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.

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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Waterberry Lodge - Victoria Falls
In Zambia we stayed at Waterberry Lodge which was absolutely lovely with great managers and staff and brilliant location with plenty to do. A great location for Victoria Falls and other activities. Overall a great success. many thanks.

- S. Power
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    Cost: $331
    Zungulila - South Luangwa

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    This is the newest of The Bushcamp Company's collection and we like it! It has a real essence of 'old Africa' and is a simple, yet charming little bushcamp with sweeping views over the Kapamba River and wonderful areas to explore on foot. It is miles away from Mfuwe - so it's wonderfully remote, but that also means it takes a LONG time to get there! We don't recommend staying here first, especially off a late flight; instead combine it with a couple of the other bushcamps preceeding Zungulila and you won't have to endeavour the 4 and a half hour transfer...
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    Cost: $870
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    We create fabulous safari itineraries and honeymoons throughout Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean.  Our knowledge and experience will guarantee you the very best possible itinerary for
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