We’ve explored South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe and now, our search for the most luxurious, most inspiring safari lodges across Africa has led us to the magnificent, raw and unspoilt Zambia.
It’s difficult to think about Zambia without your mind conjuring up images of the majestic Victoria Falls. Hailed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, Victoria Falls forms part of the great Zambezi River, bordering both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Of course, Zambia is more than just a waterfall, however spectacular that waterfall is. It also forms part of the Great Rift Valley, that primordial trench that snakes its way from the Red Sea down the length of East Africa.
Between its valleys and rivers, the country is a fertile landscape, rich with wildlife and flora. We didn’t have to look very far to find some of the best safari lodges this country has to offer and have chosen a wide variety of luxurious lodges from all over Zambia.
We give you Rhino Africa’s Top Ten Safari Lodges in Zambia 2012:
Victoria Falls
We could impress you with the fact that the Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. We could show you hundreds of pictures of “the greatest known curtain of falling water”. We could tell you how columns of spray can be seen from miles away as 546 million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge over a width of nearly two kilometers into a deep gorge 100 meters below. But the best way for you to truly understand the majesty of Victoria Falls is to see it yourself. Three of our top lodges enable you to do just that.
Where? Situated between Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park on a 15km private stretch of the Zambezi River in Zambia.
Why? Where do we begin? Royal Chundu is the first Relais & Chateaux property in Zambia. Choose between Island Lodge or River Lodge, both located on the lush banks of the mighty Zambezi. The accommodation is spectacular and there are activities aplenty!
Find out more about Royal Chundu here or visit the Royal Chundu website.
Where? Hidden on the banks of the Zambezi River in the western sector of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Why? This is the closest you’ll get to the Zambezi River without actually swimming in it. During the rainy season the rapids flow underneath the camp’s expansive deck! Luxury along with the amazing views are why Toka Leya gets our vote.
Read more about Toka Leya Camp here.
Where? Tongabezi is located about 30km upstream from Victoria Falls and 18 km from the town of Livingstone.
Why? This 5-Star lodge set the standard when it was first established in 1990. The hospitality is warm and the evenings are cool, this decadent and enchanting lodge serves as the perfect romantic getaway.
Read more about Tongabezi Lodge here.
South Luangwa Game Reserve
South Luangwa Game Reserve is an amazingly rich and fertile area in the Luangwa Valley. An intense concentration of flora and fauna makes this reserve an excellent choice for wildlife safaris. In fact, the now famous “walking safari” originated at Luangwa, and is still one of the most exciting ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. If it’s a wildlife extravaganza you’re seeking, look no further than the lodges in the South Luangwa Game Reserve.
Where? Set atop a hill, overlooking the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park in northeastern Zambia.
Why? In this lodge, initially designed as an exclusive presidential retreat, you’ll find nothing less than luxury and elegance. The lodge overlooks the wild yet picturesque surrounds – a view that will leave you spellbound.
Read more about Chichele Presidential Lodge here.
Where? Set on a hilltop, overlooking fertile floodplains in the South Luangwa National Park in northeastern Zambia.
Why? Small, intimate and personal, Puku Ridge camp is a haven for animals and game-viewers alike. Wake up to the sounds of elephants on the not so distant horizon!
Find out more about Puku Ridge Camp here.
Where? Sanctuary Zebra Plains is in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Why? This exclusive, luxurious little camp offers you a chance to channel your inner explorer! Go on one of the guided walking safaris and experience the bush as one of the animals you’re tracking. It’s an unforgettable adventure!
Read more about Sanctuary Zebra Plains here.
The Lower Zambezi National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, with the majority of the park sloping down from the Zambezi escarpment to the river, most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. Though relatively underdeveloped, the park’s charm lies in its vast and unexplored wilderness. Along with great game-viewing, the plethora of birdlife is enough to keep any enthusiast engrossed for days. And when you’ve had enough of the birds, the river’s just teeming with fish…
Where? Situated in the Lower Zambezi National Park, opposite Mana Pools.
Why? Tucked away from the masses, you’ll be sleeping in luxurious white Bedouin style tents, generously spaced along the Zambezi River bank. This is a magical haven in the heart of the wild.
Read more about Sausage Tree Camp here.
Where? Situated in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.
Why? Picture standing on your balcony, sipping your G&T and having an elephant walk by, right under your nose! This is exactly the kind of scenario one can expect at this first-class luxury camp.
Find out more about Chiawa Camp here.
Where? Situated in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.
Why? This amazingly crafted structure has been moulded from the very earth upon which it stands. The private, four bedroomed house has been built around a frame of wild wood with ferro walls following the natural lines of the branches.
Read more about Chongwe River House here.
Kafue National Park
Experience Zambia’s oldest and largest national park. Established in 1924, Kafue is the third largest park in all of Africa. The diversity of bird and wildlife throughout the park is legendary. The north of Kafue National Park hosts the Busanga Plains – a vast floodplain fed by the Lufupa River system. Watch as huge herds of herbivores and various predators flock to this ancient and majestic spot.
Where? Situated in the Kafue National Park, Zambia.
Why? Think sundowners on the raised wooden deck, the sky lit up with the brilliant hues of an African sunset – of course this is after your busy day of motor-boating across a hippo filled river and leopard tracking on foot. Shumba Camp offers it all!
Read more about Shumba Camp here.
Rhino Africa can tailor-make an African holiday of a lifetime to suit your budget, needs and style. One of our discerning and experienced consultants can give you all the inside information to ensure that you get the best experience and the best value for money possible. So contact us today and let’s start planning! Africa awaits.
One for the “Bucket List” It sounds wunderful.