5 Best National Parks To Visit In Zambia

Many travelers head to destinations like South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya for a true safari experience. However, over the last few years, Zambia has become an African safari destination, with beautiful national parks and teeming wildlife. While the African country has 20 parks, here we list the top five national parks to visit for a true safari experience.

1. Lower Zambezi National Park

One of the top national parks to visit during an exciting tour of Zambia is Lower Zambezi National Park. The park spreads along the northern bank of the Zambezi River, directly opposite the Mana Pools National Park. Here, visitors can see plenty of wildlife, including four of the iconic Big Five. Meanwhile the scenery is gorgeous and many exciting activities are available, including hiking and canoeing. Meanwhile, Zambia's side of the Victoria Falls is located close by.

2. Liuwa Plain National Park

After Liuwa Plain National Park went under the management of the African Parks Foundation, this formerly off-the-beaten-track safari location has soared in popularity. The national park hosts zebra, blue wildebeest, and other grazing species. Located in Zambia’s Western Province, the word “Liuwa” means “plain” in the local Lozi language. On a historical note, the plains were originally the hunting grounds of Lubosi Lewanika, the Litunga (chief or king) of the Lozi people.

3. Kafue National Park

[Image Wikimedia Commons]

Kafue is among the largest National Parks in Africa, but also one of Zambia’s least explored regions. Located in the west of the country, the park is famous for its wealth of animals, including various antelope species. Kafue also features massive herds of red lechwe, along with greater kudu, puku, waterbuck and oribi. During recent years, Kafue has seen a growth in well-managed safari camps and lodges, as well as excellent roads and air strips, making this an ideal location for a great safari.

4. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls National Park)

Rhino [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks and comprises two areas. One is the Victoria Falls National Monument, while the other is Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park. Zambia’s side of the Victoria Falls is a must-see for any visitor, where a small game sanctuary features a large number of wildlife. Meanwhile, the highlight here is the white rhino, which can be tracked on foot.

Rhino [Image Wikimedia Commons]

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers an impressive array of wildlife, including migratory elephants, white rhinos, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, impala, bushbuck, zebra, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, crocodiles and hippos.

5. South Luangwa National Park

Zambia’s most-visited park is South Luangwa National Park and for good reason. Here, there is a vast number and variety of wildlife. Here, the Big Four of wildlife live, including elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. The park used to host the Big Five, but regrettably, poaching has taken a toll on rhino populations here.

Experience a true safari adventure in Zambia this year, staying at the best game lodges and safari camps and viewing the incredible wildlife. .