How to Plan a Safari in Zambia

Ranked among the continent's best wildlife hotspots, Zambia is the perfect destination for a safari adventure. Although safari tours are quite costly, there are ways even budget travellers can enjoy a rollicking good time in the wildernesses and national parks of Zambia. Regardless of the duration of your visit and the budget at your disposal, here are some practical tips to help your safari dreams come true in Zambia.

1. Pick the Right Season

Although the nature reserves and wildernesses of Zambia are verdant for most of the year, there are specific times of the year that are more suitable for a safari adventure. Zambia, like most nations in the continent, has a safari season in which the weather is ideal for this outdoor excursion and your chances of spotting animals and various species in the wild increase several times over. In Zambia, this peak safari season is from June to October. Although this is technically considered the "winter" season, visitors can expect clear skies and sunny conditions as well as excellent game viewing opportunities. Those on a budget can also visit during the shoulder season in May or in November as the prices of safaris and accommodation will be lower.

2. Rent a Vehicle

The vast distance between the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Zambia means that renting a vehicle for the duration of your trip is not worth the cost but those who are bound for Kafue National Park can explore this option by renting a Lusaka. Located 350km away from the nation's capital, Kafue National Park is surrounded by camping grounds and is ideal for exploring not only this particular wildlife hub but neighbouring parklands including the Luambe National Park. Tourists who intend to visit other nature reserves in Zambia will have to hire a 4x4 with a guide to navigating the interiors of the game parks.

3. Find Convenient Accommodation

Travellers will find that accommodation at a strategic venue such as the Avani Victoria Falls Resort or any other Zambia resorts in Victoria Falls and other safari hotspots will serve as an advantage. This is mainly due to the fact that driving back and forth from national parks that are located miles away from your hotel can be both time-consuming and exhausting. Staying in a venue near the national park or safari location of your choice allows you to make multiple trips to the sanctuary and enjoy a hassle-free safari experience.

4. Watch Out for Discounts

Some of the top safari tour operators in Zambia are known to charge hefty sums for the experience of spending a few hours in the country's national parks observing everything from leopards to lions and elephants in the wild. Although there's no way to get around these charges, the same tour operators who run safaris in several parks and reserves across the country do offer promotional rates or discounts for those who buy packages that include more than one safari destination. There are several among these tour operators who also run bush camps or glamping venues in areas such as South Luangwa, Kuyenda, Chamilandu and Bilimungwe.

5. Pack the Essentials

It is crucial to pack the right type of clothes for your safari expedition in Zambia as there are certain colours and materials that are better suited to this type of adventure. Make sure all of your safari clothing items are beige, green, khaki or brown in colour as wearing bright colours during an excursion in the wilderness can draw the attention of animals and alert the creatures of your presence. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also a must along with binoculars, comfortable sneakers with socks and a fleece jacket.