With a rich history of low-impact camps that attracts the safari purist, it is no wonder that wildlife lovers return to Zambia again and again to experience big cat encounters in some of the most well managed national parks in Africa.

Furthermore, the Zambian government on their part shows full commitment to ensure quality tourism within these parks and protection of the wildlife that have made these places their home.

Zambia’s remote landscapes offer some of the most rewarding big cat safaris, with fewer crowds, in order to give nature enthusiasts an unforgettable African safari experience.

This blog will guide you to the best big game viewing experience in Zambia. Time your visit in the dry season which runs from May to October, for the best wildlife viewing opportunities around waterholes. The less vegetation also makes animal viewing much easier.

Day One: Arrival Lusaka

Most international flights at Lusaka International Airport land in mid-afternoon. Here you will meet your private driver who will transfer you to your chosen hotel. Rest of the evening is free to relax or explore Lusaka. Overnight in Lusaka.

Day 2: South Luangwa National Park

Dubbed by experts as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world, the concentration of animals in South Luangwa National Park is said to be the most intense in the whole of Africa.

After an early breakfast, you head back to the airport to catch a flight to Mfuwe (one hour). At Mfuwe airport you will be welcomed by your private guide who will drive you to South Luangwa National Park.

The one hour drive from the airport to your lodge in Mfuwe should throw up some surprises in the form of elephants, buffalo and the occasional lion from the narrow highway itself.

As you enter the park after crossing the Mfuwe bridge, you will go on a two hour game drive before arriving at your lodge around 1930 hrs. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3. Mfuwe

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will go on a full morning game drive in your private vehicle with a guide.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before proceeding on another game drive in the afternoon to look for any of the 60 different animal species and 400 kinds of birds.

Except for rhino, who are extinct in Zambia, there is a good chance of seeing lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Overnight at Mfuwe lodge.

Day 4. Mfuwe

You will go on another game drive in the morning till about 1030 am. Return to the lodge for a meal and after an hour or so transfer to Luwi, deep inside South Luangwa National Park.

Upon arrival, relax in the lodge while keeping an eye on any animals which come to the local waterhole. So make sure your camera is handy.

Late afternoon, depart for a game drive to look for big cats which enjoy a healthy population in Luwi. As the sun sets, your guide will find a strategic spot for a sundowner.

As you drive back, continue looking for elusive nocturnal wildlife using a spotlight. There is no limit on the time you can travel as it all depends on what you see.

Return to camp, do some stargazing around a bonfire and retire to your room for some well-earned sleep. Overnight at a lodge in Luwi.

Day 5. Luwi

Another exciting day awaits you, so head out early after a light breakfast for your morning game drive in search of animals. Return to camp at leisure, depending on the temperature and what you spot.

Enjoy a tasty lunch and go for another game drive in the afternoon. Return to the lodge after another sundowner and amazing game viewing. Overnight at Luwi lodge.

Days 6,7& 8.Tena Tena, South Luangwa National Park

Morning game drive in Luwi, then return to camp for breakfast and check out. Around mid-morning you will drive to Tena Tena lodge, a high class luxury camp with just six exclusive tents located on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Zambia is the birthplace of walking safaris, so you can opt for one depending on the time of the day as advised by your guide.

Guests can also sit in the shade and watch elephants, hippo and antelope on the far side of the river bank.

Central to the days at Tena Tena is to explore the surroundings for leopards who are present in large numbers as well as a few prides of lions. Safaris are done by night also under the expert guidance of Luwangwa’s most experienced guides. Three nights at Tena Tena.

Day 9: Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is the most unspoilt park in Africa, with unfenced safari camps, fewer crowds located in the remotest part of Zambia.

Several areas are of UNESCO listed heritage and hold an amazing concentration of animals.

To get there take a private flight from Tena Tena airstrip to Royal airstrip or Jeki airstrip in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is the quickest way to access the park as a road trip takes around eight hours. There are regular flights from Mfuwe to the park as well, for a cheaper option.

On arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will drive you to your chosen lodge. Depending on the time of the day, you can go on an evening game drive to watch the wildlife which congregates around the banks of the Zambezi River.

You can spot large herds of elephants and herbivores feeding on the fertile soil against the backdrop of a stunning landscape, a true utopia for someone seeking pure African wilderness.

Except for rhino, expect to see lion, leopard, buffalo and elephants in good numbers. Leopards especially feel at home here because of the many trees which dot the park.

Even if you are not a birding enthusiast, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of bird species found in this park. Over 378 species have been recorded here, both resident and migratory.

You will have two game drives here before returning to your lodge for rest. Overnight in Lower Zambezi National Park.

You will probably see much more wildlife here than anywhere else you have visited. This is mainly because of the remoteness and size. Rarely will another safari vehicle cross your path. In fact, there are no paved roads in this park.

Day 10. Lusaka

After breakfast, your lodge will arrange a transfer for you to the airstrip for your one hour flight to the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka for onward journey to your next destination. Tour ends in Lusaka.