Zambia

The South Luangwa is Zambia’s most famous safari destination and its guides, some of the finest on the continent. The park also one of the best places to embark on a walking safari and exploring the miombo woodlands and sand rivers on foot is thrilling. Game drives reveal high quantities of wildlife – and relatively few other tourists – especially on the banks of the Luangwa River, where elephant and buffalo come to drink, lion laze, and leopard can be spotted prowling through the grass.

Bordered by the mighty Zambezi River and a beautiful escarpment, the Lower Zambezi is a contender for one of the most beautiful game viewing areas in Africa. Water experiences are a highlight, from canoeing and kayaking down the river to languid sunset boat trips and of course, the opportunity to hook an iconic Tiger fish. On land, the diverse habitats host plenty of flora and fauna and game drives and walking safaris are always fruitful.

Known to locals as ‘Mosi oa Tunya” (“the Smoke that Thunders”), Victoria Falls attracts visitors from around the world who are keen to witness the plumes of rising mist and thunderous, crashing water for themselves. Walk around the edge of the waterfall for the best eye-level views – raincoats at the ready! – or take to the skies in a helicopter or microlight for a different perspective. If you’re feeling adventurous, bungee jumps, gorge swings and the chance to swim right to the edge in the Devil’s Pool are all options too.

A 3,600 square-kilometre expanse in Western Zambia, Liuwa Plain is home to the largest annual migration of wildebeest outside the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa. It is thought that the blue wildebeest migrate from the golden plains of Liuwa, into Angola, and back again in a seasonal migration route dictated by the rains. The park itself is remote, wild and pristine, and wildlife watching feels like a privilege, whether spending time with the large clans of hyena or seeking out the small lion population.