Zambia is home to some of the best quality safari experiences on the continent. The lodges are across the board more of a rustic barefoot luxury experience, than super glitzy. Of course though, there are very luxurious options out there if that is your style. The essence of a Zambia safari though, is not in the added creature comforts like private pools, spas and gyms, but luxury can be found in the quality of the overall safari experience – a high bar which has been set across the country. Zambia is home to some of the most knowledgeable guides on the continent, and as such, it is a place for the seasoned safari goer who wants a wholly enriching wilderness experience.
Even though some of the rustic lodges are not flashy, Zambia’s excellent dedication to phenomenal high-quality safari and truly world-class wildlife areas means that even in their shabby-chic glory, lodges here still can come with a price tag. Not to the extent that, say, safari-ing in Botswana does, but it is not the most economical option either. Good quality lodges range from $800 per person per night, up to $1,500 per person per night.
You can escape the crowds more than you could think possible on a Zambia safari. One of the best lodges for this is Mwaleshi Camp – tucked away in the wilds of the remote North Luangwa National Park; this is a very open wilderness experience, like camping, but with an ever so Zambia twist. The structure is made up of reed, and so it leaves absolutely no footprint on the surrounding nature. It is a unique experience, and although the accommodation is fairly basic – nothing about the experience ordinary. It offers the very best of the walking safari purity Zambia is so heralded for. For this unique and truly classic camping experience you are looking at around $700 per person per night.
A classic example of a company which is dedicated to safari, and not so fussed about the glitz and glam is the Norman Carr walking safari lodges - Nsolo, Mchenja and Luwi. Intrepid, authentic, and classic, this is a one of a kind barefoot luxury safari experience which is best done by those who are obsessed with untangling the mystery that is the African bush from a raw and authentic perspective – on two legs! The camp experience is all about immersing yourself in nature and an excellent guide to show you a safe way to navigate it on 7km walks, moving from lodge to lodge. For this old school Zambia, excellent quality safari experience you are looking at forking out around $950 per person per night.
Although Zambia is all about getting back to the basics of safari magic, there are a few options for those who love the life of luxury too. Chinzombo is located not far from the gates to the South Luangwa National Park, and offers chic luxury in one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Leopard around every turn and returning to the comfort of absolute luxury in the bush means Chinzombo is also one of the most expensive lodges in Zambia at $1,500 per person per night.
If you want the best of Zambia’s untouched and remote wilderness without compromising on every luxury under the sun, then Liuwa Plains and King Lewinika is one of the best experiences for this on the continent – truly fit for a king! It costs to go somewhere this remote and wholly luxurious though, and as such, Lewinika comes in at around $1,500 per person per night and when you put expensive (and irregular) flights on top of this, it is definitely the most premium option out there for a Zambian safari.
The best authentic Zambia safari camp
You can escape the crowds more than you could think possible on a Zambia safari. One of the best lodges for this is Mwaleshi Camp – tucked away in the wilds of the remote North Luangwa National Park; this is a very open wilderness experience, like camping, but with an ever so Zambia twist. The structure is made up of reed, and so it leaves absolutely no footprint on the surrounding nature. It is a unique experience, and although the accommodation is fairly basic – nothing about the experience ordinary. It offers the very best of the walking safari purity Zambia is so heralded for. For this unique and truly classic camping experience you are looking at around $700 per person per night.
The best authentic Zambia safari lodge
A classic example of a company which is dedicated to safari, and not so fussed about the glitz and glam is the Norman Carr walking safari lodges - Nsolo, Mchenja and Luwi. Intrepid, authentic, and classic, this is a one of a kind barefoot luxury safari experience which is best done by those who are obsessed with untangling the mystery that is the African bush from a raw and authentic perspective – on two legs! The camp experience is all about immersing yourself in nature and an excellent guide to show you a safe way to navigate it on 7km walks, moving from lodge to lodge. For this old school Zambia, excellent quality safari experience you are looking at forking out around $950 per person per night.
The best luxury Zambia safari lodge
Although Zambia is all about getting back to the basics of safari magic, there are a few options for those who love the life of luxury too. Chinzombo is located not far from the gates to the South Luangwa National Park, and offers chic luxury in one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Leopard around every turn and returning to the comfort of absolute luxury in the bush means Chinzombo is also one of the most expensive lodges in Zambia at $1,500 per person per night.
If you want the best of Zambia’s untouched and remote wilderness without compromising on every luxury under the sun, then Liuwa Plains and King Lewinika is one of the best experiences for this on the continent – truly fit for a king! It costs to go somewhere this remote and wholly luxurious though, and as such, Lewinika comes in at around $1,500 per person per night and when you put expensive (and irregular) flights on top of this, it is definitely the most premium option out there for a Zambian safari.
