What are the most visited national parks from Lusaka on safari tours?

From Lusaka, you can easily reach three incredible parks - Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, and Kafue National Park. Lower Zambezi is perfect if you want to see wildlife from a boat on the river. South Luangwa is the place to go for walking safaris and large groups of elephants. If you head to Kafue National Park, especially the Busanga Plains area, you'll have great chances to spot lions and leopards. Many visitors who stay at places like Kasaka River Lodge say these parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

What types of accommodation can I expect on safari tours from Lusaka?

You'll find everything from basic camping to high-end lodges. Most tours mix it up to give you different experiences. You might stay at places like StayEasy Hotel in Lusaka, Kasaka River Lodge in Lower Zambezi, or Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa. Many lodges have comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. If you're up for more adventure, some tours include nights camping in the wilderness. One TourRadar traveler told us the lodges were "much more comfortable than expected, with amazing views of the wildlife right from our room."

What's the best time of year for safari tours starting in Lusaka?

Plan your trip between May and October during the dry season. This is when animals gather around water holes and rivers, making them easier to spot. The very best months are July through September when temperatures are pleasant (68-77°F/20-25°C) and you'll see the most wildlife. Just keep in mind that some areas, like Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park, can only be visited during certain months because of seasonal flooding.

What wildlife can I expect to see on safari tours from Lusaka?

You've got good chances of seeing the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. You'll also spot hippos lounging in the rivers, crocodiles sunbathing on banks, various types of antelope, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors often tell us they see lots of elephants and hippos in Lower Zambezi. South Luangwa is especially good for spotting leopards and large elephant herds. As one visitor at Wildlife Camp said, "We saw more animals than we ever expected, often right near our lodge."

What are the common starting points for safari tours in Lusaka?

Most tours start from one of three places: Pioneer Camp Lodge just outside the city, the InterContinental Hotel downtown, or Lusaka International Airport. Usually, you'll meet your group and guides around 4 PM at your starting lodge. One TourRadar traveler mentioned, "The pickup from Pioneer Camp was seamless, and it was a great place to rest before starting the adventure."

How long is the travel time from Lusaka to the first wildlife viewing locations?

It takes about 4-5 hours to drive from Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi area, covering about 180 miles (290 kilometers). You'll travel through beautiful Miombo forests and past the Kafue River, where you might start seeing your first animals. One TourRadar traveler shared, "The drive from Lusaka was fascinating, with local villages and changing landscapes making the journey interesting."

Safari Tours from Lusaka

Ever heard of Zambia's untouched wilderness areas? Picture yourself exploring Zambia's stunning landscapes and wildlife, discovering Dr. David Livingstone's historical legacy, enjoying birdwatching and game-viewing in Kasanka, and relaxing by pristine Lake Bangweulu beaches. Don’t miss visiting breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools, experiencing a walking safari in South Luangwa, and soaking at Kapishya Hot Springs. Zambia's got untouched wilderness in abundance.

20 tours

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Safari
11 Days Exploring The 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Harare, Mana Pools National Park, Masvingo,Bulawayo,Rhodes Matopos National Park,Victoria Falls+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Little Roz Tours
From
US$3,900per person
+$400 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari Experience In Lusaka National Park - Half-Day
5.0 (1 review)
"We saw giraffes, zebras, antilopes, 2 of only 12 white rhinos in Zambia and young elephants in the sanctuary."
Luca, traveled in October
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Lusaka
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
25% Off
From $156
US$117per person
+$15 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
6 Days Kafue National Park (Zambia) and Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park, Kigali, Nyanza,Nyungwe Forest,Butare+2 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
10% Off
From $2,220
US$1,998per person
+$150 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
1 day Lusaka Activity - Chaminuka Nature Reserve Wildlife Safari Experience
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Lusaka
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
10% Off
From $220
US$198per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Wild West Zambia 15 Days/14 Nights
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park, Mongu,Liuwa Plains National Park,Ngonye Falls National Park,Livingstone+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
8% Off
From $9,063
US$8,338per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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$Zambia & Malawi \$
$Zambia & Malawi \"Livingstone Trail\" - 13 destinations$
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Safari
Zambia & Malawi "Livingstone Trail"
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park, Petauke,South Luangwa National Park,Chipata,Lilongwe,Thyolo,Mulanje,Liwonde National Park,Lake Malawi,Cape Maclear+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Sunway Safaris
8% Off
From
US$4,220per person
+$400 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
8 days: Best of Zambia, Botswana (Chobe) and Zimbabwe (Zambezi) Wildlife Safari Tour
3.9 (26 reviews)
"Overall great experience seeing the culture of Zambia and getting to see Botswana and Zimbabwe."
Patrick, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zambia Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Victoria Falls
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
25% Off
From $3,780
US$2,835per person
+$180 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Exciting LUSAKA to LIVINGSTONE Overland Adventure Safari Tour - 6 Days
4.6 (7 reviews)
"Victoria Falls did not disappoint, we went to the falls and walked across Victoria bridge to Zimbabwe."
Irene, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Choma, Livingstone
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
15% Off
From $1,350
US$1,148per person
+$60 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Zambezi Canoe Safari
4.6 (50 reviews)
"The participation in setting up camp, food preparation and breaking camp added to the trip."
Stephen, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park,Mana Pools National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
7% Off
From $3,103
US$2,880per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Starry Skies & Wild Wonders:Itezhi Tezhi in 4 Days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park, Livingstone
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
8% Off
From $1,279
US$1,177per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Escape to Tranquility: Zambezi River in 6 Days
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
8% Off
From $1,765
US$1,624per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Zambia - Walking Safari with Batmigration in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kasanka National Park, Mutinondo,North Luangwa National Park,Luambe National Park,South Luangwa National Park,Mfuwe+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Purists Ltd.
8% Off
From
US$4,470per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Tailor-Made 7 Days Kafue Wildlife Safari in Zambia, Daily Departure & Private Trip
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kafue
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
8% Off
From
US$7,079per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Highlights of Zambia - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lusaka, Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
National Park
KafueLower Zambezi National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Purists Ltd.
8% Off
From
US$4,860per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
11- Days of Great Safari Expedition: Busanga Plains, Kafue, Mosi-oa-Tunya (Zambia), Chobe (Botswana) and Hwange National Parks (Zimbabwe).
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Zambia Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 13+
Operated in
English
Operator
Lochinvar Safaris
20% Off
From $3,325
US$2,660per person
+$220 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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