Lilayi Lodge, which lies just outside the capital of Lusaka. Located in a private game reserve, the place is also where you can find an elephant orphanage. The highlight of the lodge is the superb outdoor pool, which is designed in the form of a lazy river. The on-site restaurant serves delicious African-fusion fare and even has a wine cellar for unwinding after a long day. The contemporary rooms feature four-poster beds, flat-screen TVs, and chic bathrooms, but the standout is the veranda that offers scenic views of the lodge. Besides nature walks and game drives, you can also engage in village tours and horse safaris.
Lilayi Lodge
Address: Lilayi Road, Lilayi
26.69 km (16.6 mi) from Kalimba Reptile Park
9. Musungwa Safari Lodge, Shanjungu (from USD 112)
Musungwa Safari Lodge on the banks of Lake Itezhi Tezhi within Kafue National Park is perfect for travellers who are interested in game drives as well as other activities such as fishing and hiking. Choose from a host of contemporary rooms, all of which feature splendid balconies with views of the lake. After a long day of exploring the hidden gem that is Kafue National Park, enjoy an aperitif and dine at the on-site bar and restaurant. On a laid-back day, swim or lounge by the outdoor swimming pool and relax in the garden or the terrace with incredible lake views.
Musungwa Safari Lodge
Address: Lake Itezhi-Tezhi
257.97 km (160.3 mi) from Kalimba Reptile Park
10. Msandile River Lodge, Kakumbi (from USD 276)
Nestled on the banks of Luangwa River in Nsefu Game Reserve, Msandile River Lodge offers guests the perfect setting to explore the African wilderness. The accommodations consist of tents and chalets, complete with views of the reserve and the river. After a hearty Continental breakfast in the morning, set off on a game drive for the day led by dedicated and knowledgeable guides. After a long day, unwind on the sun terrace or in the garden or enjoy a dip in the swimming pool. Wrap up for the day by digging into a lip-smacking meal at the on-site restaurant and gazing at a starry sky in the garden.
Msandile River Lodge
Address: post office box 94
447.95 km (278.4 mi) from Kalimba Reptile Park
Go on a safari adventure
Zambia is an underrated destination for exploring the delights of the African wilderness. These safari lodges offer enthralling wildlife experiences while delivering five-star comforts. So, for the ultimate experience, choose to book a stay from the top safari lodges listed above.
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