Destinations Southern Africa

7 Best Places to Visit in Zambia This Holiday

Lake Kariba
Avatar of Abraham Odhiambo
Written by Abraham Odhiambo

If you want to taste the thrill of an African adventure, then the best places to visit in Zambia should be on your bucket list. From awe-inspiring natural wonders to an abundance of wildlife and vast open spaces, Zambia offers unforgettable holidays for all avid travellers.

Zambia is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful, diverse and unspoilt countries in Africa to explore. Apart from the numerous attractions, Zambia is also blessed with welcoming people who live in peace and harmony. Well, this is a great opportunity to go into the remote areas and have a taste of village life in the country. With that said, let’s take a look at 7 of the best places to visit in Zambia this December.

1. Victoria Falls & Livingstone

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls. Photo/ Travel Addicts.

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and probably the reason you’re dreaming of a vacation in Zambia. Twice the height of America’s Niagara Falls, it’s the world’s largest curtain of falling waters and a popular tourist destination in Africa.

David Livingstone, the first European to set eyes on Victoria Falls gushed that ‘Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’. Some of the activities tourists enjoy here include white-water rafting, a dip in Devil’s Pool and cruising on the Zambezi River.

Livingstone, on the other hand, boasts historical sites and museums and offers several amazing adventures too. Take a trip to Victoria Falls & Livingstone and understand why we ranked it on top of our list of the best places to visit in Zambia.

2. South Luangwa National Park

If you’re touring Zambia, then a stopover to see the famous South Luangwa National Park is an absolute must. South Luangwa is Zambia’s most popular national park and home to over 60 animals species. Lions, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, brown hyenas and giraffes are all within the park’s boundaries.

South Luangwa National Park

Best places to visit in Zambia. Photo/ South Luangwa National Park.

However, South Luangwa’s standout is its high density of leopards, which can be easily seen during game drives as they tend to be more comfortable around vehicles. You can also explore North Luangwa National Park, which is the only place in Zambia that supports all the Big Five.

3. Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi is a hidden gem promising the chance to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels. Lower Zambezi is a place yet intact by the invasion of mass safari going and ecotourism.

It attracts elephant herds, sometimes up to one hundred, hippo, leopard, lion, buffalo and over 400 bird species, making it one of the best places to visit in Zambia. All these species and many more gather here to feed and water, so aim to visit Lower Zambezi this December.

4. Kafue National Park 

One of the largest and the oldest national parks in Africa, Kafue is also one of the best places to visit in Zambia. This is the place to go to enjoy walking, boating and classic safaris. Spot 4 of the Big 5 (no rhino) but the wildlife is abundant.

The diversity of habitats in Kafue National Park makes it one of the most rewarding birding destinations with 500 species. The central part of the park is easily accessible via the Great West Road from Lusaka, but there are also many ‘shuttle flights’ to/from airstrips in the park.

Best places to visit in Zambia

Kafue National Park. Photo/ Natucate.

5. Kasanka National Park 

Kasanka National Park is situated on the southwestern edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin. It is among Zambia’s smallest national parks and one of the most picturesque parks in Africa. Do not expect to see large herds of animals as the park’s main attraction is bats. Kasanka is the focal point of a migration comprising up to 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats.

6. Lusaka City

Well, you can’t talk about the best places to visit in Zambia and fail to mention Lusaka City. Lusaka is where Zambia’s go-ahead and entrepreneurs assemble in search of chances. The throbbing economic hub of Zambia is an ideal place to explore as it is chockfull of friendly locals, galleries, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and plenty of opportunities.

7. Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba. Photo/ Hideaways Africa.

Boasting spectacular views, stunning sunsets, great fishing and safari on the shoreline, Kariba Dam is one of the best places to visit in Zambia. Located approximately 100 kilometres from Lusaka, Lake Kariba’s coastline has provided a weekend entrance from the city over the years. Tourists come here for wonderful relaxing holidays just soaking up the sunshine. The sheer size of Lake Kariba could make you forget it’s a dam and in certain places, it almost feels like an ocean.

What Is the Most Visited Place in Zambia?

Victoria Falls is undoubtedly the most visited place in Zambia. The Victoria Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

What Is Zambia Famous For?

Zambia is known for being one of the most water-rich countries in Africa.  Zambia has five vast lakes, three major rivers, at least 17 waterfalls and various wetland areas. In addition to major conservation areas, the country also has considerable mineral wealth, with copper forming a significant part of the income.

How Many Days Are Enough For Zambia?

Three to five days should be enough time to visit major tourist destinations in Zambia. However, a linger stay is always encouraged to get a better feel of the country and explore the hidden gems. More sightseeing, more memories.

What Is the Tourist Capital of Zambia?

Alongside its status as the tourist capital of Zambia, Livingstone is also known as the adventure capital of Africa.  It is named as such due to the substantial number of adrenaline-inducing activities on offer.

[convertful id="221063"]

About the author

Avatar of Abraham Odhiambo

Abraham Odhiambo

Abraham Odhiambo is a writer with interests in nature, travel, African safari and sports. I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in Media and Communication at Egerton University.

Leave a Comment