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Amanzi Camp - Lower Zambezi
Our View
Anabezi's sister Camp, Amanzi is for those travellers who prefer a more rustic feel to their safari camp, then this is definitley the camp for you! Amanzi is situated on the banks of the Zambezi's Ngwenya channel just two kilometers down stream from Anabezi. The name 'Amanzi' means water in the local Tonga language and with the intimate position on the Zambezi proves a very fitting name.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,425
Anabezi Camp - Lower Zambezi
Anabezi Rather than the boat transfer we were expecting from Jeki to the camp we dived straight into our first game drive with Matt the camp manager. It was spectacular – I actually thought how can this get any better! What an amazing introduction to a really impressive set up. The game viewing was prolific and we were not to be disappointed on any of the drives over the course of our stay. - JE
Our Rating:
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Cost: $1,425
Bilimungwe Camp - South Luangwa
Our View
Bilimungwe, owned by The Bushcamp Company is a great little walking camp, well regarded as one of the best walking camps in the Luangwa. Adventurous safaris are guaranteed with award-winning guides, often spending subsequently large chunks of the day walking out of camp. It is one of the more elegant Luangwa bush camps – fantastic!
Our Rating:
Cost: $870
Busanga Bush Camp - Kafue
Busanga was a special place. The plains were just beginning to be populated with game and we were able to follow a pride of lions for our entire three days there. - E. Young
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $980
Chamilandu Camp - South Luangwa
Our View
As with so many of the Luangwa camps, Chamilandu is a wonderfully authentic bush camp; a style of property more uncommon in Africa, and the only bushcamp with just 3 chalets in the area. It gets our vote for having the most mind-blowing views from everywhere in camp. Chamilandu makes a good starting point before heading further south in the park to the other Bushcamp Company walking camps. By designing the trips this way, Chamilandu is viewed as a less adventurous option. But be under no misconception, this is a rustic, adventurous camp.
Our Rating:
Cost: $870
Chiawa Camp - Lower Zambezi
Absolutely fascinating to meet Grant Cumings, the owner, who was being transferred from Old Mondoro up to Chiawa with us. He was clearly a little sensitive about the arrival of Anabezi on the scene and that we would feel that Chiawa was dated. To a certain extent he was right but that did not take into account the wonderful atmosphere and friendliness of the staff that we experienced throughout our stay. We were only at Chiawa for 2 nights and I would say that this area of the game park looked rather worn and well-trodden compared to Anabezi and the guides had to work a little harder to find game. Having said that we had some amazing close-up viewings of leopard and our canoe trip was a brilliant experience - slightly nerve-wracking at some points but the reassuring experience of our guide managed to keep me calm! Food gets 5 stars and we really enjoyed dining together, sharing stories and listening to their lovely choir. Having mentioned that it was our 25th wedding anniversary holiday, they arranged some lovely, personal touches; lunch floating on the river, private dining in our tent - we felt very touched and very well looked after. It seems like a camp that has a loyal following for good reason but perhaps Grant is right to think that he needs to keep on his toes. - J Eaton
Our Rating:
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Cost: $1,425
Chichele Presidential Lodge - South Luangwa
Our View
Chichele isn't attempting to act as another Luangwa bush camp, it's a permanent lodge with bricks and mortar but it really does work. Here you'll find all the creature comforts in rather a colonial setting, so if you fancy the quality of a Sanctuary Retreat but a more natural camp, then Puku Ridge would be a better option for you. The game viewing in this area is top knotch, and you'll be looked after really well during your stay in the lodge.
Our Rating:
Cost: $595
Chikoko Tree Camp - South Luangwa
We stayed 3 nights in total at Chikoko and Crocodile. One night on our own at Crocodile with the wonderful Alex and the next two at Chikoko. I was so impressed by Alex – his guiding skills were incredible and we had great competitive card sessions. (Ted – we put two and two together with the lovely, honey-mooning couple Charlie and Alice and realised that you had organised both our trips. We spent lots of time with them and really enjoyed their company. I am sure we both have unforgettable memories. - M. Riddle
Our Rating:
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Cost: $685
Chindeni Bush Camp - South Luangwa
Our View
Recognised as one of the Luangwa’s more luxurious bushcamps, complete with writing desks and solid wooden furniture, Chindeni caters for a client who wants a secure tented camp, but one that also has a sense of adventure. In our view it lacks that sense of wild adventure that the Luangwa’s bushcamps are so famous for. Subsequently we prefer the other Bushcamp camps. However for clients wanting a more secure camp than many of the bushcamps can provide, Chindeni is a good option to combine with other Bushcamp Company walking camps.Our Rating:
Cost: $870
Chinzombo Camp - South Luangwa
The Norman Carr Chinzombo camp were absolutely fantastic, the guiding especially. The boat trips across the river to get to the game vehicles is also a plus. The rooms are massive with absolutely stunning views over the river. - R. Lloyd-Jones
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $1,530
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