15+ Best Places To Visit In Zambia This Summer

Zambia is Africa’s best-kept secret—wild, untamed, and packed with adventures that’ll make your Instagram feed pop. Think thundering waterfalls, epic safaris, and landscapes so stunning they’ll make your jaw drop.

If you’re hunting for the best places to visit in Zambia this summer, buckle up. We’ve got 18+ mind-blowing spots that’ll turn your trip into the stuff of legends.

Whether you’re a wildlife junkie, a waterfall chaser, or just someone who loves off-the-beaten-path gems, Zambia’s got you covered.

Let’s roll!

1. Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

You haven’t lived until you’ve stood in front of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders”—and trust us, it lives up to the hype.

Walk along the knife-edge bridge and feel the mist soak your skin. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool right on the edge of the falls. Yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds.

For the best views, hop on a scenic helicopter ride. Seeing the Zambezi River plunge into the gorge from above? Pure magic.

This is hands down one of the best places to visit in Zambia, so don’t even think about skipping it.

2. South Luangwa National Park – The Ultimate Safari Spot

If you’re dreaming of leopards lounging in trees and elephants crossing rivers, South Luangwa National Park is your spot. This place is safari heaven, with some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa.

Night drives here are next-level—spot hyenas, genets, and maybe even a lurking lion under the stars. Walking safaris? Even better. There’s nothing like tracking game on foot with an expert guide.

Stay at a riverside lodge and fall asleep to the sound of hippos grunting. This is the real Africa, raw and unfiltered.

3. Lower Zambezi National Park – Where the Wild Things Are

Imagine drifting down the Zambezi River in a canoe while elephants swim beside you. That’s Lower Zambezi National Park for you—a paradise for water-based safaris.

The park’s floodplains attract buffalo herds, crocs, and tons of birds. Fishing for tigerfish? Yep, that’s a thing here too.

For the ultimate thrill, book a sunset river cruise. Sipping a drink while watching the sky turn pink over the water? Yeah, that’s the good stuff.

4. Kafue National Park – Zambia’s Hidden Giant

Kafue National Park is massive—bigger than some countries—but somehow flies under the radar. That means fewer crowds, more wildlife.

The Busanga Plains are the star here, with lions, cheetahs, and rare roan antelopes roaming freely. Hot air balloon safaris at sunrise? Absolutely worth waking up early for.

Stay in a luxury bush camp and soak in the untouched wilderness. This is Zambia’s wild side at its best.

5. Lake Kariba – Africa’s Largest Man-Made Lake

Lake Kariba is where you go to chill hard. Houseboat vibes, epic sunsets, and enough fish to keep anglers happy for days.

Take a sunset cruise and watch elephants drink from the shore. Or try tiger fishing—these guys put up a serious fight.

For something different, visit Chete Island, one of the lake’s hidden gems. Secluded beaches, great birding, and total peace.

6. Bangweulu Wetlands – The Shoebill Stork’s Playground

Bird nerds, this one’s for you. Bangweulu Wetlands is one of the few places on Earth where you can spot the rare shoebill stork—a dinosaur-looking bird that’s straight-up mythical.

The wetlands are also home to black lechwe antelopes and tons of waterbirds. Take a canoe trip through the channels and soak in the serenity.

This is off-the-grid Zambia, untouched and unforgettable.

7. Shiwa Ng’andu – The African Shangri-La

Ever dreamed of finding a slice of English countryside in the heart of Africa? That’s Shiwa Ng’andu for you – a stunning manor house surrounded by wilderness that looks straight out of a storybook.

This working farm and wildlife estate offers luxurious stays in historic cottages, where you can enjoy high tea while watching zebras graze on the lawn. The nearby Kapishya Hot Springs are perfect for a soak after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss the fascinating history – this estate was built in the 1920s by British explorer Sir Stewart Gore-Browne and remains a family-run operation. It’s one of Zambia’s most unique off-the-beaten-path experiences.

8. Kasanka National Park – Bat Migration Spectacle

If you thought Africa’s great migrations were all about wildebeest, wait until you see Kasanka’s bat migration – the largest mammal migration on Earth! From October to December, 8 million fruit bats descend on the park’s mushitu swamp forest.

Time your visit for sunset when the sky literally darkens with bats taking flight. The park also offers great water-based wildlife viewing from canoes, where you might spot sitatunga antelope wading through the swamps.

Stay at one of the treehouse lodges for prime bat-watching views right from your balcony. It’s one of Zambia’s most unique wildlife experiences.

9. Mutinondo Wilderness – Hiker’s Paradise

Calling all nature lovers! Mutinondo Wilderness is Zambia’s best-kept secret for hiking and outdoor adventures. This private wilderness area features dramatic inselbergs (rock outcrops), crystal-clear streams, and untouched miombo woodlands.

Spend your days rock climbing, swimming in natural pools, or hiking to panoramic viewpoints. The night skies here are incredible – perfect for stargazing without any light pollution.

The eco-friendly lodges here blend seamlessly with nature, offering the perfect peaceful retreat. Pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore this hidden gem.

10. Liuwa Plain National Park – Africa’s Last Great Wilderness

For those who truly want to get away from it all, Liuwa Plain National Park delivers. This remote wilderness comes alive in the rainy season (November-June) when it transforms into a vast grassy plain dotted with wildflowers.

The park is famous for its second largest wildebeest migration in Africa and incredible predator sightings. Imagine watching hyenas hunt on the open plains or spotting rare wild dogs on the prowl.

Stay at King Lewanika Lodge – Zambia’s only permanent safari camp in Liuwa – for luxurious isolation. Getting here is an adventure, but oh so worth it.

11. Nsumbu National Park – Lake Tanganyika’s Hidden Gem

Where lake meets bush, you’ll find Nsumbu National Park, Zambia’s answer to beach safaris. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika offer incredible snorkeling with colorful cichlid fish, while the park itself has great wildlife viewing.

Take a boat safari to spot elephants coming down to drink, or try your hand at deep water fishing for giant Nile perch. The park’s white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing after game drives.

Stay at one of the lakeside lodges and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. It’s the perfect mix of beach holiday and safari adventure.

12. Blue Lagoon National Park – Birdwatcher’s Dream

Just two hours from Lusaka, Blue Lagoon National Park is an easy escape into nature. The Kafue Flats floodplain transforms with the seasons, attracting hundreds of bird species including wattled cranes and pelicans.

Take a boat cruise through the waterways for the best wildlife viewing, or go on guided walks to spot antelope and zebra. The park is particularly beautiful at sunset when the water turns golden.

It’s one of Zambia’s most accessible parks, perfect for a quick nature fix without venturing too far from civilization.

13. Chisimba Falls – The Perfect Road Trip Stop

If you’re traveling between Kasama and Mpika, make sure to stop at Chisimba Falls – one of Zambia’s most beautiful waterfall systems. The three-tiered falls offer perfect picnic spots, swimming holes, and great photo ops.

Local guides can take you on short hikes to viewpoints above the falls, where you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The surrounding forest is lush and green, making it a refreshing stop on a hot day.

Pack your swimsuit and a picnic – this is the perfect place to break up a long drive in northern Zambia.

14. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – Mini Safari by the Falls

Right next to Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a fantastic condensed safari experience. While small, the park has white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelope – perfect for those short on time.

Take a guided walking safari to get up close with rhinos (with an armed ranger, of course), or opt for a game drive to see the park’s other residents. The riverfront areas offer great birdwatching too.

15. Shiwa Ng’andu – The African Shangri-La

16. Kasanka National Park – Bat Migration Spectacle