Zambia

Zambia is Africa's original walking safari destination — a landlocked wilderness where guided treks on foot, rather than game-viewing from a vehicle, remain the definitive way to experience the bush. Nowhere is this more true than South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of the walking safari and home to one of the continent's most relaxed leopard populations. Beyond the Luangwa Valley, the thunder of Victoria Falls and the wide waters of the Zambezi River complete a country defined by its rivers, its wildlife, and an unhurried, deeply authentic approach to safari.

• ◆Walking safaris with armed guides through South Luangwa National Park
• ◆Spotting the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest
• ◆Exceptional leopard sightings in the aptly-named Valley of the Leopard
• ◆Marvelling at the thundering spray of Victoria Falls
• ◆Night drives revealing Zambia's nocturnal wildlife
• ◆River cruises along the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers

The classic safari season — sparse vegetation and animals concentrated around rivers and waterholes make game viewing exceptional. Walking safaris are at their best.

Lush scenery, dramatic skies and excellent birdlife, though some camps close and roads can become impassable during the heaviest rains.

Pack neutral colours: Earth tones are best for walking safaris, both for comfort and for staying unobtrusive to wildlife.

Book well ahead for peak season: The best camps in South Luangwa fill up quickly during the dry season (June–October).

Bring good binoculars: Walking safaris reward close, quiet observation — a decent pair makes all the difference.

Consider a fly-in safari: Charter flights between camps save considerable time over Zambia's long road transfers.

Malaria precautions matter: Most safari areas are malaria zones — consult your doctor on prophylaxis before travelling.