Visit Zambia
Travel into a country of huge rivers, national parks, waterfalls and open landscapes, with Victoria Falls providing the obvious headline but far from the whole story. Lusaka is the main urban gateway, while places such as South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks offer very different wildlife experiences. Lake Kariba, the Zambezi and the country’s broad plateau landscapes add another side to a trip that is often much more varied than first-time visitors expect. Zambia is one of southern Africa’s major safari destinations, particularly for walking safaris and river-based wildlife viewing. South Luangwa is especially well known for leopard sightings and guided walking, while Lower Zambezi combines game drives with canoeing and boat trips. The country also shares Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi drops into a narrow gorge on the border between the two countries. Give yourself at least a week, and preferably ten days or more, if you want to combine Victoria Falls with a proper safari rather than rushing between highlights. The dry season from roughly May to October is generally best for wildlife viewing because animals concentrate around water, while the wetter months bring greener landscapes and fuller rivers. Add Zambia to your list and make time for both the wildlife and the Zambezi.