Luxury safaris and private adventures

Zambia

Zambia

Walking safaris and wide-open wilderness

At the crossroads of Southern, Central and Eastern Africa, exhilarating wilderness is never too far away. Beautiful protected areas, home to a great diversity of wildlife, combined with a tradition of excellent guiding have long made Zambia a favourite for safari travellers. Across these parks, you’ll find a sprinkling of some of Southern Africa’s most luxurious lodges and excellent low impact, intimate, owner-run camps, many of which have been pioneers in sustainable and regenerative travel.

The Zambian side of the mighty Victoria Falls, around the town of Livingstone, is a must-see and there are some stunning lodges on the Zambezi from which to explore this natural wonder of the world.

On each side of the river from which it takes its name, the almost pastoral South Luangwa is one of Africa’s best national parks. It's where walking safaris began, a deeply engaging way to explore the wilderness and get acquainted with its great density of wildlife. In Lower Zambezi National Park, across from Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, see elephants play on the valley floor as you canoe the river’s languid waters.

There are some hidden gems, too. Kafue, the country’s largest national park and almost the size of Vermont, is a rugged place home to Zambia’s luxury safari scene, packed with just a small handful of properties – an offbeat yet rewarding destination for the patient. For travellers after a whole park virtually to themselves, head to the unique Liuwa Plains and its one permanent lodge, while North Luangwa provides an untouched ecosystem to explore on foot for seasoned safari-goers.

What's the weather like?

When to visit Zambia

For most of Zambia’s safari destinations, the best time to visit is dependent on the rains. With some regional variation, they arrive in December and last until March, and see most camps close as roads become impassable. Things begin to reopen in April and May, with clear, warm days between June and August – the peak season for a safari in Zambia. Temperatures rise from September to November as wildlife gathers around dwindling water sources.
  • 30
    °C
    125
    MM
    Rainy season
    Mid November - March
  • 27
    °C
    6
    MM
    Cool dry season
    April - August
  • 33
    °C
    20
    MM
    Hot dry season
    September - Mid November

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What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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